how to write high school application letter

How to Write a Letter for Applying to High Schools

Lane cummings, 27 jun 2018.

When it comes to public high schools, enrollment is often just a matter of having an address within a designated school zone. However, for private or prep schools, applying for enrollment is an entirely different matter. Enrollment depends upon test scores, letters of recommendation, application essays and a glowing letter to the admissions officials. The letter to the schools' boards or admissions departments generally requires that you explain why you wish to attend a particular school. Writing a good letter is crucial for a winning application.

Create the standard business letter format. Type your address in three or four lines at the top left corner of the page. Skip a line and type the date. Skip another line and type the full name of the board and the address of its headquarters in three or four lines.

Skip a line and write "Dear" plus the name of the chairman or director of the board. Skip another line and begin your first paragraph without indenting.

Identify yourself with your full name, explain that you are an applicant to a specific school or schools within the board's responsibility.

State your strongest reason for wanting to attend these particular schools. Be specific, stating programs, classes or activities that these schools offer that directly connect to talents or hobbies that you have or things you're interested in. For example, if a particular school has a strong classics department and you're interested in learning ancient Greek, mention that. Go through all these reasons in two to three paragraphs.

State what you will bring to the school. You want to avoid cliches like saying you're hardworking or highly motivated. Rather, you need to find new ways to express the positive aspects of your character without sounding like every other applicant. For example, if you are in fact hardworking, say something to the effect of, "I believe in conducting a thorough study, often completing more work or reading assignments than what the teacher assigns."

Close your essay with a quote from a famous leader, author or historian that addresses education. For example, Nelson Mandela's quote that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" is suitable or something comparable.

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Before you send your letter, make sure and proofread it carefully. Go over it a few times, paying special attention to grammar, tone and the general flow. You want to make sure the letter reads well and gives a glimpse into who you are. Once you're done proofing and editing it yourself, choose a teacher or other school staff member that knows you well, and ask them to look it over. If possible, avoid asking a parent or friend to read it. They may be reluctant to give you honest feedback or try to convince you to add things that don't need to be in the letter.

When the letter is ready to send, make sure you have the correct name and address of who to send it to. More than likely, you will be sending it to the Dean of Students, school counselor or main office. It's also a good idea to find out if the school prefers you to email or postal mail the letter.

• 1 Think Exist: Education quotes

About the Author

Lane Cummings is originally from New York City. She attended the High School of Performing Arts in dance before receiving her Bachelor of Arts in literature and her Master of Arts in Russian literature at the University of Chicago. She has lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she lectured and studied Russian. She began writing professionally in 2004 for the "St. Petersburg Times."

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Motivation Letter for High School with Sample

How to write a motivation letter for a high school application.

There is no doubt of the importance of a good education. In fact, the importance of a good education is so indisputable that the ability to get into a good school is not only becoming more and more competitive, but that competition is starting at a younger and younger age. Today, even preschools have waiting lists so long that many parents will put their children on a number of different waiting lists before they are even born. Although it is still questioned just how much a good preschool or elementary education impacts collegiate opportunities, no question that attending a premiere high school will significantly impact those opportunities.  These applications can be very competitive. Use a motivation letter for high school applications to help show the admissions committee your passion for and interest in their school.

In today’s competitive educational marketplace, however, simply having the means or resources to attend a prestigious school does not automatically guarantee admittance. Even having a prestigious name or friends in high places will not always secure a position in some of the most elite schools. Similarly, many schools are far more egalitarian these days, which means a lack of prestigious contacts may not bar you from admittance.

This is why writing a motivation letter for a high school application is perhaps more important than ever. In today’s academia, having the right parents doesn’t carry as much sway as having the right motivations. Many of the top high schools are perhaps more committed than ever to building a diverse student body. In many cases, they care more about the student’s potential than the parents’ wealth or status. In fact, parents often want a child admitted into a certain school far more than the student themselves, which is why a motivation letter can be so valuable. A good motivation letter for high school can communicate a student’s passion for attending, which will often carry far more weight than a parent’s desire. Here are some tips for writing a great motivation letter for a high school application that will help you stand out.

1. Let them know what you feel you can gain from education from their institution

Applying to a good high school is similar to applying for a good job at a prestigious company. Just like good companies, good schools know what they have to offer and they want to make sure that the applicants they choose genuinely want to be there. The difference between a good school and a good company, however, is that most applicants that apply for a job at a good company do so because they genuinely want to work there, not because their parents want them to work there. To that end, it is important for the student to communicate in their motivation letter what their personal motivations are for wanting to attend the school.

While the most obvious answer might be to pave the way to getting into a good college, that doesn’t really communicate a strong desire to attend that specific school. Prestigious high schools are well aware of the power their name carries. They are generally looking for students who are interested in more than just being able to drop the name of their school on a college application. They are looking for students who genuinely desire what that school specifically has to offer, similar to the way in which companies are not looking for employees that simply want a job anywhere, they are looking for employees who genuinely desire to work for their company specifically.

To that end, the more you can show that you know what that school has to offer, the better your chances are of getting accepted. For instance, if you are a chess enthusiast and the school has an excellent competitive chess team, that is a good thing to mention in your letter. If you are avidly interested in science and the school employs a prestigious science teacher, that is also a good thing to mention in your letter. There is also nothing wrong with mentioning how excited you might be to attend the same school as your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother or any other relatives or close family acquaintances. Having relatives or family friends who attended the school is not a bad thing and when mentioned in the right context can be a plus, but it is unwise to name drop in a way that suggests it a student should be entitled to attend the school simply because their relatives or acquaintances did.

2. Share some of your accomplishments but be careful not to brag

Like most relationships, the relationship between a student and the school they attend should be a give-and-take. Elite schools obviously have a superior education to offer, which they also know they can only offer to a relatively small number of students. This means they are generally looking for the students they feel can best benefit from the specific educational opportunities they offer. It is both perfectly acceptable and important to share what you feel you bring to the table but it is also important to do so in such a way as to not imply that any school should be honored to have you attend.

It is important to share any special skills, accomplishments or achievements in such a way as to communicate that you hope the school can help you capitalize on those achievements and further develop those skills rather than presenting them in such a way as to imply that you are highly accomplished as you are and need no further growth. That would, in essence, completely defeat the purpose of attending an elite school in the first place. While is it important not to humblebrag, there is also great value in learning how to communicate your accomplishments or achievements very humbly.

3. Factually share any challenges you have faced

It is patently untrue that wealth, position or status are infallible barriers to struggle or hardship. Even the wealthiest and most privileged children face hardships such as medical issues or the death of a loved one and for children who are not wealthy or privileged, the list of hardships they have endured or overcome can be even longer. Many schools are looking for more than simply academic excellence or achievement. Slots in many elite schools are highly coveted, which means the competition is fierce and it doesn’t end once a child is admitted. This means that many elite schools are looking for more than academic excellence or a good pedigree, they are looking for signs of inner fortitude or that a young person has what it takes to undergo the rigors of education at their school.

The administration of most elite schools knows full well the challenges inherent in simply attending an elite school. Showing a level of perseverance can also demonstrate an ability to stick it out through the hard times, which will inevitably come at some point in time during a student’s tenure at almost any school. That being said, it is also important to shy away from over-dramatizing any struggles or challenges. Doing so is a form of manipulation and administrators who read dozens, if not hundreds of such letters every year are unlikely to be moved by a blatant attempt to gain a sympathy vote.

4. Write about what you are passionate about

There is probably nothing that educators love more than passionate and eager students. While passions may change over the years, almost all children develop a strong passion for something at an early age. In many cases, that passion actually leads to what they eventually do as a career. Whether you love dinosaurs, dragons, dance or drama; music, magic, mathematics or making mosaics, your passions will almost certainly guide your eventual career goals in some way. Even if you aren’t sure what you want to do for a career yet, looking at what you are passionate about is a good place to start looking for that path.

