Hi there everyone! Having been out of education for 3 years I am not sure what kind of things to put in my MA application. I want to study International Relations/History/Sociology but for no reason other than to be forced to read and learn stuff. What other, better reasons are there that are acceptable for the form? Is it rather a case of advertising why you are so great at studying the subject? I really cannot remember what bullshit I wrote for my BA application and need to get back into the swing of it so any advice on what they're looking for would be much appreciated.

Try not including the words 'forced and 'bullshit' for a start. Good luck.

Just work-up "forced to read" into something that sounds better. Like "I would relish the opportunities provided by a structured environment for furthering my studies" or "taking this course will help me focus and develop my interest in this subject in an intellectually stimulating environment". That kind of thing.

Thanks for that helpful comment golfpro, I think you must be the smartest person I know.

Hi,
What have done in the last three years? I was out of academics for two years after my undergraduate degree and then decided to go for a Masters. Your fields seem to very general in subject coverage and this lends well to what your essay might center on. Why not write about a personal anecdote that might link into these fields and elaborate on how your background, this particualar anecdote and your passion for learning have lead you to write your essay. A useful resource for postgraduate programs in the UK is www.postgrad.com - could give you some direciton. There's a helpful "Making an application" page under "applying for a postgrduate program." Good luck!

Try googling Personal Statement and specify Havard, the samples were very helpful, just written one myself!

Hi

I have just written one myself and been accepted on both universities, this is the formula I chose to follow:

How to write a personal statement

BE PERSONAL, FRESH AND DIFFERENT, WRITE IN FIRST PERSON, EXPRESS YOURSELF CLEARLY AND CONCISELY, USE ADJECTIVES AND ACTIVE VOICE VERBS, ADHERE TO WORDS LIMITS (300-500 WORDS) – REVISE REVISE REVISE

INTRO
•Career plan, your interests – ideally a distinctive example that’s specific to your experience
•Mention specific name of the study/program and the degree.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (examples)
•Your own qualifications (degree/work experience)
•Compatibility with the program/position
•Strengths of the program
•Career goals

CONCLUSION
•Wrap up the issues raised and reiterate your interest
•Might also mention how this is a step towards a long term goal

Good luck