I'd been working on getting myself into writing a motivation letter to applying for a Master's degree. Finally a few hours ago I started.

So for all the experienced writers or professors out there as well as any students who have written this type of essay before, I would be really appreciated if you can give me some tips on what not to write, sources or a copy of your letter

I plan to work on it all night but this might be exaggerated.

Thank you in advance.

Tried to look for my personal statement, unfortunately I did not copy it from my old computer.

So well well well ...my tip is for you to be honest on your true motivations. How would a master degree make an impact on you careerwise, obviously mentioning how it could open a door to become a citizen of the country of your choice would sound a bit awkward. I am sure you have a several good reasons why you want to dedicate your time and money to get it.

I did mention why I choose England as well. I am pretty obsessed with England in many aspects so I put that in my statement to let them know how studying there would fulfill my curiousity and obsession.

Do not copy exactly from other sources. The professional written style esssays could be spotted and it might close the door for you to get in. You can use them as reference of writing style, get some interesting and powerful words , phrases. But at the end make it sounds personal, unique, and interesting. Get a proof read from native speakers before submitting. Finally when you have an essay that truely capture all your "sensible" motivations and shows fairly good English writing skill as an international would have, I am sure you will be alright.

Best of luck ja:)

Well, everyone seems to hve the right ideas, but not everyone can be correct with everything. Somethings good, some things bad. So, based on everyone's advice, keping the good bits, throwing out the bad bits, here is a suggestion or your letter. These are based on lyrics from the beautiful song, "I don't know much", by Linda Rondstatt and Aaron Neville, that I have made myself. If nothing else, it will be original!

My dearest Dean...

Look at YOUR face I know the years are [not] showing.

Look at MY life I ...... know [exactly] where it's going.

I don't know much but I know I love you.

That may be all YOU need to know.

Look at these eyes they ALWAYS see what matters.

Look at these dreams so ACHIEVABLE and so FLATTERED.

I don't know much but I know I love you.

That may be all YOU need to know.

So many questions. ALL OF THEM ANSWERED,

So much I've ALWAYS broken through.

And when I feel you near me, I ALWAYS see so clearly.

The only truth I'll ever know is me and you.

Look at YOURSELF, so blessed with inspiration.

Look at YOUR soul still NO NEED for salvation.

I don't know much but I know I love you.

That may be all YOU need to know.

I don't know much but I know I love you.

That may be all YOU need to know.

I don't know much but I know I love you

That may be all there is to know.

The Original words can be found at http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/55337.html

May I wish you all the very best for your future endevors, and I ohpe this at least gave you a smile:)

I say have a few beers, then start writing! best of luck!

hahaha thanks everyone and stuart for the lyrics.

anyway i doubt if i would get myself a husband...the dean didnt seem like a dyke to me LOL

i wrote some stuff last night almost A4 then this morning i just couldnt help but editing most of it...grrr

oh u were really going to do it huh! keep trying babe!

My suggestion is u ask Jane for suggestion and maybe see her statement of purpose. I believe i'ts the best I've ever seen. Good luck na!

I've written lots of those things, for grad programs and scholarship/grant applications. I hate writing it every time. Periboea's suggestions are good. Probably there is a word limit - keep inside the limit! If it's something you really want to get, don't bullshit, as in, making things up. The people reviewing these things see a lot of bullshit, and, like mods on TF , become pretty good at spotting bullshit. If you have trouble writing about yourself, remember that it is not bullshit to take your own goals and experiences and portray them in a positive light, even if it feels sort of like bullshitting to you - just don't go overboard.

...and good luck!

Your Bukowski quote above, translated to Chinese and back to English:

"I write these words retain me from always to be crazy." Not bad.

I like Bukowski, have a book or two of his poetry but haven't looked at it in ages. Some poems are really beautiful in his rough way, some a good laugh, and others are total crap!