Some students may already know exactly the career path they want to follow, which can also be good information to communicate. For others that aren’t as certain, simply letting schools know what you are passionate about can actually get them excited about helping you find that path. When writing a motivation letter for a high school application, one of the very best things you can do is get people excited about wanting to help you. Giving them some idea of what you are trying to achieve or accomplish may be the best way to do just that. But first, you must know what you hope to achieve or accomplish.

Strike A Balance

When it comes to writing a motivation letter for a high school application, it is important to strike a careful balance. Of course, you want to be motivating but you also want to be careful to not go so far as to use manipulative or emotional strong-arm tactics. While you want to be persuasive, there is a fine line between persuasion and manipulation. It is far better to simply stick to the facts than also to try and communicate how you want readers to interpret those facts. Here are some examples of what to do and not do to strike that perfect balance.

• Do let them know what you appreciate about their institution in a way that lets them know you have done your homework and know what that institution specifically has to offer
• Don’t be so overly effusive that you come across as a suck-up. People appreciate being appreciated but no one likes a sycophant.
• Do let them know about any relatives or acquaintances you may have that have attended school there and what types of things they have said about the school or the experiences they had there that make you want to attend as well.
• Don’t simply bring up important people’s names or their relationship to you to make yourself seem very important and, therefore a valuable asset to the school.
• Do be honest about a few traits, skills or qualities you feel you have to offer to their scholastic community.
• Don’t go on and on about how great you are, creating the impression they are lucky to have you.
• Do share some of your challenges and how you overcame them. Be honest and real about them. Some struggles may not seem as great as others but just be honest and real and let the reader be the judge.
• Don’t communicate your experiences as if they were some kind of Greek tragedy. Some young people have, in fact, already experienced tremendous hardship in their young lives. If that is you, be honest and let the facts speak for themselves. Remember, the goal is to simply communicate the reality of your life, not emotionally manipulate the reader.
• Do write about what you are passionate about, regardless of what that may be. Human beings are known to get excited about helping people who are excited to accomplish their goals and achieve their dreams. There may be no greater way to motivate people than to share with them where you want to go or what you want to do and ask for their help in getting there.
• Do not ever simply make something up because you either don’t know what you want to do or don’t think that what you want to do is very impressive. Whatever your goals, dreams or passions are, simply be honest about them. People might surprise you.

When you write a motivation letter for high school, you want to show why they should just be you instead of another candidate.  There are often more applicants than positions and the student needs to stand out.  While the parent can help the student, a student-written letter is often more powerful and more passionate.  A good motivation letter for high school can set a great student up for an amazing education and more opportunities down the road.  This all starts with a great motivation letter as part of their application.

Other Resources to Help With Your Motivation Letter for a High School Application

We have written this guide to help you write your own letter or your child’s letter.  Sometimes, we get asked for more help from our readers.   Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources for that, but we want to give you any help we can.

The best resource we have found for such help is looking on  Fiverr to hire a freelancer to help you.  Fiverr is a marketplace where you can hire someone for a specific project.  They offer different projects at set prices that you can hire them for.  This link will take you to a search for freelancers that do motivation letters specifically.  We can’t offer any specific names on there because the freelancers change.  We do have a guide that gives you some help finding the right person for you, though.

We also offer a downloadable version of our sample motivation letter for high school that can help you get started. It’s affordable and easy to use. You can find that here .

We have also found that Grammarly is a great resource to help with the quality of your writing and phrasing. Grammarly has a terrific free spell checker that also gives you recommendations on phrasing. The true power of Grammarly, though, is in its recommendations for the tone and wording of your writing. It’s a truly incredible resource that can make your writing better immediately.

A Sample Letter Motivation Letter for High School Application

Below is a sample motivation letter for a high school application.  The goal is to get you started.  You don’t want to use this letter. You want to use the guidance above to write your letter.  We also offer an Editable Motivation Letter Template for High School that you can download and use to get started.  That is a Microsoft Word version of this letter that can help you get started on your letter.

Related posts:

• Motivation Letter for Students Samples
• Motivation Letter for Erasmus with Example Templates
• How to Write a Motivation Letter for an Artist – With Sample
• How to Write an Amazing Motivation Letter for a Teacher Position

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How to Write an Application Letter

Last Updated: June 29, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 167,068 times.

Application letters are typically written to accompany school or job applications. The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself to the decision committee, and to outline your qualifications in a specific way. It can be the only time other than an interview that you have a chance to really stand out in an application, so it's important to get it right. You can learn what to include in your letter, how to style it, and how to format it to give yourself the best chance.

Application Letter Templates

Writing a Job Application

• A good example would be: "I'm writing to apply for the Chimney Sweep position advertised in Rolling Stone. I think my experience in the heating industry makes me uniquely qualified for this position. Please find my application materials and a brief description of my qualifications below."
• Don't write your name until the signature. It'll be in the header and in the sign-off, so there's no reason to put it in the body of the letter itself.

• Be specific. Who are you? Where do you come from? What's your story? These details are important. HR screeners read hundreds of these.
• Describe your ambitions. Where do you want to go? How will this opportunity help you get there?
• What skills and experiences make you the right fit? Be as specific as possible and avoid vague language. It's better to describe a time you solved a specific problem at your last job than to just write, "I'm a good problem solver at work."

• Tailor it to the business. If you're applying to work at a record store, you need to talk about music. If you're applying to work at a tech company that writes, "Tell us something totally rad about yourself!" it's probably ok to be a little more informal.

• Don't over-promise. Telling someone that you can guarantee that you'll be able to turn around their sales figures in six months or less is a good way to get fired in six months.

• Any kind of job requires this type of research. If you apply to a restaurant, you need to be familiar with the menu and the kind of customers the restaurant attracts. Consider eating there a few times before you apply.
• Don't show you're familiar by criticizing a business and telling them what you can do better. Not the time to offer a harsh criticism of a business plan that you don't really know anything about.

Writing a School Application

• Common prompts include things like, "Outline your qualifications for this position" or "In writing, explain how this position would affect your career goals." Sometimes, the prompt will be as short as, "Tell us something interesting about yourself."
• If there is no prompt, but you still feel the need to introduce your application with a letter, it's usually best to keep it as short as possible. Explain what you're applying for, why you're applying, and thank the contact for their consideration. That's it.

• Often, college prompts will ask you to describe a time you struggled, or a time you overcame some obstacle. Write about something unique, a time that you actually failed and dealt with the consequences.
• The board will get thousands–literally, thousands–of letters about someone's first mission trip, and letters about the time someone's sports team was beaten, then overcame the odds, and won again. Avoid these topics.

• Be specific. If you're writing to a college board, don't say, "I want to go to this college because I need a degree." That's obvious. What do you want to do with it? Why? If you're applying to a business, don't say, "I just need a job." That's obvious. Why this specific job?

• If you're applying to schools, what do you like about the school? What faculty are you interested in? Why this school, instead of another?

Formatting Application Letters

• If you don't get a word-count guideline, just focus on making one or two good points about yourself, and keeping it at that. No need to drone on four several pages.

• Instead of a salutation, write, "Letter of Application" at the top left corner of the page, or put it in the header on the left side at the top.
• If you do have a contact, address it to them, making sure the name is spelled correctly. Then space down and start the body of the letter. [10] X Research source

• Sometimes, it's appropriate to type your name, then print out the letter and sign it in pen. That can be a nice touch.

• Mailing address
• Telephone and/or fax number

Expert Q&A

• Remember to be formal at all times. Do not use abbreviations anywhere. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-an-application-letter
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/tone_in_business_writing.html
• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
• ↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/admission-letters/
• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/personal-statements-and-application-letters.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/job_search_letters/cover_letters_1_quick_tips/quick_formatting_tips.html
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/

About This Article

To format an application letter, start by including your name and contact details in the document header. When choosing a greeting, only use one if you know the person's name your writing to. Otherwise, give the document a title, like "Letter of application" at the top of the page. For the body of the letter, aim to write no more than 1 page of single-spaced paragraphs using a standard font. Finally, conclude your letter with a formal greeting like "Sincerely yours." For tips on how to write a job application letter, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

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High School Student Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

For high school students who are striving to earn a part-time position, an internship, or any other type of extracurricular work, writing a great cover letter is the first key step to take.

