In my last write up, I focused on the processes for applications by foreign students seeking an admission to Finnish universities.  

I wrote among other things about how to find information or guidelines on the processes for admission to Finnish universities and issues such as assessing applicants and their letter of motivation, which can be found on the Study in Finland portal (www.studyinfinland.fi/admissions).

As I said, the key documents that applicants need to attach to their application and which form the basis of the applicant’s success or otherwise are the relevant certificates, your resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and a letter of motivation.

Today, I focus on the letter of motivation and what should be avoided in that letter.

The letter of Motivation

For many Finnish universities, the letter of motivation can be a key point for a successful application.

A strong letter of motivation can determine whether the applicant is really ready for the study programme he or she wants to pursue.

As I mentioned the last time, the letter of motivation needs to go straight to the point.

The huge number of applications to Finnish universities means that there is always a high competition for admission.

Therefore, a strong letter of motivation is likely to do the magic and result in a successful application. 

I mentioned that the applicant should consider telling about how the programme would impact on his/her (future) career.

Avoid playing the emotions card

Many an applicant may think that telling about your plight would draw sympathy from the assessors. This may be far from the reality.

For example, many years ago a friend told a story to me and others about an applicant in an African country who applied to study somewhere in Europe.  The applicant wrote in the letter of motivation that the university authorities should consider poverty in the applicant’s country and minimum opportunities for further education.

I do not know how far this story is true. But, according to the narrator such a request rather diminished the chances of the applicant.

The narrator said it was inferred later that the application was unsuccessful because one wondered how the applicant would be able to find the financial resources to travel abroad and pursue the programme. Would anybody want somebody to struggle or be a burden on others?

This story was narrated as a joke or to create fun, but each of us also picked some important points from it.

Again, I do not think that many evaluators would be convinced if you played the gender card by simply saying that women/girls in Africa do not have opportunities or equal rights, for example.

Rather, what may convince an assessor is, for example, when you say how determined you are to pursue the programme to set an example to encourage other women/girls to aim high despite their status.

Stress on your strong/positive points 

As I pointed out the last time, the applicant should emphasise his/her strengths (abilities or competencies) that can help or enable him/her to pursue the study programme.

It is important to stress your strong or positive points. You can even boast of your achievements, abilities and what you are capable of doing. As they say: be bold.

In my experience, I can say that sometimes talking boastfully about oneself or one’s achievements sounds convincing and can do the trick for an applicant.

There is the need for you to go straight to the point and the letter of motivation should have no room for unnecessary or unclear information. As much as possible, use active and persuasive voice or words and avoid using passive ones.

Finally, your chances can be slim if your letter of motivation gives the impression that your only aim is to get the opportunity to simply travel abroad.

Also, as I said the last time, I think it should be a huge motivation and something convincing to the assessors if one of your strong motivations is to get an education that would eventually help you in your career when you are back home after your studies. Thank you.

The author is a senior lecturer

at University of Helsinki, Finland

By Perpetual Crentsil