Motivation letter that sounds like you, not a template
Many European universities, scholarships and volunteer programs ask for a motivation letter instead of a cover letter. They want to know why you, why this, and why now. This prompt has your todo.is agent read the program page, ask what drives you, and write a one-page letter with a real story, clear goals and a match to what the program offers.
The prompt
- Write a motivation letter for [PROGRAM, SCHOLARSHIP OR ROLE] at [INSTITUTION OR ORGANIZATION]. Here is the page with the requirements: [LINK]. About me: [STUDIES, WORK OR VOLUNTEERING SO FAR]. Why I want this: [YOUR REAL REASON OR A STORY]. My goal after it: [WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT]. Read the page and follow any word limit or questions it sets; otherwise keep it to one page (about 400-500 words). Open with a specific moment, not "I am writing to apply". Connect 2 or 3 courses, projects or values from the page to my background. Give me a Word file and a PDF, and list the requirements you followed.
What to change
- [PROGRAM, SCHOLARSHIP OR ROLE]: E.g. "MSc Sustainable Energy", "Erasmus+ scholarship" or "European Solidarity Corps volunteer".
- [INSTITUTION OR ORGANIZATION]: The university or organization name.
- [LINK]: The program or application page so your agent can read the requirements.
- [STUDIES, WORK OR VOLUNTEERING SO FAR]: E.g. "BSc Mechanical Engineering, internship at a solar installer, robotics club captain".
- [YOUR REAL REASON OR A STORY]: What actually made you want this. A short story works best.
- [WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NEXT]: E.g. "work on grid storage in my home country".
Example result
- Motivation letter
- Amara Okafor
- MSc Sustainable Energy, Application 2027
- Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
- The night our street in Enugu lost power for the third time in a week, my younger brother finished his homework by the light of my phone. I was 16, and I remember thinking that the problem was not a lack of sunlight. It was a lack of storage. That question has shaped my studies ever since.
- I am completing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, where my final project models a small battery system for a rural clinic. Last summer I interned at a solar installer, sizing systems for homes and small shops. I learned that the hardest part is rarely the panels. It is designing storage that people can afford and maintain.
- Your program fits these questions closely. The course on Energy Storage Systems would give me the theory I am missing, and the Energy Access in Practice project would let me test it with a real partner. I was also drawn to your research group on mini-grids, whose recent work on battery lifetime in hot climates I read with great interest.
- Outside class, I captain our university robotics club. Leading a team of twelve taught me to plan, to share credit and to stay calm when a prototype fails the night before a competition.
- After the master's, I plan to return to Nigeria and work on storage for health centers, first with an installer and later in policy. I believe this program is the right next step, and I would bring hands-on experience, curiosity and persistence to the class.
- Thank you for considering my application.
- Yours sincerely,
- Amara Okafor
- Why it works
- • Opens with a personal moment that leads to the field
- • Names specific courses and research from the program page
- • Ends with a clear plan after graduation
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and put your program, background and goal into the [brackets].
- Paste it into todo.is on the Today screen, or send it to your agent on WhatsApp.
- Attach your CV or transcript if you want your agent to pick out the best details.
- Read the draft and reply with changes like "shorter", "more about my thesis" or "translate to German".
Tips for a better result
- Always follow the program's own word limit and questions. Admissions teams notice when an applicant ignored them.
- Show motivation with actions: projects, jobs or volunteering you chose, not just statements like "I am passionate".
- Name one or two specific courses, professors or projects. It proves you read about the program.
- Write a different letter for each program. Ask your agent to adapt the same story to each program page.
motivation letter: FAQ
- What is the difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter? A cover letter focuses on your skills for a job. A motivation letter focuses on why you want a program or role and what you will do with it, so it is more personal.
- How long should a motivation letter be? Usually one page, around 400 to 500 words, unless the program sets its own limit.
- Can I write my motivation letter in another language? Yes. Your agent can write it in the language the program asks for, or translate your English version. Ask a native speaker to read it if you can.
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