Starting a formal letter for a job or college application is difficult. It’s true.
Your teacher will tell you that the best thing to do is to address an individual. But unfortunately, that’s not always possible.
In fact, since college admissions essays are often written for a team of admissions representatives, there may not be a single person to address. So, what do you do?
Here are a few options to consider (along with my personal opinions about them).
To Whom It May Concern
- Very impersonal – while this may be considered as technically “correct” it shows very little thought
- Outdated
Dear Sir/Madam
- Reads like a translation from another language
- Impersonal yet gendered, making for an awkward feel
- Outdated
Dear Admissions Committee
- Although impersonal, this allows you to avoid outdated and gendered terms while remaining vague about the letter’s recipients
Dear University of Minnesota
- Although still impersonal, stating the university’s name at least lets the read know that this isn’t a mass letter that you sent to every job/school
- Feels somewhat more modern
Dear Department of English Studies
- Shows that it isn’t a mass letter sent out to every school
- Shows that you understand which department you will be joining
Oftentimes, you can start your college essays directly, without addressing a letter to anyone. However, certain schools (like Sciences Po) ask specifically for a letter. Moreover, you will find the issue of starting a formal letter is a recurring issue when you start applying for jobs after graduation.
More help with college essay grammar and writing:
Read more of my blogs about College Admissions topics.
The US College Personal Statement
The Five-Point Resume Check
Five Ways to De-Stress before a College Interview
Sciences Po: 4 Tips for Writing Your Motivation Letter