Since many high school students do not have a long work history yet, this can require some extra time and cleverness to frame high-school-level experiences compellingly.

But fret not, in this guide, we teach you exactly how to write an effective cover letter as a high school student. Continue reading to learn all about:

• Crafting a memorable cover letter header as a high school student
• Tailoring your high school student cover letter to be specific to the reader
• Writing an eye-catching introduction for your high school cover letter
• Highlighting your skills and academic experiences as a high school student
• Persuasively concluding your high school student cover letter
• Finding useful resources for job-seeking high school students

Let’s jump into the first step and begin crafting the ideal high school student cover letter!

1. How to craft a memorable cover letter header as a high school student

As a high school student, your top priority when writing a cover letter is to make it look professional.

High school students can often overlook the importance of visual design when writing cover letters, as they are more focused on making the letter’s content sound good.

Yet, a great-looking and professional cover letter format can go a long way in impressing employers.

In your cover letter header, you should include:

• Your name and academic position
• Your contact information
• The name of the company you are applying to
• The address of the company you are applying to

Here is an example of a well-formatted high school student cover letter header

Molly Madison , High School Class President (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/molly-madison

To: Jackson’s Downtown Boutique & Shoppe Gallery 1234 Street Address Phoenix, AZ

Use artificial intelligence to create your resume — FAST!

2. how to properly tailor your high school student cover letter.

After giving your cover letter an excellent visual structure and flow, your next step is to tailor the greeting and content of your high school student cover letter .

Tailoring a cover letter means making the information as relevant to the reader as possible. For instance, if you are applying to work in an ice cream shop, describing how your skills can be applied to customer service and food safety are good ways to make your letter relevant to the job.

Additionally, you should address your cover letter to the person who is most likely to read and review it, such as a company’s owner or a head manager.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

Dear Mr. John Doe,

• Dear Hiring Manager John Doe,
• Dear Mr. John Doe & the Hiring Department,

3. How to write an eye-catching introduction for your high school student cover letter

When applying for jobs as a high school student, you are likely not going to have an extensive work history to showcase in your cover letter.

To make up for this, you need to ensure each detail you write is as eye-catching and compelling as possible. It is especially important to pay extra attention to your introduction , as an introductory paragraph can often be the thing that either impresses employers or makes them lose interest.

The best high school cover letter introductions should include:

• A brief overview of your academic history (academic performance, extracurriculars, etc.)
• Any key roles you have held in your academic history (leadership roles, athletics, etc.)
• A brief statement on what you are passionate about (this should be relevant to the role, position, or opportunity you are applying for)

Here is an example of a great introduction from a high school student cover letter

I am a junior at Rowe County High School seeking my first job in the outdoor recreation industry. As a student, I helped to start an Outdoor Program club that now has 30+ members and takes students on chaperoned adventures, such as hiking and camping. Your company is a staple in the local outdoor community and gaining this job would provide me with the opportunity to both practice my passion and learn more about the industry. 

Find out your resume score!

4. How to highlight your skills and academic experiences as a high school student

With your introduction out of the way, you can now begin writing your cover letter’s body paragraphs.

Many people choose to break up their body paragraphs into smaller, simple sentences. Additionally, bullet points can be used to keep your body paragraphs more organized and easy to skim over.

When writing these body paragraphs, your main goal is to describe your best skills and accomplishments as a high school student. You should select skills and accomplishments that are highly relevant to the position you are applying for.

Here are 6 examples of skills to include in a high school student cover letter

• Communication skills (describe your exact style of communication)
• Leadership and teamwork
• Time management
• Conflict resolution
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a high school student cover letter

As a student at Monroe High School, I won the election for Class President two years in a row during my sophomore and junior years. This year, I am serving as the Senior Class President, which comes with greater responsibilities, including management of the school spirit budget.

5. How to persuasively conclude your high school student cover letter

To conclude your high school student cover letter, you must write a persuasive closing statement that encourages the reader to get in touch with you promptly.

Remember to maintain your professionalism in your conclusion as well by including a formal sign-off.

Here is an example of a persuasive closing statement from a high school student's cover letter

I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my letter and look forward to hearing from you in the near future. As I am still in school, the best hours to reach me are in the early morning between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. or in the late afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It would be my honor to work at your company and I hope to hear from you within the next week about my application.

Many Thanks,

[Applicant Name]

6. Key resources for job-seeking high school students

Before we wrap things up, let's not forget one last crucial element — resources for your job hunt. As a high school student, there's a wealth of tools out there to assist you in navigating this exciting path. Here are some you should definitely bookmark:

• Career counseling: Many high schools provide career counseling services to students. They offer guidance in identifying potential career paths, preparing for interviews, and even finding job opportunities.
• Online job boards:  Websites like Indeed , Monster , or LinkedIn offer a range of part-time, intern, and entry-level positions perfect for high school students. You can filter by your area of interest, location, and other parameters.
• Local resources:  Don't overlook local resources like community job boards, local newspapers, and libraries. They often list part-time jobs in your immediate area, ideal for high school students.
• Networking:  This can be beneficial, even for high school students. Connect with teachers, family friends, and alumni in your desired field for potential job leads and advice.
• Job readiness workshops:  Some communities offer workshops to help high school students prepare for the job market, providing tips on resume writing, interviewing, and soft skills development.
• Volunteer work:  Volunteering can provide valuable experience and skills that employers look for. Websites like VolunteerMatch  or local community centers can point you towards opportunities.

Kickstart your job search by leveraging these resources and step into the professional world with confidence. Good luck!

High School Student Cover Letter FAQ

Your cover letter should not exceed one page — it should be concise and to the point. Around 3-4 short paragraphs are generally sufficient. 

Yes, it's a good idea to follow up if you haven’t heard back after a week or two. You can send a polite email asking about the status of your application. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role. 

That's okay! You can highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or any skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere! 

Yes, you should tailor your cover letter for each job application. It demonstrates that you've done your research on the company and the specific role, which will impress employers. 

If the job posting doesn't provide a name and your research doesn't reveal who the hiring manager is, it's acceptable to use a general salutation like, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Team."

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

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Cover Letter Examples For High School Students

For many high school students getting a job is a rite of passage. More importantly, it’s the first step towards financial independence, skills development, and some new life experiences. Whether you need a job to help your family financially, or just for some fun money, you must put together an impressive application package.

One of the most important elements of that package will be your cover letter. It’s your way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. You can really help yourself out by leaving a great first impression. Before you sit down to type out your next cover letter, read the paragraphs below. We’ve included some helpful tips and a sample cover letter for a high school student.

Do High Schoolers Need a Cover Letter?

As a rule of thumb, yes. If you are going through a formal job application process (think applying online for a waitressing job over being asked to babysit by a parent’s friend), it’s best to attach a cover letter. In fact, since you probably don’t have much work experience, a cover letter may be your only application document aka a piece of information the hiring manager will use to form their opinion about you and decide on hiring. So don’t skim on this step! 

How Do you Write a High School Cover Letter?

All cover letters, regardless of your age or work experience, have the same structure:

• Introductory paragraph, detailing who you are and what job you are after
• Cover letter body, providing more context about your motivation, personal attributes, and possible qualifications
• Closing paragraph, reiterating your interest and availability, plus prompting the next steps. 

This is the basic structure to follow when writing your first cover letter as a high school student.

Below are some extra helpful tips to help you shape your letter into a professional-sounding employer magnet! 

Focus on Your Skills

Presumably, you don’t have much work experience . That’s fine. Employers who hire students expect that to be the case. Still, you want your cover letter to highlight how you can be of service to a potential boss. You can do this by emphasizing your skills.

