how to start a motivational essay

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• 9 Tips for Writing a Brilliant Motivational Essay

Whether you are a high school student caught in the crossroads of your educational journey or an undergraduate debating on a graduate degree, several steps must be taken, from choosing a college or master’s program to applying for your dream job.

On the other hand, choosing is the easy part; getting into the college of your choice is a different story. Most colleges and universities require students to have excellent grades and write a motivational essay describing why they want to pursue his\her desired major at their university.

Writing college motivational essays is a required part of any educational institution’s application process. Then again, some employers require job applicants to submit inspirational articles along with their resumes.

A motivational statement allows you to show off a little more of your personality and explain why you are qualified for the university course or job position in question. This is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your integrity and your ability to turn your knowledge into a successful career.

This article will teach you how to write a motivational essay that will help you get into your dream university or land your dream job.

Table of Contents

9 Tips to Write a Motivational Letter

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing inspirational statements to help you write a good paper. Many students struggle to find the motivation to write an article or are simply stumped when asked “What motivates you in life?”. Motivational papers are not as complicated as you may believe. To write a perfect inspiration paper, use the following tips:

1. Research the Institution to which you are applying

It is not in your best interest to simply copy and paste motivational essay examples or templates from the internet. The first step is to learn how merit-based admissions work at your preferred college. If you already have outstanding grades, you have to figure out what other aspects of your life could boost those grades.

Many universities, for example, seek students who have good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, have some volunteer experience, and are involved in social initiatives in school and their community.

Researching your preferred university will assist you in writing a tailored inspirational essay that will showcase all of your personality and goals. It’ll also broadcast how your social and volunteer work will continue to be a factor when you get into the university. Knowing about the university and including that information in your inspirational paper will be a breath of fresh air for the reader. It will give them the impression that you are confident in your decision.

Be sure to sprinkle some positivity and determination in your motivational statement.

2.  Be Creative

I know this may seem obvious to most people but it is still critical. The first two or three sentences of your motivational letter are crucial to the reader. Remember that the person reading your inspirational statement has most likely read thousands of others before it. Keeping the reader’s attention early on will thus benefit you.

Assume your college motivation letter isn’t exciting and doesn’t hook the reader from the first sentence. The reader is likely to close the letter and decline your application at that point.

You want the first paragraph of your motivation essay to keep them guessing and interested in reading until the end. You can include a mysterious story about your motivations and leave the culmination until the end.

3. Get Personal in your Motivational Essay

Make your motivation letter specific to the employer or university to which you are applying. Your letter should reflect your distinct style and personality. Your employers or university are interested in getting to know you better and no one knows you better than yourself. So, don’t just look up some motivational essay examples and use them as your own. The inspiration article should include the things that make you tick, your passions, and more!

Many students prefer to entrust the writing of motivational letters to a professional writing service. However, I can assure you that this is a bad option because you should write the motivation essay yourself.

4. Adopt a Straightforward and Succinct Tone

The objective of a letter of motivation, as the name implies, is to demonstrate your motivation for attending college to the school board or the reasons why you deserve a job to an HR manager who will read it. Avoid using long phrases and, instead, get right to the point. Explain in simple terms what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. Concentrate on what is vital; the rest will be addressed later.

5. Clearly Explain your Motivation

Make it a point to convince the school board or recruiter that this is the right college or job for you. Hit the nail on the head as many times as possible. Demonstrate that this is, without a doubt, the best place for you. Make use of all of your persuasion skills.

If you’re a student who can’t seem to motivate yourself to write the letter, think of it more as your motivation for earning a degree paper. This way of thinking will make you come up with points that are straightforward for your motivational letter.

If you’re writing an inspirational paper to apply for a job position, make sure it includes all of the qualities listed in the job description. Explain how each of the qualities relates to you.

6. Share your Professional Goals

In your inspirational essay, don’t be afraid to put yourself in the future. Outline your career goals and how the university or job offer is a step in the right direction. Also, talk about what you’ve accomplished and what you’re proud of.

7. Find The Right Balance

Of course, you must present yourself in the best possible light and persuade the recruiter that you are the right person for the job but don’t be too smug. At the same time, don’t undervalue yourself or appear overly modest. Try to summarize your accomplishments but avoid bragging about them. Please keep it simple; don’t fill the entire page with your achievements; instead, choose the ones that are relevant to the university or job requirements.

8. Back up what you’re saying

Simply stating that you are organized or that you have a sense of responsibility is not enough. Avoid overused phrases and explain why you’re organized. In your inspirational letter, provide some examples. When writing your motivational paper, one approach is to write as if you were a narrator. Narrating allows you to see yourself through the eyes of another person, telling the story of your life and goals.

9. Ensure that your Essay is Grammatically Sound 

When it comes to writing motivational letters, grammar errors are a no-no. So, double-check and have someone else read your inspirational paper because they may spot grammatical errors that you’ve missed. Also, it would be best if you avoided abbreviations and technical jargon. Do not try to sound like you’re writing a school assignment; instead, use the most elegant yet straightforward language and tone to make your point.

Don’t make writing a motivational statement more difficult than it should be. Focus on the essential things and let the rest go. Keep in mind that the college or company is curious to learn more about you. So, stay relaxed and make use of the tips we have mentioned above and you will be on your way to a brilliant motivation letter.  For more information on college writing tips and essay writing services, check other articles on Essay Advisor .

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Tips for Writing Your Motivational Statement and Essays

While it’s one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application , we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.

Motivational Statement

All students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) , MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs are required to submit a 300-word motivational statement answering the questions: Why policy? Why Harris? (Or a version of these questions more specific to your program).

Some suggestions as you are thinking about your answers to these questions:

Answer the prompt. Don’t worry about using precious space to introduce yourself—jump right into answering the question. 

Write first, edit later. Get your ideas onto the page—whether that means bullet points, idea webs, or a journal entry. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect opener, meeting the word count, or checking grammar when you are first getting started.  

Reflect. Think about the professional, personal, or academic experience that has inspired you. 

Be specific. When answering Why Harris? , be specific to the University of Chicago and Harris. Analyze why certain programs, centers, classes, or professors made you want to apply here. 

Optional Essay Questions

Although the Motivation Statement is required, the essay questions are optional. For all optional essay questions, we aren’t just interested in the “right answer,” but how you are thinking about and approaching these complex questions.

Students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program may pick any of the three questions below. Completing question three will allow you to be considered for Pearson fellowships open only to MPP students.

Students applying to the MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs may choose to complete optional essays 1 and

Option 1: Challenge—Describe briefly the biggest challenge you have ever faced. How did you tackle it and what did you learn? (max 300 words)

Tip: In essay one, you may write about a personal, professional, or academic challenge when answering this question. Perhaps more than the challenge itself, we are interested in how you tackled the challenge, and what you learned in the process.

Option 2: Community—Where do you see yourself getting involved in the community during your time at Harris—either at the University of Chicago or in the city of Chicago? (max 300 words)

Tip: If you are answering essay two, please make sure to speak specifically to Harris or UChicago.

Option 3: Pearson—If you would like to be considered for  The Pearson Fellowship , please answer the following: In reflecting on the complexities of past and present protracted global conflicts, please analyze what singular global conflict most puzzles you personally, and discuss why.

Tip: Please note that “global conflict” can refer to a range of conflicts (i.e. inter/intra state; those involving non-state actors, etc.) and a range of issues associated (i.e. refugee crises, religious conflict, gang violence, drug wars, domestic violence, etc.). Remember to consider: Is the conflict actually puzzling? For example, does it involve actors acting against their own best interest, or operating irrationally?​ And finally, for the purposes of this essay, you will not need to cite sources.

We hope you find these tips helpful as you move your application forward.

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Table of Contents

• 1. Don't Confuse Motivation with Passion

2. Outline First

3. create small, attainable goals, 4. make it a daily practice.

• 5. Don't Be Perfect—Vomit on the Page

6. Focus on the Reader

7. practice self-care, 8. announce the book, 9. recognize and face your fear, 9 ways to boost your writing motivation (that actually work).

No one wakes up every single day with the motivation to write —not even Authors with major bestsellers under their belt (like me).

There will be days when you simply don’t feel like staring at a blank page.

As someone who’s been there, here’s my writing advice : push through and do it anyway.

Even on the days when you don’t feel like it. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of procrastination.

One day of “not feeling like writing” can easily turn into 2, then 10…until eventually, you give up entirely.

I’ve seen so many Authors give up the first, second, or even third time they tried to write a book—mostly because they lost their motivation and gave in to procrastination or fear.

If you want to publish a book , you have to dig deep and find the motivation to write every single day. Even if it’s terrible. Even if you hate it.

The only way to become a better writer—and to finish your book—is to push through those hard moments.

Here are 9 proven ways to motivate yourself to write—even when you don’t want to.

9 Proven Ways to Motivate Yourself to Write

1. don’t confuse motivation with passion.

Forget everything you’ve ever learned about writing “out of passion.” If you wait to feel passionate about what you’re writing, you’ll never finish writing your book.

You can’t rely on passion. It comes and goes too easily. You’re not going to feel passionate every single day.

The same goes for writing inspiration. There’s rarely a bolt of lightning that makes the words flow.

Writing is hard. That’s why a lot of aspiring Authors give up before they’ve finished their first draft.

Motivation doesn’t always mean loving what you’re doing. Sometimes it means digging your heels in and just doing it.

For example, I don’t always love going to the gym, but I do it anyway. And in the end, I’m glad I did (after I’m done).

Don’t confuse passion for motivation.

It’s okay to write when you don’t “feel motivated” if what you really mean is, “I’m not stoked about doing this right now.”

You don’t have to be stoked about it. You just have to start writing.

If you feel passionate, that’s great. But don’t expect more of yourself than necessary.

If you’re writing, you’re motivated. Period. You’re doing it.

At its core, writing is just communicating ideas. It doesn’t have to be more complicated than that.

Of course, you want the ideas you capture to be relevant to your book. That’s why you should always outline first—so you can capture all your ideas about a specific section before you move on to the next one.

Then, when you do sit down to write, you’ll already have all the relevant ideas gathered. That makes things a lot easier.

An outline is also your greatest defense against fear and writers’ block . It’s a lot harder to get stuck when you’ve got a roadmap guiding the way.

Scribe’s suggested outline is different from the one you might have learned in school. It’s not a bullet point list of every step of the argument.

We’ve found that traditional outlines aren’t flexible enough for most Authors. Plus, sometimes, you can’t get to that level of detail until you’re actually in the middle of writing.

What makes our outline different is that it’s designed specifically to help you write your book.

In fact, our writing process has helped thousands of Authors write successful nonfiction books. It works.

All it takes is 3 simple steps:

• Brainstorm your chapters
• Make a table of contents
• Fill in the outline structure with your chapter’s hook, thesis, supporting content, stories and examples, key takeaways, and a callback to the hook.

If you want a template or more details, you can find them here .

Once you see your book in outline form, writing it will seem easier.

Conceptually, you’re not writing a whole book anymore. You’re looking at a clear collection of ideas and stories, most of which are already in your head.

You’ll be more motivated to write once you’ve broken your book into manageable pieces. It’s easier to climb a mountain when you take it one step at a time.

The reason an outline is so powerful is that it helps you see your book in terms of smaller, more attainable goals. You should do the same with all of your writing goals.

Many people start out thinking, “I have to write as much as possible.” Or, they set a high word count goal, like 1,000 words per day. And when they don’t reach those goals, they get disappointed. They feel like a failure.

That’s the worst way to motivate yourself to write.

With large goals, it’s easy to get intimidated (that’s usually when writer’s block sets in). But attainable goals make it easier to get over that hump.

Remember, motivation has nothing to do with passion. If you’re writing at all , you’re already motivated.

You don’t have to go overboard and shoot for the moon just to show you’re passionate about your book. When people do that, it’s usually because they’re trying to prove something to themselves.

You won’t prove anything by setting unattainable goals.

Rewire your brain and think small. Set goals that will set you up for success.

I recommend writing 250 words per day. That word count is low enough to be easily achievable. It leaves you with no excuses.

You could write 250 words on your phone between meetings. You could even dictate 250 words to your phone while you’re in the shower.

If you do end up writing more than 250 words, that’s great. Keep going as long as you want.

But if it’s one of those days where writing feels like a slog, you can still meet that word count and avoid being disappointed with yourself.

It’s more important to be consistent with writing than to have epic writing sessions.

When I was writing full-time, I blocked off 4 hours a day to write—but I rarely used that whole time to actually write. I read or did other things related to writing.

It’s hard to write for hours on end. And like most things in life, you’ll get diminishing returns.

Aim for 250 words every day, and stick with it. And remember, if you’re doing it, you’re motivated.

Notice that I said you need to write 250 words every single day . That’s because you’ll be much more motivated to write when it becomes a daily practice.

In addition to the 250 words per day, I recommend that you come up with a writing routine to help keep you on track.

Pick a designated writing time and stick to it every day. Are you better at writing in the morning, or do you like to write right before bed? Maybe it’s easier to squeeze 250 words in over your lunch break.

There’s no right or wrong answer. Just pick a time whenever you do your best writing and stick with it.

The same goes for your writing place. Maybe you write well in a quiet office. Or, maybe it’s easier for you to focus in a coffee shop.

We worked with one Author who wrote in his Tesla while it was charging in his garage. He put the same playlist on every day, turned up the volume, and spent the next 45 minutes writing.

The reason you need a writing routine is the same reason you teach your kids to brush their teeth every morning.

They may grumble or whine, but once they get into the habit, they do it anyway—no matter how much they don’t want to.

It works the same way when you’re writing a book. Writing habits keep you motivated to write and do it again the next day.

A writing routine gives you the fuel to keep going, even when you think your tank is running low. When writing becomes an automatic part of your day, it’s a lot harder to procrastinate.

5. Don’t Be Perfect—Vomit on the Page

Don’t intimidate yourself by trying to be a perfect writer.

First of all, there’s no such thing.

Second, if you do that, you’ll never finish your book because you’ll never live up to your own expectations.

