There are many reasons to email an admissions officer. You may need to ask some clarifying questions about a specific program, you may need help understanding your financial aid package, or you may want to confirm the college has received every part of your application. No matter the reason, you must ensure that your letter to the admissions office is both professional and authentic. In this article, we will review several successful samples of how to write an email to a college admissions office.

When should you send an email to a college admissions office?

Most college admissions officers consider emails from high school students a form of demonstrated interest or the degree to which you express an interest in attending a school. Demonstrated interest is one of the many factors college admissions officers consider when evaluating your application.

It is the best way to show an admissions officer that you have done your research about their college and are eager to learn more. In fact, a study performed by the National Association for College Admission Counseling found that demonstrated interest was one of the most important factors in the college admissions decision process. As such, it is important that your email presents your best self.

Things to consider before writing your college admissions letter/email

There are many factors to consider when drafting your email. In this article, we will discuss several important strategies as well as review key factors such as: appropriate subject lines for college admissions emails, how to address the admissions office in an email, and how to ask thoughtful, well-researched questions.

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01

Find your admissions officer

If possible, locate the email of the admissions officer for your region. For example, if you live in Florida, you want to target the email to the admissions officer that reads for the Southeast. It is important to locate the admissions officer for your region since they will be the person reading your college application when you submit it. They should be familiar with your name and remember you positively.

02

Have a clear purpose for your email

Don’t email a college admissions officer without a clear reason. College admissions officers have busy schedules, especially during college application season. Be respectful of their time. Do not send a generic email introducing yourself. Be concise, and straightforward, and have a clear reason for emailing them.

03

Research your question before reaching out

Research your questions thoroughly before reaching out to them. College websites include lots of important information and frequently asked questions and answers. Make sure you read all of this information. 

If you reach out to a college admissions officer with a question that’s already been answered on the school’s website, the officer may doubt your ability to conduct your own research. Impress college admissions committees by asking precise and specific questions. 

For example, do not ask college admissions officers questions such as:

  • Should I major in chemistry or physics? 
  • Are freshmen required to live on campus?
  • What is out-of-state tuition?

Rather ask questions such as:

  • As a first-generation college student, do you have any additional application resources I should be aware of? 
  •  I am interested in attending medical school after graduating. What medical programs have recent alumni attended?
  • What sort of networking opportunities and internships would be available to me as a business major?
04

Do not be afraid to ask questions about your required materials

You can also follow up with an admissions officer to confirm they have received all of your materials, such as your test scores and letters of recommendation. This is particularly important as the application deadline approaches. For example, if you have sent in your SAT/ACT scores but haven’t received a confirmation email from the school that they received it, you can follow up with the school. The email should be detailed, concise, and professional.

How to write a letter to a college admissions office in 5 steps & what to include

It’s important to know when and how to email a college admissions office during the college application process. You will be evaluated on the quality and nature of your correspondence so it’s important to be prepared. Read the following tips on how to email an admissions officer before you reach out with any questions. 

If you are wondering how to start an email to a college, read on! In this section of the article, we will review several college admissions email samples and discuss how to write an email to college admissions successfully.

01

Address the admissions officer properly

Begin your email by addressing the admissions officer in a kind, proper manner. Don’t use slang or abbreviations that you might use with your peers while texting. Your writing should highlight your maturity and ability to communicate in a professional setting. 

  • “Good morning, Ms. Smith,”
  • “Hello, Mr. Johnson,”
02

Introduce yourself

Admissions teams receive hundreds of emails a day from prospective students so a concise email that simply gets to the point saves time and energy. Therefore, you shouldn’t spend a great deal of time introducing yourself. You are unlikely to increase your probability of acceptance by sending an email detailing your life’s accomplishments. Instead, write a brief sentence or two, providing your name and any relevant background information that may inform their answer such as whether you have previously spoken to them during the college admissions process at a college fair.

“My name is Hayley Hall and I am applying to Pomona College in the Fall of 2022. I am particularly interested in majoring in Engineering.”

03

Be specific

Once you have provided your name and relevant information, ask specific questions. Don’t ask generic questions you should already know the answer to from your college search.

Avoid questions like:

“What’s the acceptance rate for UCLA?”

“What does Yale look for?”

“How much does each credit hour cost for in-state students?”

Instead, ask more detailed questions like:

“What types of companies does the College of Engineering have partnerships with?”

“When do most students start performing research?” 

“What would you say students are most excited about on campus?” 

These kinds of questions prove that you have done your research but want more in-depth information about their university. Your curiosity will bode well with an admission officer. It will signal you are seriously considering their university. Their answers will help you make informed decisions about the schools you are considering and potentially provide information for your “Why This College” essay!

04

Make sure to thank the admissions officer

You want to leave a good impression on the admissions officer. Therefore, you should thank the admissions officer for his/her help. Your email correspondence with an admissions officer is often your first communication with a university as a prospective college student. Take your emails seriously while maintaining your own voice. Try to keep your emails to a minimum; don’t email admissions officers every day as that can likely become burdensome as well.

