Guidelines for writing your letter of intent

What is a letter of intent?

All applications to our Master of Education (MEd) program must include a letter of intent. A letter of intent is meant to be a personal statement that provides the selection committee with a sense of who you are as a person and professional, and helps them decide if you are a good fit for the program (and vice versa). It also helps them get a better understanding of your potential to succeed in the MEd program.

Your letter of intent should provide the following information:

• A brief statement about who you are, including information such as relevant background, current employment.
• An explanation of why you are applying – What sparked your interest in pursuing graduate studies? How has your career path thus far led to your desire to begin graduate studies in education? What personal reasons might have also contributed to your decision? Why Crandall University’s Faculty of Education in particular? In describing your motivation and interest, be as specific as possible.
• Summarize your reasons for why you think you are a good candidate for Crandall University’s graduate program, highlighting certain moments in your professional and academic experience such as positions you have held, volunteer work you have been engaged in, awards you have received, and so forth. The purpose is to demonstrate through all of this how you will be an asset to the faculty and program, and indicate your chances of success as a graduate student.
• Include a description of your future plans: How will Crandall’s graduate program help you achieve your immediate and long-term goals, both personal and professional? How will you use what you learn in the graduate program to further grow? How do you envision this growth might contribute to your professional work as a teacher or administrator?

Some details:

Your letter of intent should provide a compelling, coherent narrative about you. It should be written in strong, clear language, and be concise. Keep in mind that, in addition to providing information about you, your letter of intent gives insight into your writing ability, your ability to synthesize, and that you demonstrate the intellectual curiosity necessary for graduate study.

Length: About 500 words (two double-spaced pages)