I’m dead serious. I’ve seen countless Authors get stuck writing the first draft of their book. They’ll get off to a good start—but then they’ll re-read what they’ve written, delete it, and start over.

They do that 50 times and eventually give up (spoiler: they never finish their book).

Don’t fall into the same trap of unrealistic expectations . Just aim to get words on a page.

In fact, don’t even think of your writing as “writing a book.” You’re not writing a book. You’re just collecting your thoughts.

That’s why I call my first drafts “ vomit drafts .” I spew words and thoughts onto a page. I don’t stop to edit, re-read, or think about how the writing flows.

Like vomit, it’s not pretty. But after you’ve written all your ideas out, you’ll feel so much better.

Plus, it’s a lot easier to motivate yourself to write when you free yourself from the need to be perfect.

When you write a vomit draft, you don’t give yourself time to stare at a blank page. There’s no room for intimidation.

You just start writing and let whatever’s inside your brain come out. It’s not going to be perfect. In fact, it will probably be terrible.

But that’s okay. Most first drafts are terrible. Even books that go on to become bestsellers started as terrible first drafts.

Embrace it. Realize that bad writing is a natural part of the writing process.

A first draft is exactly what the name implies—a first step.

Your book will go through multiple drafts before anyone even sees it.

Of course, you’ll eventually have to wade through the vomit. You’ll have to trim, add, and edit . And you’ll probably have to move things around and rethink the structure of your chapters . That’s normal.

For now, stop worrying about how good or bad your writing is and start capturing your ideas. You can make them sound great later.

Don’t edit as you go. Just write. Vomit on the page.

It’s a lot easier to fix writing when you actually have writing to fix.

Many people find it easier to motivate themselves during the “vomit” phase. Once you get into the groove of spewing 250 words per day, it can be refreshing.

The part that’s harder is when you have to go back through all that writing to turn it into a coherent, well-written book.

Here’s my advice when you reach that phase: hold on to your motivation by keeping your focus on the reader.

You’re writing a nonfiction book for a reason. What made you want to do this in the first place?

At some level, it’s because you want to help your readers solve their problems.

If you’re writing a memoir , it’s because you want to share your story with people who can benefit from hearing it.

If you’re writing a knowledge-share nonfiction book , you’re trying to prove to your readers that you’re the person that can meet their needs.

Whatever kind of book you’re writing, your reader is at the heart of your motivation.

If you feel stuck or don’t feel like writing, remember that. Think about the people you’re going to help and how their lives will change because of your book.

When readers pick up a nonfiction book, they aren’t looking for perfection or a sublime writing style . They’re looking to learn information that’s going to make their lives better.

Here are 4 essential writing principles to help you deliver information in a way readers will appreciate:

• Keep your writing short. Readers tune out when you wander.
• Keep your writing simple. Readers want content they can easily understand, even if the ideas are complex.
• Keep your writing direct. Get to the point, and make each sentence a single, direct statement.
• Keep it about the reader. Ask yourself this question about everything you write: “Why does the reader care?”

Imagine having a conversation with a client or a close friend. What would you tell them, and how would you deliver the information?

Don’t make writing harder than it has to be. To stay motivated, imagine speaking directly to your reader and making an impact on their lives.

If you’re still unmotivated after all that, you might want to reconsider your intentions. If it’s that hard to motivate yourself, maybe writing a book isn’t something you really want to do.

This may seem odd to include in an article on motivational writing tips, but if you want to motivate yourself, you have to take care of yourself.

If you’re super stressed out or exhausted, you’re not going to function well. And you’re definitely not going to feel motivated to write.

I won’t lie. Writing can be a slog. And completing a book will take an emotional, mental, and sometimes physical toll on you. If you don’t take care of yourself, it’s easy to lose steam.

There are many ways you can take care of yourself. For example, you can:

• Get plenty of sleep
• Take nature walks
• Talk to a therapist
• Visit an energy healer or masseuse
• Try acupuncture
• Go for regular float sessions
• Sit in a sauna
• Take a bath with Epsom salts

Basically, take time to do things that will make your body and mind feel better. You want to develop good writing habits, not become a writing machine.

To do that, you need to check in with yourself from time to time to make sure you’re at the top of your game.

Being refreshed will make you a better writer. Self-care will revitalize you so you can come back the next day, ready to meet your writing goals.

While some people thrive on routines and self-care, others are more motivated by external accountability.

If you’re one of those people, I recommend announcing that you’re working on a book.

Tell people on social media. Write a guest post for your favorite blogger. Email your friends and family.

Whatever method works best for you, use it to announce your intention to the world.

And if you’re serious about writing, I recommend announcing your book on the platform that makes you the least comfortable.

Yes, that may seem like a lot of pressure. But it’s important to identify any points of resistance you have and push through them.

You’ll get a lot of positive feedback, which will help you become more motivated. And when your motivation wavers, you’ll be reminded that there are people eagerly awaiting your book.

I believe that every person has a book in them. But one of the major things that holds people back from writing those books is fear .

They’re afraid that their book won’t be good enough, original enough, or meaningful enough. They’re afraid of looking stupid or making people angry.

Those kinds of fears are normal, but you shouldn’t let them get in the way.

You have a story that’s worth telling. The only way to truly motivate yourself to tell it is to conquer your fear.

If you allow those fears to stick around, they only lead to procrastination , frustration, and surrender.

If you want to overcome your fear, I recommend facing them head-on. Write down all your fears about the writing process, self-publishing, or fears about how people will react once they read the book.

Evaluate each fear and recognize what those fears mean. Fear has a point and a purpose. It’s an indicator of risk.

Every Author who writes a book worth reading is taking a risk. If you’re scared, congratulations. It means you have something worth saying.

Fear isn’t the problem. The problem is when you let fears take over.

Keep in mind what your book is going to do for you and what it’s going to do for your readers.

Then, make a plan for facing your fears. For example, if you’re afraid you’ll never finish writing your book, use that fear as motivation. Create a writing routine and resolve to stick with it through the whole writing process.

The Scribe Crew

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Motivational Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2024

You’re about to apply for the job opportunity of your dreams.

You’ve worked hard, and you can’t wait to take the next step in your career.

All that’s left for you to do is write a motivational letter.

But writing a motivational letter can be nerve-wracking.

Two hours and three coffees in, you’ve scrolled through your Facebook newsfeed (twice), watched one episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, sent angry tweets to its creators, and donated for the knee surgery of two dogs. 

You go back to your open Word doc, and all you’ve managed to write is, “This program seems like fun” or “I’ll totally be a great fit for your organization.”

Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• How to Write a Motivational Letter, Step-by-Step
• A Great Example of a Motivational Letter
• Useful Motivational Letter Tips

What Is a Motivational Letter?

A motivational letter, sometimes also called a letter of motivation, is a formal letter that you might have to submit when applying for an educational program or a job. Its goal is to show the hiring manager or admissions officer why you’re the perfect candidate for the position.

Motivational letters are typically submitted alongside your CV or resume . Unlike a cover letter, which gives practical examples of how your skills and experience match the opening, a motivational letter focuses more on your personality, interests, and motivation to apply.

When Do You Need a Motivational Letter?

A motivational letter is usually required when an organization wants to gauge your enthusiasm, cultural fit, and motivations for a particular opportunity.

There are a few situations when you might need to submit a motivational letter, such as:

• You’re applying for an educational program.
• You’re applying to work at a non-profit organization or mission-driven company.
• You’re applying for an internship in a competitive field.
• You’re applying for a volunteer position at a charity or non-government organization.
• You’re applying for a grant, fellowship, or some sort of scholarship .

No matter the situation, a motivational letter serves to express your distinct driving forces and convey your enthusiasm for that specific role, program, or opportunity. That’s why, done right, a motivational letter can convince the reader to go through your application in detail.

However, if the specific position doesn’t explicitly require a motivational letter or other written statement, you might be better off learning how to write a cover letter instead. Cover letters can be a great addition to your application and help you stand out from other candidates who are only relying on their resumes.

How to Write a Motivational Letter

Now that you know what a motivational letter is, it’s time to write your own.

Just follow the steps we’ve outlined, and you’ll be done in no time:

#1. Address Your Letter Appropriately

Your motivational letter should include a header with all the necessary contact details.

For starters, this means you should include your contact information , such as your full name, email address, phone number, and any other details that might be necessary for your application.

Additionally, you should include your intended audience’s contact details. Depending on where and what you’re applying for, this might be either a hiring manager or an admissions officer.

To establish a connection with the reader, include a personalized greeting instead of the generic “To Whom It May Concern.” To do that, you have to find out who the hiring manager or admissions officer is.

Start by doing a bit of research. Review the job listing, the program’s official page, or the application instructions. If you can’t find their name there, check the organization’s website and look for a staff directory.

Once you have their name, address your motivational letter professionally . We recommend using an identifier followed by their last name. But if you’re not sure about their title or gender, you can just use their full name, too. For example:

• Dear Mr. Smith,
• Dear Dr. Singh,
• Dear Cameron Smith,

Just avoid informal greetings like "Hey, John!" – your motivational letter is still meant to be a formal document.

#2. Stick to the Program Requirements

Writing a captivating motivational letter is all about showing the hiring manager or admissions officer how you meet the requirements for the position.

To help get the ball rolling as you start drafting your motivational letter, ask yourself: 

• What kind of applicants are usually admitted to the program? 
• How do you fulfill the requirements?

First, you need to know the exact program requirements and explain how your background and strengths align with the outlined criteria.

Comb through the details the organization has provided about the ideal skills, experiences, qualifications, or personal qualities they’re looking for in a candidate. Maybe they want someone proficient in data analysis , or they’re prioritizing candidates who are passionate about the industry.

Just remember –  you don’t have to highlight how you meet all the listed requirements if your application already includes a detailed academic CV . Just identify the top three to five requirements and give concrete examples of how you meet each.

Here’s an example:

Requirement: Minimum 2 years of volunteer experience

“I was a medical volunteer in Namibia for three years. It’s one of my most fulfilling adventures and transformative experiences so far since I am passionate about helping others. I believe it broadened my horizons and made me more resilient.”

#3. Align with Their Values

Your motivational letter should explain what drives you and show the reader how you share their organization’s values.

Take time to thoroughly research the organization , its culture, objectives, and driving forces. Find what resonates with your own beliefs and goals and mention it in your motivational letter.

But don’t just randomly sprinkle keywords into your letter. Instead, thoughtfully use your passion to build a narrative that shows how your values align with the institution’s mission. 

Be sure to give concrete examples. For instance, if the company values sustainability, you might want to share an anecdotal example, such as:

Values: Sustainability, Climate Action, Nature Conservation

I have a deep passion for nature conservation, and I have volunteered extensively with environmental organizations, especially in restoring local wetland habitats. I also practice eco-friendly habits in my professional life by advocating for reducing workplace waste and single-use plastics.

#4. Express Genuine Interest

Above all, your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there.

That said, there is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. Generic statements can come across as insincere and unmotivated. Instead, write about what really attracted you to the opportunity.

Be as specific as possible and express your passion without necessarily begging them for a chance. For example:

• I would love to live in Aberdeen because I’m fascinated by Highlander culture, and I’m excited to dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community dedicated to the arts, music, and preserving Scottish traditions.
• It is my dream to be part of the Environmental Science Master's program because of its cutting-edge research in sustainable energy solutions and marine conservation efforts, which align with my passion for protecting our planet's ecosystems.

Specific examples and details show you've invested time learning about the organization, which helps your genuine passion shine through your motivational letter.

#5. Personalize It

While showcasing how you meet requirements is crucial, don't be afraid to let some of your personality and voice shine through.

Use descriptive adjectives to paint a fuller picture of who you are beyond just your credentials. Are you an endlessly curious, lifelong learner? A creative problem-solver? Passionate about how technological advancements can be used to increase sustainability?

Let your distinct character and values shine through to make your motivational letter more memorable and help differentiate you from other applicants. This can convey important soft skills and give the reader a glimpse of the person behind the qualifications.

Just make sure you’re still presenting a polished bit of personality and keeping it relevant to the opportunity. For example, if you’re applying for an MA in mathematics, don’t mention your passion for historical re-enactment.

Are you applying for an academic program? Learn how to write an academic personal statement here.

#6. Don’t Just Recap Your CV

Using your motivational letter to simply summarize your CV is a wasted opportunity. If the application requires a motivational letter, they’re looking to get to know you beyond the required stats and qualifications. 

The person reading your motivational letter is looking for the context around your motivations, passions, and aspirations. So, instead of just listing credentials, expand on the driving forces behind your experiences and decisions.

If you’re applying for a master's program, for example, mention your relevant undergraduate coursework, but also explain what sparked your interest in this specialization and why this path is personally meaningful. So, if you’re a History undergrad, elaborate on how volunteering at the archaeology museum made you pursue a graduate degree in Museum Studies and Curatorship.

Here’s a practical example of how that might look:

As a History undergraduate, my passion for preserving and sharing our cultural narratives was sparked by a semester-long museum internship. Working alongside curators as they brought ancient artifacts and stories to life through compelling exhibits opened my eyes to the vital role museums play in education and connecting communities to their roots.

This experience solidified my drive to pursue museum studies at the graduate level, where I can develop professional expertise in responsible collection stewardship, thoughtful exhibition development, and engaging public programming that keeps our shared histories vibrant and accessible for all.

Getting your documents ready for that application? Learn how to write a resume with our detailed guide.

#7. Convey Your Ambitions

Your motivational letter should express your ambitions and aspirations just as much as your relevant achievements . Admissions committees and employers who ask for motivational letters want to clearly understand both your goals and how this opportunity aligns with them.

Share your vision for how you plan to apply the knowledge, essential skills, or experience you'll gain. If it's a job, explain how it will prepare you for further career growth and impact in that field. For an academic program, discuss how you aim to contribute to cutting-edge research or become a leader and mentor.

Don't be afraid to think big - motivated candidates often have big goals of driving innovation, making a difference, or pushing boundaries in their discipline. Just make sure your aspirations are realistic and show that you have a plan and are truly invested in this path for the long term.

Here’s an example of how you can convey your ambitions in your motivational letter:

My long-term goal is to become a leader in sustainable urban design and planning that seamlessly integrates green infrastructure into the built environment. This master's program will equip me with the interdisciplinary skills to develop eco-friendly architectural solutions and climate-resilient city policies that prioritize environmental conservation alongside economic growth and social equity.

#8. Don’t Lie

One of the biggest mistakes you could make while writing your motivational letter is lying.

If you write anything remotely false, the reader will likely sense it. When you lie, you’re likely to unconsciously exaggerate your feelings and ideas. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you won’t get anywhere.

Your dishonesty is likely to be exposed and severely damage your credibility, leading to an immediate rejection.

Honesty and integrity are essential to writing an effective motivational letter. The goal of this document is to truly reflect who you are, why you’re the best match for this opportunity, and what you hope to achieve.

Don’t worry if you think your life so far just isn’t impressive enough to write a captivating story. No matter where you’re coming from, you can show the reader your unique perspective, personal growth, and unwavering determination to pursue your passions.

#9. Use a Motivational Letter Template

If you want your motivational letter to make a striking first impression, presentation matters.

A basic black-and-white document from a text editor will hardly stand out. Instead, try one of our professionally designed motivational letter templates for an attention-grabbing solution!

Novoresume offers modern, eye-catching templates that can give your motivational letter a polished look. You can even use the resume builder to match your motivational letter to one of our sleek resume templates for a coherent application.

Save precious time on formatting and create a visually flawless application in no time!

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

You’ve got the gist of how to write a motivational letter down, but it’s just as important to know how to structure it.

If your motivational letter is a messy, haphazard series of unrelated paragraphs, it simply won’t make the cut. You need your motivational letter to tell a coherent story, and this is where the structure comes in.

The whole process will probably require a few drafts until you get to the perfect, polished motivational letter. You might have to move around paragraphs or sentences until you have the ideal story that compliments your application, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time.

Let’s look at what each motivational letter looks like and includes:

#1. Contact Details

Start by adding all the relevant contact information at the top of your motivational letter.

Here’s what to include:

• Full Name. Place your first and last name at the top of the page.
• Professional Title. Match your professional title to the specific position you're aiming for. E.g.: if you’re applying for a Ph.D., write “Ph.D. candidate”.
• Email Address. Include a professional and straightforward email address. We recommend sticking to something that combines your first and last name.
• Phone Number. Include your phone number and add the dialing code in front if you’re applying overseas.
• Location. Adding your city and state/country is more than enough.
• Relevant Links. Optionally, you can include links to any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as a portfolio, a blog, a LinkedIn profile , etc.

Then, add the contact information of the admissions officer or hiring manager reading your motivational letter, such as:

• Organization’s Name. Start with the name of the organization to which you're sending your application.
• Recipient’s Name. If possible, find the name of the exact person who's going to be viewing your application, such as the hiring manager or the admissions officer for the department you're interested in. Check the organization’s website to get a head start.
• Recipient’s Title. Always address the reader professionally. For example, if they’re a professor or doctor in their field, use the appropriate identifier.
• Location. Provide the exact address of the organization you’re applying to. Include the city, state, country, and street number, and even specify the building if necessary.

#2. Introduction

Begin your motivational letter with a strong introduction.

The first few sentences need to be attention-grabbing – do this through a short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying.

Here’s what you can include:

• A summary of who you are and what you do.
• Details about what you’re applying for and where.
• A prelude to the bulk of your motivational letter.

Remember - this part only needs to include the general reasons behind your application, since you’ll have the opportunity to make a deep dive later on in the body of your motivational letter.

Let’s look at an example of what your introduction could look like:

Dear Dr. Octavio,

My name is Jane Doe, and I would like to express my interest in applying for the Ph.D. Robotics program at Columbia University. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a robotics engineer and contributing to advancement in the field, and I believe that a Ph.D. in Robotics from this university would set me miles ahead of reaching my goal.

The body of your motivational letter is where you get to really sell yourself.

It’s also where the bulk of your text is going to be, so it determines your motivational letter as a whole.

There are two things you should keep in mind when writing this section of your motivational letter: the paragraph structure and the paragraph contents.

Generally, there are two main paragraph-based structures for your motivational letter.

First is the classic, three-main-paragraph structure, where each paragraph accounts for your introduction, body, and conclusion. If you’re using a storytelling approach for your motivational letter, we recommend sticking to this one.

However, if you want to be more factual and to the point, we recommend trying the seven-paragraph structure. It divides the main body of your motivational letter into smaller paragraphs according to your main points, where each discusses a specific achievement, experience, or aspiration.

Use the body of your motivational letter to mention the stories behind your achievements, essential skills , and passion for whatever you’re applying for.

This is the right place to be as detailed and factual as possible. Give concrete examples of what motivated you to apply for this position, and show how that directly relates to what the organization is looking for in a candidate.

Here are some sentences you can paraphrase and use to help you write the body of your motivational letter:

• My passion for [field] started when [experience] . 
• I want to [join this organization] because [ motivation] . 
• I have been part of [relevant organization or field] for [amount of time] . It’s the best thing for me because [reason] .
• I remember once when I [experience] , which made me realize that I [gained interest in the specific field] .
• [Organization or program] resonates with me because [specific reason] .
• What distinguishes me from my peers is [something you’re proud of] .

Let’s look at a brief example of how this is put into practice.

I developed my passion for digital marketing during my internship at XYZ Inc. Working for a small startup allowed me to gain surface-level experience in most digital marketing channels. Now, I would like to deep-dive and gain advanced know-how by attending the Buffalo College Marketing program.

#4. Conclusion

After finishing the body of your motivational letter, it’s time to wrap it up and send it in.

Use this section to briefly summarize your main points and remind the reader why you’d be a great fit for the organization or program you’re interested in.

Then, mention your overarching career goal and how that aligns with their organization’s mission.

Finally, thank the reader for their time and sign off on your motivational letter. Here’s an example:

Therefore, I believe that my strong academic foundation in environmental studies and hands-on fieldwork experience are qualifications that position me to make outstanding contributions to your master's program. I believe that the knowledge I gain in the Sustainability and International Relations program will play a pivotal role in my mission of shaping innovative policies and scientific solutions to combat climate change and protect our planet's biodiversity for future generations.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to join UCLA in the fall semester.

George Maxton

How to Format a Motivational Letter

Always review your motivation letter carefully and stick to any stated requirements or guidelines for your application.

Organizations will sometimes include formatting specifications, like word count or page limits, or even questions they want you to answer in your motivational letter.

If you’re writing a motivational letter for an academic program, you can usually find this information on the admissions requirements webpage or within the provided application materials. 

For job applications, these details are usually listed on the job ad or in the company's job application portal.

Always follow these rules exactly as stated. Going off script could get your application immediately rejected since it shows you’re either not attentive or you’re not taking the opportunity seriously.

If, on the other hand, there aren’t any guidelines for your motivational letter, we recommend you follow these tips:

• Keep your motivational letter one page long.
• Use a clear structure with concise paragraphs to make your letter easy to skim.
• Choose a professional font like Lora or Roboto and make sure it’s sized 11-12 pt.
• Set your page margins to one inch on all sides so your page doesn’t look too cluttered or too empty.
• Include the date you wrote your motivational letter for an extra professional touch.
• Use powerful words and action verbs (“designed” and “conceptualized”) instead of cliched phrases (“helped with” and “managed”).
• Smoothly connect your thoughts through transition words.
• Proofread carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Include a professional closing line like "Sincerely" at the end of your text.
• Print your motivational letter out and sign it, or send it as a PDF to preserve your formatting.

Motivational Letter Example

Let’s look at an example of a great motivational letter for a Ph.D. program at Harvard University and go through just what this candidate does right:

The candidate’s letter to Harvard University’s Department of Political Science starts by addressing the person in charge of admissions for the Ph.D. program they’re interested in.

The general requirements for the Political Science program are:

• Being research inclined
• Having a demonstrated passion for politics
• Showing above-average performance during undergraduate studies 

The values of the university they’re applying to are integrity, education, respect, and accountability.

The candidate’s motivational letter is neatly divided into a total of five paragraphs, of which three make up the body of the text.

Here’s how they highlight their motivation:

• They know the history of the university and share the same values.
• They’re genuinely excited and passionate about the program and the school.
• They show what their qualifications are and how they’ll be a great fit for the program.
• They explain what they hope to achieve if they get the opportunity to study at Harvard.

Essentially, the candidate has listed all their qualifications through a personal story. After reading this letter, the admissions officer will feel like they know the candidate adequately, especially since they have communicated who they are by highlighting how they match everything the Ph.D. program is looking for in an applicant.

Need more inspiration? Check out our 60+ cover letter examples for different professions.

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end of our guide!

Now, you know everything there is to know about motivational letters. We’re confident you’re a shoo-in for that position you have your sights set on!

But before we go, let’s quickly sum up what we’ve covered so far:

• A motivational letter is a formal document that’s usually required when applying for university admissions, a non-profit organization, or a volunteer position.
• Motivational letters are different from cover letters since they focus more on your interests, passions, and ambitions than on your skills and achievements.
• Generally, there are two ways to structure your motivational letter, depending on whether you want to tell a story or factually go through all the points that make you an ideal candidate.
• The introduction of your motivational letter should be brief and immediately grab the reader’s attention. Use it to tell them who you are and why you’re interested in applying for the specific opportunity.
• Always do your research on the specific program or organization. This can help you show genuine interest and convey your aspirations for the future in this field.
• Make your motivational letter stand out by using one of Novorésumé’s templates and giving the admissions officer or hiring manager a gorgeous first impression.

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6 Unique Tips for Writing a Brilliant Motivational Essay

Fortunately, in the contemporary world we live in, we can pursue have numerous education paths.

However, choosing college and career path is only half the battle.

The hard part is gaining admissions into the school of your dreams. Make no mistake: this is not an easy task. Most schools require not only outstanding grades, but also a thorough motivational essay explaining your motives for pursuing your chosen major at their institution.

This is the opportunity to stand out and show your character and ability to turn your education into a successful venture.

In the following article, we will give you some writing tips and practical advice on how to write a superb essay for college admissions and earn that acceptance letter.

1. Do your research

One of the most common mistakes people make when writing a motivational essay is creating a template piece for every college they apply to. This is a huge no-no, and here’s why: each academic establishment has its own agenda and preferences.

Some appreciate social initiatives and volunteering experience, some look for passion and determination to succeed, while others pay more attention to grades and test scores.

Try to research your chosen school as much as possible and write a unique essay accordingly. Sometimes colleges provide specific questions they want to see answered in your essay, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Edit your work so the readers will feel the school’s spirit in your essay. It’s a good start to help your application stand out from the crowd.

2. Be personal

This part may surprise you: you don’t need to be an excellent writer. Sites like EduBirdie might save you some time, but they skip over the real reasons colleges want a motivational letter. Colleges want to get to know you — the person behind the application forms, documents, and numbers.

They want to see what your aspirations are, what you like to do, why you decided to pursue this particular path, and what you consider your strengths to be.

A generic, standard letter with no personality simply won’t. Don’t just repeat your application verbatim — embrace your life and interests and show off the real you! Try to present yourself in an informal way; don’t worry about formalities.

Let the university staff get to see your unique character and way of thinking; perhaps you can include a relevant joke or an anecdote from your life that is connected with your choice of profession, etc.

A strong personal approach goes a very long way here — trust us.

3. Drafts are important

First impressions matters. In the case of college applications, your first impression is in your motivational essay . Of course, you want to give a good first impression. Proper grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation are the key. This is why editing and revising your text is crucial.

Play around with word choice, ensure the paragraphs are clear and concise, and pay close attention to sentence structure. You can even use an Online Word Counter Tool to help you size up your draft properly.

Online programs like Grammarly are great for checking spelling and other possible issues in your writing. If the admission committee reads an essay with a clear sense of purpose, excellent grammar, and determination, they will see the applicant as a good fit because they understand the applicant’s goals and abilities. Don’t underestimate the power of proper styling and grammar.

4. Survey your essay

This may seem like an odd tip, but it can help with your essay quite a lot. If you’re unsure about the motivational essay you’ve written, or maybe you’re looking for ways to make it more memorable, try creating an online survey. You can put it out to the masses on social media, or even ask a few close friends to take a read and give you their thoughts.

Ask their opinion on your writing: what points are the strongest, what areas did you struggle, and how could you improve. This will provide you with real feedback to identify any issues you may have overlooked.

5. Get to the point

It may seem alluring to include every seemingly-relevant detail in your motivational essay. However, this can make the whole piece come across as vague and all over the place. Pick a couple of routes to follow, assess your best qualities, and decide what areas of your life and background you wish to include.

Don’t try to cram in every idea that crosses your mind; this will only clutter your essay! One good suggestion is to ask your friends and family to list your best characteristics, skills, and talents, then pick a few of most common to include in your essay.

6.Professional goals matter

While showing personality in your essay is essential, don’t forget to talk about your professional goals. Clearly state your motivation for choosing this career path and why you’re most suited for it. Explain why you are the best candidate for the program. Don’t overdo it by showing off or praising yourself too much.

Instead, talk about what personality traits will help you success, and where you plan on going with the degree you earn.

Remember, balance is the key to a good motivational essay; putting less information than needed is just as bad as putting too much. Getting too personal and informal will harm your application,but so will being too bland and official.

The secret is to maintain balance, and include only the points that matter. The most important advice is be yourself and be inspired.

For more great college tips, check out the other blogs on College Basics.

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Your documents are prepared, your CV is finalised and your application is almost ready to submit – but you’re stuck on the motivational essays. You know you are ready for your master’s degree , and you know you’re a great candidate. But how can you make sure your confidence and expertise come across in your motivational essays?

Start with a powerful hook

A tried-and-true writing tip. Kick off your essay with a compelling anecdote, quote, question, or fun fact that grabs the reader’s attention and kicks off your narrative. Did a business leader say something that sparked your interest in the field years ago? What inspirational phrase keeps you going through exam week? Let us know!

