boring q about master's application form

[hatter]

I'm doing an application for a master's degree. I have to include a personal statement - this is the only bit where I say why I want to do, why I think I can do it, what I plan to do afterwards etc. All of the rest of the form is factual. Annoyingly there is no guidance as to how long it should be (not even a gap on the form - it's electronic and they tell you to attach it). how long do you think?

I have done a Master's Degree application (though not a Master's Degree - long story!) and I remember not writing very much in this section. I did mine on paper (how antiquated) and I think it was about 1/2 a side of A4. Be brief and succinct - and don't waffle. Like you say in your past - why you want to do it, why you will be able to do it/are suited to do it/where you intend it to take you. It's like a job application, isn't it - stuff in support of your application that doesn't fit anywhere else on the form. Good luck! I hate application forms...

And, unlike me, make sure you check for typo's - that should have said post not past

I remember writing about a page. I included such things as my background, how it fitted in with my present job and how it fitted in with my future plans. The last bit you can make up because, frankly, unless they can see into the future there's no way they can verify this.

If it's any consolation, they seem to take anyone on masters courses these days. I can't for the life of me concieve of how some of my fellow students managed to scrape through a first degree, let alone how they think they can cope with a second.

Slug may be right about some master's in some places. Others will be more in demand and can pick and choose. I have read hundreds of master's applications and will read hundreds more this year. The personal statement can make a real difference and I take it very seriously. I would write about a side of A4. As well as what marthamoo advises, try to convey a sense of what, in the programme itself, attracts you and the issues you would like to understand better. That will show that you have looked carefully at what's on offer and thought about what you want to get out of it. It will also help the person making the decision to get some idea of what you might be like in a classroom situation.

thanks guys. the one I want to do is highly competitive (it's also my second - already have an Mphil) - it is also designed for lawyers and I'm not one so I really have to make a case, but I think I've got a good one. I've been told by people that teach the course that it is important and pretty much teh only thing they look at. Oldiemum - do you think 2 sides is ott? It's not 2 sides of waffle, it is very focused, includes quite a bit on my current work epxerience - which is significant coz I've got to show that I know quite a lot about law. what do you think?