Think of it this way. There are so many ways that you can pick up skills. You don’t simply learn them at work. For example, you may have learned how to use Microsoft Word and Excel through business classes in high school. Maybe you started a YouTube channel with friends, and now you’ve got great video editing skills. Even doing regular school assignments has helped you to learn how to use a computer, conduct research, and develop great writing skills.

Write a Self-Assured Intro

Use your introduction paragraph to tell the hiring manager exactly who you are, your purpose for applying, and share your top selling point. This is the single skill, experience, or personality trait you think is most likely to help you get an interview.

Check out this example:

“My name is James Evans, and I am a senior at Wilson Academy. I am an eagle scout with extensive experience leading groups during camping and hiking outings. This, I believe, makes me a great fit for this job, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share more about myself.”

Show That You’ve Done Your Research

Learn as much as you can about each company, and the available position before you write your cover letter. The more you know, the better you can personalize each cover letter to the employer.

Start with a name. It’s always a good practice to address your cover letter to the hiring manager. That’s the person who will read and decide if they want to interview you or take a pass on your application. Address your letter to the person directly, and avoid using generic greetings (e.g. ‘dear sir or madam’).

Finally, by doing a bit of research, you can do a better job of showing an interest in the company. For example, you could note a special project or undertaking. Something like this:

“I noticed that you are opening a new store at the corner of 5th and Main St. That’s walking distance from my home. I’d be excited to be part of the sales team at this brand-new location.”

Talk About Your Accomplishments

Without much experience, you may find it difficult to fill up a written page. One thing that you can do is create a bullet list with between three and five accomplishments that you think will make you stand out. These should be meaningful to employers.

For instance, winning a graphic design competition if you are applying for a trainee position at a development firm would be perfect. Earning the first chair in violin when applying for a job at a call center is something you should probably leave off of your cover letter.

High School Student Cover Letter Sample in .docx Format

Download example (Word version)

Cover Letter Example For High School Students – Text Format

Dear Mr. Jackson,

My name is Bruce Ninja. I’m a junior at Wilson Technical Academy. I am currently enrolled in the school’s culinary education program. Through this program, I have learned safe and proper food preparation practices, the basics of cooking and baking, and obtained my food sanitation license. I believe my education and experience would make me a great addition to your team as a line cook and the barbecue pit restaurant.

I attend regular classes for half of the day. There I maintain a 3.5-grade point average. In the afternoon I attend culinary arts classes. 3 days a week I work in the student cafeteria. There my duties include preparing sandwiches, soups, and salads. I also work front-of-house operating a cash register, taking orders from customers, and bussing tables.

Last summer I worked as an apprentice with Mitch Murray where I was able to learn various techniques relating to barbecuing and grilling meats. We traveled throughout the Midwest on the barbecue competition and state fair circuit. During that time I won awards for:

• Most creative side dish
• State of Missouri governor’s youth BBQ award
• Iowa State Fair Best in Show youth division

I am experienced in many aspects of the casual restaurant industry. I am also willing to take on any duties as needed and look forward to learning as much as I can in any position I’m given. I’ve included my resume as well as two letters of recommendations one from Mitch Murray BBQ, and the other from my culinary arts instructor. I hope to hear from you soon

Bruce Ninja

First Job Cover Letter Example for a High School Student – .docx Format

This sample was written for a high school student, looking to secure their first-ever job in retail. 

Cover Letter for High School Student First Job Sample – Text Format

Dear Ms. Snowden,

I’m sending this letter to express my interest in the Summer Front-Desk Receptionist job at Fullerton Park Hotel. While I am new to the workforce, I am confident that your establishment will benefit from my hard-working attitude and strong people skills.

As a local at Fullerton, I have deep knowledge of the city attractions, restaurant spots, and leisure activities. As a member of the History Society at Fullerton High School, I can confidently introduce guests to the cities heritage and provide curious historical facts to the most curious guests. In addition, I have strong digital literacy skills and feel comfortable using office software and conference phones systems. In fact, I can also troubleshoot common tech issues (e.g. such as those with Wi-Fi), thanks to the tips and tricks my mechanical engineer-brother shared with me. I’m a self-starter and eager to learn using new types of proprietary software too.

Fullerton Park Hotel is also well-known for its stellar customer service level, reflected in a 9.8 rating on Booking.com. If accepted for this job, I’d be fully committed to maintaining the same levels of customer-centricity. A good attestation to my pleasant personality is a personal references letter by my History Teacher, attached to this letter.

I am available to come by for an interview at your convenience. I thank you in advance for your consideration.

Jessica Ninja 

Final Tip: Secure a Recommendation

If there is an instructor, previous employer, scout leader, or coach who is willing to write a quick letter of recommendation that can really help your application. It’s that extra bit of endorsement that could help you and the interview!

Other Cover Letter Samples

Cover letter for investment banking jobs, sample cover letter for teachers: your guide to nail that job application, cover letter example for administrative assistant + ninja tips for job applications, a superb supervisor cover letter example.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

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High School Student Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these High School Student cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table of Contents

High school student cover letter example 1, high school student cover letter example 2, high school student cover letter example 3, high school student cover letter writing tips.

If you’re a high school student who wants to make a big impact on the world, a summer job could be a great way to get your foot in the door.

But before you can get hired, you need to create a stellar cover letter. Check out the examples and tips below to learn how to write a cover letter for a high school student.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the role at your company. After looking over the job description, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with the role, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. 

I am a hard-working recent high school graduate (4.3 GPA) who has consistently been praised as focused by my teachers and managers. During the course of my academic career, I also managed accrue nearly 4.5 years of work experience. I had the privilege of working for El Pueblito’s in a server role in my free time, where I learned valuable professional skills such as conflict resolution, team work, multitasking, customer needs assessment, and customer service. Whether working on academic, extracurricular, or professional projects, I apply proven communication, creative thinking, and critical thinking skills, which I hope to leverage into the associate role at your company. 

After viewing my resume, I hope you will agree that I am the type of competent and competitive candidate you are looking for. I look forward to elaborating on how my specific skills and abilities will benefit your organization.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

I am submitting this letter and the enclosed resume to show my interest in seeking a position at your organization.

I have recently graduated from high school and am seeking an entry-level position at your company. High school has taught me a variety of skills. One of them is the value of teamwork. I have played team sports and participated in event planning at school. This has taught me how to work with a team of diverse people to accomplish a specific outcome. Teamwork is not always easy. I used these opportunities to master the ability to inspire people to work in a team. I was recognized for this ability as I was appointed as captain and team leader in various after-school activities.

I managed to maintain good grades throughout my schooling career. I wouldn’t call myself a natural student. I’ve always had to work very hard to secure my achievements. This was, to me, a valuable life lesson which is that, if you want something you have to work for it. I regard this as one of my greatest strengths. I believe in perseverance and working hard to get anywhere in life.

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m looking forward to moving on to the next phase of my life. I want to start working and study part-time. I know that if you give me the opportunity to work at your organization, I can prove myself to be a dedicated employee. I believe that dedication and commitment are the main drivers of career success. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you to describe what skills and abilities I could add to your company. I am also interested in finding out more about your organization to see where I would best fit into it.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

This cover letter serves as my application to be accepted in your institution to achieve academic excellence and build my future. Not only do I believe that I have the qualities that it takes to succeed at your school, but I also believe that the ethos of the school is in line with my own philosophies on education.

I can paint a rosy picture of a student that has all the talents in the world. I can tell you about my past academic achievements and that I participated in an array of sports. I can even tell you about the cultural activities that I excelled at, but it would not be the truth. I achieved outstanding grades and represented my previous school at the cross-country state championships. I also played the lead in our school’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet, but I did not achieve all of this because I am talented. Instead, I achieved it all because I am a hard worker.

From a very young age, I realized that anything that is worthwhile is never easy. I did not grow up in an affluent home, but I grew up in a stable home where my parents instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance.

