The motivation letter is a crucial part of your application to Finnish high schools. You only have limited space to stand out and convince the principal to take you. So, what should you achieve through your motivation letter?
Of course to get accepted. Specifically, after reading your motivation letter, the principal should understand more about you and what motivates you to study in Finland. You must smooochz (compliment) the principal and make them feel like their school is special/suitable for you and that you have something to offer to the school. Remember: this is just for high school, so don’t stress out too much, feel free to express yourself. I even added some jokes to my letter.
There are many ways you can structure your motivation letter, but below is one way that I suggest based on the motivation letter that got me into my first school choice.
A catchy introduction: a story/a moment/a special person that introduced Finland to you/made you realize you want to study abroad/made you interested in Finland. It should be personal and something other than Finland is a happy country/good education.
Body:
Introduce yourself: where you live, your school, your personality, hobbies-> link to why you’re suitable for the school/Finland. This can be 1-3 paragraphs.
E.g.: “I’m an adventurer and I believe that your school/Finland will give me a safe place to be bold and explore the world.”
What are the unique things about you that the principal should know about?/ What motivates you to study and work?/ What are some of your interests that this school can offer ?-> Again, link to why this school/Finland is perfect for you. You can use real-life scenarios/anecdotes/ dialogues to illustrate these.
E.g.: “I’m self-studying Japanese and Korean. As your school offers a lot of language courses, I believe it is the perfect place for a language-lover like me.”
Talk about your accomplishments. What are you most proud of about yourself?
E.g.: volunteer/founder of a club/part-time job.
Don’t just list everything. Talk about what you have learned from the experiences. -> link to the school/Finland.
E.g.: “I have traveled to many countries to compete in competitions. Traveling has taught me more than school did. Living and studying in Finland will be my key to the world.”
At least one paragraph written specifically about the school you’re applying to. Make different versions for each school. Why did you choose this school? List 2-3 specific reasons. You can talk about a program the school has or a teacher you have a good impression of.
E.g.: “Your school has a lot of international programs that I hope to be a part of one day.”
Your plan after high school. What do you want to major in? Where do you want to study? It’s fine if you don’t have a specific plan at the top of your head. Just showcase that you have goals and not just aimlessly going to school every day. I said I didn’t want to study in Finland for university because I wanted to know more about other cultures.
Feel free to add anything that you think will convince the principal to choose you.
3. Finally, the conclusion: Mention all the main points in the body paragraphs about why you should be in the school/Finland. Add a final unique mark so that the principal will remember you. Remember to state again that you’re very excited about all the opportunities that you will have in Finland and you’re the one for the school
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