Graduate Admissions: Tips and Tricks For Writing Your Letter of Motivation

Applying for a master’s programme at Sciences Po for the upcoming intake? Read our best tips for writing your admissions letter.

As part of your application to one of Sciences Po's graduate schools, you will have to write a formal letter of motivation respecting the rules and guidelines given. Your letter should be written in the language of the programme you are applying to. For special focus and dual degree programmes, additional letters may be required. Here are our five essential tips for writing your letter. Best of luck!

Be professionally-minded

You are applying for a master’s programme that will set you on track to launch your career. What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? What further milestones do you plan to reach? Your letter of motivation should mention in a maximum of a thousand words your goals and how they fit with the programme you have chosen.

Detail your plans, word your ambition, tell us all about how your academic journey, your values and your experiences are at the core of your decision to apply.

Defend your programme choice

Show us that you’ve done your research about Sciences Po and about the programme that interests you. A lot of ressources are available: the syllabus, curriculum, alumni testimonies and, of course, the career opportunities it provides.

It is of the utmost importance that you show how well you understand how the programme is built and how it fits perfectly with your professional goals.

Own your letter (and your letter should be your own)

While it is always helpful to get a second opinion on your letter, you shouldn’t get caught up in rewriting and having it edited by someone over and over again, and in the worst case scenario: by ChatGPT.  Your letter of motivation is the only part of your application that allows you to really introduce and express yourself. You know your strengths and skills better than anyone else.

For those applying through the domestic procedure, if you are admitted to the final interview you should be ready to answer any questions about your letter from the admissions committee.

Humility and marketability: find the right balance

At Sciences Po, we look for candidates who seek to become game-changers, who will use their talent to make the world a better place and contribute to their community in a meaningful way. We are seeking intellectually curious students, challenge-oriented, capable of facing complex situations.

You are invited to put forth your strengths and achievements, but be sure to temper them according to the context and the relevance they have to your academic and professional projects. Make sure to give specific examples that support and illustrate the image you want to portray.

Make a decision

Your letter of motivation is only a part of your overall application, along with your grades and résumé, among others.

It cannot tell your whole personal experience but is rather an opportunity to explain more precisely what your goals are, and why you are well-suited to the programme you are applying for. You are the one that decides what is the most relevant to tell us.

Edit, design and format

A letter of motivation cannot be written in one sitting. Give yourself time to brainstorm, to build your pitch, and then to review, edit, and format. UK English? US English? Realise or realize? Doesn’t matter - as long as you’re consistent.

Make sure your sentences are balanced, your ideas are well thought-out and relevant, and your document is easy to read. Keep it simple, but effective!

Please remind that the letter of motivation should be added in the designated space during the application process and that it should not exceed 1,000 words.

Related links

• Applying to Sciences Po
• Graduate Studies at Sciences Po