Your school has an excellent reputation and I believe that if I apply myself in my academics, sport and cultural activities as I have done in the past, I will make a success and be an asset to the school. Education is a powerful tool, but any tool is only as effective as the person using it. Your school has astounding teachers and your educational philosophy resounds with my own.

I look forward to hearing from you and also becoming a member of the legacy that you have already built over the years.

Use your cover letter to show your maturity

High school students are often still viewed as children, so they need to demonstrate that they are mature enough for the job. Demonstrate your maturity in the cover letter by highlighting examples of leadership skills you have exhibited through sports, volunteering or other extracurricular activities.

Address the specific job position

If you’re applying for a job as a high school student, it can be tempting to simply cut and paste your resume into the body of your cover letter. However, you should never do this because it won’t let hiring managers know why you’re interested in their company. To show that you have a passion for the role and why it interests you, write specifically about what attracted you to this particular company or job description. Be sure to include how your skills would benefit the company as well as any reasons why they should hire someone from your age group.

Be honest about your ability to handle the job

If you’re a high school student applying for a summer job, you’ll need to be honest with yourself and the employer about your ability to handle the responsibilities of this type of position. High school students often make the mistake of applying for jobs they are underqualified for because they overestimate their own abilities. Before you apply, make sure that you can complete all aspects of the job. If not, look for an entry-level position in which your responsibilities are more within your skill set or even better yet work as a volunteer or intern.

Avoid grammatical errors in your cover letter

A high school student’s cover letter is an important opportunity to prove they are the ideal candidate for the job. However, a poorly written cover letter will not leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Use proper grammar and spelling in your cover letter, as these two elements can speak volumes about yourself. Proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. If possible, have someone else read over your work for any errors you may have missed.

Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

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3 High School Student Cover Letter Examples for 2024 

• High School Student Cover Letter
• High School Student No Experience Cover Letter
• Summer Job High School Student
• Write Your High School Student Cover Letter

As a high school student, you’re nearing your first steps into the professional world. You’ve got passion, energy, and a go-getter attitude—all you need is a chance to prove how capable you are. 

Whether you’re angling for a class president position at your school or searching for a part-time job, writing a cover letter to accompany your impressive high school student resume can really help you express your dedication. However, writing your first job application can seem pretty intimidating.

Don’t worry! That’s why we’re here. Start with our high school student cover letter examples and tips, and polish things off with our free AI cover letter generator to impress your target audience and reach for the stars.

High School Student Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your high school student cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Dallas, TX 75001 (123) 456-7890

August 20, 2023

Mia Moore Woodrow Wilson High School 123 Fictional Lane Dallas, TX 75001

Dear Ms. Moore,

I advocate for nurturing students to become leaders, and Woodrow Wilson High School is a fertile ground for such a realization. I am expressing my interest to become a class president in the upcoming student elections. My decision is backed by a strong vision for our school’s role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment that will empower every student to reach their full potential.

Since joining the school, I have been actively involved in organizing various events. I was the lead organizer for this year’s cultural festival, which achieved a 47% more attendance than last year. From this experience, if elected a class president, I will leverage event mobilization skills to create engaging and enjoyable events that bring us together as a close-knit community.

I have also utilized my graphic design abilities to create eye-catching posters, flyers, and social media adverts for different clubs. In particular, I designed social media banners to create awareness for the annual art exhibition, with posts garnering over 1000 comments within an hour across social media platforms. I firmly believe that effective communication is the key to success, and I will use my creativity and design skills to disseminate important information to all students.

Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments have honed my project management skills. As a class president, I will apply these competencies to work closely with my fellow student council members, ensuring that our ideas and initiatives are effectively executed for the betterment of our school and community.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our school and contribute to an even brighter future for all of us. If you have any questions or want to discuss further, do not hesitate to reach out.

Miguel Torres

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Personal Statement

Why this cover letter works

• Therefore, it makes perfect sense for your high school student cover letter to emphasize your role in event planning and back it up with the attendance metrics to prove your mobilization competencies.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

High School Student No Experience Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your high school student no experience cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30033 (123) 456-7890

Avery Johnson Jamba Juice 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30033

Dear Mr. Johnson,

Growing up, I helped my mother with setting the dining table. It put a smile on my face to see everyone enjoy their meal. It is from this childhood passion, which has changed to customer service, I am writing to express my strong interest in the barista position at Jamba Juice.

I have always been captivated by the art of drink preparation and have spent countless hours experimenting with various flavor combinations at home. Moreover, my experience in providing exceptional customer service in my volunteer work at Mercy’s Community Center has allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of others.

I am well-versed in creating delicious and visually appealing beverages. Whether it’s crafting the perfect smoothie, juice, or specialty drink, I take great pride in ensuring that each creation is made with the utmost attention to detail and quality. I will also strictly follow food safety guidelines and take personal responsibility for adhering to proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

I believe that working at Jamba Juice will provide me with valuable experiences and skills that will complement my educational journey and future career aspirations. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can benefit Jamba Juice in person. Thank you for considering my application.

Diego Chavez

• Your many experiments at home with multiple beverage flavors and food safety knowledge would be perfect examples of skills that you can highlight for your application to sail through.

Summer Job High School Student Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your summer job high school student cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Omaha, NE 68101 (123) 456-7890

Benjamin Brown McDonald’s 123 Financial Lane Omaha, NE 68101

Dear Mr. Brown,

Every other weekend, my dad takes us out for a brunch at Mcdonald’s. I always look forward to the treat and the excellent customer service. I would welcome the challenge of being on the other side, serving and meeting customer preferences as a crew team member for the upcoming summer break.

As an order taker at local community event dubbed “Good Neighbor” with a 350+ attendance, I developed strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure while ensuring accuracy in taking orders. Additionally, I honed my cleaning and sanitization abilities during my volunteer stint at FreshBitez food bank, where maintaining a hygienic environment was of utmost importance.

I also have experience in food preparation at school events which taught me the importance of efficiency and attention to detail. Adding that to my food safety knowledge and excellent timekeeping equips me with unique skill sets to exceed all expectations for this role.

As a crew team member at McDonald’s, I am committed to upholding the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. I am a quick learner and thrive in fast-paced environments, which I believe are vital attributes for success in this role’s high expectations.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss my suitability further in an interview. Please find my resume attached for your reference. I am available at your earliest convenience.

Ingrid Hansen

• Telling your story about how it feels every time your dad takes you to McDonald’s for brunch is a great pacesetter to get hired. To add weight to your summer job high school student cover letter, emphasize your order-taking skills when you catered to a 350+ attendance community event.

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How to Prepare a Fantastic High School Student Cover Letter

Whether you’re still in school or just graduated, you already have a lot more marketable skills than you might think. Your cover letter is how you inform potential employers or the school faculty about them and make them shine.

The key is to focus on the job description and determine what it is that they want. For instance, if you’re applying for a part-time job as a barista, emphasize skills that are key for that role, such as customer service or cash handling. You got this!

Write the perfect greeting and intro

Start by addressing the recipient by name. If you’re announcing your candidacy for class president, find out the name of the student council advisor or faculty advisor and include it here. Applying for a job? Address the hiring manager or recruiter. If you absolutely can’t, a “Dear Hiring Manager” will do.

Move on to expressing why this particular role is special to you. Perhaps you care about your school and want to improve it as a class treasurer or secretary, or you want to work in food service because of your past volunteering at a food bank. 

Mention these things, alongside the company or school name, to show that you care about the position.

Here’s what you should steer clear of—a generic opener that makes it clear that this role is just a means to an end.

Don’t do this!

I’m applying for this job because I need to save money to buy a new car. I can work every other weekend.

The personal connection in this opener makes it clear that this person cares about the student body and has a deep commitment to the well-being of their fellow students, both of which are essential qualities for a class president.

