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Besides your grades, an eloquent application letter is the key to getting accepted into your dream school.
The Importance of a University Application letter
Writing a compelling application letter is especially important for an international student applying to a university in Canada. A competent application clearly conveys your eagerness to pursue your higher studies in Canada.
An application letter helps an admissions committee evaluate your suitability to be part of their university. It provides information about your academic background and personal interests that are relevant to the university program you want to pursue. It helps you detail your career goals and explain how the course align with your professional aspirations.
An application letter helps tie in and complement your educational qualifications like your transcripts and standardized test scores. It helps the admissions officers see your potential beyond your academic achievements. It helps you showcase your authentic personality and can positively set you apart from other applicants.
What is a Canadian Style Cover Letter?
Understanding how to draft a canadian style cover letter will not just aid in your admissions process but also assist with any job search in the country. Writing cover letters is not just a formality but they should reflect your dedication and exhibit real interest to be part of a particular university.
A Canadian style cover letter is concise and usually is not more than one page long. It is important to directly address the admissions committee and express why you are a strong candidate to join their alumni.
It is very important to maintain a professional and courteous tone in your application letter. Begin with a proper salutation to set the right tone for the rest of the letter. If you are responding to a job posting, then make sure to address the hiring manager. For a college application direct your salutation to an admissions officer.
This letter allows you to highlight your personal and educational background, skills and excitement to be part of a specific college. Use specific examples to showcase your relevant achievements and accomplishments. Detail your passion for learning and embracing new experiences.
Always conclude with a strong closing statement and thank the admissions office for their time to review your application. Aim for a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
What is the College Application Process for Canada?
Before we dive into the process of writing an application letter for a Canadian college, it is important to familiarize yourself with the important steps that need to be taken. This is especially important if you are an international student so it is important to know all the paperwork and information you need to provide to complete your submission.
The first step is to do thorough research on the specific universities and colleges that have the programs and coursework that you are interested to pursue. It is important to make a note of the location, campus facilities and other available resources.
Remember every college will have their own set of unique requirements for international students. Review the admissions requirements for each college. This includes presenting your academic grades and transcripts , recommendation letters and a statement of purpose.
Prepare and organize your academic transcripts which includes your coursework and grades. If your transcripts are in a different language, then get them translated to English before submitting your application.
Some colleges may ask you to present your English test scores if you are a non native student. Most Canadian institutions accept the IELTS and TOEFL scores.
Write an articulate statement of purpose that details your academic and professional goals. Your statement should make the admissions office understand your reasons for picking that specific college.
Obtain letter of recommendations from your counselors and teacher who can attest to your academic achievements and vouch for your character.
You can make a resume or a curriculum vitae (CV) that highlights your skills, qualifications, work experience which can include internships or a part time job.
As an international student, you have to think about your cost of living and college fees in a foreign country. Many Canadian universities have provisions for scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit.
Once you have gone ticked every box of this exhaustive list, then all you have to do is submit your application before the deadline and wait to hear back from the admissions office.
How to Write an Application Letter for a Canadian University ?
Accomplishing your dream of studying in Canada requires an organized and systematic approach. It starts with writing a captivating application letter that grabs the attention of the admissions officer. This can be achieved by researching to get a deeper understanding of the core values and ethos of the university. An application letter determines the first impression you will make with the admissions committee.
Conduct a thorough research of all the universities you are planning to apply to. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for the university program you are applying to. Scan the instructions provided by the institute on their website and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to apply to the university.
The opening paragraph of your application letter should introduce you and include an explanation for your choice of that specific university to pursue your higher education.
In the main body of the letter, highlight your academic background including your grades and relevant accomplishments. Mention how the courses you want to take align with your future goals.
Beyond your academic credentials, educational institutions are known to deeply value your interest in other school programs like sports, theatre, debate etc. Highlight the things you were a part of and how that contributed to your personal growth. This may give you an added advantage over the rest of the applicants.
Show you eagerness to be a part of a culturally diverse academic environment. It is important to showcase your cultural awareness and how you can contribute to making the college community more inclusive.
