How to Write a Motivation Letter That Admissions Tutors Actually Read
After months of exams, Extended Essay drafts, and CAS commitments, writing a motivation letter can feel like one final hurdle you don’t have the energy for. But unlike most parts of your application, this is the one place where you speak directly to the admissions team — in your own words.
Here, you stop being a list of grades and subjects and start becoming a real, individual candidate.
So what do admissions tutors actually look for? Not clichés or exaggerated passion, but clarity, reflection, and evidence that you understand both yourself and the course you’re applying to. This guide breaks down how to turn your IB experience into a compelling motivation letter.
The Golden Rule: Be Specific, Not Generic
Admissions tutors read hundreds, sometimes thousands, of these letters. The ones that stand out are tailored. Generic statements are the fastest way to the "no" pile.
- Research the Course: Go beyond the course title. Look at the specific modules, research opportunities, and unique features. Is there a particular professor whose work excites you? Mention it!
- Understand the University's Vibe: What is the university's mission or ethos? Are they known for research, practical learning, or social impact? Be specific when discussing how your values align with theirs.
- Connect the Dots: Clearly explain how *this specific program* at *this specific university* is the logical next step for your academic and career goals.
Tutor Tip: Never send the exact same letter to multiple universities. You can create a strong template, but always leave 30%-40% of the content to be specifically tailored to each institution. It shows you're serious.
Structuring Your Letter for Maximum Impact
Clarity is key. An admissions tutor who has to struggle to understand your letter is not going to be impressed. Keep it concise (around one A4 page) and follow this simple, effective structure.
1. The Hook (Introduction)
Start with a bang. Don't say "I am writing to apply for..." They know that. Begin with a short, engaging anecdote or a specific moment that sparked your interest in the subject. State clearly what program you're applying to.
2. The "Why" (Body Paragraphs)
This forms the core of your letter. Dedicate one paragraph to your academic background and relevant experiences. A second paragraph should then connect your interests to the course you’re applying for, clearly linking where your current experiences meet your future aspirations. Use your IB background here!
3. The Future (Conclusion)
Briefly summarize why you are a great fit, reiterate your enthusiasm for the program, and touch upon your future ambitions. Leave them with a confident and memorable lasting impression.
The IB Advantage: How to Leverage Your Experience
Your IB Diploma has already given you the perfect material for your motivation letter. You just need to know how to talk about it. Don't just list what you did; reflect on what you learned and the skills you gained along the way.
| IB Component | What it Demonstrates & How to Phrase It |
|---|
| Extended Essay (EE) | Skills: Independent research, critical analysis, academic writing, subject expertise.
How to phrase it: "My Extended Essay on the economic impact of post-war migration allowed me to develop rigorous research skills, which I am eager to apply within the advanced quantitative methods module in your program." |
| CAS Project | Skills: Leadership, teamwork, project management, community engagement, resilience.
How to phrase it: "Organizing a coding workshop for younger students as part of my CAS project taught me not only how to manage a team but also how to communicate complex ideas clearly—a skill essential for a career in software engineering." |
| Theory of Knowledge (TOK) | Skills: Critical thinking, interdisciplinary perspective, questioning assumptions.
How to phrase it: "My study of TOK challenged me to evaluate knowledge claims across different disciplines, sparking my interest in the intersection of ethics and artificial intelligence, a topic I was thrilled to see explored in your 'Minds and Machines' course." |
| HL Subjects | Skills: In-depth subject knowledge, analytical abilities, handling a rigorous workload.
How to phrase it: "Studying History at Higher Level, particularly the focus on primary source analysis, has prepared me for the evidence-based approach central to a law degree." |
From "Good" to "Great": Before & After Examples
Let's see these principles in action. Here’s how to transform generic statements into compelling arguments.
Example 1: The Introduction
BEFORE (Vague & Boring)
"I am writing to apply for the BSc in Psychology. I have always found the human mind interesting and I believe your university would be a great place to study it."
AFTER (Specific & Engaging)
"Watching a documentary on the cognitive biases that affect jury decisions was the moment I knew I had to study psychology. The desire to understand the hidden mechanics of human behaviour led me directly to your BSc program, particularly your module on Forensic Psychology."
Example 2: Show, Don't Tell
BEFORE (Listing skills)
"My experiences have given me strong leadership and teamwork skills. I am also very dedicated and resilient."
AFTER (Demonstrating skills)
"Leading my CAS project (a three-month initiative to create a community garden) required coordinating a team of ten students and navigating early funding challenges. Through this process, I developed the resilience needed to sustain long-term projects and learned how effective teamwork turns obstacles into progress."
Your Final Pre-Submission Checklist
You've done the hard work. Don't fall at the final hurdle. Before you hit 'submit', run through this checklist.
- ☑ Proofread. Then proofread again. Typos and grammar mistakes suggest carelessness.
- ☑ Read it out loud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing and sentences that don't flow.
- ☑ Get a second opinion. Ask a teacher, tutor, or parent to read it. A fresh pair of eyes is invaluable.
- ☑ Check the requirements. Is there a word or character limit? Stick to it. Is there a specific prompt? Make sure you've answered it.
- ☑ Is it authentic? Does this letter sound like you? Your voice should shine through.
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