Dive into why you’re a great fit in the body paragraphs

Use these 2-3 paragraphs to connect your skill set to the job description and explain why you’re a great fit. The exact contents depend on the role. 

For instance, if you’re applying to work at a pizza joint, emphasize the multitasking abilities that you’ve honed while organizing a class event. On the other hand, if you were ever a class treasurer, that’s a great thing to mention if you’re going to be handling cash—after all, you’ve already got experience in that.

A good way to make your past successes stand out is to add useful metrics. As an example, talk about how your efforts at promoting the school play resulted in over 30% higher attendance than the previous year.

If you don’t have any metrics, that’s okay—simply use this part of your cover letter to emphasize your strengths.

This is the way!

End on a good note with an impressive closing paragraph

To make a lasting impression, personalize your closing paragraph just as much as you did the rest of your cover letter. 

If you’re applying for a job, make sure to mention the company by name and express why you want to work there. You can also pick a couple of key skills that you’re excited to bring to the role, such as your positive attitude and love for math, if you’re applying to work at the cash register in a supermarket.

It’s important to thank the recipient for their time and express that you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the role during an interview. Make sure to come off as respectful and emphasize how important this role is to you.

This is a poor example of a closing paragraph. The writer assumes that they will be hired due to the shortage of workers, but instead, they leave a poor impression on the potential employer.

Oh, no…

I know you are having trouble finding servers to hire so I hope you can get back to me quickly because I’m ready from next Monday.

Below is a much better approach that establishes a connection with that particular company. The writer comes off as humble and talks about how the job will be a learning opportunity.

Impressive!

Don’t worry—everyone has to start somewhere. Discuss your skills and work experience from school, extracurriculars, and passion projects. For example, if you’ve previously volunteered during a charity event, include it to show that you know how to work in a team.

It’s important to keep things professional. If the job description is informal, you can allow yourself to be a little more casual. However, as a high school student, it’s crucial to show that you’re ready to work with people and avoid using colloquialisms. 

Start by digging through LinkedIn and the company website. You may also be able to find it in the job description or the email you’re sending your application to. If all else fails, you can always call them and ask. Doing this will earn you a lot of brownie points as a high schooler in need of a job.

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• Express your intentions in writing the letter / application.
• Make sure that you mention your qualifications and other supporting facts as to why you are eligible for admission to the school.
• End on a positive tone.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Letter Date]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-

Dear [Recipients Name],

I am writing to express my desire to enroll in your prestigious school for this coming school year. I believe that I am highly qualified and deserve to go to your honorable school because (list down the various positive qualities that you have here). Also, you will find that I have excellent academic records from my previous school. Please find attached my records for your perusal. I look forward to hearing from you about this matter.

Sincerely, [Senders Name] [Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional - cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Application letter for school admission. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing application letters to schools

Application Letters

Application letters are letters that you write to formally request for something from authority, apply for a job, or join an institution. Effective application letters will give a detailed explanation for your interest in the specific item, company, or institution. They showcase your abilities and strengths and illustrate your experience. In most cases, people write application letters to express their interest in receiving a position, attending an institution, or when applying for a visa, for instance. In all scenarios, application letters must be accompanied by the relevant documents. Application letters are the perfect tool to demonstrate something of your personality. Therefore, you should write in a professional tone setting a clear outline that allows the reader to scan the primary data quickly. Introduce yourself and briefly explain your intent and reason for the application. Address the letter with a title or name of the recipient. If your application is for a job or to join an institution, for example, you need to highlight your experience and qualification; if you are applying for a travel visa, make sure to state a clear intention for your travel. End with a positive tone and invite the recipient to contact you.

Letters to Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send. All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

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High School Cover Letter Example

Your high school journey is a time of self-discovery, but it’s also a time to consider your career path and pursue professional and personal happiness. To do that, you’ll need to know how to write a cover letter for high school students. When it comes to writing a cover letter, high school students like you can stand out by crafting a well-composed letter and pairing it with a great high school resume. Check out our high school cover letter examples, tips, and templates to learn more.

Why a profession-specific cover letter matters 

Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, an internship, or a volunteer position, a resume and cover letter for high school students will help you stand out without prior work experience.

A high school student CV and cover letter demonstrate that you’ve done your homework about the application process and are passionate about landing the position you’re applying for.

When writing your high school cover letter, it’s important to clearly explain why you’re a good choice for the job.

Write as if you’re speaking directly to the person or people who will decide whether you get the job. Your aim is to stand out from the crowd and quickly share what you’ve done that makes you right for the role.

Key components of a profession-specific cover letter

Before we get into cover letter examples for high school students, let’s review the key components found in virtually all cover letter templates . Your cover letter should include the following:

• Personalized Greeting: Address the letter to the hiring manager by name; if you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is always a safe bet
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you’re applying for, then mention how you heard about the job
• Body Paragraphs: This is where you align your skills and experiences with the job requirements — use examples from school projects, extracurricular activities, or any relevant experience
• Specific Industry Knowledge: Show that you understand what the job entails; for instance, if you’re applying for a retail position, mention your customer service skills or any experience you have handling money
• Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and thank the reader for considering your application; note any attached documents, like your CV (check out our CV templates if you don’t have one)
• Professional Closing: End with a professional sign-off, like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your full name

Now, let's look at some CV examples so you can see exactly what your high school cover letter should look like.

High School Student Cover letter format

Your high school student cover letter must follow a professional format that includes the following:

• Header: Put your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information
• Salutation: Address the hiring manager directly
• Body: Your cover letter needs a clear introduction, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion
• Closing: End with a professional sign-off

Keep your letter concise, ideally no more than one page. The recipient doesn’t need your whole life story. They just need to see that you have the skills or experience to succeed in a given role. Use a standard format to ensure that your letter is easy to read. If it isn’t, the hiring manager may not give it a second look.

Sample cover letter for high school students

John Sample 123 Main Street Tampa, FL 33812 [email protected] (555) 123-4567

14 November 2023

Suzy Hires Speedy Burger 456 Broadway Ave Tampa, FL 33811

Dear Mrs. Hires,

I am writing to express my interest in the food service role at Speedy Burger, as advertised on your website. As a high school student at Strawberry Crest High School, I have developed a strong foundation in communication, mathematics, and active listening, and I am eager to apply my skills in a real-world setting. My goal is to contribute positively to Speedy Burgers while gaining valuable professional experience.

Throughout my high school career, I have been actively involved in the varsity football and debate teams, which has equipped me with essential skills like punctuality, communication, time management, leadership, and teamwork. For instance, as a member of the varsity football team, I was appointed team captain, which taught me the importance of leading by example. I believe this experience aligns well with the demands of the food service position I am applying for, especially in areas like problem-solving and customer service.

Additionally, my coursework in language arts, social studies, and algebra has helped transform me into a well-rounded student. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to learn and grow at Speedy Burger because it will give me a chance to exercise these skills in a real-world environment. 

I also look forward to using the teamwork and leadership skills I have acquired as part of my school’s varsity football team in a work setting. I believe I will be a great fit with the existing team and will seamlessly blend into the company culture at Speedy Burger.

I am skilled at using many types of technology, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, various operating systems, tablets, and computers. I have utilized these skills in numerous school projects requiring meticulous organization, research, and presentation abilities. I am confident that these competencies will enable me to quickly adapt to and support your company’s needs.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining the team at Speedy Burger and contributing to your success. I am eager to bring my dedication, creativity, and willingness to learn to this role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you and can be reached at (555) 123-4567 anytime for an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, John Sample

Dos and don’ts 

Templates make it easier to compose a great high school cover letter. However, you’ll also need to be wary of a few common mistakes that could make your cover letter for high school students less impactful. Here are some simple dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

• Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors
• Use a professional tone and language
• Repeat everything from your resume
• Use generic phrases like “I’m a hard worker”
• Submit without double–checking the company name and the position you’re applying for

While using high school cover letter templates is a great way to ensure that your application has all the information the company is looking for, you don’t want to just copy and paste the same content for every job. Make sure you tweak your high school student cover letter to reflect the role you’re applying for. 