Conclude your letter with a strong closing statement by re-emphasizing your ambition to join the university. Additionally, thank the admissions office for the chance to apply to the specific college.
The Main Elements of a University Application Letter
A university application letter or a letter of intent is meant to present your skills, qualifications and a comprehensive view of your educational background. It allows you to explain your motivations to apply to a Canadian university and show your suitability as a strong candidate.
At the very top of your application letter, include your contact information like your full name, mailing address, email address and phone number. Follow this with mentioning the address of the university admissions office. Include the date when you write the letter.
Begin your introductory paragraph with a formal greeting. If you know the name of the admissions officer, then include their name. If not, then go ahead with the universally accepted salutation like "Dear Sir/Ma'am". Find an interesting way to introduce yourself and mention the reason you are applying to that particular university.
Next, provide the accurate details of your educational background and highlight the awards and honors you may have received. It is also helpful to show that you have researched the program details and the faculty members which shows an admission officer that you have done your homework.
If you have any relevant professional experience, you can mention that in the letter as well. Work experience like part time jobs, volunteer experience and internships are reflective of your drive to gain valuable experience and grow professionally. This can help you differentiate yourself from the rest of the applicants.
If you are an international student, you need to take a standardized English test and present your test scores (TOEFL, IELTS). If you are not a resident of Canada, most universities will have a mandatory requirement to take a standardized test for English.
End the letter with a formal closing and sign off professionally.
Formal Business Letter Format
College Application Letter Example
Pro Tips to Format Your College Application Letter
Crafting a visually appealing and well-structured application letter is necessary when applying to universities in Canada. Here are some valuable recommendations to achieve a polished format for your college application letter
Opt for professional and easily readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Consistency in font size and style throughout your application letter contributes to a cohesive and professional presentation.
Maintain a font size of 10-12 points for optimal readability. Consistent single spacing in your letter ensures a neat and well-organized appearance.
Set one-inch margins on all sides of the page. This creates a clean and structured layout, demonstrating your commitment to presenting your application materials in an organized way.
Incorporate ample white space between paragraphs to prevent visual clutter. A well-balanced distribution of whitespace enhances the overall readability of your application letter.
Organize your letter with well-organized paragraphs, each focusing on specific elements of your college application. This approach ensures clarity and helps the reader navigate through your qualifications and aspirations seamlessly.
Maintain consistent text alignment, whether it be left, right, or center. A uniform alignment throughout your application document contributes to a polished and visually appealing presentation.
Adhere to a strict one-page limit for your letter. This shows your capability to summarize your educational background concisely and effectively. Universities in Canada appreciate clarity and conciseness in their application materials.
Some universities may provide specific formatting requirements and guidelines for your application. It is crucial to review and include these instructions into your letter ensuring your adherence to university requirements.
Customize Your Cover Letters for Every College
Tailoring your application for a Canadian university is essential to improve your chances of receiving an acceptance letter. Every college has something unique to offer, and personalizing your letter is authentic and shows that you are interested in becoming part of their college community.
Review the university's website for a comprehensive understanding of their programs and campus facilities. Familiarize yourself with their mission statement and use it as a guide to integrate relevant information into your application.
Acquaint yourself with the distinct campus culture. Use this understanding to tailor your application, aligning your aspirations with the college's overarching mission.
Highlight educational programs that resonate with you. Clearly articulate how these programs align with your academic goals. Show your excitement to get the chance to learn from some of the best professors in the sociology department.
Emphasize the alignment of your personal values with those of the college you are applying to. Convey how your principles make you are perfectly suited for the university and how your contributions will enrich the alumni community.
Steer clear of generic statements and ensure that each application letter is meticulously crafted to address the offerings and programs of the college it is directed to.
If you have visited the college campus, add this experience in your application. Reflect on the interactions you had on campus which were instrumental in finalizing your decision to apply there.
Obtain feedback from school teachers and counselors. Use their valuable insights to tailor your application letter. A fresh perspective can do wonders to help you write a stand out application.
