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 graduateprograms while studying in an anglophone country. Through the lens of gatekeeping scholarship, this study sought toshed light on the role of letter of intent on predicting the success of Saudi students with their graduate programsapplications. Writing a letter of intent in one of the main factors influencing students’ applications. Data collectedwas mainly through semi-structured interviews and analysis of the students’ letters of intent. In conclusion, theletters of intent were found to be one of the defining factors in successful graduate applications