How to write a motivation letter
As a student ambassador, one of the most common requests I receive is about writing a motivation letter for your application. Motivation letter is not required by all TalTech programs, but it is still important to understand that student’s motivation to study will still be evaluated during an online interview later on.
What needs to be understood is none of the student ambassadors are allowed to check motivation letters or comment on them. At the same time, I would like to share some of my personal tips on how to write a successful motivation letter for those who wish to apply to study at TalTech full-time or go on exchange as TalTech student.
I would like to thank my English professor in TalTech Kärt Rummel for the tips on academic writing I have received in the spring semester. Professor’s course on Academic Writing in English is by far the most interesting and useful English course I have had in years. Some of the tips I used in this article are based on the materials of this course.
Theoretical part
- Organization.
Motivation letter needs to be well organized. Information should be presented in the logical order. The best way to do so is to divide the paragraph into 4–5 paragraphs: an introduction (1 paragraph), body (2–3 paragraphs) and conclusion (1 paragraph). Separate paragraphs allow a reader to follow the author’s ideas better.
The introduction serves as the opening paragraph. The last sentence of the introduction should state the specific thesis: a major reason for your application.
The main body usually consists of 2–3 paragraphs (can be more, but no less than 2) that correspond each of arguments that support your motivation.
The conclusion contains a concluding sentence: a restatement of thesis you made in the introduction or a summary of the main points. No new information should be given here.
2. Digressive vs linear logic.
Many languages use so-called digressive logic to develop arguments in the text. Digressive logic puts the meaning of each argument somewhere in the middle or even at the end of the paragraph.
In English, linear logic is used in academic writing to develop an argument. It means that the first sentence of each paragraph is a statement that describes your argument. Other sentences support your statement with additional evidence and examples. Each paragraph ends with the concluding sentence. Following this pattern helps the reader to understand the main idea.
3. Cohesion and coherence
Think about possibilities to divide or combine your sentences if possible. Make sure to alternate between long and short sentences, and remember that short sentences should be used for emphasis.
Each sentence should derive logically from the previous one and lead to the following one. Logical order can be achieved by using cause-effect, problem-solution, general-specific or other patterns. For example, lack of effective document management system in Ukrainian universities creates unnecessary bureaucracy (problem) so I (as future e-governance student) would like to develop a virtual environment for university management (solution).
4. Grammar and style
Make sure to proofread your essay. Use spell-checker in Google Docs or Grammarly, but also ask friends for feedback. Minor mistakes are not catastrophic, but serious misspellings or inadequate word choice or argumentation will make it hard for readers to understand correctly.
Avoid using general formulas found on the Internet. University has a harsh policy on plagiarism, and copying others’ work will automatically disqualify you.
Simple and clear motivation based on your own experience and qualifications is far better than sophisticated text full of general formulas.
Style-wise, use formal language and avoid abbreviations (won’t, hadn’t). Avoid cliches.
Practical part
To understand how to structure your arguments or which arguments to use, take a look at questions asked by the admissions committee in DreamApply and build your arguments around them.
Here is a sample of questions for the IBA program’s motivation letter:
Describe your professional goals. How does the International Business Administration programme support your professional life? Which of the specializations is particularly beneficial in pursuing your professional goals? Why do you want to study in Estonia and at the TalTech School of Business and Governance?
Do you work or study? For how long have you been working and what have been your tasks? What kind of education have you completed or are acquiring at the moment? How many years have passed since your last training course at school, university, etc.? Have you any other academic achievements, i.e. participating in contests or Olympiads? Describe your language skills.
Describe your experiences, knowledge and skills related to business. Have you taken part in any school projects, competitions, online courses, lectures or red on your own books, articles, followed newspapers on the topic? Have you worked in family business or created your own start-up?
Describe your international experiences. Have you studied, worked or lived abroad or travelled to foreign countries? What have you learned from these experiences?
What are your interests and social activities?
Let’s say you are a high school student from Ukraine willing to apply for IBA program. You are 16–17 years old and have no work experience or international experience yet. What can you write in this case?
I would suggest the following structure of your arguments:
- Description of your professional goals.
What would be your dream job? Which business field do you find most interesting and why? Would you like to build a career in your home country or abroad?
2. Why did you pick TalTech among other universities?
Take a look at the list of the courses at your program. Which courses interest you the most based on your professional plans or personal interest? Which skills would you like to obtain? Are these courses or skills in any way specific for TalTech or Estonia in general?
3. Describe your experiences, knowledge, and skills related to business.
Think of interesting online courses you have taken, books you have read, or competitions you have participated. (Describe which hard and soft skills you have learned from there). Are you a member of any youth organization/school parliament? (Describe how this helped you develop management and marketing skills). Do you speak any foreign languages or have an interest in the specific region? (Describe how you would like to use these skills in terms of future career).
I hope that this article has been useful for you. Good luck with your application and see you in TalTech!
