The Letter of Intent (or sometimes called cover letter on the admissions website) is one of the primary components to your DHT application. In this letter you want to explain that you possess the qualities that MBiotech DHT program is looking for and that you have a genuine interest in DHT. So then what qualities is DHT program looking for? Let’s examine the admissions website:
Have at least one quantitative course where they have demonstrated they have done well. This course could be: population genetics, chemistry, physics, calculus or any other suitably quantitative course.
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While MBiotech combines science and business curriculum, no business courses are required for admission – just the interest!
-- University of Toronto MBiotech DHT program admissions website
Based on the quotes above, the MBiotech DHT program wants to admit students who have a solid scientific/quantitative foundation and with an interest in business. This idea is also reinforced during the program’s recruitment events if you have attended them.
While in other parts of your application, you provide evidence of your quantitative abilities ie. through the courses you take, GPA, etc. the letter of intent is a chance for you to explain your quantitative abilities to the admissions committee. You want to describe at least one specific example of how you demonstrated your quantitative abilities in your letter. More details on strategy below.
There are many approaches to how you can demonstrate your interest in business. Simply enrolling in a business class or having some business experience in itself is not interest, you have to explain why you enrolled in the business class, or how your business experience transformed your understanding of digital health from a business perspective and that you are curious to explore further. This explanation of interest is what counts, not the activity itself. You also want to mention why you think business is important in digital health. More details on strategy below.
These are the 2 most important topics to discuss in your letter of intent. In the detailed guide below, I help break down the letter of intent requirements and offer you a framework to write the letter of intent for MBiotech DHT admissions.
Letter of Intent Strategy and Framework
Let’s look at the guideline the DHT admission committee has set out for your letter:
Start by introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the Biotech (DHT) program. Highlight your scientific background, detailing any relevant research or lab experience that has shaped your skills and knowledge in the field. Additionally, include any business or practical work experience you have, such as specific courses or internships that have contributed to your understanding of the industry. Finally, articulate your aspirations, outlining where you envision yourself in five and ten years, and how the program aligns with your career goals.
-- University of Toronto MBiotech DHT admissions website
We can break down their guideline into 4 categories of items that needs to be included in your letter of intent.