05

List your full contact information

A college admissions officer will most likely email you back. It is polite, however, to give them the option to call you. This will also come in handy if they need to reach you urgently. Therefore, make sure to list your phone number at the end of your email. You should also list your mailing address. 

Sample email to college admissions office: 3 examples with analysis

Successful emails to admissions officer samples are professional, concise, and detailed. Let’s take a look at some sample emails to a college admissions counselor.

Sample 1

This email is polite and personal. It is also highly specific, with lots of key details and dates. The college admissions officer knows exactly who the student is and what they want. The email is very clear; the college admissions officer will not have to ask any clarifying questions before getting back to the student with the necessary information.

Sample 2

This email is friendly, organized, and to the point. The student presents several clear, well-researched questions that the admission officer is uniquely qualified to answer.

Sample 3

This is an effective email because it is detailed, thorough, and professional. The student clearly states who they are, what their questions are, and what sort of assistance and guidance they hope to receive. It is also clear that the student researched their academic programs thoroughly before drafting this email.

Why email a college admissions office?

Most college admissions officers consider emails from students a form of demonstrated interest or the degree to which you express an interest in attending a school. Demonstrated interest is one of the many factors college admissions officers consider when evaluating your application. It is the best way to show an admissions officer that you have done your research about their college and are eager to learn more. In fact, a study performed by the National Association for College Admission Counseling found that demonstrated interest was one of the most important factors in the college admissions decision process. As such, it is important that your email presents your best self.

7 extra tips on how to write a formal letter to college administration and mistakes to avoid

01

Be professional

Always be professional. Address university admissions officers properly. Avoid slang and informal language. Always thank them for their time. Use a standard sign-off, such as Sincerely or Best Regards, and always sign your full name, along with your phone number.

Mistakes to avoid

Review your social media and online presence carefully. Now that you have reached out and the college admissions officer knows your full name, they will likely look you up. Also, always use a professional email address. Make a new one specifically for college correspondence if necessary. 

02

Keep it brief

Be respectful of their time. Keep your message brief and succinct. Do not overwhelm them with too many questions. Try to limit yourself to two or three questions. You do not want them to feel like answering your email is a chore. 

Mistakes to avoid

This is not the time to list your credentials and qualifications. Keep your email to a single screen. Introduce yourself briefly in a sentence or two. 

03

Be purposeful

Have a clear reason for reaching out. Ask thoughtful, well-researched questions. Avoid writing vague or generic emails.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not email a college admissions officer simply to express your interest in attending or to list your credentials and qualifications. These details are already included in your application materials. There is no reason to repeat yourself.

04

Format it properly

Base your email off of an email template if you are unsure how to format it correctly. Use a standard font, size, and color. Do not write in all capitals. Address them properly by their preferred name and title. 

Mistakes to avoid

Do not use informal language, slang, or abbreviations. You want to impress college admissions officers. Show them that you are professional and capable of writing professional correspondence. 

05

Write a clear subject title

Always write a clear subject title. Do not simply label your email as a “question.” Instead, try something like: “Fall 2022 Admissions Question” or “Joseph Smith, Prospective Biology Major, Application Status Question.” 

Mistakes to avoid

Subject titles help college admissions officers stay organized, so avoid being vague. Do your best to concisely signal what your email is about.

06

Personalize the message​

Always write detailed, personalized, well-researched emails. You do not want college admissions officers to feel like answering your email is a chore. Be polite, and personable, and ask relevant questions that they are uniquely qualified to answer.

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid sending the same email to multiple schools. It will likely come across as generic and vague.

07

Proofread!

Always proofread your emails. Have someone else review them for you before you send them. Take your time and make sure your email is kind, concise, and clearly communicates your needs.

Mistakes to avoid

You do not want an email with typos and grammatical errors to reflect poorly on you or your application. Always proofread carefully before pressing send.

Key takeaways on how to write an email to a college admissions office

Writing a thoughtful, well-researched email to a college admissions officer communicates that you are serious about your education and your application. Use this opportunity to put your best foot forward. Use professional language, and proper formatting, and ask specific questions. Be respectful of admissions officers’ time and always thank them for their assistance.

FAQs

Still have questions? Review some frequently asked questions and answers below for further insight before drafting your email. 

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Job interviews can feel intimidating. It’s important, though, to remember that you are on the right track! Take a moment to congratulate yourself. Receiving a job interview is a key step in the job search and ultimately, the process of finding a career you love.

During your job interview, there are a few key questions you should prepare for, including the “tell me about yourself” interview question and the “what are your strengths and weaknesses” interview question. In this article, however, we will focus on the “what are your career goals” question. We will provide plenty of sample answers for you to consider and draw inspiration from.

Why do employers ask the “what are your goals” interview question?

Employers want to know what your plans for the future are — specifically if your plans involve staying and growing with their company. Hiring and training a new employee can be a big investment. This is why companies want to get a sense of your professional timeline and goals. 

“What are your career goals” is a very common and very important interview question. That said, there are several iterations of this question. 

  • What is your long-term career goal? 
  • What are your professional goals?
  • What are your goals for the future?

All of these questions share a similar subtext: 

How ambitious are you? Are you passionate about your profession? Are you planning on furthering your education? Are you interested in expanding your professional skill set? Do you have an interest in pursuing leadership opportunities? Do you want to stay and grow with a company? 

What is a career goal?

  • Going back to school or taking continuing education courses
  • Pursuing  internships and job shadowing opportunities
  • Switching careers
  • Gaining a new skill
  • Getting a raise
  • Earning a promotion
  • Receiving a professional certification
  • Engaging in more networking opportunities

Why is it important to have a career goal?

Career goals give professionals a sense of purpose and direction while helping to foster ambition. Having a career goal and other future plans can also help you make other life decisions (such as whether or not you want to go back to school and where you want to live).

So what are some career goals? Let’s take a look at several examples of career goals for different types of professionals:

What are your career goals? (examples)

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Example #1:

Jane works as an art teacher but doesn’t have enough energy to work on her projects after school. Her professional goal for the year is to create a series of paintings that will be displayed in the local gallery.

Example #2:

Frank is a real estate professional. This year he plans to take a photography class so he can improve his existing marketing materials.

Example #3:

Sally is a biologist who aspires to write a book on the migratory patterns of humpback whales.  

Types & examples of career goals

There are lots of different types of future career goals, regardless of your specific career. In this section, we will explore some working goal examples.

3 successful “what are your career goals” example answers

In this section, we will provide several long-term career goals examples. Review each of these “what are your long-term career goals” example answers to help you start brainstorming for your own response. 

What are your career goals answer #1

“In the next three to five years, I would like to transition from being an in-house editor to a freelance book editor. I am passionate about working with literature and being my own boss. As a highly creative individual, having the freedom to choose my own projects is very attractive to me. Currently, there are a plethora of writers pursuing self-publishing and other independent publishing opportunities. Given my professional experience and knowledge of the industry, I believe that I would be a powerful collaborator. ”

What are your career goals answer #2

“Currently, I work as a real estate assistant. Through this position, I am gaining valuable industry-related experience and am learning from my brokerage’s different team members. My goal is to take my real estate exam by the end of the year. Then, upon earning my real estate license, I plan to partner with my current mentor.”

What are your career goals answer #3

“I have worked in the restaurant and service industry for the last 10 years. From washing dishes to waiting tables, to acting as a line cook, I have done a little bit of everything. I am passionate about preparing Thai cuisine and plan to open my own Thai restaurant with my wife. We are currently touring commercial properties and storefronts. We are also in the process of receiving a business loan. We plan to secure a loan and sign a lease within the next 6 months.”

3 extra tips on how to answer “what is your career goal?”

It’s important to feel prepared and to know how to answer career goals questions, as well as other common interview questions. As a job seeker, it’s important to improve your interview skills. Mostly, this just takes practice.

Other important steps to take before a job interview include reviewing your social media presence and updating your LinkedIn profile.

Be honest and specific

Do your best to be honest and genuine. Provide specific details. This will help demonstrate that you have thoroughly reflected on your career goals and are serious about pursuing them.

Stay relevant

Your answer should always relate to the position you are applying for. Maybe the position isn’t your dream job, but there is also a reason why you are applying for it. Ask yourself the following questions to prepare: Why do I want this position? How does this position relate to my interests? What do I hope to learn from this position?

Include an actionable plan

Be brief but concise. Don’t share too many personal details with the hiring manager or prattle on about your plans for self-improvement. But do share two or three actionable steps you plan to take. Ideally, you should include both short-term goals and long-term goals.

Things not to say: 3 mistakes to avoid when replying to “what is your career goal”

“What is your career goal” is a personal question. That said, it’s important not to be too personal in your response. Focus more on your professional development, as opposed to your personal development.

Review these 4 tips for what not to say when answering this question.

Don’t focus too much on salary

Don’t volunteer too much information about your target salary during your initial interview. You will have plenty of time to negotiate your salary later on. Bringing up your salary prematurely may give the wrong impression. Wait until your second-round job interview questions.

Avoid being vague

If you give a vague response (including the dreaded, “I don’t have any career goals”), the hiring manager may question your work ethic, ambition, and passion. A vague answer may also signal that you aren’t serious about the position that you are applying for.

Avoid sharing too many details

Tailor your answer to the job you are applying for. (Take time to review the job description as well as details about your potential employer beforehand). If you are applying to be an academic tutor but are actively searching for employment in the publishing industry, don’t mention your outside career goals. Instead, speak to why you think the position you are applying for relates to your larger career goals. 

Key takeaways on answering the “what are your career goals?” question

The most important thing to remember when answering the “what are your career goals” question is to be specific — but to also use discretion. Tailor your response to the specific position you are applying for. After all, there is a reason why you decided to apply for it! Take time to practice your response before your interview. Having a clearly defined career goal will help demonstrate your passion, work ethic, ambition, and sense of motivation.

If you are struggling to set career goals and feel like you could benefit from having professional career guidance, reach out to learn more about our services. Whether you are interested in a career change, pursuing more leadership roles, or need help coming up with an action plan, our career counselors can help you reach your career aspirations.

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FAQs

Still have questions? Review these 12 frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.