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Motivation letter planner

This worksheet helps you plan what to say in each part of the letter. Answer the prompts in rough notes first, then write the letter yourself. Committees can usually tell when a letter follows a formula, so use the worksheet to plan the content and write the sentences on your own.

Opening paragraph

Prompts to answer in your notes:

  • What do you want to study or do, in one sentence?
  • What experience first got you interested? Note the details.
  • Why apply now, at this stage?

Middle paragraphs

  • One academic or work achievement that shows your ability, with the result
  • One example of leadership, initiative or service, and what changed because of you
  • Why this programme and this funder, and how they connect to your goal

Closing paragraph

  • What will you do after the award, in the next few years?
  • How does the award connect where you are now with where you want to be?
  • If there is a return or impact expectation, how will you meet it?

Write the letter in your own voice from these notes. Do not submit anything you did not write yourself.