Additional tips

When crafting your high school student cover letter, make sure to do the following:

• Research the Company: Demonstrate some knowledge about the company to make your cover letter stand out
• Be Authentic: Your cover letter should sound like you, not a template
• Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email
• Ask for Feedback: If possible, have a teacher, counselor, or parent review your cover letter before you send it
• Use Examples: Concrete examples are more impactful than simply stating that you have a certain skill

After you’ve found a high school cover letter template you like, look over some resume examples , too. Remember, you’ll need to pair your cover letter with a great resume that uses a similar format and layout.

The easiest way to make sure your high school resume and cover letter are compatible is to find a matching resume template . Job Seeker has dozens of resume and cover letter templates that are ideal for high school students.

Nail your high school student cover letter with our templates 

Taking the time to perfect your cover letter and resume will help you land that part-time job or internship you’re applying for. However, creating a cover letter for high school students can be a headache, especially if you’ve never written one before. Thanks to Jobseeker’s wealth of resources, templates, and examples, it doesn’t have to be.

Our site features plenty of great tools specially designed to help you master the art of writing a high school cover letter and achieve success. Check out our high school student resume example and craft the perfect resume to go with your new cover letter .

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College Applications: How to Begin

Find the right college for you..

Applying to college is a big job. It can feel overwhelming. However, you can make the process much easier by breaking it down into small steps. Here's how.

How to Start Applying for Colleges

The good news is that most U.S. universities follow the same standard application process. If possible, begin the following four-step approach several months before the submission deadline.

• Understand the common terminology you'll see during the application process. Learning how to apply to college involves having a good grasp of such things as frequently used acronyms, supporting documents, and government departments.
• Review the appropriate application timeline you should follow when signing up for college. Every school has its own deadlines, but you may have certain milestones to hit during your senior or even junior year.
• Discover the individual components of a complete application . For example, schools usually ask for supplemental application materials like letters of recommendation, transcripts, and written essays.

• Create a real and a virtual folder for storing documents.
• Print a checklist to track your progress on each part of the application.
• Build a spreadsheet to stay on top of submission deadlines.
• Your Social Security number.
• Your high school code.
• A copy of your high school transcript.
• Your score report from a college admission test.
• Make sure you’ve included all required information and that the information filled out on the forms is accurate and spelled correctly.
• Confirm that any required attachments are the correct files and have been properly uploaded.
• Double-check that you filled out all fields and followed all instructions.
• Take a deep breath. Click submit !

Where do I start with college applications?

The first step is to do your research. Knowledge is power. Knowing what to expect from the application process makes a difference. Research the schools you're interested in applying to. Learn as much as you can about their admissions process.

What are the steps in the college application process?

Keep in mind that signing up for college is a multistep process. Among other key steps, you must fill out a standard application, acquire crucial support documents, and write personal essays. Although schools have different requirements, here are the main steps of the college application process:

• Create a list of colleges you're interested in.
• Research and visit schools to narrow down the list.
• Fill out the FAFSA®, and consider finances and scholarship opportunities.
• Get letters of recommendations, if required.
• Take college admission tests.
• Write your college application essay, if required.
• Complete your online application(s).
• If any of your target schools have their own institutional applications, complete those.
• Check and recheck your application documents before submitting them.

What should I do before I fill out my college application?

How do you apply for college without wasting time? Advisers often recommend gathering relevant documents before you begin. You can knock out the informative sections in one go, reducing your chances of making an error. Some of the basics you need include:

• Identity cards and Social Security number.
• School transcripts.
• Test scores.
• List of extracurriculars.
• List of awards and achievements.
• Recommendation letters, if required by the college.
• Application and school portal login credentials.

What are the most important parts of a college application?

College admissions officers consider many factors when reviewing applications. Among the most important factors are your grades and the courses you took.

The best approach to have when completing applications is to treat every part as important. Put your best foot forward in all areas. Make every part shine.

Now you're informed, inspired, organized, and ready to begin. For more on the college admissions process, visit Applying to College: FAQs .

Related Articles

25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students – 2024

April 12, 2024

Over the past several years, the number of college applicants has been steadily rising. [i] As college admissions become more competitive, there are many steps a student can take to achieve high school success and become an outstanding candidate for college admissions: earning high SAT scores, securing strong letters of recommendation , and participating in various competitions will all boost your admissions prospects. [ii] In particular, writing competitions for high school students are a popular way to win scholarships and prize money, receive feedback on writing, build a portfolio of public work, and add to college application credentials!

Below, we’ve selected twenty-five writing competitions for high school students and sorted them by three general topics: 1) language, literature and arts, 2) STEM, environment and sustainability, and 3) politics, history and philosophy. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your future college prospects, and even if you are a freshman, many of these writing competitions for high schoolers will be open to you! [iii]

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Language, Literature, and Arts

1) adroit prizes for poetry and prose.

This prestigious creative writing award offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their work in Adroit Journal . Judges are acclaimed writers in their respective genres.

• Eligibility: All high school students (including international students) are eligible to apply. Poetry contestants may submit up to five poems. Prose contestants may submit up to three pieces of fiction or nonfiction writing (for a combined total of 3,500 words – excerpts accepted).
• Prize: Winners will receive $200 and their writing will be published in Adroit Journal . All submitted entries will be considered for publication!
• Deadline: May 1st (specific deadline may vary by year).

2)  Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

This unique essay competition allows writers the chance to explore and respond to Ayn Rand’s fascinating and polemic 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged . Specific essay topics are posted every three months; prizes are granted seasonally with a grand prize winner announced every year.

• Prize: Annual grand prize is $25,000.
• Deadline: Deadlines occur every season, for each seasonal prompt.
• Eligibility: Essays must be written in English and be 800-1,600 words in length.

Writing Competitions for High School Students (Continued)

3)  the bennington young writers awards.

Through Bennington College, this high school writing competition offers three prizes in three different genre categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Winners and finalists who decide to attend Bennington College will ultimately receive a substantial scholarship prize.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9 through 12 may apply.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place wins $500; third place winners receive $250. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $60,000). YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $40,000).
• Deadline: The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st.

4)  Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Student Essay Contest

Do you love Jane Austen? If so, this is the high school writing competition for you! With the JASNA Student Essay Contest, high school students have the opportunity to write a six to eight-page essay about Jane Austen’s works, focused on a specific, designated topic for the competition year.

• Eligibility: Any high school student (homeschooled students also eligible) enrolled during the contest year may submit an essay.
• Prize: First place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and two nights’ lodging for the upcoming annual JASNA meeting. Second place wins a $500 scholarship and third place wins a $250 scholarship. All winners will additionally receive a year membership in JASNA, the online publication of their article, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.
• Deadline: Submission accepted from February-June 1st (specific dates may vary by year).

5)  The Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Young aspiring writers with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this unique program. Students are asked to submit a ten-minute play script that explores any topic, including the student’s own disability experience.

• Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students with disabilities ages 14-19 may apply.
• Prize: Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities at The Kennedy Center.
• Deadline: January (specific deadline date may vary by year).

6)  Leonard M. Milburg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Through Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this prestigious writing competition for high school students recognizes outstanding poetry writing and is judged by creative writing faculty at Princeton University.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Applicants may submit up to three poems.
• Prize: First place wins $1,500; second place wins $750; third place wins $500.
• Deadline: November (specific deadline date may vary by year).

7)  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Nancy Thorp was a student at Hollins University who showed great promise as a poet. After her death, her family established this scholarship to support budding young poets.

• Eligibility: Female high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Prize: First place wins $350 and publication in Cargoes literary magazine, along with a $5,000 renewable scholarship (up to $20,000 over four years) if the student enrolls in Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for Hollins University’s summer creative writing program (grades 9-12). Second place wins publication in Cargoes, along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship ($4,000 over four years) if the student enrolls at Hollins and $500 to apply toward Hollins’ summer creative writing program.
• Deadline: October (specific deadline date may vary by year).

