Jared, This is a bit lengthy. I would cut out all of the childhood/academic history except that which is most pertinent to your research interests; they can read everything else in your transcripts. Also, before you submit your application, I would suggest looking through department faculty profiles online and arranging to meet with those with whom you are most interested in working. This is the most important thing you can do. Even if you have a spotless academic record, they will not fund you if they don't know who you are or if it looks like your plan of action is vague. Once you've met with said professor(s), make sure to mention their name(s) in your statement of purpose. Good luck! I'm so excited for you; this could be really great:) -Lizzie
ps- Of course, in terms of funding, I'm assuming that German Univeristies function similarly to American Universities- this could be wrong. Nonetheless you should still contact the professors!
Yeah, funding works a bit differently here in deutschland, in short It's not something I as a student need to worry about. As far as projects go, when I and brandon visited, we were told by students that you pretty much just jump on an existing project after you find your interests. Alot of the students Brandon and I met were just kind of jumping into neuro-cog for the first time, coming from a diverse set of backgrounds. The faculty is a bit large but I think I might be able to find someone, I tried before but their are so many researchers.
I agree with Lizzie about the lengthiness of your childhood/academic history. In childhood, just highlight your interest in learning and fascination with science, perhaps even mention a specific influence (this might make your essay stand out). In academics, just highlight important personal reactions to your studies. They will have your transcripts, but unless you are also sending a sample of your writing, they will not have an idea on how you approach the issues. I like the personable and confident tone. More focus on their program (like Lizzie's suggestion) would be good. Try to keep it under 2 single spaced pages. Overall it sounds really good!
Yeeah...you guys are probably really right about the childhood stuff. Specific influence like Carl Sagan or like Mr Norris my 6th grade honors teacher? Also, both of my letters of reference are from teachers that are personally familiar with my research (one is the primates in africa guy the other is the woman I did fMRI research with). Thank you both so much for checking over this for me, if either of you ever needs something similar let me know.
Comments 5
This is a bit lengthy. I would cut out all of the childhood/academic history except that which is most pertinent to your research interests; they can read everything else in your transcripts. Also, before you submit your application, I would suggest looking through department faculty profiles online and arranging to meet with those with whom you are most interested in working. This is the most important thing you can do. Even if you have a spotless academic record, they will not fund you if they don't know who you are or if it looks like your plan of action is vague. Once you've met with said professor(s), make sure to mention their name(s) in your statement of purpose. Good luck! I'm so excited for you; this could be really great:)
-Lizzie
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment