How To Write School Applications Letter

Updated March 10, 2023

If you want to secure admission to a school or college,the first step is to write a compelling school application letter to help the admission board learn more about your personality, interests and qualifications. Learning how to draft a school application letter is important if you want to stand out and gain admission to your chosen institution.

In this article, we discuss what a school application letter is, review the different types of letters to choose from and explain how to write such a letter.

What is a school applications letter?

A school application letter is written by a potential student or their guardian to a school administrator for consideration for admission to the school. This letter introduces a prospective learner to the admission committee of the institution. The letter takes a business format and is highly polite since it is the initial contact with the reviewer.

Types of application letters

There are different types of applications depending on the institution one is applying to. Here are the main types of school application letters:

Junior school application letter: This is written mostly by the parent or guardian seeking admission to an elementary school for young learners.
High school application letter: This is drafted by high school learners applying to be considered for admission to a high school.
College application letter: This letter is written by a student seeking admission to a course in a college institution.
Graduate school application letter: This is written by a person seeking to be considered for higher studies such as a master's or doctorate program.

An application letter to a graduate school is mostly required where the application package is sent by mail. Otherwise, most graduate schools have an online application form requiring applicants to fill in their details. In most cases, a school application letter is accompanied by relevant documents including but not limited to:

Resume
Personal statement
Transcripts
Certificates
Application form
Recommendation letters

Review the school requirements to ensure you have enclosed all that is required.

How to write an application letter

If you want your school application letter to stand out to the admissions committee, here are the steps to follow:

1. Address your letter

Start your letter by indicating your name and contact information such as:

Your email address
Phone number
Physical address
Home address

Beneath your contact information, indicate the day you are writing the letter. The date can take any format such as month-day-year or day-month-year.

Leaving some space and just beneath the date, write the recipient's address. You can write the recipient's name or you can use their official title. If unsure of the name or title, you may need to do some simple research to find it online or by calling the school's front desk. Keep in mind that writing the wrong recipient may create a false perception regarding your keenness for detail, so ensure you get it right.

2. Use proper salutation

A school application letter is a formal document; thus, you should use a proper salutation. If you included a name in the address section, use the same name in the salutation. Likewise, if you decided to use their job title, use the same title in the salutation. The most common salutations are:

Dear Ms./Mr./Mrs. (recipient's surname)
Dear (Admissions Coordinator, or the appropriate title)
Dear Sir/Madam
To Whom It May Concern

Using the recipients' names builds rapport with the reviewer. However, the other three forms of salutation are also acceptable, albeit less personal.

3. Create a subject line

Write a subject line to make the reviewer know at a glance what the letter is all about. The subject line should be brief.

Example: Application for Admission to Music Major

If you are sending the application packet via email, repeat this line in the email subject.

4. Introduce yourself, your purpose and your interests

Use this section to give an overview of yourself to the reviewer. Keep this paragraph concise but rich in relevant content that will attract the reader's attention. Help your audience form an image of you after reading your compelling background.

Here are some of the things you can mention in your introduction:

The program you are applying for
Why you are interested in the program
Your background and why you stand out
Why you are choosing that institution

The entire introduction should be no more than one paragraph in length. Keeping it under five lines is recommendable as the reviewer may not have the time to read through winding prose.

5. Highlight your skills and achievements

It is important to go over your best achievements so you can stand out amongst other program applicants. Also be sure to link your achievements with the program. Mention your qualifications and skills to convince the reviewer why they should consider you for admission.

Here are a few topics you can touch on:

Test scores you have achieved
Your hobbies and interests
Any interpersonal skills you have
Your leadership abilities
Any work experience you have
Your mentors or notable references you have worked with
Recognition and awards you've received

Depending on the level of education you are applying for, tailor your letter to fit into the above checklist. If you are applying for a graduate school program, it might be a good idea to mention your research interests. However, this may not be relevant for someone applying for admission to a junior high school.

6. Reiterate your interest

In this section, reiterate your interest in joining the program. Express a hopeful wish that you are deeply interested in joining the school to make your aspirations come true. Also, mention what value you would add to the school upon admission.

7. Thank the reviewer

Express gratitude to the reviewer for reading your application letter. Invite them to read the rest of the application packet as well.

8. Closing salutation and sign

Close your application letter with a professional salutation. Avoid excessively sentimental salutations as they could hurt your chances of admission. Remember the reviewer's perception of your application letter is key in determining whether you move to the next stage of the process. Here are some effective salutations you can use:

Sincerely
Warm regards
Respectfully yours

After the closing salutation, leave some space and write your name. If you are sending hard copies, write your official signature in the space. If you are sending your letter electronically, you might use a digital signature or leave it blank.

9. List the enclosures

Beneath the closing salutation, list the documents enclosed with the application letter. It is advisable to include them in the order in which they are attached or enclosed. Crosscheck with the school requirements to ensure that you have enclosed all that is needed.

10. Proofread and save

Read through the application letter to identify any grammatical errors or poor formatting. Ask your friend to read over it as well to be certain the letter is perfect in all aspects. Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind:

Use single-spaced text and block paragraphs
Leave transitional black spaces between sections
Align your letter to the left
Use basic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, size 10-12

You can then save and dispatch the letter along with the supporting documents through the recommended medium.

School application letter template

Here is a school application letter template that you can utilize to create your own letter.

[Your first and last name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
[Your physical address]

[Date]

[Recipient's name]
[Name of the school]
[School mailing address]

[Opening salutation]

[Subject line]

[Introduce yourself in the first sentence and inform the reader what program you are applying to. Mention why you chose that particular school including why you believe it is the right fit for you. Give a brief overview of your background and what your current engagements are.]

[In the second paragraph, highlight your skills, qualifications and achievements, and then link them to the program you are applying to. If you have received any awards or relevant recognitions, dedicate a few words to going over them.]

[In the third paragraph, reiterate your interest in the program and the institution. Mention the value you would bring to the school, and promise to do your best if considered.]

[In the fourth paragraph, express gratitude to the reader and politely ask them to review the rest of the supporting documents.]

[Closing salutation]
[Signature]
[Your name]

Enclosed: [Bulleted list of enclosed supporting documents]

School application letter example

Here is an example of a school application letter to further help you compose yours.

Stacy Nolan
777-777-7777
Stacynolan@hotsoft.com
7777 Denver Avenue
8888 Denver, Colorado

14th April 2021

Dr. Simon Morgan
Sun and Shield School of Music
9999 Lights Street
8888 Denver, Colorado

Dear Dr. Morgan,

REF: Application for Admission to the School of Oriental Music

My name is Stacy Nolan, and I would like to apply for admission to the school of oriental music. I take cognizance of your school's outstanding reputation of producing well-rounded music students and instrumentalists. I believe I would greatly benefit from working with your highly qualified faculty of instructors. I am currently a volunteer with the Travelers Band of Charleston.

My interest in music runs deep. In my high school studies, I majored in music, and I am an accomplished guitarist and violinist. I have performed in various music events in Charleston, Seattle and, most recently, at the inauguration ceremony of the governor. I have received several awards, but the one I am proudest of obtaining is being named the Most Talented Young Violinist in South Carolina.

I would like to join the school and deepen my vocal skills as well as with your excellent students in musical projects. Granted the opportunity, I would ensure that I repay your faith in me through exemplary conduct during and after my time at the school.

Thank you for your time. Please review the enclosed documents for a more in-depth assessment of my suitability. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Respectfully Yours,
Stacy Nolan

Enclosed: