Contents
- 1 How to Write a Motivation Letter for a High School Application
- 2 1. Let them know what you feel you can gain from education from their institution
- 3 2. Share some of your accomplishments but be careful not to brag
- 4 3. Factually share any challenges you have faced
- 5 4. Write about what you are passionate about
- 6 Strike A Balance
- 7 Other Resources to Help With Your Motivation Letter for a High School Application
- 8 A Sample Letter Motivation Letter for High School Application
How to Write a Motivation Letter for a High School Application
There is no doubt of the importance of a good education. In fact, the importance of a good education is so indisputable that the ability to get into a good school is not only becoming more and more competitive, but that competition is starting at a younger and younger age. Today, even preschools have waiting lists so long that many parents will put their children on a number of different waiting lists before they are even born. Although it is still questionable just how much a good preschool or elementary education impacts collegiate opportunities, there is no question that attending a premiere high school will have a significant impact on those opportunities. These applications can be very competitive. Use a motivation letter for high school application to setIn today’s competitive educational marketplace, however, simply having the means or resources to attend a prestigious school does not automatically guarantee admittance. Even having a prestigious name or friends in high places will not always secure a position in some of the most elite schools. Similarly, many schools are far more egalitarian these days, which means a lack of prestigious contacts may not bar you from admittance.This is why writing a motivation letter for a high school application is perhaps more important than ever. In today’s academia, having the right parents doesn’t carry as much sway as having the right motivations. Many of the top high schools are perhaps more committed than ever to building a diverse student body. In many cases, they actually care more about the potential of the student than the wealth or status of the parents. In fact, it is often the parents that want a child admitted into a certain school far more than the student themselves, which is why a motivation letter can be so valuable. A good motivation letter for high school can communicate a student’s passion for attending, which will often carry far more weight than a parent’s desire. Here are some tips to writing a great motivation letter for a high school application that will help your application stand out from the rest.
1. Let them know what you feel you can gain from education from their institution
Applying to a good high school is similar to applying for a good job at a prestigious company. Just like good companies, good schools know what they have to offer and they want to make sure that the applicants they choose genuinely want to be there. The difference between a good school and a good company, however, is that most applicants that apply for a job at a good company do so because they genuinely want to work there, not because their parents want them to work there. To that end, it is important for the student to communicate in their motivation letter what their personal motivations are for wanting to attend the school.While the most obvious answer might be to pave the way to getting into a good college, that doesn’t really communicate a strong desire to attend that specific school. Prestigious high schools are well aware of the power their name carries. They are generally looking for students who are interested in more than just being able to drop the name of their school on a college application. They are looking for students who genuinely desire what that school specifically has to offer, similar to the way in which companies are not looking for employees that simply want a job anywhere, they are looking for employees who genuinely desire to work for their company specifically.To that end, the more you can show that you know what that school has to offer, the better your chances are of getting accepted. For instance, if you are a chess enthusiast and the school has an excellent competitive chess team, that is a good thing to mention in your letter. If you are avidly interested in science and the school employs a prestigious science teacher, that is also a good thing to mention in your letter. There is also nothing wrong with mentioning how excited you might be to attend the same school as your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother or any other relatives or close family acquaintances. Having relatives or family friends who attended the school is not a bad thing and when mentioned in the right context can be a plus, but it is unwise to simply name drop in a way that suggests it a student should be entitled to attend the school simply because their relatives or acquaintances did.
Like most relationships, the relationship between a student and the school they attend should be a give-and-take. Elite schools obviously have a superior education to offer, which they also know they can only offer to a relatively small number of students. This means they are generally looking for the students that they feel can best benefit from the specific educational opportunities they have to offer. It is both perfectly acceptable and important to share what you feel you bring to the table but it is also important to do so in such a way as to not imply that any school should be honored to have you attend.It is important to share any special skills, accomplishments or achievements in such a way as to communicate that you hope the school can help you capitalize on those achievements and further develop those skills rather than presenting them in such a way as to imply that you are highly accomplished as you are and need no further growth. That would, in essence, completely defeat the purpose of attending an elite school in the first place. While is it important not to humblebrag, there is also great value in learning how to very humbly communicate your accomplishments or achievements.
