WRITING FOR COLLEGE

ADMISSION: LETTER AND ESSAY

Purposeful Writing in the Disciplines and for Professions, Reading and Writing
Skills
 COLLEGE ADMISSION LETTER AND
ESSAY
College Admission Letter also referred to as the "letter of intent," is a one-page
letter required for college and university admission. The sender writes a letter to
briefly discuss his intention for attending the college program. College
Admission Essay, or known as "statement of purpose" or "personal statement," is
an essay written by the student applicant to answer the essay topics given by
the admission office.
 PRE-WRITING
Before you write a college admission letter and essay, you must first determine
the program you want to take, followed by a thorough research on program
structure. Then reflect on your purpose in enrolling the course, your
achievements, and future goals. Decide the format to use in writing a letter. If
there is no required format, write the letter in a full-block style, meaning all
parts are aligned to the left, with the format of one-inch margin, twelve-point
font size, and single-spaced paragraph.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
Heading, Date and Inside Address
LETTER
Write on the top left the heading that includes your complete address and zip code. It is the address of the sender. The date should be fully
spelled out. The inside address contains the name of the college or university admission head, his job title (if applicable) and the address of the
university. It is the address of the receiver. Skip a line between the heading, date, and inside address.

Example:
B15 L21 Amarillo St.
Brgy. Rizal, Makati 1218

February 16, 2016

Ms. Theresita Sabion

Officer-in-Charge, Admission Section
Office of the University Registrar
University of the Philippines
Los Baños, Laguna 4031

Explanation:
The heading is a receiver’s quick reference to the sender’s address and can be used if the letter has to return. The date indicates when the
letter is written, and the inside address refers to whom and where the letter is addressed.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
LETTER
Greeting or Salutation
It starts mostly with the word "Dear" followed by the last name of the receiver. End the
salutation with a colon (:). If the name has not been obtained, address it as
“Ma’am/Sir”.

Example:
Dear Ms. Sabion:
or
Dear Ma’am/Sir:

Explanation:
The greeting or salutation addresses the person concerned with the admission
process.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
LETTER
The Body
The body is the main part of the letter which includes the course you are interested in, reason for choosing the university, description of academic interest, the basis for them
to consider your application, and plans, if any. Last part will be your request to consider your application for admission and information on how to contact you.

Example:
I am writing to inform you of my interest in applying for Bachelor of Science in Biology at your prestigious university – University of the Philippines.

I am enthusiastic to conduct researches in science. As shown in my scholastic achievements and the documents attached, I am part of the team that ranked second in the
recent National Science Investigatory Project. The university offers the best tertiary education in the country and is at its prime in research and publication. Because of this,
studying at the university would help me improve my research skills as I deepen my knowledge of biological science.

I plan to allot most of my time, during and after my studies, in conducting biological research. I envision myself doing research for the benefit of my countryman.

I hope for your kind consideration. For any questions or concern, contact me at this number 0915-123-4567.
Explanation:
The body of the letter entails the course chose and the reason for choosing the college as part of his academic career. The academic achievements related to the course,
future goal and a contact detail of the applicant is also included.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
LETTER
Complimentary Close
Complimentary Close is a polite way of finishing the letter. Remember that it always
ends with comma (,).

Example:
Sincerely,
or
Yours Truly,

Explanation:
Writing the complimentary close shows that the letter has already ended.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
LETTER
Signature and Sender’s Identification
This is the last part of the letter. Write your name on the first line and your title (if
applicable) on the second line. Then sign directly above the first line.

Example:
(Signature)
Angel Ruth Loscin

Explanation:
It shows the name of the college applicant.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
ESSAY
Most admission essays have a limit of two hundred to five hundred words and
usually answers assigned topic. The challenge here is to showcase you - as the
right candidate - for their university in a limited number of words. Remember
that the purpose of this essay is to know more of your personality without
repeating what is written in the profile or registration form. It should answer the
question or topic clearly.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
ESSAY
Introduction
The introduction should catch the attention of the reader. It should contain the main
concept for your essay. You can also restate the question without repeating the exact
words.

Example:
Topic: Explain why you would like to pursue a program in our college.

My goal is not just to finish a degree. It should be finishing a degree in this college.

Explanation:
This shows the main idea of the essay. It is short, but it captures the attention of the
reader.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
ESSAY
Content
This is the part where you should answer the topic or question with clarity. Provide
justification based on the experience you have undergone. You can also incorporate
the factors that drive you into finishing your studies.

Example:
To be enriched holistically to serve the country cannot be possible if without the help
of the college. It is because the college has the best professors in the country –
professors that are not only into teaching but also in molding the students.

Explanation:
In this example, the applicant states the personal reason for pursuing a degree. It
answers the question or topic clearly.
 WRITING A COLLEGE ADMISSION
ESSAY
Conclusion
To end the essay, write your plans after you graduate from their college. You could
also include the reinforcing statement stating that you are one of the best applicants
to their college.

Example:
After finishing my degree, I am looking forward to working with a research laboratory
to be of aid to our country in adding more scientific knowledge of the world around
us. All of this would be possible with the help of the college.

Explanation:
The conclusion in this example depicts the long term goal of the college applicant.
 TIPS
• In writing a college admission letter, use a full-block style or the format
prescribed by the college.
• In writing a college admission essay, answer the questions directly and state
specific experiences and or achievements to support your answer.
• Make sure that it is written in a positive tone, well-written and free of errors.