Share personal stories

What academic triumphs or professional bumps in the road led you to where you are today? How did your pathway twist and turn? Your readers can probably relate and will connect with your message if they can see themselves in your story. Perhaps you experienced a setback or hardship that had a silver lining or joined an extracurricular club that changed your life. Maybe your experience abroad challenged your preconceived cultural notions. More details will draw your reader in and paint a brighter picture of your unique experience.

Use vivid descriptions and imagery

We know you are not applying to a creative writing programme here, but you will stand out if your essays are vibrant and specific. At the very least, your essays should be more than a prose format of your CV. Better yet, use sensory adjectives to breathe life into your story. You are passionate about your field of study and have cool experiences to share – let it show!

Be vulnerable and honest

Don’t be afraid to share your failures along with your successes. Showing you have the skills to overcome challenges and grow as an individual is inspiring to read and has the added bonus of demonstrating your resilience. We have all experienced challenges along the way, and completing a master’s programme is a challenge in itself. Show your reader you can capably face the inevitable setbacks and complications, and you are sure to leave an impression.

Incorporate wit and humour

Light-hearted stories or clever twists keep the tone engaging and relatable. Just as we’ve all had challenges in life, we have all experienced funny moments, too. If adding humour is part of your writing style, embrace it. If not, you can leave it out. In any case, just be mindful to maintain an appropriate tone regarding your topic and audience.

Answer the questions

This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students simply make a list of their accomplishments without actually reading if that’s what the essay questions asked for! First, read the questions. Then, you can do a bit of research on the institution if necessary and have a final look (or ask a friend!) to make sure the essay you just put effort into actually answers the question.

These tips can help you craft attention-grabbing and memorable essays. Even though the motivational essays are one part of your profile that will be reviewed by the admissions team, it doesn’t hurt to put your best foot forward whenever you can. As we said above, you already have a CV with your list of accolades and accomplishments. Don’t make the mistake of rewriting your CV here and lose the opportunity to let your unique stories shine in your motivational essays. This is your chance to make an impression on the admissions team and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to the next stage of the application process: the interview.

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How to write a successful motivational letter - Easy to use guide with free templates

Most university courses, from undergraduate degrees onwards, expect a fair bit from applicants. Not only does each course have set academic requirements and forms to fill out; most applicants will also be asked to provide examples of their work, a CV, and even undertake special course-specific preparatory exams. Many masters courses – especially some very competitive ones, like the top MBA s – encourage applicants to obtain letters of recommendation from senior colleagues or academic supervisors. Atop this sheaf of papers sits the most intimidating prospect of all: the motivational letter.

      Free Motivation letter templates for your first job application

      Free Motivation letter templates for an internship application

A motivational letter, also known as a personal statement or a cover letter, is a short piece of writing all about you; your past, your ambitions, your personality, and your interests. While completing CVs and forms can be a little dry and boring, motivational letters can be hard to write . The combination of needing to produce such an intimate piece of writing, worded in such a way that it comes across as both authentic and professional, and then using it to sell yourself to a university, creates the perfect recipe for social awkwardness and writer’s block.

Despite the difficulty of writing a decent motivational letter, it’s a fundamental skill in today’s jobs market – once you leave full-time education, you’ll need to write motivational letters to potential employers . With this in mind, writing a motivational letter for a masters degree is excellent practice. Below, we’ve prepared a couple of fail-safe techniques you can apply to writing a motivational letter so that it won’t either sound sterile or arrogant, and will help you stand out from the crowd.

Cover the basics: The central function of a motivational letter is to convince the admissions team at the university of your choice to offer you a place, or invite you to interview. Make sure that the letter is structured in such a way that it serves this purpose – it is usual to conclude a motivational letter by asking directly that you be admitted or invited for interview, depending upon what the next step of the admissions process is. Equally important is the calibre of your written language; if your motivational letter is riddled with grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, or doesn’t make sense, the university will almost certainly refuse to admit you. A great starting point is to look at some templates for motivational letters in your chosen field, to see how they are structured, and what key points you need to cover.

Get personal: A standard for all cover letters – including those for job-seekers – is that you must address your letter to a specific person. For your masters course, it could be the Head of Department, or the academic staff member responsible for your masters study programme . If you will be working closely with an academic supervisor – as with most research degrees – your cover-letter should be addressed to the academic you’d prefer to supervise you. Use the university’s website to figure out who the right person is, and address the letter to them using their name and title.

Show, don’t tell: This is true of CVs, and is true of motivational letters too. “I am a good leader” sounds a lot weaker than “I led a group of my fellow students on a week long climbing expedition, where we successfully…”. Avoid any overly ambiguous statements, as these can diminish the confidence the admissions team may have in your motivations. Also, make sure not to show things twice – if you’ve discussed something extensively in your CV, don’t dwell on it in your motivational letter.

Do your research: Academic institutions often have a lot to say about their values, priorities and vision. What’s your target institution’s motto? Do they prioritise sports , arts , or something else? Do they have a statement of values? How do you reflect these things? The most important question to think about in relation to these things – why is it that you want to go here? Weaving your knowledge of these things into your letter is a great way to assure admissions tutors that your choice to study at their institution is an informed one.

Be specific: One of the biggest problems at application is that candidates don’t adequately explain why it is they want to study what they’ve applied for. Remember, you’ve got to explain your choice of subject, and your choice of institution. Not just “Why Biology ?” but “Why Biology at this university?” If you don’t yet have answers to this question, then it is well worth going through the University’s website again, to work out what inspired you to take the next step, and apply for your chosen course.

Write a story: People love stories. They like to be taken on a journey, and brought to a satisfying conclusion. A list of superlatives or accomplishments is nowhere near as compelling as an epic story that weaves all that you’ve done into a coherent account, that supports the choice you’ve made to apply. Like all stories, make sure your motivational letter has a clear beginning, a middle, and an end . These should all follow logically on from one another, so that the reader is left feeling convinced of the suitability of your chosen course and institution, to your skills, experience, and goals.

Be interesting: This is without doubt the most important feature of a motivational letter – you absolutely must capture the reader’s interest. If you come across as boring (or worse, bored) on paper, it’s much less likely that you’ll get a positive reply. But furthermore, the interest you express has got to be personal, and it must relate directly to your motives . It’s absolutely no use whatever to produce some bland, boring page or two about hard work and how interested you are in your subject. This is exactly what every other candidate will write, and for the most competitive courses, you will want to stand out. But the best way to do this is not to try to be someone else; be yourself. Mention the fact that you like juggling. Talk about how you felt when your father was laid off work. Begin from your earliest memory. So long as what you say relates to what makes you the person you are, and then why that person has chosen to apply for this course, it deserves to be there.

What underscores all these points is a simple, and very ancient, piece of advice; know thyself . Nobody expects you to have everything figured out when you apply for a masters, but they will at least expect you to have a firm grasp of what you want out of the degree you’ve chosen to apply for. It’s in nobody’s interests for students to undertake courses for which they are ill-prepared, or that they haven’t really thought through – all you need to do is show your chosen university that this doesn’t apply to you.

And let’s face it; a masters degree is a fantastic opportunity, that will allow you to gain an expert understanding of a field about which you are passionate, and will build a bridge to a career that excites you – what could be easier to write about than that? But if you prefer to get some guidance, have a look at our motivational letter templates below.

Example 1: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Science Degree (MSc)

Dear sir /Madam,

My name is [name] and most recently I have been working as a [job title] at [company name]. I hold a B.Sc degree in [subject] from [university name].

The undergraduate curriculum in [subject], [university name], introduced me to a wide variety of subjects in the field of [subject]. Various courses like [course 1], [course 2], [course 3] (name all relevant courses) provided me with a strong footing in [subject of the masters degree].

While offering both depth and breadth across this field, these courses put into perspective the importance and relevance of [subject] and the application of its fundamentals to the problems faced by the real world.

I am much eager to adopt and know new technologies. I am really enthusiastic to attend a Master of [subject] at [university name] in order to understand different [subject] concepts and its applications to more complex real life situations. The good reputation of high-quality education standards, an extremely distinguished faculty members, and research facilities are the factors which have motivated me to apply for my masters studies at [university name].

Moreover, I feel I am responsible for making a big move in this field and this scholarship will give me a big chance to be one day someone who is remembered for his innovations. I think it is our duty as people sharing life in this world to make our future better because the future is not only ours. The next generation should be proud of us one day when they look back and find how hard we worked to make the world a better place. I believe my qualification and your needs would be an excellent fit. I will be happy to provide any further information or documents if required. I look forward to your positive response. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Example 2: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Art Degree (M.A.)

Dear Prof. [name],

I am writing to inform you of my interest in the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name].

I currently hold my Bachelor’s of Arts in Art History [subject] from the University of [name], having graduated with cum laude with a GPA of 3.82 [grade]. After attending the University of [name], I completed a 3 month internship at the National Gallery in London (GB) followed by a 6 months internship at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (USA).

During my studies and internships I developed a deep interest in Italian Art, with a particular focus on artists form the 17th century. Having worked under the supervision of Prof. [name] at the National Gallery enabled me to get a very deep understanding of [specific subject] and I see the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name] as a unique opportunity to intensify my knowledge and continue my studies.

Given my education and experience from [university name], National Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, I am confident that I am an excellent fit for the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name]. I have researched the program and determined that the coursework and research profile of the college are a strong match. I’m particularly impressed by the volumes of [name] books in the university’s library, which are of particular interest for me and which I would love to study in great detail.

If you have any further questions, please contact me using the information at the top of this letter.

Did you know that most students apply to 5-7 different masters programs? The reasons for that are very simple: the more programs you apply to, the more options will you have to choose from in the end. You should therefore always apply to multiple programs. The best way to find alternative programs is to just search for them here on mastersavenue . It's free and super fast. Why don't you give it a go?

Are you looking for more free tempaltes? 

- > Motivation letter templates for your first job application

-> Motivation letter templates for an internship application

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Motivation Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on motivation.

Everyone suggests other than the person lack motivation, or directly suggests the person remain motivated. But, no one ever tells what is the motivation of how one can stay motivated. Motivation means to face the obstacle and find an inspiration that helps you to go through tough times. In addition, it helps you to move further in life.

Meaning of Motivation

Motivation is something that cannot be understood with words but with practice. It means to be moved by something so strongly that it becomes an inspiration for you. Furthermore, it is a discipline that helps you to achieve your life goals and also helps to be successful in life .

Besides, it the most common practice that everyone does whether it is your boss in office or a school teacher or a university professor everyone motivates others in a way or other.

Role of Motivation

It is a strong tool that helps to get ahead in life. For being motivated we need a driving tool or goal that keeps us motivated and moves forward. Also, it helps in being progressive both physically and mentally.

Moreover, your goal does not be to big and long term they can be small and empowering. Furthermore, you need the right mindset to be motivated.

Besides, you need to push your self towards your goal no one other than you can push your limit. Also, you should be willing to leave your comfort zone because your true potential is going to revel when you leave your comfort zone.

Types of Motivation

Although there are various types of motivation according to me there are generally two types of motivation that are self- motivation and motivation by others.

Self-motivation- It refers to the power of someone to stay motivated without the influence of other situations and people. Furthermore, self-motivated people always find a way to reason and strength to complete a task. Also, they do not need other people to encourage them to perform a challenging task.

Motivation by others- This motivation requires help from others as the person is not able to maintain a self-motivated state. In this, a person requires encouragement from others. Also, he needs to listen to motivational speeches, a strong goal and most importantly and inspiration.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Motivation

Motivation is very important for the overall development of the personality and mind of the people. It also puts a person in action and in a competitive state. Furthermore, it improves efficiency and desire to achieve the goal. It leads to stability and improvement in work.

Above all, it satisfies a person’s needs and to achieve his/her goal. It helps the person to fight his negative attitude. The person also tries to come out of his/her comfort zone so that she/ he can achieve the goal.

To conclude, motivation is one of the key elements that help a person to be successful. A motivated person tries to push his limits and always tries to improve his performance day by day. Also, the person always gives her/his best no matter what the task is. Besides, the person always tries to remain progressive and dedicated to her/his goals.

FAQs about Motivation Essay

Q.1 Define what is motivation fit. A.1 This refers to a psychological phenomenon in which a person assumes or expects something from the job or life but gets different results other than his expectations. In a profession, it is a primary criterion for determining if the person will stay or leave the job.

Q.2 List some best motivators. A.2 some of the best motivators are:

• Inspiration
• Fear of failure
• Power of Rejection
• Don’t pity your self
• Be assertive
• Stay among positive and motivated people
• Be calm and visionary

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Practical guide: how to write an effective motivation letter

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Are you required to write a motivation letter but don't know where to start? It’s a document that might be difficult to tackle at first, but you'll soon find that, with a little practice and a few easy techniques, it can be a tool that helps you stand out over other candidates . 

In fact, knowing how to write an effective motivation letter is a key step in the various types of selection process , and on many occasions, it often means the difference between a yes and a no. Ultimately, it's a matter of method, clearly-defined goals and a sprinkling of creativity . If you're looking to learn about the basic structure, pick up a few tips and find out which mistakes to avoid when writing a motivation letter , let us explain all. 

Tips to write a motivation letter: mistakes to avoid

If you're wondering how to write a motivation letter, the first thing to bear in mind is that the aim of the document is to catch the reader's attention and convince them. To do this, you'll have to explain —both on a personal and professional level— exactly why you're applying for this job, scholarship, place on a course, etc. The point is to demonstrate you have a genuine interest, that your journey is aligned with what they're looking for, and that you know how to convey as much.

Before you get down to writing, you need to be very clear about your reasons . Note down everything you think should be included in your motivation letter. Consider key points such as academic achievements, ambitions, goals and, above all, the reasons why you want to apply for the specific course or job. 

Once you've clarified that, it's time to begin. When it comes to drafting your motivation letter, we recommend the following:

Pay attention to the form, content, order of ideas and structure. Don't beat around the bush or you will lose your reader's precious attention. So, make sure you include only the necessary details and avoid elaborating on points that are irrelevant.

Use a clear, legible font of a size between 10 - 12, with line spacing and margins of 2.5cm.

Clear and concise wording is always a winner. Don't get bogged down in technicalities that divert attention away from what matters. But do make the most of compelling techniques such as storytelling .