It is patently untrue that wealth, position or status are infallible barriers to struggle or hardship. Even the wealthiest and most privileged children face hardships such as medical issues or the death of a loved one and for children who are not wealthy or privileged, the list of hardships they have endured or overcome can be even longer. Many schools are looking for more than simply academic excellence or achievement. Slots in many elite schools are highly coveted, which means the competition is fierce and it doesn’t end once a child is admitted. This means that many elite schools are looking for something more than just academic excellence or a good pedigree, they are looking for signs of inner fortitude or that a young person has what it takes to undergo the rigors of education at their school.The administration of most elite schools knows full well the challenges inherent in simply attending an elite school. Showing a level of perseverance can also demonstrate an ability to stick it out through the hard times, which will inevitably come at some point in time during a student’s tenure at almost any school. That being said, it is also important to shy away from over-dramatizing any struggles or challenges. Doing so is a form of manipulation and administrators who read dozens, if not hundreds of such letters every year are unlikely to be moved by a blatant attempt to gain a sympathy vote.
4. Write about what you are passionate about
There is probably nothing that educators love more than passionate and eager students. While passions may change over the years, almost all children develop a strong passion for something at an early age. In many cases, that passion actually leads to what they eventually do as a career. Whether you love dinosaurs, dragons, dance or drama; music, magic, mathematics or making mosaics, your passions will almost certainly guide your eventual career goals in some way. Even if you aren’t sure what you want to do for a career yet, looking at what you are passionate about is a good place to start looking for that path.Some students may already know exactly the career path they want to follow and that can be good information to communicate as well. For others that aren’t as certain, simply letting schools know what you are passionate about can actually get them excited about helping you find that path. When writing a motivation letter for a high school application, one of the very best things you can do is get people excited about wanting to help you and giving them some idea of what you are trying to achieve or accomplish may be the very best way to do just that. But first, you have to have some idea of what it is you hope to achieve or accomplish.
Strike A Balance
When it comes to writing a motivation letter for a high school application, it is important to strike a careful balance. Of course, you want to be motivating but you also want to be careful to not go so far as to use manipulative or emotional strong-arm tactics. While of course, you want to be persuasive, there is a very fine line between persuasion and manipulation. It is far better to simply stick to the facts than to also try and communicate how you want readers to interpret those facts. Here are some examples of what to do and not do to strike that perfect balance.
- Do let them know what appreciate about their institution in a way that lets them know you have done your homework and know what that institution specifically has to offer
- Don’t be so overly effusive that you come across as a suck-up. People appreciate being appreciated but no one likes a sycophant.
- Do let them know about any relatives or acquaintances you may have that have attended school there and what types of things they have said about the school or the experiences they had there that make you want to attend as well.
- Don’t simply bring up important people’s names or their relationship to you as a means of making yourself seem very important and therefore a valuable asset to the school.
- Do be honest about a few traits, skills or qualities you feel you have to offer to their scholastic community.
- Don’t go on and on about how great you are, creating the impression they are lucky to have you.
- Do share some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. Be honest and real about them. Some struggles may not seem as great as others but just be honest and real and let the reader be the judge.
- Don’t communicate your experiences as if they were some kind of Greek tragedy. Some young people have, in fact, already experienced tremendous hardship in their young lives. If that is you, be honest and let the facts speak for themselves. Remember, the goal is to simply communicate the reality of your life, not emotionally manipulate the reader.
- Do write about what you are passionate about, regardless of what that may be. Human beings are known to get excited about helping people who are excited to accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams. There may be no greater way to motivate people than to share with them where you want to go or what you want to do and ask for their help in getting there.
- Do not ever simply make something up because you either don’t know what you want to do or don’t think that what you want to do is very impressive. Whatever your goals, dreams or passions are, simply be honest about them. People might surprise you.
