Trying to write my letter of intent...

I think you should stick to the basics and follow the guidelines that they have provided. I work in the admission's office at my university (not the nursing section, just general admissions), and we don't like to read letters that stray off topic.

Start off by including why you want to attend Madonna University's program (because of its academics, quality reputation, whatever it is that draws you to it), why you want to be a nurse (include skills that you have that make you a good candidate, also maybe include what type of nursing you plan to specialize in), and how you plan to complete any prereqs you have left so that your admission to Madonna University's nursing program is complete. If you have any community service or work experience that's relevant to nursing, include it with an explanation of how that comm service/work exp has solidified your decision to become a nurse.

Basically I just restated what they told you to do. I find that just answering the questions that they've given you (w/o going off topic) is the best thing that you can do. You don't HAVE to submit two pages; a solid page to page-and-a-half is good.

It's not a story contest, you know? They're going to appreciate that you answer all of their questions fully w/o delving into an irrelevant story. Take your paper to a writing tutor or someone who's good at editing papers. Proper grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation will make you stand out in a GOOD way.

I find that just being honest always works in my favor. Administrators get tired of reading what people think they want to hear. I keep it simple and to the point, all the while making my letter professional. Do a little research on the University if you already haven't and incorporate a little of that info into your letter....Good Luck!

Thanks, I appreciate the advice.