Watch out for tone. Make sure it’s in line with the place you're applying to and keep it consistent from start to finish.

Research the institution, course and its values. One you are clear on that, align your objectives with those of the scholarship or job you're interested in.

Make your motivation letter one of a kind —just as the opportunity you're applying for is to you. To make the task easier, ask yourself a few questions such as: what would you do if you got it? Why do you want to be at that specific organisation or institution? What can you offer them?

Craft a conclusion that grabs the reader's attention and makes your motivation letter memorable. Exploit devices such as empathy and talk about how your life experience has brought you here or how this opportunity would help you to fulfil a personal goal.

Length matters: don't make it too brief, but don't write a lengthy essay either. One page should suffice, although it depends what you're applying for. A length of around 400 to 600 words is ideal.

Read it over several times, and even leave it overnight, if possible, to give yourself perspective on what you've written. Another useful technique is to read it out loud. This will help you to identify problems in the draft, spelling mistakes, inconsistencies and errors that might do some damage.

Whether you're writing or proofreading, there are a few things that you need to avoid. Some of the most common errors are:

Writing long paragraphs: avoid long, drawn-out paragraphs as they make reading more difficult and distract the reader's attention. Ideally, paragraphs should be no more than six lines each.

Using sentences with 'I': try not to use 'I' in sentences and avoid pompous descriptions of your skills. It's also a bad idea to use negatively-framed sentences.

Writing your letter using a template: don't copy an example letter word for word. One of the fundamentals of a motivation letter is to be natural and original.

Structuring a motivation letter for a scholarship, university or change of job

Besides following this advice to add clarity and a persuasive tone to your text, you should consider the standard structure of a motivation letter —although the content also needs to be original, in other words, a personal text that conveys who you are.  In general, it will comprise the following elements:

A greeting , which varies depending on how formal the institution or company is that your letter of motivation is being sent to, in application for a scholarship or job. Start with a "Dear Mr/ Ms...", "To whom it may concern", "Dear Sir/Madam", or "Dear [job title/ position]".

An introduction paragraph that includes the reason for your letter and application. Get straight down to how you found out about the vacancy or opportunity, and your interest in applying. It is common to start with a stock phrase such as: "I am contacting you to...", "With this letter, I would like to express my interest...".

The body of your letter should consist of one or two paragraphs where you outline your talents, abilities, qualifications and interests that are directly related to the Master's, course or job you're applying for. Describe these points in a compelling way, persuading the reader to read on and learn more about you, your background and ambitions.

Then write a conclusion . If your motivation letter is for a scholarship, then here, emphasise why you're interested and indicate why you've chosen this specific course or programme. If it's for a job, underscore your hopes for a job interview .

Lastly, say thanks and add a formal closing , such as "Yours sincerely," and your full name.

Motivation letters: a tool to help you stand out

It is important to make the most of your motivation letter and stand out from the other candidates so, if there's anything missing or your letter fails to convince, ask your family or friends to read it over and share their opinion. A different perspective can help to change the focus.

However, if you follow these tips and methods, you should be able to craft a motivation letter that grabs the recipient's attention and helps you to secure the scholarship or job you want. After all, it's a key tool to boost your employability.

With this aim in mind, and to help people progress, overcome the challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution and grow in an inclusive and sustainable way, Banco Santander backs three key concepts to promote employability: lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling. To this end, it has developed the Santander Open Academy  website, a unique, pioneering global programme.

Do you want to develop professional skills that will help you access better job opportunities? Discover Santander Open Academy , the training space you need to keep growing.

Join our global platform for learning and professional development and access courses at zero cost, training content in a wide range of formats and scholarships from leading universities and institutions. If, like us, you believe that we should never stop learning, sign up here and find out what we have for you!

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Home > Blog > Inspirational College Application Essay Decoded!

Challenges in College , Getting Into College , Going Back to College , Tips for Online Students , Tips for Students

Inspirational College Application Essay Decoded!

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: October 29, 2021

If you are applying to a college that requires a college application essay, you will undoubtedly want your college essay to leave a lasting impression on its readers. 

Many colleges request a college application essay; some colleges will provide prospective students with the topic they want you to write about, while others will leave the choice up to you.  

So, how do you write an inspirational essay? There’s no single right way to source college essay inspiration, but there are some recommendations that we’ve compiled here to help you along with your process. 

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement, or college application essay, is an opportunity to share something about yourself through writing that the college admissions team won’t necessarily glean from your resume , transcript, or letters of recommendation. 

It provides applicants with the space to share more about their personality and complement the other pieces of your application to offer a well-rounded picture of who you are. 

Things to Note 

Before you get started on your college essay, there are some important things to keep in mind . You’ll likely have been spending a lot of time compiling all the other components for your application, which may include transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and more. 

When it comes time to write your personal statement, be sure to:

Read the Directions Closely

Many prospective students and enrolled students will note that their college essay was the most challenging aspect of completing their college application. This is because it requires the most thought, time, and can also be somewhat open-ended. As such, it’s vital that students read the college essay guidelines and directions closely. In itself, the college essay is like a test for college admissions committees to see how well you can follow directions. 

Avoid Clichés 

There are many inspirational essay examples you can choose from to find ideas, but when using inspiration, avoid using clichés. While clichés exist for a reason because they are based in truth, many students will likely use them. To prevent your essay from getting overlooked, use your own words and voice to describe what you write about so that you can stand apart. 

Once you have your essay drafted, be sure to plan enough time to proofread and edit your work. Even if you feel unsure of putting words on the page, write them down. You can spend time making it better with a second, third, and fourth look. The proofreading stage should also include an objective set of eyes (someone you trust) who can give you their honest opinion about your essay.

A Step-by-Step Guide 

Your college essay isn’t going to write itself. You have to put in the work, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide that should help you start and finish your inspirational college essay. 

Organize and Brainstorm 

Before you get started on drafting your college essay, organize your thoughts. If you’ve been given essay prompts, dedicate at least 5-10 minutes to each prompt to think about what you may write about.  

Choose Your Topic 

Based on how much you come up with for each prompt, you can choose which prompt will suit your story the best. If you have an open-ended prompt, think about defining moments in your life, your passions, inspirations, achievements, and the like to come up with some ideas of what you can share. 

Create an Outline 

There will be a lot of details that you’ll want to add to your essay to convey your point(s). To keep the flow organized, begin by outlining what you will talk about. A clear starting point is a brief introduction with a hook sentence to grab the reader’s attention. Then, list where you will go next with main points and supporting evidence (anecdotes from your past, examples of your point, etc.). Finish up with a conclusion that reiterates your main point (topic/gist), and close out with something that leaves the reader thinking or feeling something strongly so that your essay lingers in their mind. 

Once you have your outline sorted, you can get to drafting up your inspirational essay. While it’s difficult not to edit as you write, try to let everything out. You’ll have time to clean it up after, but allowing your train of thought to appear on the page may lead to something brilliant. 

Many college essays will provide you with a maximum word count. Remain aware of this word count as you write. 

Pro Tip: If you use Google Docs, go to Tools> Word Count> Select “Display Word Count While Typing.”

The chances are, you’ll probably find it easier to write more than less. To cut down your word count, read each sentence and ask yourself if that sentence or word is necessary to convey your point. Keep an eye on grammar and spelling. Even though you will use the word processor’s spelling and grammar review upon completion, it doesn’t always catch everything. 

After you’ve edited down your college essay, read it over a few times, and entrust someone (or multiple people) to give you some feedback. Try not to take the feedback personally, as the people you allow to read your essay will likely have your best interest in mind, and they are just trying to help you write a better final product. 

College Essay Inspiration 

You’ll want your personal statement to be considered an inspirational college essay. To make this vision a reality, remember to: 

• Be passionate 
• Be specific 
• Be yourself 

Some topics that make for inspirational college essays include stories about:

• Overcoming a challenge 
• Learning something new 
• Making a significant life change 
• Sharing an epiphany 
• Expressing your interests and reasoning 

Your Story is Important 

Whether you believe it or not, your personal statement and story is important. No two people have the same life circumstance or outlook as another, so sharing your truth with a college admissions team can be the root of inspiration, and ultimately, admission. 

Believe in yourself and your words, and take the necessary time to prepare, edit, and write your very own inspirational essay for college. The truth is that it can be all the difference to granting your acceptance into the college of your dreams.

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Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Personality Psychology — Motivation

Essays on Motivation

🌟 the importance of writing a motivation essay 📝.

Motivation is like that extra sprinkle of magic dust that gives us the boost we need to achieve our goals and dreams ✨✨. It's the driving force behind our actions and the fuel that keeps us going when things get tough. Writing an essay about motivation allows us to delve deeper into this fascinating topic and explore its various aspects. So, why not grab your pen (or keyboard) and let's dive into the world of motivation! 💪📚

🔍 Choosing the Perfect Motivation Essay Topic 🤔

When it comes to choosing a topic for your motivation essay, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what aspect of motivation you find most intriguing. Is it personal motivation, motivation in the workplace, or maybe the psychology behind motivation? Once you have a general idea, narrow it down further to a specific angle that interests you the most.

💡 Motivation Argumentative Essay 💪📝

An argumentative essay on motivation requires you to take a stance and provide evidence to support your viewpoint. Here are ten exciting topics to get those creative juices flowing:

• The role of intrinsic motivation in academic success
• The impact of extrinsic rewards on employee motivation
• Does social media affect motivation levels in teenagers?
• The connection between motivation and self-esteem
• How does motivation differ between genders?
• The influence of music on motivation levels
• Does money truly motivate people in the workplace?
• The effects of positive reinforcement on motivation
• The link between motivation and mental health
• How does goal-setting impact motivation?

🌪️ Motivation Cause and Effect Essay 📝

In a cause and effect essay, you explore the reasons behind certain motivations and their outcomes. Here are ten thought-provoking topics to consider:

• The causes and effects of procrastination on motivation
• How does a lack of motivation impact academic performance?
• The relationship between motivation and success in sports
• The effects of parental motivation on children's achievements
• How does motivation affect mental well-being?
• The causes and effects of burnout on motivation levels
• The impact of motivation on work-life balance
• How does motivation affect creativity and innovation?
• The causes and effects of peer pressure on motivation
• The relationship between motivation and goal attainment

💬 Motivation Opinion Essay 💭📝

In an opinion essay, you express your personal thoughts and beliefs about motivation. Here are ten intriguing topics to spark your imagination:

• Is self-motivation more effective than external motivation?
• Are rewards a necessary form of motivation?
• Should schools focus more on intrinsic motivation?
• The role of motivation in achieving work-life balance
• Is motivation a learned behavior or innate?
• The impact of motivation on personal growth and development
• Does motivation play a significant role in overcoming obstacles?
• Is fear an effective motivator?
• The role of motivation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Can motivation be sustained in the long term?

📚 Motivation Informative Essay 🧠📝

An informative essay on motivation aims to educate and provide valuable insights. Here are ten fascinating topics to explore:

• The psychology behind motivation and its theories
• How to stay motivated in challenging times
• The impact of motivation on personal and professional success
• Motivation techniques for achieving fitness goals
• The role of motivation in leadership and management
• Motivation in the context of mental health and well-being
• The history of motivation research and key figures
• Motivation strategies for students and educators
• Motivation and its connection to creativity and innovation
• Motivation in different cultural and societal contexts

📜 Thesis Statement Examples 📜

Here are a few thesis statement examples to inspire your motivation essay:

• 1. "Motivation, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, plays a pivotal role in driving individuals towards achieving their goals and aspirations."
• 2. "This essay explores the multifaceted nature of motivation, examining its psychological underpinnings, societal influences, and practical applications."
• 3. "In a world filled with challenges and opportunities, understanding the mechanisms of motivation empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and reach new heights of success."

📝 Introduction Paragraph Examples 📝

Here are some introduction paragraph examples for your motivation essay:

• 1. "Motivation is the driving force behind human actions, the invisible hand that propels us toward our goals. It is the spark that ignites the fire of determination within us, pushing us to overcome obstacles and realize our dreams."
• 2. "In a world where challenges often outnumber opportunities, motivation serves as the compass guiding us through life's intricate maze. It is the unwavering belief in our abilities and the fuel that keeps our ambitions burning bright."
• 3. "Picture a world without motivation—a world where dreams remain unfulfilled, talents remain hidden, and aspirations remain dormant. Fortunately, we do not live in such a world, and this essay delves into the profound impact of motivation on human lives."

🔚 Conclusion Paragraph Examples 📝

Here are some conclusion paragraph examples for your motivation essay:

• 1. "As we conclude this journey through the realm of motivation, let us remember that it is the driving force behind our accomplishments, the cornerstone of our achievements. With unwavering motivation, we can surmount any obstacle and turn our aspirations into reality."
• 2. "In the grand tapestry of human existence, motivation weaves the threads of determination, perseverance, and success. This essay's culmination serves as a testament to the enduring power of motivation and its ability to shape our destinies."
• 3. "As we bid farewell to this exploration of motivation, let us carry forward the knowledge that motivation is not just a concept but a potent force that propels us toward greatness. With motivation as our guide, we can continue to chase our dreams and conquer new horizons."

📄 Motivation Research Paper Outline 📄

I. introduction 🌟.

• Definition of Motivation
• Importance of Studying Motivation
• Research Questions or Hypotheses
• Objectives of the Study
• Significance of the Study
• Scope and Limitations

II. Literature Review 📖

• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
• Self-Determination Theory
• Research on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
• Studies on Workplace Motivation
• Impact of Motivation on Performance and Productivity
• Gaps in the Literature

III. Research Methodology 🔬

• Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods
• Sampling Techniques
• Sample Size
• Surveys, Interviews, Observations, etc.
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Ethical Considerations

IV. Results and Discussion 💬

• Tables, Graphs, and Charts
• Interpretation of Data
• Comparison with Previous Studies
• Theoretical Implications
• Practical Implications

V. Conclusion 🏁

• Summary of Findings
• Conclusions Drawn from the Study
• Recommendations for Future Research
• Limitations of the Study

VI. References 📚

• Citations of all Sources Used

VII. Appendices 📑

• Additional Material (e.g., Survey Instruments, Interview Guides)

John Proctor’s Motivation in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

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My Letter of Motivation: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Assessment of my motivation and values, overview of the motivational theories for business, autonomy, mastery, and purpose: motivation, applying work motivation theories to business situations, drive-reduction theory and motivation, the impact of motivation and affect on judgement, my motivation to study biomedical engineering in the netherlands, research of the theories of motivation: expectancy theory and the equity theory, understanding of my personal motivation, the motivation letter for you, herzberg two-factor theory of motivation, motivation in different aspects of our lives, the importance of motivation in human resource management, my motivation to get a bachelor degree in nursing, my potential and motivation to excel in the field of medicine, my motivational letter: mechanical engineering, motivation letter for computer science scholarship, effective management and motivation of employees, your motivation to do sports.

Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve a goal or take action. Motivational states are commonly understood as forces acting within the agent that create a disposition to engage in goal-directed behavior.

Intrinsic, extrinsic, unconscious, and conscious.

Theories articulating the content of motivation: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, Alderfer's ERG theory, Self-Determination Theory, Drive theory.

• Motivation can come from both internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) sources.
• Different people are motivated by different things, such as rewards, recognition, or personal satisfaction.
• Setting specific, achievable goals can increase motivation levels.
• Motivation can fluctuate based on external factors like stress, fatigue, or distractions.
• Motivation is closely linked to productivity and success in various aspects of life.

The topic of motivation is important because it plays a crucial role in determining individual behavior, performance, and overall well-being. Understanding what motivates people can help in creating effective strategies for personal growth, goal achievement, and boosting overall satisfaction and success. It is a key aspect of psychology, education, management, and various other fields that aim to enhance human performance and well-being.

Relevant topics

• Growth Mindset
• Procrastination

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How to write a Motivation Letter for University (Sample)

How to Get Motivated to Write an Essay: 9 Easy Steps

Writing essays is an essential part of school and college life, but most people dread writing them.

Especially if you’re not a prolific writer, it can be hard to structure them, to put pen to paper, and to get them done efficiently.

Staying focused on homework can be hard enough!

In this guide, I’m giving you my best tips for how to get motivated to write an essay, which assumes that you currently don’t have the motivation now.

Follow these steps to set up each of your essays, and then conquer them one by one.

You’ll find that once you do, you feel more accomplished, more able to stick to a plan, and much more able to stay focused on homework!

Study Tools You Need RIght Now

1. Choose an Enjoyable Topic, if Possible

If you’re going to be motivated to write an essay, the easiest way to do so is by choosing a topic that means something to you.

Sure, some essays already have the topic handed out and in that case, you don’t have much of a choice, but many times you do.

You’ll be confined to a specific area, probably – whether it’s choosing an influential person in history, a book written by a woman, etc.

But within the bounds of what you can choose, make sure to choose something that is meaningful to you and gets you at least somewhat excited to research and explore the topic.

This helps you to feel like you’re motivated to write an essay because you genuinely want to learn more rather than being forced to.

2. Outline the Essay including the Introduction and Conclusion

In this step, you’re going to set up the essay to make it as easy as possible to think about.

This is one of my biggest tips when it comes to sticking to a plan .

This helps get you motivated to write the essay because it makes it seem less daunting.

Most essays have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

You need to work out how many body paragraphs you will need based on the points you are going to make in the essay.

Write this outline down to help you with the next step and to see that you can approach the essay by these individual sections rather than feeling like you need to sit down and just write an essay all at once.

3. Chunk the Word Count Down

Once you have your outline down, it’s time to figure out how many words should go in each section.

For instance, if I were doing a 1000 word essay, I would probably do 100 for an introduction, 200 for 4 body paragraphs each and 100 for a conclusion.

However you break it down is up to you and how many words you want the final essay to be.

This seems like extra work up front, but writing an essay that is properly outlined and has word counts attached to it can give you motivation because you see that it is already starting to come together before you even start writing. Suddenly, it seems a lot easier and that’s what encourages us to forge ahead.

4. Break Down the Work Over Multiple Days

As long as you’re not someone who has waited until the last day to write your essay (and if you have then this is not for you), break down the work over multiple days and plan it out so it’s not all on one day.

For instance, if you had 5 days and 5 sections, you could do a section a day, or if you only have 2 days, you could split it up in half.

Use a tool like Click Up or Trello, found in my productivity tools list , to help you plan.

This means you don’t have to work up the motivation to write your essay all at once, but only have to work up the motivation to write a certain number of words, which some people find easier.

5. Organize Your Research and Notes

Figure out where your lack of motivation to write your essay is coming from.

Chances are, the whole thing seems overwhelming and that’s one of the reasons you don’t start.

I always like to organize my research into easy-to-read notes, and many times I’ve used index cards to write down each fact and then you can arrange the index cards into the structure you want your essay to take later on.

You have to first digest the material you have researched in order to put it into an essay, so make sure to do this crucial step in between researching and writing, otherwise you’ll be left with a pile of books with no notes and trying to write the essay from memory of exactly what the quote was about photosynthesis on page 66 on the book with the blue cover.

I know that these steps feel like they’re adding more stress to your essay writing experience, I promise that once you do them you will feel so much more motivated to get it done.

6. Look Up Quotes

Especially if you’re writing for a high school paper, a lot of times it can be a good idea to start with a quote in your introduction.

Regardless, looking for quotes surrounding your topic is a great idea to give yourself some inspiration to write an essay and give you the motivation to start.

Remember that the quote doesn’t always have to exactly be about your topic or have the exact wording of your topic, but maybe it’s from an important person that you’re writing about in your essay or they’re talking about a general concept that you’re including in your essay.

We’ve got some great options to get you started in these quotes on staying focused and these quotes on never giving up .

7. Read Related Essays or Past Essays

It’s unlikely this is your first essay, in which case you should read over your past essays to remind yourself how you structured them and look at examples of when you finished essays, including any feedback that teachers gave you.

You can also read related essays on the subject that you look up online or the teacher hands out from past students, but you need to be very careful to only read this and not make any notes that could lead to you plagiarizing, even on accident.

It may be an idea to read essays in an unrelated topic, just so you can get more ideas for structuring an essay but won’t be in danger of stealing someone else’s words or ideas.

8. Plan Writing Sessions with a Friend

If it’s truly the motivation to write the essay that you struggle with and not the difficulty, team up with a friend and plan writing sessions where you set goals for how far along in your essays you want to be by the end of it.

You shouldn’t share notes to the point that you end up with the same essay, but working across from someone who is also working on the essay can be a huge motivator so you don’t feel left behind.

This also works more broadly if you decide to work in the library where other people are also working on various assignments, as the atmosphere of productivity can be one of the things that encourages you to improve your own productivity even further.

9. Choose a Reward for When You Finish

If getting a good grade on the essay isn’t a good enough motivator, choose a reward for yourself for when you finish the essay to help keep you motivated to study .

It could be a cake that you bake yourself, it could be a friend that you hang out with, it could be a weekend trip you plan.

It could be something small like a television show you watch or, if the essay is part of a longer string of assignments, taking an hour break afterwards.

Whatever it is, push yourself through writing the essay in order to get to the reward at the end.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how can i effectively express my motivation for higher education in my college essay.

I need to start working on my college essay and I'm seriously pondering over how to convey my true motivation for wanting a college education. It’s more than just getting a degree for me. How do I put this passion into words without sounding cliché?

I completely understand your desire to express your genuine passion for higher education in a way that stands out. It's important to show the admissions committee what drives you, and how your experiences have shaped your decision to pursue college education. To avoid clichés, focus on specific experiences or moments in your life that ignited your enthusiasm for learning. For example, you could write about a project or subject that you explored on your own time and how that deepened your interest in a certain field.

Additionally, you could talk about mentors or role models who have influenced your academic journey, or how particular challenges have strengthened your commitment to further education. Remember to be reflective and introspective; focus on your personal growth and development. It's not about grand statements, but about showing how your unique story connects to your educational aspirations. Tie these experiences back to your motivation for seeking a higher education, highlighting how college is a necessary and meaningful next step for you. By doing so, you'll be able to craft an essay that is both compelling and personal, clearly demonstrating your passion to the admissions committee.

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Essays About Motivation Leads to Success: Top 5 Examples

If you’re writing an essays about motivation leads to success; you will be inspired by our guide’s essay examples and prompts. 

Motivation is the ultimate key to success. The journey toward any goal is always fraught with hardships that tempt you to quit. But with the right motivation, you can keep sight of your goals and make it to your finish line. The search to find the source of people’s motivation and how to sustain its momentum has been a favorite subject among psychologists and management experts. This interest has engendered several motivation theories applied across society, whether at home, school, or work.

Read on for great essays and prompts on motivation leading to success, and find yourself filled with the motivation to get your essay done.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. the power of positive self-talk by teri karjala, 2. the goldilocks rule: how to stay motivated in life and business by james clear, 3. caffeine, exercise and the brain: how ‘doping’ with psychoactive drugs can boost motivation by ian mcmahan, 4. how to motivate your problem people by nigel nicholson, 5. how to overcome self-doubt and a lack of motivation by leo babauta, 9 helpful writing prompts on essays about motivation leads to success, 1. what motivates you, 2. rewards as tools for motivation, 3. how to develop self-motivation, 4. maslow’s hierarchy of needs, 5. motivating children to succeed, 6. using motivation to succeed in fitness, 7. creating a motivationing atmosphere at home, 8. rejection as a powerful driver for motivation, 9. motivating team members.

“Powerful and positive self-talk can change your entire mindset, which can affect your actions. That, in turn, can have a massive impact on how successful you are on any journey you take or any obstacle you face.”

Practicing positive self-talk can help turn self-doubt into concrete positive actions toward your goals. There are several ways to establish a habit of positive self-talk that will fuel our motivation. Such habits include steps as simple as changing how we address ourselves and physical activities, such as exercising and volunteering for social activities. 

“It is hard to imagine a situation that would strike fear into the hearts of more people than performing alone on stage and failing to get a single laugh. And yet Steve Martin faced this fear every week for eighteen years.”

The essay chronicles the success of American comedian Steve Martin, offering an excellent example of someone who has applied the so-called Goldilock’s Rule. Goldilock’s Rule states that people’s motivation is at its peak when they face manageable challenges. Psychologists also add that immediately receiving positive feedback will also motivate people to work their way to success with more determination than ever.

“When motivation is low and perceived effort high, the couch wins. So if a cup of tea or coffee can get you out and exercising, Marcora’s research suggests it’s worth a try.”

This article describes how your fitness and body toning goals would have been easier by keeping motivated. It also describes the quick fix that could eradicate psychological barriers to exercise: the mildly stimulating “drug” called caffeine.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about personal growth .

“Everyone knows that good managers motivate with the power of their vision, the passion of their delivery, and the compelling logic of their reasoning. Add in the proper incentives, and people will enthusiastically march off in the right direction.”

By coaxing problem employees to do better, managers are not only demotivating them further but are stoking the fire in an already dysfunctional relationship. This is the last thing managers would like to do if they still want to unlock employees’ intrinsic motivation and channel it toward the company’s goals. Before seeing problem employees as the main cause of the problem, managers must look inward and be more flexible in setting goals.

“It can be hard to get moving when you are stuck. This is how I felt in 2005 when I couldn’t change any of my habits. It was really hard to motivate myself when I didn’t think I would succeed, when I felt horrible about myself. But I took one small step, and it felt good.”

We all have that day when a lack of motivation strikes us. This article reassures us that experiencing sluggishness and self-doubt is okay. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, we can still make that bad day count by taking a small step and changing our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

What motivates you to wake up early to get to school, do your homework, or study intently for an exam? In this essay, write about the factors that figure in your motivation equation. Next, enumerate your techniques or attempts to build motivation for your goals. How do you deal with a low motivation level on a bad day? Do you take some rest or force your effort? Finally, share with your readers how much you have progressed in building motivation and what more you want to achieve.

Several studies have uncovered the enormous benefits of rewards in motivating people. First, delve into these studies and discover the scientific explanation behind the effects of rewards on people’s motivation and success. Then, write about the kinds of rewards that have proven effective. Finally, write about rewards you have received that fuelled you to improve yourself and your outlook to add a personal touch.

Self-motivation is a strong sense of motivation that comes from within a person rather than from external factors. This essay focuses on activities and habits that can empower your readers to be self-motivated. For example, it is proven that a deep and daily reflection of goals keeps one focused on following a routine built for that goal, regardless of the difficulties.

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is the most popular motivation theory. So, elaborate Maslow’s theory, which proposes that a person has to fulfill five basic needs to keep motivated — physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. Also discuss the motivation theories derived from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, such as Alderfer’s ERG Theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, and McLelland’s Acquired Needs Theory, among others. Explore how they relate with each other or even pick out which improvised theory best captures and works with your situation at school or work.

Adults at home and school have a big role in instilling in children the importance of motivation as the key to success. For this essay, share the motivational methods your parents and teachers employ to help you keep motivated. Then, assess how these methods effectively or ineffectively build your inner sense of motivation. 

Many of us might have added fitness goals into our New Year’s resolution. And most might have deferred it or abandoned it altogether. Provide your readers with tips on how they can conquer laziness and hit the gym. Of course, the most challenging part is staying motivated in this routine. So compile tried and tested techniques from wellness and fitness experts, and encourage your readers to chronicle their fitness journey so they can appreciate their progress over time. 

This may be a challenge for parents who are working from home. Once parents feel the weight of the responsibilities at home, their motivation for work tends to slip away. So, provide recommendations on how working parents can set healthy boundaries between housework and professional work to deliver on their priority tasks. 

Now, if you want your essay to cater to students, you could also write your experience in distance learning – if any – during the pandemic. Talk about your challenges, strategies for overcoming them, and recommendations to enhance students’ motivation in distance learning. 

Several success stories are made possible because of rejection. For your essay, learn how popular figures embraced rejection. How did they harness it to generate the energy they need to reach their dreams? Finally, offer your readers, particularly those who may be experiencing rejection, some encouraging words to help them get through such trying times. 

