I was deferred from my first-choice school and it is getting around time to be sending in my new grades. My guidance councellor suggested writing a letter to the school talking about how much I want to go there… but I’m having some problems with it. Whenever I try to write out something, it sounds like I’m sucking up too much.
Does anyone have any tips on writing a letter like this to the school? Are there certain subjects I should put emphasis on? What is the normal length of one of these letters?
<p>The letter should be short and to the point. Basically you first tell the school that it is still your first choice (that part is sucking up, but it's just one sentence). In another single sentence point out a couple of specific things that you really admire about the school-especially things that suggest that you are a good match for the school (like a great tradition of a cappella groups if you are a singer, and so on). That is paragraph one. Then you reiterate your strengths and what makes you a desirable prospect for the school. If you have achieved anything of note since the early app went in, be specific. Were you named to an honor society, given an award, nominated for something? And if your first-semester grades were as good or better as your previous grades, say so; of course they are on the midyear report, but a passing mention in the letter is fine. That is paragraph two. Then close with the usual courtesies, such as, I look forward to hearing from [name of school]...in the spring." Or something similar. We are talking about three paragraphs here, I'd say, and perhaps two-thirds of a typed page. Once you have drafted the letter show it to your GC to be sure it is okay, proofread carefully, and send it ASAP.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your post mattmom. It has helped me out tremendously. Also, who should I address this letter to? "To whom it may concern" is what I think I'm going to go with. Addressing it straight to the lady at the head of admissions seems a little bit weird I think (since it will probably be looked at my someone else.)</p>
<p>oh yes, my questions related.. i have already sent it out, i just wanted to clarify. on the salutation i said "to whomevery it may concern" is that ok? or should i have written the name of the dean of admissions.. it was for UVA?
and MATTmom, u seem experienced do u mind reading that letter for me?</p>
<p>If you don't know your regional rep's name, it is quite proper to address it to the Dean of Admissions. That is the person with send the letter to you, right?</p>
<p>You can address it to the dean of admissions or to your regional rep if there is one. Schools have different ways of assigning responsibility for the app pool. I wouldn't go with "To whom it may concern" because it sounds a little too generic; the formality of using the full name of the admissions head gives it a more thoughtful tone even though you are right, the dean him- or herself isn't necessarily the one who will read it. As far as having someone review it, your GC might be the best person to do that; I am just relaying the advice that is routinely given at my children's high school (pretty good but not stellar prep school with an okay but not as good as it used to be track record regarding elite admissions).</p>