While applying to colleges in the UK for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes, your cover letter is one of the most important parts of your application. You get to introduce yourself, explain why you are applying, and make a case about why you should be accepted. There are, however, common mistakes which an applicant makes in the letter, therefore weakening a very strong application. Ensuring that your cover letter gives the best impression, here are eight things to avoid while writing.
1. Too General Statements
The most common mistake one does while writing a cover letter is by providing general statements. The admission officers have to go through hundreds or even thousands of applications, and hence, can easily filter out the generic phrases that are useless to them. Statements like “I am passionate about this subject” or “I am a hardworking individual” do not say anything specifically about yourself or why you fit the program.
Avoid this by: Being specific. This means rather than saying something like, “I am passionate about economics,” explain why. For instance, “I developed a deep interest in economics after studying the impact of monetary policy on inflation rates during my A-levels, which since then have driven me to further reading within the subject every now and then.”
2. Failure to Relate Your Letter to the University
The critical mistake one makes in not tailoring a cover letter to each university is sending the same cover letter to many universities. Universities in the UK are focused on different things and also have differing cultures and teaching methods; hence, their admissions officers are looking for different applicants who seem to take a serious interest in their particular programme. A generic letter gives the impression that you haven’t done enough research on the university.
Avoid this by: Researching each university extensively and personalising your covering letter, too. Mention specific aspects of the university or course that appeal to you. For instance, if you’re applying for a history programme at the University of Edinburgh, you might say a word or two about the academic institution’s high volume of historical research output or its archival resources.
3. Writing a Lengthy Letter
While it is important to write with enough detail to make a strong case, too long a covering letter may defeat its purpose. Admittance examiners have very limited time to review each application; hence, a long-winded and incoherent covering letter may fail to hold their interest. UK universities expect cover letters to be concise and to the point.
Try to avoid it by: Keeping your cover letter no longer than one page in length, say three or four short paragraphs. Focus on the most relevant information that may demonstrate suitability for the course and make sure the latter is clear and readable.
4. Rehashing Your Personal Statement or CV
Your cover letter just needs to supplement whatever is in your personal statement and CV, but not repeat the same information. Some applicants start making the mistake of rewriting what was mentioned in the academic achievements or work experience without offering anything new. This redundancy wastes space that could have been used for something that would add value to your application.
Try to avoid this: By using your covering letter to elaborate on those points which were discussed or explained very briefly in your personal statement or CV. For example, you might explain how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences spurred you to further study in your chosen field.
5. Lack of Interest in the Course Applied For
While this may be a professional letter, many times applicants make the mistake of not showing real interest in either the subject or the course to which they are applying. This can sound very dry and over-formal, as if one were not all that excited about the opportunity.
Also avoid this by balancing professionalism with enthusiasm. Let your passion about the subject come forth naturally in the writing. For example, rather than stating what you have achieved, explain how those experiences have fuelled your desire to continue learning in the field.
6. Using Informal Language
One very common mistake, using overly casual or informal language, will reduce the professionalism of your cover letter. You are going to apply in a university academic setting; it means that the tone should be formal too. One should never use colloquial phrases, slang, or abbreviations-for example, using “I’m” instead of saying “I am.”.
Steer clear of this by: Writing in a formal, respectful tone. Even if you show enthusiasm, your language should not be informal. Example: instead of saying, “I’ve always been super into biology,” you would say, “I have developed a strong interest in biology through both my academic studies and independent research.”
7. Not Addressing Gaps or Weaknesses
If you have some gap in your academic or professional history, if you feel there is some weakness in your application, or failing to discuss such issues in your cover letter will leave some questions in the minds of the admissions committee. For example, a gap year or low grades in some particular subject-whichever may be applicable-if not addressed in your statement, can go against you.
Avoid this by: Essentially, sorting out any potential issues in your cover letter in advance, but in a positive way. Explain any gaps or weaknesses and how you have faced setbacks or built skills because of these. For instance, if you have taken a gap year, explain how it helped in your personal or academic growth and how it has better equipped you for university.
8. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
This might sound obvious, but spelling and grammatical errors in a cover letter can really weaken an application. Mistakes make a person come off as if they are careless or haven’t taken out sufficient time to double-check their work. Even minor errors become repulsive in a formal document like a university application.
Avoid this by: Proofreading your job cover letter multiple times and use tools like spell check to find errors. Additionally, ask another person to read over your letter-fresh eyes can catch what you may have overlooked.
Cover Letter Tips and Final Thoughts
A great cover letter can make a huge difference in your university application, helping to illustrate your suitability for the course and your passion for the subject. Your covering letter is an opportunity to get yourself noticed, so show your personality, professionalism, and passion.
Final tips:
Begin with a good introduction that clearly states which course you are applying for and why you applied for it.
Logically flow your letter to go from an introduction, through academics, to why you will be suited to the program and what you hope to achieve.
Conclude on a high by reiterating how you feel about the course and showing eagerness to contribute to the academic community.
By avoiding all the common mistakes outlined above, you’ll be able to write that cover letter, which will make a lasting positive mark in the admissions review team’s mind.
If you want a starting point for writing your letter, perhaps it would be much better to have some cover letter templates guide you. However, make sure the final draft sounds personal and tailored, professional.