Every year, many high school students write their personal statement on the Parcoursup platform. This exercise, called a “statement of purpose,” can sometimes seem difficult. However, it is an important opportunity to explain your project and demonstrate your motivation.

At EBI, we support high school students each year in their pursuit of scientific and biotechnology studies. Here is our advice to help you write a clear, sincere, and effective letter.

1. Understanding the role of the cover letter

On Parcoursup, the cover letter allows institutions to better understand your study plan and your motivation.

Grades and academic records are of course examined, but this letter is also an opportunity to demonstrate:

• Your interest in training
• Your curiosity about a field
• The coherence of your career plan

The goal is simple: to explain why you want to join the training and what motivates you in this choice.

2. Show that you have researched the training

We always advise high school students to take the time to find out about the institution and the course before writing their letter.

For example, if you are applying to the EBI, you can mention your interest in:

• EBI
• Biotechnology
• Life sciences
• Issues related to health, cosmetics, the environment, and agri-food

Mentioning specific details shows that your choice is thoughtful and personalized.

3. Make the connection with your high school experience

Your letter should also explain what led you to become interested in this training.

You can speak:

• Special subjects you chose in high school (Life and Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry)
• From a school project or group work
• From a personal interest

What matters most is demonstrating the link between your background and the training program you wish to join.

4. Structure your letter

Even though the Parcoursup letter has a character limit, we recommend structuring your text into three parts.

• An introduction: briefly present the training requested and your motivation.
• A development section: explain your background, your interests and why this training course matches your project.
• In conclusion: end by reiterating your motivation and your desire to join the training program.

A clear structure makes your letter more pleasant to read for admissions.

5. Keep it simple and authentic

We often advise candidates to keep it simple and sincere. There’s no need to use complicated sentences.

A good letter is:

• Clear
• Personal
• Well written
• Without spelling mistakes

Also consider having your text proofread by a teacher, a guidance counselor or a close friend.

6. Avoid common mistakes

Certain errors frequently appear in Parcoursup letters:

• Send the same letter to all training programs
• Remaining too vague
• Use ready-made phrases
• Forgetting to explain why the training interests you

Each letter must be adapted to the chosen course.

7. Taking the time to write

Finally, we recommend not writing your letter at the last minute. It’s best to:

1. Write a first draft
2. Taking a step back
3. Review and improve your text.

This results in a clearer and more convincing letter.

At EBI, we know that choosing your academic path is an important step. A well-written personal statement is a great opportunity to present your project and motivation to institutions.

Take the time to reflect on your background, your interests and your ambitions; these are often the elements that make an application unique.