personal statements for MSc applications

jungle · Post by **jungle** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 4:42 pm

anyone have any experience writing (or better, reading) these? below are sample instructions for two. do they actually care about anything aside from pure academic ability and interests? e.g. relevant work experience, your ability to contribute to the broader life of the college etc... i could never figure this out for job applications, i was repeatedly told "include your interests" but i got the impression nobody really cared. would really appreciate some insight on all of this.

[i]"please upload a personal statement that describes your special academic interests and your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study. If you are applying for a Master's or diploma programme this is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the selectors. Please describe your academic background, strengths/interests, ambitions/research interests."[/i]

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>>[i]"Please upload your Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program...your preparation for this field of study, study and research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study."[/i]

EDIT: i did the HTML cleanup thing and it didn't seem to work... Sad

Beavis · Post by **Beavis** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:29 pm

i'd think the best way to go with that is to have a few variations saved and ready to upload. otherwise you spend like 2 hours filling out those things.

braincat · Post by **braincat** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:47 pm

Is that for a financial math/engineering program?

I have once asked admissions secretary about this,

the reply was that showing strong motivation was most

important (i.e. that you are completely certain of your

choice, and eager to succeed in the program and

in a job afterwards, and have applicable skills and background).

She was very pragmatic about the

whole thing, said they didn't care about "contribution

to college life" or interests outside of the field of study.

So my guess is when they talk about interests and ambitions,

you should understand them in this very narrow sense.

But of course it all depends on the person who is reading these...

jungle · Post by **jungle** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:23 am

braincat, it's for statistics MSc programs (in case that changes anything!).

dani007 · Post by **dani007** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 8:41 am

I'm guessing mentoring undergrads, any external mathematics teaching and that sort of thing.

James · Post by **James** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:25 pm

jungle, pm me and I can give you some hints. but quickly, less is more, and focus is key. i.e. "I know this, I know I want to go here, I know I need to know this to go there, I know your program will give me this."

jungle · Post by **jungle** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:53 am

james, can you mail me your address? have been meaning to get in touch wrt paris... jungle.npgmail.com

braincat · Post by **braincat** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:08 pm

Jungle,

it probably doesn't. A good personal statement

is short (people have no patience to read),

energetic and goes straight to the point to show

that you are focused and know what you are

doing. Don't make it a two-page description

of your interests and hobbies.

(All IMHO of course).

Good luck with your application.

sammus · Post by **sammus** » Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:39 am

James, excellent explanation!