The Impact of Letter of Intent as Gatekeeping Encounters on Saudi Students Graduate Applications

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the challenges faced by Saudi students in the process of applying to graduate
programs while studying in an anglophone country. Through the lens of gatekeeping scholarship, this study sought to
shed light on the role of letter of intent on predicting the success of Saudi students with their graduate programs
applications. Writing a letter of intent in one of the main factors influencing students’ applications. Data collected
was mainly through semi-structured interviews and analysis of the students’ letters of intent. In conclusion, the
letters of intent were found to be one of the defining factors in successful graduate applications