Ego-check. I could use a little assistance.

[Writer]

I'm writing a letter to the admissions committee of one of the schools to which I'm applying for doctoral work. I'm trying to convey that I obsess over the study of media, or that it's firmly ingrained as a lifetime interest (something like that); therefore, I want to pursue doctoral work as an outlet for my obsessive interest.

I want to say something like, "Not only is the study of media and culture an interest of mine, but I believe it is also a personality trait." But I believe this sentence sounds a bit arrogant.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Humbly,

~Writer~

[MrScorpio]

1. That makes you sound like a nutjob

Soften it up a bit

[Writer]

4. LOL. If they only knew how insane I truly am.

;)

I kid.

I know I need to soften it, but I am struggling with find a way how to do that.

[JVS]

16. You don't know many grad students, do you?

;-)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. How about...

"The study of media and culture is connected to the core of my being." :shrug:

[Writer]

5. That's not bad...

[NoSheep]

3. Recently, my boyfriend has applied to a doctoral program for the exact same reason

Something he is obsessed about. He wrote the standard application essay to express his....well... obsession, for lack of a better term. He was told by the head of the department "You sound like you are trying to apologize for yourself..don't do that."

I think it is very difficult for us to imagine sometimes that our passions are worthy. I'd say NOW more than ever, YOUR particular obsession is of the highest importance (depending what angle you take and if you are on this board...I'd say you've probably got one that would serve the greater good)

Did that convey?

[Writer]

10. My statement of purpose is much soberer than this.

This is just a cover letter.: "Hi. This is why I'm applying and here's a very brief bullet-point list on my background. Thanks for reading! Sincerely..."

Obsessions/passions are a very good reason to apply for a doctoral program. I sometimes feel enslaved by my interests. I honestly feel desperate for an outlet.

[DS1]

6. How about

The study of media and culture is not simply an interest of mine, I believe it's a part of me.

[Writer]

13. That's not bad, either.

[JVS]

18. Damn, you're good.

[NoSheep]

7. To add...isn't it your job to show why the study of media is important...not why YOUR

act of studying it is important? (The words will be yours) Take yourself out of the equation. Impress them with your ideas about your subject-NOT yourself.

[Writer]

15. This is a cover letter.

Just saying "hello, how do you do?" and "here's a bit about me."

[NoSheep]

19. Yes. I understand now. Didn't before. I'm stuck on that one too. Good luck to you!

[Writer]

26. Hey - the best of luck to you, too.

[Bucky]

8. Can you reframe to suggest how your studies will be a benefit to humanity?

Drop all references to your personality traits. Schools respond to people with a sense of mission. Underscore the importance of your field of interest. Also, subtly hint that you'll put out if you get accepted. I can't begin to tell you how effective that can be for a review committee (at least not without consulting my lawyer first, I can't).

[NoSheep]

9. Yes.

[Writer]

17. Please see #10 and #15.

[DS1]

11. or, on the advice of posts 7 and 8

My media studies will be shown to have prevented the premature supernova of our own Sun, precisely 4 minutes 17 seconds before your first Grandchild would have opened her eyes.

[Writer]

21. Actually I was thinking something like,

"My research will unite the world and unite the planets in simultaneous revolution around the sun. It will lead to a cure for cancer."

[DS1]

24. And then go on a 50/50 gamble and finish with a simple

Fox News Rulez!


:D

[Writer]

29. OMG that is kewl!

Luv it!

[skater314159]

12. Not only is the study of media and culture an interest of mine,

but I believe it is a key part of who I am."
or
it is one of my academic strongsuits."
or
"I have such an interest in media and culture that I see myself as a technological anthropologist."

I dunno if that helps or not... I'm not good at BSing. :eyes:

:hippie:

[Writer]

22. Hehe. Those aren't bad. Thanks.

:)

[lost-in-nj]

14. hey

wish I could help
instead all I can offer is

:hug: and a good luck......

let us know how it goes!!!


lost

[Writer]

23. Hey, lost. Thanks very much.

I've already received hints of good news from one school... but I won't get into it because I WILL jinx this process, no doubt.

[lost-in-nj]

31. understand...

when your ready

you will let us know!!!!!!!


:bounce: :bounce:

lost

[Robb]

20. How about

"...I was studying media and culture long before I ever dreamed there could be a gig in it for me." :D

In all seriousness, good luck. :thumbsup:

[Writer]

25. LOL!

Thanks, Dingbat.

;)

~Writer~

[Starbucks Anarchist]

27. Okay:

"The study of media and culture is not only an interest of mine, but is also an extension of my personality."

Or

"Media and culture have shaped me as much as they have shaped the world around us."

Yes? No? Meh?

:hi:

[Writer]

30. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Thanks, Mr. SA. :)

[Schema Thing]

28. Try this "Media, is my air. Culture, is my water. The study of both...

....is the only bread that can sustain me.".



Be sure to use the commas just as I've shown.

[Writer]

32. "And from the manna of my being, my interest grows into the crop of my research."

You are SPOT ON! :thumbsup:

;)

[Schema Thing]

41. you're gonna do great!

;)

[Duer 157099]

44. I'm going to have to vote for this one.

Only tiny thing I'd do is drop the "is" in the second sentence -- "...Culture, my water."

Do it! It's so poetic! And not nutjobbery at all!

[Guava Jelly]

33. I would say "Hey I Like big words..Look at my ti_s"

:sarcasm: I kid..I wish I was a better wordsmythe. (hell I can't even spell wordsmythe)
And good eve my friend :hi:

[Writer]

34. I could just xerox my breasts, then with a Sharpie write,

"My brain's just as large. Thanks for looking! Writer."

[Guava Jelly]

35. Dude!!!!!

Go for it...I'd hire ya :rofl:

[Writer]

36. Especially given who's on the committee.

One, in particular, might take the picture home with him.

:P

[Guava Jelly]

37. Oh if i was only on that committee

The picture would be above my fireplace. :evilgrin:

[Writer]

38. I'll paint it with vibrant colors so it will look like an Andy Warhol.

[Guava Jelly]

39. I say just paint yer boobs and press them against the canvas

sigh....:D

[DS1]

40. and cut a hole in it, no doubt

not that one would blame you

[Writer]

42. Hrmm... I'm starting to think that I should just skip on school and do artwork with my breasts.

I'll earn more money that way... pay off debt...

[Oeditpus Rex]

49. In a similar vein

before I saw this post, I was thinking...

"The breadth of my fascination with media is equaled only by that of my buttocks."









:hide:

[mitchum]

43. Maybe they will think you are just a TV watcher and magazine reader...

"Not only is the study of media and culture an interest of mine, but I believe it is also a personality trait" aptly describes those people

[mentalsolstice]

45. "Passion" is always a good thing!

I have degrees from grad school and law school, so I've filled out my share of applications. "Passion", not necessarily the word, but the feeling, will go a long way to getting accepted. And best of luck. I know you've been working for this quite awhile.
:hug:

edited for clarity

[Bucky]

46. Here's some suggested revisions

I find letters of acceptance to be sooo sexy. I can't resist a man who offers me one. Gee, is it getting hot in this cover letter, or is it just you, baby? Perhaps I could make this an "uncover letter" and slip into something more... academic.

Mmmm, just pour us some wine and come sit by me while we consider how sensual those media studies programs can be. I find nothing more fulfilling than to deconstruct a mass market public awareness campaign and contemplate the demographics it might penetrate. Ooohh, yessss.

Would you like to peek at my GPA, big boy? Mmmm, this is truly the program of my dreams.

Yours truly,



Writer

[Redstone]

47. Obsession is never a good trait to convey.

Redstone

[triguy46]

48. I think they would assume your passion. I've been told by professor friends...

that a key is emphasizing one's desire to do research to expand the field of study. That is, you will be pursuing and endeavor that 1st requires that you become an expert in the field, familiar with current literature and research and second, that you will in return contribute to the field through effective and meaningful work.

[Fire Walk With Me]

50. Lemme inna yer fuckin' college, ya bastards!

Edit: It's important to remember to belch as loudly as possible. Eating garlic before interviews assists immeasurably.

[rug]

51. Send them a photo of you and Britney.

[BlueIris]

52. Respectfully—are you seriously looking for help with your letter in the DU.com Lounge?

Don't you have at least one or two colleagues you could run this by?