What to include in a letter of intent

[Phyra]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to apply to an MFA in Creative writing (Fiction) and am having difficulty with my letter of intent and transcript. First off, what all should go in the letter? What should be left out? My biggest concern is that I'm only 18 (started college at 14) and I do not know if I should address this fact in my letter. It's an assistantship program, and I wouldn't want to give them any reason not to want me (of course) but on the other hand it is pretty important and for all I know it could work to my benefit. If I do include it, when would be the most appropriate place to bring it in and what would be the best way to word it? Do I need to worry about sounding pretentious or is confidence a virtue in these matters?

Also, because of my academic and social situation, I have virtually no work history other than running my own tutoring business since the age of about twelve. What do I put on my resume?

[anonacademic]

1. Your statement

I might address your age - and I think it may work to your benefit (there aren't many 18 year olds with a BA already in hand!). But don't dwell on it; spend a sentence (or maybe just half of one) to give the reasons why you went to college early. Aside from that, follow the old adage, Show, don't tell. The rest of your statement should read just as anyone else's. Answers to two questions - what have you worked on? Where do you see your work going? - will make up the bulk of the statement.

2. Your resume

18 or not, adcomms realize that you're just out of your BA and they don't expect a huge C.V. with tons of publications and presentations. Just put whatever is directly relevant to your pursuit of an MFA. You may also have a "Relevant Coursework" section that lists appropriate classes with short descriptions of what you did and read, and what your wrote for that class.

Good luck!