Writing paper
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Content: There are 8 sections described below. Please include the following information when preparing your letter to the Admissions Committee. While not required, we strongly suggest that you format your letter by heading each section with the headings shown below. Write your information in paragraph form and do not use bullet format under the section headings.
o Why you are interested in graduate school and what are your plans after you receive
your degree?
o What influenced you to choose the field?
o Why are you interested in the program and specialization to which you are applying?
Please note that your personal/professional goals must be in line with the specialization to which you are applying.
o Describe your previous undergraduate and graduate academic experience; if you do
not have the specialization background, you may want to explain how you plan to
apply your prior academic skills to your chosen specialization.
o You may include any experiences (e.g., study abroad, unique work or research
experience) that influenced your choice of graduate program/specialization.
o Explain any inconsistencies in academic record or work experience. If your GPA is
not what you would have liked, explain special personal, physical or family circumstances that may have adversely affected your GPA.
o Address prior research experience, significant research papers/projects or other
research accomplishments in your field. If you do not have any prior research experience, you must indicate that under this section in a complete sentence.
o What is your prior work experience? Include any volunteer work and/or
extracurricular activities that complement your career decision. If you do not have any relevant experience, you should indicate this. You can also address any cultural
Revised: 5/9/2012
knowledge or experiences you may have acquired that may better prepare you for the field.
o Include in this section personal qualities (e.g., interpersonal skills, team work skills,
etc.) you possess that you believe will contribute to your success in your field and graduate study.
o Indicate why Walden would be a good match for you and your future goals.
o What interested you about Walden (this could include courses, faculty, and / or
research projects and facilities)?
o Why are you interested in an online program?
o Address the reason(s) why your file is being presented to the Admissions
Committee for review.
o For example, if you have a low GPA, state the reasons for your low GPA or poor
academic performance.
o Address how you plan to be successful at Walden if admitted.
