How do I write an amazing letter of intent?
November 24, 2015 11:17 PM Subscribe
I'm a pharmacy student pursuing post-grad training. How do I write a strong letter of intent to convince program directors that I'm the best person for the position?
Some info which may be relevant:
I'm expecting to have pretty good letters of recommendations, but my CV is a bit lacking. I am at a private university on a full-ride scholarship, but I essentially work two part-time jobs to pay for books, supplies, and other expenses. Thankfully, these jobs are in the field I'm studying so I have A LOT of work and volunteer experience. Not so much research work or leadership experience in student organizations.
Is there a way I can talk about this positively in my letter of intent? Anything else I should highlight or avoid?
Some info which may be relevant:
I'm expecting to have pretty good letters of recommendations, but my CV is a bit lacking. I am at a private university on a full-ride scholarship, but I essentially work two part-time jobs to pay for books, supplies, and other expenses. Thankfully, these jobs are in the field I'm studying so I have A LOT of work and volunteer experience. Not so much research work or leadership experience in student organizations.
Is there a way I can talk about this positively in my letter of intent? Anything else I should highlight or avoid?
I'm in the humanities, not pharmacy, but my advice for students writing statements of intent or purpose for graduate programs is to do the following:
1. State the areas that you are interested in pursuing in the program to which you're applying, and how you expect them to advance your career goals.
2. Explain how your previous and current studies and experience have prepared you to succeed in their program. This is where you'd bring in relevant work and volunteer experience.
3. Discuss why their program is a good fit for you, in terms of faculty, resources, etc. Effusive praise is a bad idea; be factual, but if they have a very good reputation (e.g. top 10 program), it's OK to mention that as an attraction!
4. If necessary, explain any apparent weaknesses in your record, and explain why they will not be a concern going forward. For instance, if your grades were low in a particular semester due to an illness, family crisis, or whatever, provide evidence that it was a temporary situation. I wouldn't necessarily mention your limited research experience or involvement with student organizations, unless research is expected of applicants to the program; if it is, then you could explain that financial exigencies led you to focus on paid work, which brought useful experience as mentioned earlier.
Again, I'm in a different field, but I would imagine that most admissions committees want something of the sort. Good luck!
posted by brianogilvie at 9:20 AM on November 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
1. State the areas that you are interested in pursuing in the program to which you're applying, and how you expect them to advance your career goals.
2. Explain how your previous and current studies and experience have prepared you to succeed in their program. This is where you'd bring in relevant work and volunteer experience.
3. Discuss why their program is a good fit for you, in terms of faculty, resources, etc. Effusive praise is a bad idea; be factual, but if they have a very good reputation (e.g. top 10 program), it's OK to mention that as an attraction!
4. If necessary, explain any apparent weaknesses in your record, and explain why they will not be a concern going forward. For instance, if your grades were low in a particular semester due to an illness, family crisis, or whatever, provide evidence that it was a temporary situation. I wouldn't necessarily mention your limited research experience or involvement with student organizations, unless research is expected of applicants to the program; if it is, then you could explain that financial exigencies led you to focus on paid work, which brought useful experience as mentioned earlier.
Again, I'm in a different field, but I would imagine that most admissions committees want something of the sort. Good luck!
posted by brianogilvie at 9:20 AM on November 25, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm a pharmacist and pharmacy professor, but not your pharmacy professor. I have precepted for both residency and fellowship programs, so I have experience in reviewing applications from candidates like yourself.
This is a highly specific question and best asked to a faculty member who knows you well (like one of your professors who is writing you a letter of recommendation).
As someone who reviews applications for these types of positions, I'm going to be honest and say that a lack of leadership positions in student organizations may be a negative component of your overall application. I think your letter of intent should be forthright in explaining why you did not have the time to pursue student leadership or research. I would recommend highlighting work experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and communication skills. As a post-grad preceptor, I'm looking for someone who is self-directed in their learning and not needing to ask for guidance every single tiny step of the way. Your post-grad preceptors are going to expect you to function pretty independently within a few months. If you can showcase instances at work where your pharmacy supervisor trusted you to work alone or with minimal supervision, that'd be great. Also examples where you can show your inventiveness and ability to look things up and learn on your own, that would be helpful.
Also, depending on the type of program you're applying to, you should highlight specific details that make you suited to that position. Hospital residency? Highlight hospital work experience. Community residency? Highlight community work experience. Residency at a university with academic components? Talk about tutoring or TAing. Fellowship? Highlight research or literature evaluation skills. Hopefully the variety of APPEs you've taken will beef up your experiences to talk about.
I also anticipate that you'll be attending ASHP Midyear in a few weeks. Go to the residency showcase. Ask good questions. Don't get drunk in New Orleans the night before the showcase.
Good luck!
posted by watch out for turtles at 5:29 PM on November 25, 2015
This is a highly specific question and best asked to a faculty member who knows you well (like one of your professors who is writing you a letter of recommendation).
As someone who reviews applications for these types of positions, I'm going to be honest and say that a lack of leadership positions in student organizations may be a negative component of your overall application. I think your letter of intent should be forthright in explaining why you did not have the time to pursue student leadership or research. I would recommend highlighting work experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and communication skills. As a post-grad preceptor, I'm looking for someone who is self-directed in their learning and not needing to ask for guidance every single tiny step of the way. Your post-grad preceptors are going to expect you to function pretty independently within a few months. If you can showcase instances at work where your pharmacy supervisor trusted you to work alone or with minimal supervision, that'd be great. Also examples where you can show your inventiveness and ability to look things up and learn on your own, that would be helpful.
Also, depending on the type of program you're applying to, you should highlight specific details that make you suited to that position. Hospital residency? Highlight hospital work experience. Community residency? Highlight community work experience. Residency at a university with academic components? Talk about tutoring or TAing. Fellowship? Highlight research or literature evaluation skills. Hopefully the variety of APPEs you've taken will beef up your experiences to talk about.
I also anticipate that you'll be attending ASHP Midyear in a few weeks. Go to the residency showcase. Ask good questions. Don't get drunk in New Orleans the night before the showcase.
Good luck!
posted by watch out for turtles at 5:29 PM on November 25, 2015
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posted by puritycontrol at 7:05 AM on November 25, 2015