Hello all wonderful members!
I am lucky because I found this community by chance, it seems to be a great place!
I am writing a motivation letter for an organization offering a
full-year scholarship at an U.S. top unversity. (The application also
includes a resume a study plan and two letters of recomendation.) I
would really appreciate if a native speaking person could read though
my letter. I especially find it tricky with the prepositions and where
to put the commas!
My outline for the letter is this:
1) Essential background, and short argumentaion
2) Why I am applying; my motivation, my study
plan, how it connects to my studies
3) Why I, as a person, am the perfect represent
for organization
4) Conclusion
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Sirs
and Madams;
Here I am;
an open-minded Swedish-speaking young Finnish woman. I am studying for a
master’s degree in Mathematics with a specialization in teacher’s training at
the Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences at the University ***. I always
wanted to incorporate an international experience into my degree; however, the
moment has not been right until now. Receiving one of the scholarship offered
by the YY Organization would make it possible for me to participate in the
degree program called the “Joint Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Education”
at the University ZZ. Courses in this program would definitely provide my
degree with an individual profundity and to have been studying at one of the
top U.S. universities is a notable experience for the future.
I am now
studying for the fifth year, I have a strong academic background and my plan is
to have completed all courses in the main and minor subjects by the end of this
academic year. During the academic year 2006-2007 my intention is to take some
additional advanced courses and write my master’s thesis. I am contented with
my choice of study field. I have worked full time as a teacher’s substitute for
one semester and it was a very positive experience. Topics on mathematics
education and how a young person develops his or her mathematical thinking are
engaging me. In five years I picture myself working professionally with these
issues, it is very likely that I am doing research. At the University ZZ I
intend to participate in courses from the “Joint Master’s Degree in Mathematics
and Education” program. There are special courses focusing exactly on this
special area of mine and simultaneously this program will give me the chance to
interact with other like-minded students in intercontinental environment. Since
I also would participate in the program representing the good Finnish
reputation in mathematics, I am convinced that I could contribute to broaden
their international point of view as well.
I describe
myself as a social, positive and ambitious person. Furthermore my personality
shows a big sense of responsibility and consideration. I easy adapt myself to
new situations and I only regard it as multi-faceted experience to study and
live at a big campus. I have been volunteering one year as a tutor for exchange
students coming to Finland so I am quite familiar with what one might come
across abroad. I enjoy meeting new people and get acquainted with other
cultures. I particularly hope to befriend native speaking people in order to
improve my English skills in a natural way. As link in the chain, this would
also facilitate the work on my master’s thesis, since I opt to write it in
English. I am an active person with a lot of energy and a big passion for
nature and outdoor sports so the region of Madison with its magnificent nature
is an ideal place.
Thank you very much for considering my
request. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely
yours,
Emilia