This is the second blog of breaking down my cover letter (motivational letter) series. Let’s get right into it and learn something new. This time, it’s my admission letter to Tallinn University for the program of Educational Innovation and Leadership.

  About Tallinn University: Tallinn University is a public research university in Estonia. Located in the centre of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn University is one of the three largest institutions of higher education in the country.

Here’re the requirements for the course of Educational Innovation and Leadership.

• Introduction of yourself
• Explanation of why you want to study in the master program
• Description of the expertise, knowledge and personal characteristics that will allow you to be successful in this programme
• Short description of a concrete “Innovation Project” that you could realistically implement as a part of your studies (the problem that is addressed, the stakeholders you need to involve, the way to address the problem, the resources you need to implement the project)

Character limits: 6000 with spaces

Unlike the first letter, we have to be careful of what to share in limited words while answering all the questions asked.

Let’s get started!

Motivational Letter: First Paragraph

As we already know, the first paragraph sentence is key. It determines if the reader is interested in reading further. Here’s how I started my letter to Tallinn University.

When I read, “We are looking for true stars because only the best are suitable for leading education”, I knew that I’ve just found the right course. I am a civil engineer, and yes, my degree is not very relevant to education, but I am sure that my story is. It took me two years to discover my passion for teaching and education. I learnt that the only thing I love doing is working with young students. Since my chosen discipline was not much of direct help, I decided to start from basic, which was something incredible. I decided to merge my previous knowledge with my passion in an innovative way. To build a career in education, ignoring practical engineering, was probably the most challenging decision I’ve ever made.

The first sentence of the cover letter alone tells the reader that I have done my research. “We are looking for stars…” is the introductory sentence on the course webpage.

To set the expectations straight, I accepted that my degree is not relevant to the field in very unambiguous and simple words. However, before giving time to think to the reader, I showed that I have more to offer than a bare degree.

Again, the takeaway is: Start your letter creatively. Make it easy to follow along.

2nd Paragraph

Usually, I write about the institution/ university in the 2nd Paragraph to show my interest and to answer, “why I selected them”. However, in this case, I have started a topic of me changing the field of study, so I consolidated it before jumping to the next topic.

I also made sure to demonstrate evidence of my relevancy for the course program despite my irrelevant degree. 

Have a look at my 2nd Paragraph:

About a month after my graduation from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET) in 2017, I was selected by one of Pakistan’s finest schools, Lahore Grammar School. My passion and determination for teaching created ways for me. The school was looking forward to merging technology with learning using robotics (Lego EV3). My background in computer programming helped me learn this subject in a matter of two weeks. After that, I gave training to teachers and started working with kids up to 8th grade.  Three months later, I was called to conduct workshops for the teachers of senior campus (O and A-levels). I am now working with both the schools as an Instructor and Coordinator for Robotics. I’m working on integrating Robotics and Programming in classes as a tool for creative learning.

Now that I have captured the attention with my work experience, I can solidify it by showing my interest in Tallinn University.

3rd Paragraph

We are answering “why I selected Tallinn University” in this paragraph.

Tallinn University has inspired me in many great ways. It is the front-runner of teachers’ education and training and a place where new ideas are born and nourished. Educational Innovation and Leadership is one of the many examples. The way the Education System of Estonia is transferred is truly inspiring for young educational entrepreneurs like me. As stated by PISA, Estonia is one of the four highest-performing OECD countries. Not only this, but it is ranked one of the best in Equity in Education. These facts speak for themselves. I learned a long time ago that if one thing can transform a country, it is education. It is the department where most brilliant and passionate minds are needed. I have made it my aim to bring a positive change in the education system of my country, Pakistan, and I know that it’s going to take a lot of effort, patience and hard work. I am looking for a place where I can learn the possibility of making my dream a reality, and without a second thought, Tallinn University is my PLAN A.

It was the first year of my course program, so I mentioned “…Tallinn University is a place where new ideas are born and nourished. Educational Innovation and Leadership is one of the many examples. I mentioned PISA result because it is something all Estonian educational institutes talk proudly about. How did I know — I did my research. Similarly, Tallinn University’s slogan is PLAN A. I didn’t let the chance of mentioning it go.

Note that I am not stating things that are common like the QS ranking, or “great” education system, or “prestigiousness” of the university. I am connecting to the university on personal level. 