How do you deal with uncooperative team members? Unfortunately, some team leaders just allow such instances to pass. But for leaders determined to uplift their team members’ motivation, what can they do? For your essay, offer proven practical approaches to help members align with team goals. Use case studies from the experiences of long-time leaders and managers.

For more writing tips, learn about persuasive writing . Also, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers to ensure your piece is error-free.

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Mastering the Art of the Motivation Letter for European Universities: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Motivation Letter?

Structuring the Letter

Showcasing Your Motivation

Writing Style & Tone

Getting Feedback & Review

European universities offer a vast and often under-appreciated terrain for academic learning and life exploration. If you’re a student charting a path to Europe and one of its storied universities, your next step requires navigating the intricacies of a European admissions landscape. Of all that’s required, writing a stellar Motivation Letter is an essential step in this journey. But, when it comes time to tackle yours, you may find yourself bewildered as you try to comprehend what this kind of customary letter requires, what to include, and the proper structure and format to use. Well, now you’ll have expert advice to get you moving forward...

This guide will cover everything you need to know to write the kind of letter expected in a European context, with expert guidance from Crimson Education’s European Admissions Advisors. We’ll tell you what to highlight in the letter, how to format and structure your letter, and how to ensure your Motivation Letter is right on point — purposeful, genuine, memorable, and sure to help you stand out in the admissions process.

A crucial element for applications to European universities stands as a complement to your academic transcripts, extracurricular accomplishments, and test scores. It’s the Motivation Letter.

This letter is more than just an addition to your CV; it's an opportunity to show the institution your genuine interest and your unique value proposition.

As such, the Motivation Letter also presents unique challenges. First, if you’re applying to European universities from abroad, you may struggle to understand the format, structure, and exact purpose of this kind of letter, not to mention the more nuanced requirements.

But success is just around the corner. In this article you’ll find all you need to know to write a Motivation Letter that helps your application stand out.

With so much riding on your college aspirations, you don’t want to underestimate the impact a well-written Motivation Letter can have on your EU admissions chances. In the sea of applications that university admission panels receive, a well-composed motivation letter is refreshing and inspiring. It spotlights strong motivations, a fit between your aspirations and the school’s ethos and programs, and a clear vision of how the school will be a valuable partner in your educational journey.

I. What Is A Motivation Letter?

The purpose of a motivation letter.

The essence of a motivation letter is the logic of a strong connection between your educational motives and aspirations, on the one hand, and key educational programs and opportunities offered at the school you’re applying to.

A Motivation Letter has a unique format. Unlike a personal statement or personal essay , and different from a cover letter, a Motivation Letter should be seen rather as a strong closing pitch to your application. It goes beyond your recorded grades and other known accolades to spotlight underlying personal motives and circumstances that make the selected school a top fit for the next step in your journey, foregrounding your enthusiasm for the target school.

Remember, admissions officers will be screening hundreds of applicants. Your letter will serve as a pivotal application component that provides a glimpse of the deeper personal story behind your motivations and how those motivations make you an outstanding fit for the school.

Importance of Personalization

Imagine receiving a gift tailored just for you versus a generic one-size-fits-all item. Which would you cherish more? Similarly, an effective Motivation Letter must be carefully tailored for the selected school in addition to reflecting the applicant’s deeper motivations. A letter that caters specifically to the institution and academic program in question, exhibits a heightened level of dedication and can significantly boost your application's standing.

Personalization is an essential step, ensuring your letter goes beyond only superficial demonstrations of interest . It’s your ticket to making your application more memorable as you shine a light on your deeper motivations and your genuine enthusiasm for attending the chosen institution.

1. Communicate your personal motivations for attending the school.

For the college you’re applying to personalization could mean calling attention in your letter to the most relevant educational departments, programs, program components, academic resources, or faculty members.

To be clear, your goal is not to tell admissions officers why they have a great university, but rather to spotlight specific features of the university that resonate with your own personal motivations and aspirations as a learner.

2. Share insights into what shapes your personal motivations and aspirations.

Finally, personalization also means of course that your letter will illuminate YOU — and include some allusions to authentic life experiences, lessons, or reflections that shape and add depth or conviction to your motivations and aspirations.

The Motivation Letter format doesn’t invite extended narrative descriptions in the way a personal essay might, but you do want to share concrete formative experiences, suitable for an admissions context, that add authenticity, depth, and conviction to your motivations.

II. Researching the University and Program

Know your audience.

Universities, much like individuals, have distinct values, cultures, and expectations. Demonstrating an understanding of these nuances can tremendously enhance the weight of your application. By aligning your motivation with the ethos of the institution, you don't just apply; you resonate and create a more compelling picture of the strong fit between your genuine motivations and the university’s legacy, educational mission, and social vision.

School & Program Specifics

Demonstrating interest and a good fit involves matching your motivations to salient aspects of your selected school. Your genuine interest isn't just reflected in what you say about yourself or your enthusiasm, but also in how much you know about the school and specific academic programs you're applying for. Delve into concrete features of instruction and curriculum in the course offerings that interest you most. Make connections between your motivations and other relevant school features as well.

• What elements of the curriculum or curriculum design for your major fit your own interests?
• Is there a hands-on learning component, field-study offering, multi-disciplinary approach, or emphasis on a specific area of specialization that you’re enthusiastic about? Why?
• Are there faculty members with interests or specializations intersecting with your academic goals?
• Does the university have partnerships with industry groups, labs, or NGOs that you want to connect with?

Incorporating relevant and genuine elements like these not only showcases thorough research into the university; it traces for the reader your growing enthusiasm — as you’ve learned more about the school, the courses of study, faculty, and other resources or offerings.

III. Structuring the Motivation Letter

The introduction paragraph.

The opening lines of your Motivation Letter are like the curtain going up at the start of a performance. Crafting a captivating start, presenting a compelling hook, are both paramount to getting the admissions committee engaged.

You’re not expected to write like a novelist, but, you want the reader stop for a moment, get focused on a key insight, question, or fact, and want to keep reading.

For this component and others, getting suggestions from an outside reader, or reaching out to an essay coach who understands the college admissions process, may be good bets, especially if you are feeling stuck or unsure about your initial results.

And, remember, you may find it helpful to write or re-write the introduction paragraph after the other parts of the letter have been completed.

The Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs will hold all the most prominent concrete facts and connections you want the letter to convey to the admissions panelists.

Gathering and connecting the most important and persuasive points, and preliminary outlining, are essential for these paragraphs.

Be sure to focus on the educational, academic, research, and professional motivations most relevant to your application for the prospective institution. Show how these elements have steered you to fix your sights on this specific school, and which school offerings you’re most enthusiastic about and why.

The Conclusion Paragraph

Conclude with clarity and conviction. Reiterate your enthusiasm, summarize the central themes of your letter, and leave the reader with an impression of not just your qualifications, but your aspirations and the zeal with which you aim to achieve them.

• Consider framing the preceding accounts of your motivations, qualifications, and goals with a dash of humility and appreciation for the people or fortunes who’ve helped you so far in your journey.
• You might try ending on a note of future-facing anticipation that captures your excitement for your next steps and paints a picture of your longer-term aspirations.

Finishing the Process

Crafting your Motivation Letter might seem daunting at first. But remember, a step-by-step approach can help get you out of the gate and across the finish line — all with a disciplined approach to the writing process.

If you start to feel lost during the task, keep focused on your reader, the letter’s purpose, and your own genuine intent. Finally, don’t shy away from asking a friend, guardian, or counselor for suggestions — there’s no harm in seeking a measure of outside encouragement or informed guidance to stay on track.

With this approach and the right level of prior research into your prospective school, you’ll have a clear path to completing the job.

IV. Showcasing Your Motivation

Reflecting on personal motivation.

Every individual has a unique reason for pursuing higher education. Is it a long-standing passion for the subject? Or perhaps it was a life event that sparked your interest? Delve deep into your reasons for seeking this particular program at this university.

• Do you have a long-standing passion for the subject you’re pursuing?
• Is there a learning or training gap to you want to fill as a stepping stone to the next stage of your journey?
• Are you curious — aspiring to explore diverse topics and disciplines in an academic setting that welcomes more open-ended inquiry?
• Are you building a broad base of professional skills, as a liberal arts major, for example? Or are you focused on specific areas of research or specialized knowledge?

Be sure to step away from your day-to-day distractions and tasks to introspect as you prepare your letter. It’s natural for college applicants to experience rapidly evolving interests, motivations, and intentions, and your Motivation Letter is fundamentally forward looking, so be sure to take stock before you start writing.

More than needing you to pretend you have it all figured out, admissions panelists will appreciate applicants who demonstrate self-awareness, conveying authenticity and some vulnerability, with candid reflections on their motivations and future direction.

Whether it’s a passion for natural science evolving into a more specialized career goal, or you want to channel your past passion as a musician into a new academic major focused on purposeful public service… be sure to reflect on your own inner landscape of motivations as you prepare your letter.

Discussing Career Goals

Just as you connect your motivations to formative events or reflections — from your past — you’ll need to tell readers how your motivations and academic aspirations will be a bridge to future goals and accomplishments.

Whether you’re seeking qualifications for a dream job in computer science or painting a picture of the philosophical questions you want to explore, try to give admissions panelists a glimpse of a vivid goal, direction, or destination for your future — ensuring clear connections between motivations, academic programs at the target school, and future aspirations.

With this in mind, you can build a bridge between your current interests and motivations and your envisioned future. This demonstrates a clear pathway of professional growth, a commitment to larger aspirations, and a vision for how the university will play a pivotal role in your journey.

V. Demonstrating Fit and Contribution

Exploring fit.

A round peg in a square hole benefits no one — if your prospective school has many interested applicants, those applicants with less relevant or less concrete motivations will be put aside to leave space for those with more fit and enthusiasm.

The more your motivations and present journey align with the university ethos and with the selected academic offerings, the more persuasive your Motivation Letter will be. Highlight what you’ve learned about the school and express your enthusiasm for the strong alignment you’re finding — emphasizing the seamless fit between your educational motivations and the kind of academic opportunities and campus life the university offers.

Picturing Your Contributions to the Community

Institutions thrive on diversity and active contributions to their community. When an applicant truly fits a program's mold, it isn't just beneficial for the individual but for the university as well. Be sure your letter addresses how your motivations will shape your contributions to academic programs, to your peers, and campus life or culture.

Whether it's through extracurricular activities, community service, rigorous research and inquiry, or unique experiences and perspectives, demonstrate that you're not just there to take, but to give back in meaningful ways.

VI. Writing Style and Tone

Professional writing.

While passion is crucial, so is professionalism. Your Motivation Letter should maintain a formal tone, reflecting maturity and seriousness. Additionally, while it's essential to show appreciation for the university, avoid excessive flattery.

Avoiding Common Flaws and Mistakes

Even a minor grammatical error can tarnish the impression of your letter. Before finalizing your letter, invest time in proofreading, or better yet, make use of suitable grammar and spellcheck tools and seek external feedback to catch any lurking errors.

• Be on guard for formal errors in spelling and punctuation.
• Check for flaws in style and readability, ensuring strict clarity and concision.
• Keep a vivid focus on the most relevant points.

This polishing effort enhances readability, shows professionalism and respect for readers, and ensures your letter is truly on point and as impactful as possible.

VII. Tailoring Your Letter

Avoid generic statements.

"Since childhood, I've been passionate about..." Such statements, while possibly true, sound clichéd and might cause your letter to drown in a sea of similar claims. Instead, aim for authenticity. Ditch the generic and embrace the specific. Without drifting into autobiographical narratives, consider ways to balance references to abstract motivations, intentions, and passions with concrete experiences or reflections.

Maybe you haven’t thought much about where some of your motivations originated… Let your Motivation Letter be a catalyst for some introspection and see where it leads. It’s likely you’ll find some nuggets of insight that make your letter even more compelling and authentic.

Incorporating Specific Details

With this in mind, consider if a well-placed anecdote here and there might elevate the impact of your letter. Authentic glimpses of your real life — or of your authentic inner reflections — can make all the difference, turning your letter into a game changer for your application.

Anecdotes are brief descriptions of a relevant personal event, memory, or reflection that make your claims more convincing and give breath and flesh to the evolution of your interests, passions, and motivations.

You won’t have space for lots of details. Stay focused, but consider if and when briefly narrating or alluding to specific personal incidents, experiences, or reflections will make your letter more memorable and illuminate a pivotal motivation or passion.

VIII. Seek Feedback and Review

Importance of feedback.

External feedback can do more than just spark fresh perspectives or rescue you from overlooked errors. The feedback, insights, and guidance that you get from a mentor, teacher, college counselor, or from a specialist in Crimson’s Advisor network, can have a transformative impact on essays and Motivation Letters.

Outside reviewers may only have a limited role to play, but their input can be pivotal in elevating the impact your letter will have.

Reviewing and Editing

Perfection isn't achieved in a single draft. Dedicate time for multiple rounds of editing. Look for clarity in arguments, coherence in structure, and correct grammar.

The goal is not to end up wringing every residue of spontaneity and authenticity from your delivery. But, polishing and editing your writing, to achieve greater clarity and concision, and careful proofreading, are the same steps professional writers use to get better results, and they’ll work for you too.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Motivation Letter, when crafted with care, sincerity, and attention to detail, can be your best form of introduction. Far more than superficially flaunting achievements already on record, your letter must reveal authentic self-awareness and showcase your deeper intent, exceptional fit, and potential accomplishments and contributions at the university and beyond.

Taking a disciplined approach to your Motivation Letter, and ensuring it conveys an exceptional attention to detail, strong motivations, and genuine enthusiasm about the university and your prospects there should make it the fulcrum of your application — unlocking doors to a dazzling new chapter of your educational journey, enriched by Europe’s cultural tapestries and hallowed academic traditions.

We've navigated the intricacies of crafting such a letter, from understanding its essence to meticulous editing — emphasizing the need for personalization, thorough research, and authenticity. Approach this endeavor not as a mere formality but as a heartfelt testament to your dedication, past efforts, and forward-looking aspirations. Remember, in a vast sea of applications, a well-crafted motivation letter will win approval and prove memorable for being concise, clear, personalized, and authentic.

