KGSP Statement of Purpose - trying to stay withing word limit while including only useful info

English Linguistics program application

Dear Sirs, Madams

I am applying for the Master's Degree Program in English Linguistics, starting in 2019. I graduated in the summer of 2018, from XXX University and hold a Bachelor's degree (4-year studies, 244 ECTS) in English Language and Literature.

From a young age, I was urged to learn foreign languages such as English, German and Spanish, and expand my skill set as preparation for a demanding adult life. Yet, I did not focus only on the instrumental value of such knowledge but sought to connect with the respective cultures, simultaneously cultivating acceptance and appreciation of diversity. During middle school, an educational trip to Essex, UK, persuaded me in favor of an English degree. My undergraduate studies were characterized by enthusiasm that flourished with every topic introduced in class. In the English Linguistics sub-major, we discussed various aspects of both theoretical and applied linguistics. My personal favorites were courses on syntax and sociolinguistics. Later, I discovered the gratification of completing an original piece of writing and contributing to the vault of knowledge of my field. The linguistic courses sparked my interest and motivated me to strive for excellence. Consequently, I earned a first-class honors degree in the minimum time allotment.

The curriculum did not require a thesis to qualify for graduation. However, several elective courses involved producing semester-long projects, to introduce academic writing and develop scholarly skills. In chronological order, I submitted a co-written paper titled "Personality, Motivation and Cognitive Style as an Explanation to Differential Success Among Second Language Learners of English", which focused on questionnaires completed by students and interviews kindly provided from teachers of a Greek public school. My colleague and I chose this topic specifically because it lacked research in the Greek academia. The findings of our paper were so significant, we were granted the honor of presenting in the XXX Convention in Greece. Next, my project titled "Social Class and Profession as Factors behind Language Change" contained several bibliographically recorded cases that I analyzed and classified. Finally, a discourse analysis titled "The April 2018 inter-Korean Summit as Presented in Twitter and Mainstream Online Newspaper Editions", allowed me to connect my interest in Korean matters to my academic endeavors and illustrate how the field of linguistics can be used in more ways that the ones traditionally acknowledged.

Regarding my extra-curricular activities, I participated in the 3rd Old and Middle English Summer School in July 2018 (6 ECTS). It included a variety of lectures on linguistic change, grammar and phonology from internationally acclaimed professors. For my presentations; two academic posters on bilingualism and the development of determiners in Old and Middle English history, and based on academic merit, I was awarded a scholarship. The lessons were a unique experience, as I had the opportunity to contribute to discussions with highly educated individuals and acquire significant knowledge and inspiration. Moreover, I have keenly attended conferences, namely on Contrastive and Applied Linguistics, or have volunteered in the organization process as secretarial support or presentation assistant.

Regarding my relation to Korea, I always sought to obtain novel experiences and knowledge in my free time, which led me to coming in contact with the several expressions of the Korean culture. I eagerly attended the Korean language classes offered by the Foreign Languages Teaching School of my university for three years. Our teacher, who was native Korean, cultivated a genuine understanding of traditions and customs through various lessons and activities. Simultaneously, I volunteer in the team "XXX", which promotes the Korean culture through online content and events open to the public. Seeking to experience the country first-hand, I traveled to Korea in 2017 to participate in the "faiRE Tale" volunteer activities, hosted by AIESEC in Korea University, which aimed to raise awareness in Korean middle school students regarding disabilities. In 2018, I was invited to the 29th Youth International Forum, where young adults from 150 countries and I collectively tried to tackle global issues in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Through all these experiences, I have created a tight bond with the country and the culture, as they hold a special place in my heart. Thanks to them, I was given the opportunity to grow as a person, become sensitive to global issues, develop essential leadership skills and become a global citizen. It is only natural that I choose it for the next significant step of my studies at postgraduate level, which will influence the course of the rest of my life.

I consider the fact that I grew up in an environment that appreciates and promotes the acquisition of knowledge and new educational experiences a true blessing in life. A distinctive trait of my character, that emerged from my upbringing, is that I never settle in my accomplishments. As soon as I achieve a goal, I look for a greater one, a reason which actively motivated me to apply for a master's degree. The next stage following the completion of my undergraduate studies, is to acquire specialized knowledge on English Linguistics, develop my research skills and learn how to practically employ them. I am aware that S. Korea offers some of the best educational programs worldwide and its contribution to humanity studies, among others, is highly recognized. I would be grateful to have the opportunity to take part in the outstanding graduate programs available and meet my goal of bringing growth to the academic community.

Best regards

Evi, the only correction I would like you to make with your essay is the reference to "At a very young age". It is not important to indicate an age of consciousness on these types of essays. Age references actually serve to weaken the essay because the reviewer questions the validity of the age represented in relation to your decision to pursue the undergraduate and MS course. It will be better if you simply say that your family encouraged you to learn about languages due to their perceived importance of being a linguist in today's era.

Overall, you have a highly competitive and remarkable essay presentation. It has strengths bar none when it comes to the relation of Korea to your educational and work experiences. These will be of certain note to the reviewer as these show a clear relationship between your future plans, the importance of a Korean education to your plans, and why you chose to pursue advanced studies in Korea. You should take confidence in your written work. It is going to be of tremendous help to your application and has made you a definite contender for this scholarship.