When you write a motivation letter for high school, you want to show why they should just be you instead of another candidate. There are often more applicants than positions and the student needs to stand out. While the parent can help the student, a student-written letter is often more powerful and more passionate. A good motivation letter for high school can set a great student up for an amazing education and more opportunities down the road. This all starts with a great motivation letter as part of their application.
Other Resources to Help With Your Motivation Letter for a High School Application
We have written this guide to help you write your own letter or your child’s letter. Sometimes, we get asked for more help from our readers. Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources for that but we want to give you any help we can.
Probably the best resource we have found for such help is to look onFiverr to hire a freelancer to help you. Fiverr is a marketplace where you can hire someone for a specific project. They offer different projects at set prices that you can hire them for. This link will take you to a search for freelancers that do motivation letters specifically. We can’t offer any specific names on there because the freelancers change. We do have a guide that gives you some help finding the right person for you, though.
A Sample Letter Motivation Letter for High School Application
Below is a sample motivation letter for a high school application. The goal is to get you started. You don’t want to use this letter. You want to use the guidance above to write a letter that is yours.
PDF
Related posts:
- Writing a Powerful Motivation Letter For Study Abroad
- Motivation Letter for Internship with Example
- Motivation Letter For Scholarship With Example
- Motivation Letter for Students Samples
FAQs
If you want your school application letter to stand out to the admissions committee, here are the steps to follow:
- Address your letter. ...
- Use proper salutation. ...
- Create a subject line. ...
- Introduce yourself, your purpose and your interests. ...
- Highlight your skills and achievements. ...
- Reiterate your interest. ...
- Thank the reviewer.
How do I write a motivational letter for a school? ›
How To Write Your Motivation Letter
- The concept should contain all your thoughts on why you want to pursue the specific degree, the qualities you can bring to the programme, why the specific university is the best option for you. ...
- The layout is the way your document is formatted, and it should show your professionalism.
How do you introduce yourself in a motivational letter? ›
Introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction, describe and highlight your experiences in the body, and thank the reader for his/her consideration in the conclusion. Do your research, show genuine interest, and never, ever lie.
How do you write a powerful motivational letter? ›
- 10 tips to write a motivational letter.
- Find out more. ...
- Your letter of motivation must be personal. ...
- Adopt a direct and concise style. ...
- Focus on your strong points. ...
- Take your CV into account. ...
- Find the right balance. ...
- Clearly explain your motivation.
How do I write a good school application? ›
How to write an application letter to a school
- Address the concerned authorities. ...
- Write a short subject line. ...
- Write the body of your application letter. ...
- Include closing lines. ...
- Sample application letter for a change in school. ...
- Sample application letter for a first-time student.
How do I write an application letter for the first time? ›
How to write a cover letter with no experience
- Carefully review the job posting and research the company's website. ...
- List your contact information at the top of the document. ...
- Greet the reader and introduce yourself. ...
- Explain your skills and achievements relevant to the position. ...
- Remind them why you're best for the position.
How do I begin my application letter? ›
The opening paragraph of your cover letter should grab the hiring manager's attention and make them want to read your cover letter. Some tips to write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph include being direct, starting with a strong belief statement, or leading with a relevant achievement.
What is a motivation letter example? ›
I feel I would be an asset to your organization because I am [list of positive qualities]. I am also skilled in [list of positive skills] which I developed through [experiences or courses that taught you skills]. In conclusion, I hope to get the opportunity to [study/volunteer] with you at [name of organization].
How do I write a motivation letter with no experience? ›
Additional things to include in your cover letter
teamwork skills that show you can work with other people. skills that show you can learn on the job. your strengths and contributions that show you are a stand-out applicant. school work experience or volunteer work that demonstrates your strengths and contributions.
What is a letter of intent for high school student? ›
A statement of purpose, also known as a letter of intent, or LOI, is a brief, focused essay submitted as part of your admission package to a school or university. The LOI establishes intent to enroll by informing Admissions of your educational and career background.
What is a cover letter for a high school student? A cover letter is a formal, one-page document you can send with a resume to explain why you are interested in a position. The cover letter is usually three or four paragraphs and highlights skills and experience you can bring to the company.
