Few questions on Motivation Letter

Hello! I have few questions about writing motivation letter for entrance to university. First of all, do I need to write the date in the beggining or in the end of letter?

And two more things, which need revision in my letter:

Dear Sir or Madam,



my name is xxx; I live in the capital of xxx, xxx. This year I am finishing the last school year, and I would like to apply for entrance to the xxx course offered by the University xxx in autumn 2006.

I consider myself to be very hardworking and motivated for studying. Assiduousness is deep in my nature, so I really enjoy work that needs a lot of attention and care. While studying at school I have proved myself as a very reliable and responsible person. I have earned the respect of my classmates and teachers. Moreover I am very sociable and I like meeting new people and making new friends. Usually I fit well in any new company and easily get on with others.

Business studies have always fascinated and attracted me, but here, in xxx, I do not see any perspectives for accounting specialists, so I have started looking for possible opportunities for studies or employment abroad. When I visited the presentation of the University of xxx in my school, I understood that it was a perfect solution for me. It would offer me the opportunity to study business and management in an international arena. I would like to participate in a program offered in English, since it is the language generally used in international business.

My career aspirations go to the direction of business. I would like to do something that is connected with management and international business. I am patient and industrious, and I think that this kind of job will suit me most.



Thank you very much for considering my application. I hope to hear from you in the near future





Yours faithfully,

Do I need "a" in "needs a lot of attention", and do I need "the" in "suit me most"?

Thank you in advance for answers