8)  National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing

Students may be nominated by their English teachers to win this prestigious writing award. Winners “exhibit the power to inform and move an audience through language” and prompts and genres may vary by competition year.

• Prize: A certificate will be awarded to students who are judged to have exceptional writing skills. Student names will be displayed on the NCTE website.
• Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors are eligible for nomination.
• Deadline: February (specific dates may vary by year). Contest prompts released in August.

9)  National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

At Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, numerous opportunities for scholarships and awards await those who submit writing in various genres: literary criticism, drama, poetry, and fiction. In all, there are 28 generic categories of art and writing to choose from!

• Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) may apply.
• Prize: Various types of recognition and scholarships (up to $12,500) are offered for these award winners.
• Deadline: Scholastic Awards opens for entries in September; deadlines range from December to January.

10)  National Society of High School Scholars Creative Writing Scholarship

In this creative writing competition for high schoolers, students have the opportunity to submit a piece poetry or fiction (or both – one in each category!) for the opportunity to be published on the NSHSS website and win a monetary prize.

• Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 may apply.
• Prize: There will be three $2,000 awards for the fiction category and three $2,000 awards for the poetry category.
• Deadline: Submissions Accepted from May to October (specific dates may vary by year).

11)  National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow

This writing competition allows high school students the chance to be nominated by a teacher for a piece of writing in response to Ruth J. Simmons’ “Facing History to Find a Better Future.” Specific prompt topics may vary by year.

• Eligibility: Nominating teachers can submit work from 11th and 12th graders in one category (fiction, poetry, prose, or essay).
• Prize: One top prize of $1,000. Four additional prizes of $500 each. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work published by NCTE.
• Deadline: Applications are open September to October (specific dates may vary by year).

12)  New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award

Although this prestigious award isn’t exclusively for high schoolers (anyone younger than 35 may submit a work of fiction), if you’ve written a collection of short stories or even a novel, you should certainly consider applying!

• Eligibility: Any writer below the age of 35 may submit a novel or collection of short stories to participate in this competition.
• Prize: $10,000 award.
• Deadline: September (specific date may vary by year).

13)  Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

This writing competition for high school students awards three annual top prizes for the best ten-minute play. Play submissions are judged each year by an acclaimed guest playwright.

• Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Students may submit one play entry; entries must be ten pages or less. Plays must be written in English.
• Prize: First place prize is $500; second place is $250; third place is $100.
• Deadline: Varies by year. However, students are recommended to submit before the deadline date – the submission portal will close when a maximum of 250 applicants have applied.

14)  YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

In this exciting writing competition, students have the chance to submit an original play script for a play of around 10-40 minutes in length. An excellent competition choice for any student considering a future in the theatre!

• Eligibility: Prospective authors ages 19 and under may submit a script for consideration in the competition. See specific writing guidelines here .
• Prize: First prize wins $250 and publication with YouthPLAYS; second prize wins $100.
• Deadline: Submissions run from January 1st to May 1st.

STEM, Environment, and Sustainability High School Writing Competitions

15)  engineergirl essay contest.

This wonderful essay contest invites students to explore topics related to engineering and science. Each year a new, specific prompt will be chosen for young writers who wish to compete.

• Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Previous winners and close family members of employees of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are not eligible.
• Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place receives $750; third place receives $500.
• Deadline: Competition opens in September and submissions are due February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.

16)  Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an opportunity for students to create written and artistic projects that explore sustainability, environmentalism, and positive change. High school freshmen (up to age 14) may apply to the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.

• Eligibility: Students ages 11-18 may apply (international students included).
• Prize: Monetary prizes ranging from $100-$1000 will be awarded each year. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to ten students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latino via the We All Rise Prize program.
• Deadline: June 10, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

17)  Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of Wild Contest

If you are interested in issues of sustainability, environment, biology and the natural world, this is one of the high school writing competitions that is just for you! Essay prompts explore the natural world and our place within it and may include poetry, essays, and photography.

• Eligibility: Students must pair with an adult from a different generation (e.g. parent, grandparent or teacher – contestants need not be related). Entries must be submitted as a team.
• Prize: Winners will receive a certificate from RCLA; their first names, ages, and entry titles will be posted on the RCLA website.
• Deadline: November 16th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

18)  River of Words Competition

This writing competition for high school students is another top choice for those thinking of pursuing majors or careers in biology, environment, and sustainability; this specific contest hopes to promote positive education in sustainability by “promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange.”

• Eligibility: Any U.S. or international student from kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.
• Prize: Winners will be published in the River of Words
• Deadline: January (specific deadline may vary by year).

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Politics, History and Philosophy

19)  american foreign service association essay contest.

With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year).

• Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Students whose parents are in the Foreign Service Association are not eligible.
• Prize: The first-place winner will receive $2,500, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and the winner’s parents, and an all-expense paid voyage via Semester at Sea. The second-place winner receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session at the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.
• Deadline: Early spring (specific deadline may vary by year).

20)  Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest

In this writing competition for high school students, civic-minded U.S. high schoolers may explore the principles and virtues of the Bill of Rights Institute. Interested applicants should review the specific submission guidelines .

• Eligibility: Any high school student aged 13 to 19 may apply.
• Prize: Prizes range from $1,500 to $10,000.
• Deadline: Submissions for 2024 due May 19th (specific deadline may vary by year).

21)  JFK Presidential Library and Museum Profile in Courage Essay Contest

For students interested in history and political science, this competition offers the chance to write about U.S. elected officials who have demonstrated political courage.

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students from grades 9-12 may apply.
• Prize: First prize is $10,000; second prize receives $3,000; five finalists receive $1,000 each; ten semifinalists receive $100 each; eight students receive honorable mention.
• Deadline: Submissions accepted from September to January (specific deadline may vary by year).
• Sample Essays: 2000-2023 Contest Winner Essays

22)  John Locke Institute Essay Competition

This essay competition is for students who would like to write about and cultivate “independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style” from one of seven intellectual categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology or law.

• Eligibility: Students from any country may submit an essay.
• Prize: $2,000 for each subject category winner toward a John Locke Institute program; winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.
• Deadline: Registration must be completed by May 31st, 2024; essay submission due June 30th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

23)  Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association Essay Contest

This exciting writing competition for high schoolers allows students to explore topics related to journalism, democracy and media literacy. Specific prompts will be provided for contestants each year.

• Eligibility: All U.S. students from grades 9-12 may submit original writing to participate in this contest.
• Prize: First-place winners will receive $1,000; second place is awarded $500; third place receives $300.
• Deadline: February (specific deadline may vary by year).

24)  Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship Essay

This audio essay allows high school students the opportunity to “express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriot-themed recorded essay.” One winner will be granted a $35,000 scholarship to be paid toward their university, college, or vocational school of choice. Smaller prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner in each VFW state wins $1,000.

• Prize: College scholarships range from $1,000-$35,000
• Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9-12 may submit a 3-5-minute audio essay.
• Deadline: October 31st
• Sample Written Essay: 2023-2024 Prize-winning essay by Sophia Lin

25)  World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition recognizes young scholars who explore world historical events and how they relate to the student scholar personally. Ultimately the student writer must describe “the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.”

• Eligibility: Internationally, students ages K-12 may submit an entry. See specific prompt and submission guidelines for writing instructions.
• Prize: $500

Writing Competitions for High School Students – Sources

[i] Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. “Number of applications for admission from first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students were received by postsecondary institutions in the fall.” https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator/app/answer/10/101

[ii] Jaschik, Scott. “Record Applications, Record Rejections.” Inside Higher Ed . 3 April 2022. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/04/04/most-competitive-colleges-get-more-competitive

[iii] Wood, Sarah. “College Applications are on the Rise: What to Know.” U.S. News & World Report. 21 June 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-applications-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know

• Extracurricular Activities

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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