Yorkville Counselling Psychology (MACP) Letter of Intent Guide
If you're applying to Yorkville University’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program, your Letter of Intent is one of the most important parts of the application. This guide breaks down Yorkville’s MACP requirements and shows you exactly how to write a strong, competitive Letter of Intent that helps your application stand out.
Important note: This post has been prepared by MSW Helper and is a reflection of our own opinion only. Please visit Yorkville University’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Get $900 towards Yorkville’s MACP program
Yorkville University has generously offered a $750 tuition credit and $150 application fee waiver towards their Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program to members of the MSW Helper community. This offer was created to make pursuing graduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy more accessible and affordable.
Yorkville University Counselling Psychology Requirements
Admission into the Yorkville Master of Counselling Psychology program is competitive and requires applicants to demonstrate both academic readiness and personal suitability for a career in counselling.
Here is a summary of the key requirements:
Academic Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, preferably in psychology or a related field
Yorkville MACP GPA requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), although applicants with lower GPAs may be considered if they demonstrate strong professional experience or personal suitability
Prerequisite Coursework
Applicants must have completed specific undergraduate courses, typically including:
Introduction to Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Research Methods or Statistics
Applicants who have not completed all prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and required to complete them before or during the program.
English Language Proficiency
If your first language is not English, you may need to demonstrate proficiency through testing.
Resume and References
Submit a current resume that highlights relevant academic, volunteer, and professional experiences
Provide two professional or academic reference letters, ideally from individuals who can speak to your suitability for graduate studies and a counselling career
Statement of Intent
This is your chance to show who you are beyond your transcripts and resume. You will need to:
Introduce yourself by outlining your educational background and current professional role
Share what has brought you to apply to the program whether a personal story, shift in career direction, or meaningful experience
Explain what being granted admission would mean for you both personally and academically, and describe your career goals, including any licensure paths you plan to pursue
Discuss why you have specifically chosen Yorkville University, what aspects of the program interest you most, and why the online format suits your needs and goals
Why the Yorkville MACP Letter of Intent Matters for Your Application
The admissions committee at Yorkville uses your Letter of Intent to evaluate your motivation, fit for the program, critical thinking skills, academic readiness, and writing ability. This is your chance to present a professional narrative about what has led you to this path and how Yorkville can help you take the next step. Because this is a formal letter reviewed by an academic committee, it must meet specific requirements.
Format & Technical Requirements
Before jumping into the content, it is important to follow the required format. Failing to do so could disqualify your application.
Here are the technical guidelines:
Length: 700–1000 words (about 1.5 to 2 pages)
Font & Spacing: Single-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins
Grammar & Mechanics: Must be free of spelling and grammatical errors
Header: Include your last name and first initial, along with page numbers in the header
Tone: Formal and professional, written in first person (“I” and “me” are allowed)
Avoid: Personal trauma details, emojis, casual language (like “lol” or “haha”), or hyperlinks
Address Block: Your personal address in the top left corner of the first page
Salutation: Addressed to the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences Admissions Committee
Required Structure for the Yorkville MACP Letter of Intent
Section 1: Introduction, Educational Background, and Current Profession
Begin with an introduction that outlines your educational background and your current professional role. This should provide context for the admissions committee and help situate you within your current stage of life or career. Aim to keep this section clear and direct, focusing on relevant academic or professional experiences that have shaped your path up to this point.
Section 1 - Yorkville MACP Letter of Intent Sample Sentence Starters:
My academic background in [Field] has provided a strong foundation in…
I completed my undergraduate studies at [Institution], where I focused on…
In my current role as a [Job Title], I have gained experience in…
Throughout my professional and educational experiences, I have developed an interest in…
These combined experiences have prepared me for graduate-level training in counselling psychology by…
Section 2: Motivation for Applying to the MACP Program at Yorkville
In this section, explain what has led you to pursue a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. This could include a personal story, a shift in career direction, or formative experiences that inspired you to pursue this path. Rather than emphasizing specific details of personal challenges, focus on the insights, values, or realizations that have guided your decision. Articulate why counselling psychology, specifically, is the right fit for you and why now is the right time. The admissions committee will want to know why you are choosing this program over another related profession and how it aligns with your area of interest.
Section 2 Sentence Starters:
I am applying to the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program because…
My interest in counselling psychology began when…
A significant insight that shaped my decision to pursue this field was…
I am drawn to counselling psychology at this stage in my career due to…
The values that guide my interest in mental health work include…This program aligns with my professional goals because…
Section 3: Academic, Personal, and Professional Impact
Describe what acceptance into this program would mean for you, both professionally and academically. Reflect on your readiness for graduate-level learning and the responsibilities that come with becoming a mental health professional. This is also where you should outline your career aspirations and mention any licensure or credentials you intend to pursue (e.g., Canadian Certified Counsellor or Registered Psychotherapist). Be thoughtful and specific about how the program will support your long-term goals.