4th Paragraph

As university had provided its own structure of the letter, I made sure to address all the requirements, but in the form of my story. This paragraph addresses the requirement: “Description of the expertise, knowledge and personal characteristics that will allow you to be successful in this programme.”

Let’s continue reading.

During my studies at UET Lahore, I’ve been very active in curricular and extracurricular activities. Working as General Secretary of Pakistan Students’ Welfare Organization (PSWO) was the most satisfying experience. PSWO works to educate underprivileged children, including financial support, career counselling sessions, visits to orphanages, and old homes.  In these four years of engineering, I learnt the skills that made me a confident lifelong learner. Along with PSWO, I worked as a teacher, wrote for the university’s monthly and annual magazine, and participated in different events, competitions, and seminars. All these activities taught me multitasking, communication skills, time management, teamwork, problem-solving and organizational skills. I made mistakes, and I learned from them. I tried new things, some went great, failed a couple of times, but learning didn’t stop. The diversity you have at Tallinn University, I am sure that I will exchange a great deal of my knowledge and experience with my fellows.

Note that I am not too hard on myself. For example: “…I tried new things, some went great, failed a couple of times…” says that I am not afraid of failure. Every failure is a learning opportunity for me. 

5th Paragraph

Now that we have established a laying ground based on my past and present; let’s bring future in the picture. We’ll answer: Short description of a concrete “Innovation Project” that you could realistically implement as a part of your studies (the problem that is addressed, the stakeholders you need to involve, the way to address the problem, the resources you need to implement the project)

Since it’s the most important part of my letter, I would break into different chunks to keep the reader’s concentration. 

Here’s how my next paragraph reads:

At Tallinn University, I am looking forward to researching innovative and technology-enhanced learning using different tools. Tools may include Robotics, Programming or science videos. I, however, will be focusing on a combination of Robotics (Mindstorms EV3) and basic programming. This topic is relevant to my studies in two ways. First, I am an Engineer, so Physics and Mathematics have been a significant part of my 16 years of education; second, my work experience as a Robotics teacher.

What did I do here? I presented a basic idea and made sure to express that I know what I am talking about, by adding tangible elements of the project (robotics, EV3, programming). Let’s continue building on it by going a little deeper. 

6th Paragraph

To go deeper into my innovative project, I found the problem, proposed a solution, bridged the gap between the two and presented an ultimate goal.

Here’s how I did that:

In Pakistan, the old traditional method of education is still widely followed. I have explored how easily we can make our students learn the concepts if we could just let them have a hands-on experience of their theoretical learning applications. These days we have all the tools to bring our class to life. My Research Project’s target would mainly be focused on finding the improvements that technology can impart in learning. I would also be exploring the factors that contribute to learning regarding the use of technology, which method or tool is more effective for a particular group of students based on their age, gender, grade and educational preferences. I’d further investigate the limitations of any chosen method. Once I have the research-backed statistics with me, I can pursue my dream of bringing a change in the education system and ultimately, building my own model educational institute.

7th Paragraph

Since it was a Master’s program, I needed to show that I know how to research by discussing my project’s specific details.  

Here’s how it turned out.

 For my Research Project, I’ll be spending time in different schools. I’ll select a few groups of students for experimental and control groups. They will be taught various topics, preferably the ones they’re not already familiar with, with and without using learning tools. The results of their learning will then be compared. It is the initial draft of what I am aiming to do. I know research involves a lot of other objectives as well including, but not limited to, literature review, hypothesis testing, collection of data, deduction of experimental results, verification of results etc. I am optimistic that the competent and great teachers of Tallinn University will guide me in a great way to carry out this innovative project.

It would be best to remember that this letter was written almost 3 years ago when I didn’t have any research experience. If I had to write it today, I’d make quite many changes. For that time, It was as good as it could be.

8th Paragraph

It’s the closing paragraph and I am running out of the word limit. I have to leave an impression while closing the letter on a pleasant note.

Here’s how I managed to do it:

I would like to mention one more thing here. There are things that words cannot explain. Commitment, passion and desire to learn something are a few of them. I have all these qualities in me. Throughout my life, I’ve been a student who loves challenges, the kind who looks for immersion in the things he does (decision of change of career is an example). If given a chance, I’ll not only prove my passion but will also make this institution proud.

 

Best,

Umair Ali

The letter turned out to be of exactly 6000 characters. Not only that I was selected, but I was also awarded multiple scholarships through the course program. You can download the full cover letter in PDF here.

 Let me know what you think about it in the comments.