How to Write a College Application Cover

Letter
By Indeed Editorial Team
February 23, 2021

Some colleges require candidates to submit a cover letter with their application.
Therefore, if you're pursuing a postsecondary education, it's important to know how to
write a college application cover letter. Having this knowledge can put you at an
advantage when you apply, ensuring you meet the college's application requirements.
In this article, we explain what a college application cover letter is, list the steps for
writing one and provide you with a template and and an example.

Related: How to Create a Resume for a College Application

What is a college application cover letter?

A college application cover letter refers to a document that expresses your intent and
interest in applying for a collegiate program. Essentially, it lets admissions officers know
more about you and gives you an opportunity to emphasize your enthusiasm for
attending their school. While admissions officers look at your entire application before
giving you an offer of admission, your college application cover letter can improve your
chances of admittance.

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Related: How to Write a College Student Cover Letter (With Template and

Examples)

How to write a college application cover letter

Since many students apply for the same colleges without guaranteed admission, it's
important to create a college application cover letter that sets you apart from other
applicants and reads favorably to the admissions team. While there's no specific
approach to writing a college application cover letter, there are some general steps you
can take to help you properly format it. Follow these steps to write an impressive college
application cover letter:

1. Write your name and street address

At the top of your cover letter, write your first and last name. On a separate line include
your street address, followed by your city, state and zip code on another line.

2. Include the date

Below your contact information, write the date you plan on sending the cover letter.
Include the month, the day and the year. For example, "November 20, 2020."

3. Write the head of admission's name, the college's name and the
college's address

On a line below the date, write the first and last name of the school's head of
admissions. On the next line, include the name of the college. Follow the name with its
street address, city, state and zip code.

4. Include a salutation

Open your cover letter with a formal greeting such as "Dear." Follow it with Mr. or Ms.
and the last name of the admissions officer and a comma. For example, "Dear Mr.
Morrison," followed by a comma.

5. State your purpose for applying to the school

Start with a sentence explaining the reason for your cover letter. In this case, it would be
to request admission to the school you're applying for. Make sure to name the school
and express your genuine interest in a particular program they offer. Emphasize what
their school offers that other universities don't.

6. Explain why you want to attend their school

Below your introduction, write one or two paragraphs that detail your academic and
professional career goals and how their school can help you achieve the latter. Express
why you feel attending their school offers you the best career path and opportunity for
advancement in your chosen profession.

7. Write a conclusion

End your college application cover letter with a strong conclusion. Let admissions
officers know that you've included the other requested documents with your application.
In addition, let them know that you're available should they have questions or need
additional forms and that you're looking forward to hearing from them. It's also important
to thank them for their time and for considering your application.

8. Include a sign-off
Below your conclusion, write a sign-off such as "Sincerely," followed by your first and
last name.

Related: Guide to Writing a Cover Letter For Graduate School (With Template and
Example)

Tips for writing a college application cover letter

Make sure your college application cover letter makes sense and ultimately presents
you and your qualifications in a positive light. Continuously look for ways to improve
your letter before submitting your application. Use these tips to help guide your writing:

 Research the college. Before you submit your college application

cover letter, find out more about the institution you're interested in by
looking up its website. Then, use what you learned to craft the perfect
cover letter. Highlight how you're a great fit for the college based on the
information you learned. For example, maybe their mission statement
aligns with what you believe in, or maybe the program you're interested
in made recent developments that align with your career goals.
 Be concise. Keep your cover letter brief, to the point and a maximum of
one-page long. If you need help shortening your cover letter, look for
information that you may have repeated in other parts of your cover
letter or application.
 Be specific. When writing your college admission cover letter, make
sure you have a solid reason for wanting to attend their particular
institution over other schools. Providing the admissions team with a
specific reason as to why you choose their school or university over
other programs helps them understand your genuine interest in their
school.
 Emphasize your uniqueness. As you write your cover letter, highlight
your unique abilities and skills to help you stand out among other
applicants. Make sure you're confident in your abilities, too.
 Proofread your cover letter. Before you submit your application, read
through your cover letter and make corrections to any spelling, grammar
and punctuation errors. This shows your attention to detail and ensures
your cover letter's overall readability.

Related: How to Write the Best College Admissions Resume

Template
A college application cover letter follows a similar format to that of a business cover
letter. Not only does keeping to a format make your cover letter more legible, but it also
presents your qualifications and words in a professional manner. Use this template to
help you format your own college application cover letter:

[Your first name] [your last name]

[Your street address]

[City], [state] [zip code]