For the best possible outside guidance and for a game-changing investment in your college aspirations, book a free consultation with one of our global admissions Advisors today. A well-crafted letter will reveal the true impact your words can have, paving a path to your dream school in Europe, widening your aspirations, and elevating your future possibilities.

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Our Crimson strategists are top graduates from the world's most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. They bring their firsthand experience and deep insights to stay ahead of the curve in college admissions, providing you with the most up-to-date strategies for success.

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Motivational letter for university: 12 Examples & Sample Included

I want to share a motivational letter for university with you that I wrote for my university. I’m not going back to school, but it’s a good read if you’re considering going back or just having the time. I can’t imagine being in school again and missing out on all those new experiences because the job market is so tough right now. It would be great if more people were encouraged to go back to school as soon as possible so they could have an edge over other candidates when it comes time for interviews! This motivational letter for university and hopefully will help motivate others who are struggling with what they should do next.

If you’re a university student who’s ready to graduate, but don’t know what comes next, this post is for you! This letter will provide you with some helpful tips and advice on how to find a job. The first step in the process of finding a job is identifying your skills and figuring out where they can best be utilized. it’s most important that you have an idea of what types of jobs are available in your field. Once you’ve done that, there are three things that I think are critical to help make yourself stand out from other candidates: work experience (internship), good grades (GPA) and networking contacts.

Dear University student, I know you’re feeling lost and at a crossroads in your life. You’ve been told it’s time to make some tough decisions on what to do next with your education and career. Maybe you feel like you don’t have any direction or that the opportunities are too narrow. Don’t worry! This letter will help inspire you to take the right steps in making these important choices for yourself so that you can find success.

Motivation letter for undergraduate scholarship

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing today motivational letter for university to apply for the undergraduate scholarship that I saw advertised online. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me as I continue my education at the university.

My passion is science and medicine, but more specifically biomedical research. I know this requires years of intense studying and I am willing to put in the effort. I have maintained a GPA of 3.8 throughout high school, and took many AP and IB courses that will prepare me for a demanding undergraduate curriculum.

Please find my resume attached. I would be very grateful if you could consider me for the undergraduate scholarship. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Robert Smith

I am writing today to apply for the undergraduate scholarship that I saw advertised online. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me as I continue my education at the university.

Education has always been important to me, and I have worked hard throughout high school to achieve excellent grades. My goal is to become a research physician, which I know will take years of intense studying. I do not plan on entering medical school until after completing an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences.

The two main subjects that interest me are molecular biology and cellular biochemistry. Last year, I took Genetics to see how many hours were required to complete my major. It was a lot more than I expected.

I believe the scholarship committee will find me very deserving of this financial aid opportunity. I appreciate your time and consideration, and hope to hear from you soon regarding my application.

Sincerely, Robert Smith

For More: 101+ Catchy Career Objective for Nursing Student ideas list

Sample motivation letter for masters in management

Dear Admission Committee,

I am writing to apply for admission into the Masters of Management Program at the motivational letter for university of New Hampshire. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas and about three years of experience working as a financial analyst. So I am interested in pursuing a career as a financial manager, and I believe that this program will give me the knowledge and skills necessary to reach my goal.

My prior experience combined with the fact that the degree will be completed in about one year made this program a very attractive option to me. Another advantage of completing my degree online is that I can continue working full-time while taking classes. This will not only help me save money, but it will also give me the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I learn in class to my current job.

The Masters of Management Program at the University of New Hampshire is an excellent program that will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to reach my career goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the master’s in management program that I saw on your website. Also I am very excited about the opportunity to pursue my education at such a prestigious institution.

I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for this program. My undergraduate degree is in business administration, and I have always been interested in continuing my education. I have also taken several management courses, which are the only classes that interest me.

Over the past few years, I have learned a great deal about business practices and marketing strategies. My experience working for a national marketing firm has given me important skills that would be invaluable to an organization like yours.

  Working for this company has also given me the opportunity to do many things that will make me a more attractive candidate for your program. I have had responsibilities involving marketing, finance, and data analysis. More importantly, I have had the chance to work on many projects where I was responsible for leading a team of people.

My experience working at this firm has also given me the opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills. I am confident that I can work well with others and contribute to a team.

I am looking forward to learning more about management in your program. So I believe that it will help me reach my goals of becoming a successful business professional. I would be very grateful if you could consider me for admission to your program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Your name here

Example motivation letter for university

To the Admissions Committee,

I am writing today to apply to your esteemed university. So I’m confident that I will thrive in the challenging academic environment and am eager to join the community of brilliant students and educators.

As an Honors student at my current institution, I have consistently pushed myself to exceed expectations. My coursework in English and History, in particular, has inspired me to pursue a future in academia. My honors thesis, which examined the influence of gender on war fiction between 1850 and 1880, developed my critical thinking skills and solidified my passion for research. Free from distraction, I found myself always at ease when writing – it was during these hours that I made some of my most significant discoveries.

I am confident that I will contribute to your university in a meaningful way. I am passionate about learning and believe wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education. So I am also athletic and enjoy spending time outdoors; I would be an engaged member of your campus community.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Your name here

I am writing this letter to apply for the undergraduate program in your esteemed university. So I am confident that I will be able to thrive in the challenging academic environment and I am eager to join the community of brilliant students and educators.

I have been passionate about learning from a young age, and I decided to pursue a degree in education to help me pass that passion onto other learners. My college life has been the best part of my life so far – I discovered my calling within education during my first semester when I joined a student-led tutoring center. I helped students of all ages and grades with their studies, and the rewarding feeling that came from guiding them to success motivated me to keep learning and finding innovative ways to teach.

I am confident that I will contribute positively to your university in a multitude of ways. Also I am eager to work as part of a team and develop my leadership skills. I am also committed to learning, and believe that education will play a pivotal role in helping me find my way in the world.

Thank you for your time! I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Motivation letter for university exchange program

Dear Prof. Wood,

I am a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering and I would like to apply for an exchange program during my next semester. This will give me the chance to get to know a different university and at the same time to improve my German language skills.

In order to participate in an exchange program, I have already started studying German. This also helps me because I am going on a student delegation next summer where knowing the language is mandatory. Therefore, I will be able to leave right after finishing my exams which are at the end of May.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

I would like to apply for the exchange program that your motivational letter for university offers. So I am a third-year student at the Department of History and I believe that it would be a great opportunity to improve my German skills and to get to know a new culture.

I am available from June to August and I am sure that I can be an active member of the exchange program. Also I will take care of all the administrative tasks and I will help in whatever way I can.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Motivation letter for phd in computer science

Dear Committee Members,

I am writing to apply for the PhD program in computer science at your esteemed university. I am confident that I have what it takes to be a successful graduate student in this field, and I believe that the doctoral degree will help me reach my professional goals.

As an undergraduate, I majored in computer science, specializing in computer engineering with a minor in mathematics. During this time, I conducted research on the  connection between information visualization and human cognition with Dr. Tedesco of Columbia University. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology and Behavior . I also worked as a teaching assistant for several courses in computer science and mathematics.

My research experience and teaching experience have prepared me well for a career in academia. In addition, I have also been working as a software engineer for the past two years. This job has given me valuable practical experience in the industry, which I can bring to my graduate studies and future research.

I am confident that I have the ability and drive to pursue my graduate studies successfully. I would like to discuss with you further about my application.

Best regard,

Xinghua Zhao

Hello Committee Members,

I am writing today to apply to your esteemed PhD program in Computer Science. I believe that I have what it takes to be successful in this program motivational letter for university, and I believe that the PhD degree will help me achieve my professional goals.

As an undergraduate, I majored in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. During my time at Carnegie Mellon University, I conducted research on machine learning algorithms used in Natural Language Processing (NLP). The results of my research were presented at the Association for Computational Linguistics’ annual meeting. In addition, I have been a teaching assistant for several courses in Computer Science and Mathematics.

My research experience and teaching experience have prepared me well for a career in academia. In addition, I also gained two years of industry experience as a software engineer. This job has given me valuable practical experience that will be beneficial for my graduate studies and future research.

I am confident that I have the ability and drive to pursue my graduate studies successfully. I would like to discuss with you further about my application, so please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Xinghua Zhao.

Motivation letter for university application bachelor

Dear University Admission Committee,

I am writing to apply for the Bachelor of Science program in your esteemed university. I am confident that I will be a valuable asset to your institution and can assure you that I will do my best to uphold the standards of your institution.

As an aspiring scientist, I am excited at the prospect of learning and growing in an intellectually stimulating environment such as your motivational letter for university. I am confident that with the excellent faculty and facilities that your university has to offer, I will be able to reach my full potential as a scientist.

Moreover, I believe that the extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth available at your university will be of great value to me. I am looking forward to joining a vibrant and diverse community of students and engaging in activities that will enrich my experience as a student.

Lastly, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply for the Bachelor of Science program in your esteemed university. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Nathan Kumar

I would like to apply to study at your esteemed university as a bachelor of arts. Please find attached my resume and academic transcripts for your perusal. So I am confident that I can excel in your program, having achieved excellent grades in all my previous coursework.

I am a highly motivated individual with a keen interest in the arts. So I am confident that I will be a valuable addition to your university and would be grateful if you could consider my application.

Timur Tumurbaev

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve found this article useful and that it has given you some ideas on how to write a motivational letter for university . If not, or if you have any questions about the process at all, feel free to ask in the comment section below for help! Remember to keep your tone upbeat and positive throughout – even when things get tough. And remember that there is always someone out there who needs what we offer just as much as we need them. Good luck with everything!

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Making Sense of Motivation

Most people get motivation wrong. here's how you can get it right..

Posted July 30, 2024 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• What Is Motivation?
• Take our Burnout Test
• Find counselling near me
• Many people struggle with motivation and blame themselves for their struggles.
• Motivation struggles can be understood as a reliance on short-term motivation strategies.
• Long-term motivation requires a different set of motivation strategies than typically taught.

Like millions of Americans, Margaret thought there must be something wrong with her. Margaret wanted to be healthier and happier. She wanted to have more energy, travel more, and improve her nutrition . Nothing too crazy. Yet Margaret's ambitions always followed the same pattern: get motivated by a new program, person, or goal, make some changes and perhaps enjoy a little progress, then inevitably see her results vanish over time as her motivation and efforts waned.

Margaret knew her experience wasn't uncommon. In fact, it was like a dirty little secret among her friends. A truth too painful to be spoken aloud: When it came to making their lives, their health, or their relationships better, a lot of things worked. But nothing lasted.

If you can relate to Margaret's experience, then this post offers some good news and practical strategies for escaping this Sisyphean rut. It turns out that nothing was broken inside of Margaret or her friends. They were simply operating, unknowingly, in a motivation system that was rigged against them (and equally against you and me).

A more complete model of motivation

When you look at an iceberg, you see only the tip. When you see a crescent moon, you see only a sliver of the much larger sphere. And when most of us learn about motivation, we are usually given only a minor piece of the complete motivation formula.

In Figure 1 below, for example, most or nearly all of what we're conventionally taught about getting motivated falls in what we can call Level 1 Motivators. These are the ubiquitous short-term motivation sources that dominate consumer culture. Whether in the form of inspirational videos, popular diets and trendy exercise programs, motivation seminars, or energy drinks, each provides a temporary motivational charge in the form of energy and emotion . Notice that most Level 1 Motivators also cost money, a primary reason they are so heavily advertised.

Although Level 1 Motivators are effective for the purpose of getting started, their effects are time-limited. For most people, relying exclusively on these Level 1 Motivators traps them in a repeating cycle of expensive, intensive effort and short-term results. Better results require higher-level motivators, such as those found in Levels 2-5.

Want better results? Use better motivators

In the above Motivation Hierarchy (Figure 1), Level 1 Motivators are defined by their a) temporary effects; b) financial costs; and 3) need for conscious application. In contrast, as we scale the Hierarchy from Levels 2-5, higher motivation sources become increasingly enduring, cost-free, and subconscious . These latter motivation qualities are precisely the qualities necessary for producing long-term success. Scientifically, these strategies also activate the less-dopaminergic regions of our brain responsible for long-term goal orientation and reward seeking 1 .

Consider a person that you may consider highly motivated, such as an athlete in the 2024 Olympic Games. These are individuals requiring years of sustained peak motivational levels to achieve their remarkable skills. You will likely agree that these Olympic athletes and other elite professionals are heavily motivated by Level 2-5 Motivators and little by Level 1 Motivators. In addition to their coaching , training, and genetic gifts, performance at these apex levels depends just as much on their applying a more effective formula for motivation.

Upon reflection, you may also agree that modernity emphasizes just the opposite approach to motivation for the rest of us — rely heavily on Level 1 Motivators with little or no attention offered to the remainder.

Although you and I may not be competing in Paris this summer, we can apply the same Motivation Hierarchy principles to escape the hamster wheel of short-term motivation and finally move forward towards our quality of life goals.

1. Simpson EH, Balsam PD. The Behavioral Neuroscience of Motivation: An Overview of Concepts, Measures, and Translational Applications. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2016;27:1-12. doi: 10.1007/7854_2015_402.

Thomas Rutledge, Ph.D. , is a Professor-in-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego and a staff psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System.

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Quartet of sustainable job security, job performance, organizational commitment, and motivation in an emerging economy: focusing on northern cyprus.

1. Introduction

2. literature review, 3. materials and methods, control variables, 5. discussion, 6. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Kayar, S.; Yeşilada, T. Quartet of Sustainable Job Security, Job Performance, Organizational Commitment, and Motivation in an Emerging Economy: Focusing on Northern Cyprus. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 6764. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166764

Kayar S, Yeşilada T. Quartet of Sustainable Job Security, Job Performance, Organizational Commitment, and Motivation in an Emerging Economy: Focusing on Northern Cyprus. Sustainability . 2024; 16(16):6764. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166764

Kayar, Serhan, and Tahir Yeşilada. 2024. "Quartet of Sustainable Job Security, Job Performance, Organizational Commitment, and Motivation in an Emerging Economy: Focusing on Northern Cyprus" Sustainability 16, no. 16: 6764. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166764

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