Examples for your MACP Letter of Intent:
Acceptance into the MACP program would support my academic development by…
I am prepared for the demands of graduate-level study because…
Professionally, completing this program will allow me to…
In the long term, I hope to pursue licensure as a…
This program represents an important step toward my career goals, including…
Through this training, I aim to contribute to the field by…
Section 4: Why Yorkville University?
Demonstrate that you have researched Yorkville’s MACP program and explain why it is the right fit for you. Highlight what draws you to Yorkville. This might include the online format, flexible learning model, curriculum, or applied practicum opportunities. Be specific about how these components align with your current life circumstances, learning style, or career ambitions. Avoid general statements and make it clear that you are genuinely interested in what Yorkville has to offer.
Letter of Intent Examples:
I am specifically interested in Yorkville University’s MACP program because…
The online format is well-suited to my learning needs because…
Yorkville’s curriculum appeals to me due to its emphasis on…
The practicum component stands out to me because…
Yorkville’s flexible structure aligns with my personal and professional responsibilities by…
After researching similar programs, I believe Yorkville is the best fit for me because…
Final Tips for a Strong MACP Letter of Intent
Proofread several times: ask a friend, mentor, or professional editing service to review your work
Read your letter out loud: this helps to ensure flow and clarity
Use headings and subheadings: this will guide the reader from one section to the next
Keep your audience in mind: professors and school administrators will be reading this
Stay within the word count: between 700 and 1000 words
Get $900 towards Yorkville’s MACP program
Yorkville University has generously offered a $750 tuition credit and $150 application fee waiver towards their Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program to members of the MSW Helper community. This offer was created to make pursuing graduate studies in counselling and psychotherapy more accessible and affordable. To learn more about the tuition credit please fill out the form below!
FAQ: Yorkville University MACP Letter of Intent
What does Yorkville University look for in the MACP Letter of Intent?
Yorkville University looks for a clear, well-structured narrative that demonstrates your motivation for pursuing counselling psychology, your academic readiness, and your suitability for the profession. Strong letters explain your educational background, relevant experiences, reasons for applying to the MACP program, and long-term career goals. The admissions committee wants to see professionalism, self-reflection, and evidence that you understand the responsibilities associated with becoming a mental health practitioner.
How long should the Yorkville MACP Letter of Intent be?
Yorkville requires a Letter of Intent that is 700–1000 words, approximately 1.5 to 2 pages, single-spaced. Staying within this range shows that you can follow instructions, write concisely, and communicate your ideas effectively. Exceeding the word count or submitting a significantly shorter letter may weaken your application.
How competitive is the Yorkville MACP program?
Yorkville’s MACP program receives a large number of applications each year. While the program does accept students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, admissions decisions are based on a combination of GPA, prerequisite coursework, writing quality, and demonstrated readiness for graduate-level counselling studies. A strong Letter of Intent is especially important because it allows the committee to assess your fit for the program beyond your transcripts and resume.
Can I get into Yorkville MACP with a low GPA? What is the Yorkville MACP GPA requirement?
Yes, it is possible. Yorkville typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, but applicants may be conditionally accepted with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 if they demonstrate strong professional experience, personal suitability, and clear readiness for graduate-level academic work. Your Letter of Intent becomes especially important in this situation because it gives you a chance to explain your academic trajectory and highlight your strengths.
Can I apply to the Yorkville MACP program as a career changer?
Yes. Yorkville’s MACP program accepts applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including those transitioning from unrelated fields. While you may not have direct counselling experience, the admissions committee will look for evidence of transferable skills, such as communication, empathy, critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and experience supporting others in personal or professional settings. In your Letter of Intent, focus on the insights, values, and experiences that have prepared you for graduate studies in counselling psychology, and clearly explain why you are pursuing this career transition now. Demonstrating readiness, maturity, and a strong understanding of the counselling profession can make you a competitive applicant even without traditional “relevant” experience.
Conclusion
Your Letter of Intent is your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee and demonstrate not only your qualifications, but your passion, purpose, and readiness for graduate education. Take this opportunity seriously, follow Yorkville’s guidelines to the letter, and most importantly, write with clarity, authenticity, and professionalism. Good luck with your application!
Still need support with your personal statement? Connect with an application advisor from MSW Helper for application support and letter of intent editing!
Recent review from a Yorkville applicant:
“What a life changing service! I don't believe I would have been accepted into my masters program without the guidance and redirection offered by Michelle. The process is simple, quick, and so very effective! In one edit response, I completely redirected my paper, resubmitted it for her expert opinion, and together we nailed it! This was the best money I have spent in a long time, and worth every penny!
If you're considering this service, stop hesitating and just submit your work for support. You won't be disappointed.”
Related reading
Affiliate Disclosure Statement
MSW Helper is currently affiliated with Yorkville University and specifically Yorkville’s University’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program. Although MSW Helper does not maintain that any eligible programs are superior to others, nor does MSW Helper have any influence on the admissions decisions of Yorkville University, MSW Helper may receive compensation from Yorkville University if users or clients of MSW Helper are successfully placed in the program. MSW Helper will always prioritize our client’s and users needs ahead of monetary compensation when providing advice on eligible programs and preparing applications.
