Signature Assignment-Application letter
Drafting the Letter
Letter Structure and Organization
Cover page
450-475 words (one page)
Return address
Scholarship/Internship address
Greeting
Introduction (one paragraph)
Body (three paragraphs)
Conclusion (one paragraph)
Closing
Signature
Typed signature
Correct Spacing and margins
Cover Sheet
Separate page that comes before the actual letter
Include the following information (centered on the page):
Your Name and MAV ID (the 1000 number)
Course and Section Number
Writing Professor Name
Engineering Professor Name
Date
Formatting
Include all required information
Use single space between lines of addresses; double space between addresses
Limit letter to one page; observe word count
Use titles, name of organizations, name of scholarship/internship
Space electronic signature correctly after “written” signature
Dr. Susan Martin, Director, Adventures in Engineering Student Scholarship
Foundation for Excellence
2020 Oak Street
Madison, WI 88338
2015-12-3
Dear Dr. Martin:
Heading and Greeting
Jane Doe
300 West St.
Arlington, Tx 76010
817-555-5555
I
Sincerely,
Peggy Kulesz
Peggy Kulesz
The University of Texas at Arlington
Closing, signature, name, and university.
Introduction
Keep first sentence direct and simple: “I am writing to apply for the Adventures in Engineering Student Scholarship.”
Don’t introduce yourself by name; instead identify your classification and experience: “ I am a first year student in Mechanical Engineering at UTA where I am involved in various student activity groups as both a member and a leader.”
List general attributes or accomplishments tied to scholarship requirements: “I believe that I am an excellent candidate for the AES Scholarship as I possess all the qualities set forth in the requirements. I am a strong leader, an excellent student, and a committed volunteer.” (You will use these three requirements as outline for the body of your letter.)
Body
Use three body paragraphs.
Make each paragraph about one aspect of the student or directed to one of the criteria/requirements for the scholarship.
Be specific; use examples to show how the student fits the requirement you set forth in the paragraph: “I have shown excellent leadership skills both in class and in student organizations. In a recent Team Project, I was appointed team leader and ably organized and guided my team members to complete one of the most successful projects among all students enrolled in the course.” (Then give few more examples from class and student activities)
Conclusion
Sum up the contents of the letter and thank the reader
End with a confident statement: “ I am confident that I am a strong candidate for the AES Scholarship, and I believe that I excel in all the areas required for the award. Thank you for considering my application.”
Professional Presentation
Proofread your work by reading it aloud; also leave it for a while and return to proofread. Proofread a printed copy.
Note repeated patterns of error: comma usage, clarity, choppy sentences, verb tense, subject-verb agreement, pronoun references.
Use “who” for people, not “that.”
Use caps for name of courses, titles of people, and other important details.
Use parallel structure.
Avoid gender bias, giving negative information, writing too much about your professor persona.
Take the assignment seriously; watch your tone.
Check for these “easy to fix” issues:
introduction to engineering, calculus II, introduction to mechanical engineering (capitalize specific course titles)
I am a good candidate and I make good grades. (need comma before “and”)
I am a student that works hard. (who when referring to people)
Final Reminders
Drafts due by date and time listed in course schedule.
Failure to turn in a draft will result in a zero on the entire assignment which makes up 10% of your final grade in ENGR 1300.
The Writing Center is a fabulous resource
Final Version Due: 12/1 @ 10 PM