Mr. McCavigan offers a writing drop-in centre available to grade 11 and 12 students who would like to have support with any form of academic writing. The centre will be in room 124 each Wednesday during period 7. Support can be provided for all types of argumentative/persuasive writing, such as research papers, essays, college/university essays, speeches, etc. If you would like some writing assistance then drop by. If this time does not work for you then email him at dmccavigan@vis.ac.at so that you can arrange an alternative appointment.
Letters of motivation:
The letter of motivation is a crucial document in your application to Dutch institutions, so it must be tailored toward the particular program, job, scholarship, internship, etc., mentioning all important factors that differentiate you from the other candidates.
It is important to know that for each program you should write another motivation letter. Of course, you can leave the same basis of the letter, but you have to make it very specific for each program.
To start:
Do research the specific course
Find some keywords relevant for the specific course
Make a list of your most appropriate skills and abilities for the course
Write down some of your main ideas, important points you would like to approach and then enrich their content.
Your letter must be written specifically for this certain course, should cover all the key requirements for it and show how enthusiastic you are to get it. You need to indicate that:
You have reviewed the course and understand fully your future responsibilities.
You strongly desire to take this course, by linking to your experience, training, choices you made in the past and things that you did.
You are very relevant for the course.
All of the above should put your best qualities on show and convince the admission officer that you are the right person for them.
Ask yourself 10 questions:
Why is this course and university interesting and suitable for you?
Which is your professional goal?
How will this course help you to reach your targets?
Which of the offered classes are particularly beneficial for you in reaching your professional goals? Make sure you are well informed.
Why do you think you are the right person for the chosen course?
What knowledge and skills gathered in your previous education will be useful?
Have you already gained any relevant professional experience?
Have you taken part in volunteer activities?
What are your strengths? (emphasize your strong points but be realistic)
Why do you want to study in a chosen country?
Present your letter in a professional format, style and grammar. Ask native speakers to check it for mistakes. Avoid all kind of platitudes and flowery phrases.
Quick tips:
Don’t just repeat your CV. You can mention the things you list on the CV, but make sure you add a high quality explanation (for example, if you have carried out a summer course or work shadowing experience - listed on your CV - in your letter explain what encouraged you to pursue this and explain the skills and knowledge you have developed by taking this course or carrying out the work shadowing experience).
Make sure that you don’t mention new items in your motivation letter which are not mentioned in your CV.
Be as concrete as possible.
Don’t copy your motivation letter from others.
Formulate your letter in a way that it is positive and future-oriented.
Guide to writing a letter of motivation
A letter of motivation is your opportunity to showcase your passion, skills, and alignment with the course you’re applying for. To write a compelling letter of motivation, follow these steps, keeping in mind the ABC format: Activity, Benefit, and Connection to the Course. Your goal is to demonstrate how your experiences (Activity) have helped you develop skills and traits (Benefit) that directly apply to the course you are applying for (Connection to the course).
Step 1: Check the university’s home page and research the course
Before you begin writing, visit the university’s website and the course page for the program you're applying to. Make sure to:
Identify the values and qualities that the university emphasizes.
Understand what kind of student they are looking for by exploring the specific traits and skills highlighted on the course page.
Step 2: Write down key experiences
After you’ve done your research, jot down some key experiences in your academic and extracurricular life. These should be relevant to the course and demonstrate the skills and traits you’ve identified. Use the ABC Format to guide your responses:
ABC Format Breakdown:
Activity (A): What did you do? (e.g., projects, essays, extracurriculars, work experience)
Benefit (B): What did you learn or gain from this? (skills, knowledge, personal growth)
Connection to the course (C): How is this experience related to the course you’re applying for? What insights have you gained? What was the purpose of carrying out each specific activity?
While writing your personal statement, focus on Connection to the course (C), using Activities (A) and Benefits (B) as supporting evidence.
Five themes:
Think how you will show:
Proof of motivation
Proof of realistic expectations (that stems from work experience, etc)
Proof of ability (related to your field of interest)
Proof of independent research linked to the subject
Proof of interest in current affairs
Here's a suggested structure for your motivational letter:
1) Introduction and motivation:
Mention that you are writing to express interest in the specific program you are applying for.
Describe your motivations, interests, and passions related to the field of study.
Explain why you are interested in this particular program and demonstrate your knowledge about the program.
2) Academic background:
Discuss your academic history, mentioning relevant courses, projects, or achievements that demonstrate your interest and aptitude for the chosen field of study.
Explain how your previous education has prepared you for this specific program.
3) Relevant extra-curricular activities (showing proof of interest):
Highlight any extracurricular activities or experiences related to your academic pursuits.
Discuss any skills or qualities you possess that are relevant to the program and will contribute to your success as a student.
4) Relevant work experience and skills:
Highlight any relevant experiences, internships, or projects that have shaped your interest in the field (and explain the benefits of having pursued these).
Discuss any skills or qualities you possess that are relevant to the program and will contribute to your success as a student.
4) University fit, personal attributes and cultural fit:
Explain why you like this university.
Describe personal qualities, values, or experiences that make you a good fit for the university's culture and community.
Discuss how your background, experiences, and perspectives could contribute to the diversity of the student body.
Describe what you expect from the university experience.
5) Conclusion:
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the program and the university.
Thank the admissions committee for considering your application.
End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
General Tips:
Be concise and focused, aiming for a letter that is one to two pages in length (preferably one).
Use clear and formal language, and ensure your letter is well-structured with proper grammar and spelling.
Tailor your letter to the specific program and university you're applying to, showing that you've done your research.
Be genuine and honest, sharing your unique perspective and experiences.
Remember, the goal of a motivational letter is to convince the admissions committee why you are a strong candidate for the program and how it aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
Sources:
https://uconsulting.nl/publications/motivation-letter-tips/ (accessed on 4th January, 2021)
https://www.hollandhires.com/2016/02/15/how-to-write-a-motivation-letter/ (accessed on 4th January, 2021)