What should a high school student write in a letter of recommendation? ›
Your reference letter should include information on:
- How you know the student.
- How long you have known the person.
- What the student has accomplished.
- Why you are recommending them.
- How to contact you for follow-up questions.
How long should my motivation letter be? ›
The ideal length for a motivation letter is around 500-700 words (or whatever length is recommended by your dream institution). Worry about this after you finish writing the draft though, and only keep this in mind when you are trimming your draft down to a presentable length.
How do you end a motivational letter? ›
How to end your motivation letter. Just summarize the main points you made and mention your main goal of the letter – to be accepted for the programme. Conclude by restating your interest and show appreciation for the chance to prove yourself in the letter (in some cases, you can ask for a personal interview).
What does a motivation letter contain? ›
A motivational letter, also known as a personal statement or a cover letter, is a short piece of writing all about you; your past, your ambitions, your personality, and your interests. While completing CVs and forms can be a little dry and boring, motivational letters can be hard to write.
What should you not write in a motivational letter? ›
Let's start with the 8 common mistakes people make when writing a motivation letter:
- Not Stating the Reason for Choosing This Specific Program and University. ...
- Addressing the Wrong Person. ...
- Not Explaining Why You are a Good Fit. ...
- Over- or Understating Yourself. ...
- Not Stating Your Motivation. ...
- Not Meeting the Requirements.
How many paragraphs should a motivation letter have? ›
Limit your cover letter to four paragraphs
In these paragraphs, include a strong topic sentence and write just enough to prove that you're interested in the job and company, as well as highlight the skills you can bring to the new role.
What are the three qualities of a good school? ›
- A clear and shared focus. ...
- High standards and expectations for all students. ...
- Effective school leadership. ...
- High levels of collaboration and communication. ...
- Curriculum, instruction and assessments aligned with state standards. ...
- Frequent monitoring of learning and teaching. ...
- Focused professional development.
How long should an essay for a school application be? ›
The primary essay for your college application, often called a personal statement, is typically around 400-600 words. The Common App personal statement — which is used as the primary application essay by more than 800 colleges — must be 250-650 words.
How do you write a good paragraph for an application? ›
How to Write a Great College Application Essay
- Read the instructions carefully. They say starting the essay is the hardest part. ...
- Start with a compelling introduction. ...
- Use your inner voice. ...
- Avoid clichés. ...
- Give good examples to support your ideas. ...
- Stick to a clear essay plan. ...
- Ask someone to proofread your work.
Key Elements of a Cover Letter
- Information about you.
- Date.
- Contact Person's Name, Title, Employer, and Address.
- Salutation.
- Opening Paragraph.
- Middle Paragraph.
- Second Middle Paragraph.
- Contact Information and Closing.
What 5 things should you do before you start completing the application? ›
As you think of the job posting as a lead, here are five things you need to do before you send your application:
- Update your social media profiles. ...
- Research the company. ...
- Locate the name and email of the hiring manager. ...
- Reach out to current employees. ...
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to the position.
What are the 7 parts of an application letter? ›
Tailor the parts of the application letter – greeting, opening, body, company knowledge and closing section – to the individual position you're applying for, and you'll be successful in getting calls for interviews and, ultimately, a great job.
What are the samples of application letter? ›
Job application letter sample - 1
Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. {Recipient's Name}, This is with reference to your job requirement on {portal name} for the role of Sales Manager. I truly believe that my qualifications and experience make me a perfect candidate for the job.
What should be the first sentence in a cover letter? ›
The first sentence of your cover letter is like your initial handshake and a snapshot of your professional ability all in one. So carefully add details indicating your skills that match the job posting. You also want to mention the name of the position (even shorthand) in the first sentence.
What questions should a motivation letter answer? ›
Your cover letter should be clearly structured and answer the following questions:
- Who are you? ...
- Why are you writing? ...
- Why are you interested in the position? ...
- How are you qualified? ...
- What is your next step? ...
- Cover Letter Tips: ...
- Format:
What questions do you answer in a motivational letter? ›
Here are three questions to answer to help you hit the right note:
- Who are you? Explain who you are, why you are writing and what position you are applying for. ...
- What do you have to offer? What is it about your particular set of skills that makes you the right person for this job? ...
- How will you follow up?
Why am I deserving of a scholarship? ›
You Deserve This Scholarship Because You Have Passion and Persistence. Letting your passion show through in your answer allows the committee to see your dedication. You deserve this scholarship based on your love of learning, your enjoyment of your field, or your passion for growth.
What motivates you to apply for a scholarship? ›
successes, achievements or breakthroughs can inspire you to aspire but when it comes to doing the real work required in scholarship application, self-motivating experiences or desires are very important for sustainability in the process.
How do you say you have no experience but willing to learn? ›
Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation.
For example: Before: I may not have all the experience you would prefer, but I believe that my enthusiasm and willingness to learn make me a strong candidate. Better: I believe that my enthusiasm and willingness to learn make me a strong candidate.
What do you put on an application if you have no experience? ›
What Do You Put on Your Resume When You Have No Work Experience?
- Sell Your Skills, Not Your Experience. ...
- Showcase Your Volunteer Work or Academic Projects. ...
- Write a Killer Cover Letter. ...
- Include a Clear Career Goal. ...
- Don't Wait for Your References to Be Called.
What are the expectations of high school students? ›
- Respect yourself, the teacher & others. · ...
- Put forth your best effort at all times. · ...
- Be prepared for class each day. · Come prepared with all materials necessary: ...
- Follow directions when given. · ...
- Pay attention, participate and ask questions. · ...
- Preserve a positive learning environment. · ...
- Take responsibility for your actions. ·
What is an acceptance letter from high school? ›
It notifies the parents that their child has been accepted into their program. It gives a nice expression of thanks and congratulations as well as letting the parents know the next step to take. It also contains contact details for the admissions department in case the parents have any questions or concerns.
What is a letter for high school? ›
A varsity letter is an honor given out in high school for students who succeed in a particular field. While traditionally handed out for athletics, you can also get varsity letters for volunteer work and sometimes other extracurriculars.
What are the 4 paragraphs in a cover letter? ›
Cover Letter Body
- First paragraph: Why you are writing. This is "the grab," your chance to grasp your reader by the collar and get their attention. ...
- Second paragraph: What you have to offer the employer. ...
- Third paragraph: Your knowledge of the company. ...
- Fourth paragraph: Your closing.
What are the 3 paragraphs of a cover letter? ›
A cover letter should be 3 paragraphs – Introduction, Sales Pitch and Conclusion.
What is a letter of recommendation and why would a high school student request one? ›
A letter of recommendation is a document that highlights a person's character traits and work ethic to aid them in their application process. A student may use a letter of recommendation to help them enter an academic program or a career.
How long should a high school recommendation letter be? ›
The letter should be about one page in length and generally consist of three parts: opening, body, and closing. The writer should explain the relationship between himself/herself and the candidate as well as why the letter is being written.
What do you cover in a motivational letter? ›
The difference between a motivation letter vs a cover letter is that a cover letter gives specific examples of how your job experience and skills match the opening you're applying for. A motivation letter, on the other hand, focuses more on your personality, interests, and motives for applying.
- Earn Good Grades in Challenging Courses. ...
- Get a High SAT/ACT Score. ...
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement. ...
- Demonstrate Interest. ...
- Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation. ...
- Apply to a Diverse Selection of Colleges. ...
- Opt for an Early Admission Plan. ...
- Manage Your Online Reputation.
How do you answer why do you want to attend this school? ›
Be honest (if you don't know what you want to do)
Explain what measures you would take to explore and narrow down your major and potential career paths. Most importantly, explain how this particular college would be instrumental in helping you make one of the most important decisions of your life.
What 3 main points should be included in your cover letter? ›
Beyond that, Siegel boils down the most important things to include in a cover letter to three points. “Show enthusiasm, show you've done research, and show you want to come in there and make a contribution,” he says.