Hi, I am applying for the first time for a Rutgers PhD program in a communications and I was wondering how informative is my personal statement - it is first draft and I am looking for a feedback if it is structured enough, and whether it covers the topics for the SOP.
A personal statement of 300-500 words is required detailing your academic, research, and career objectives.
Explain why you want to attend our program at Rutgers, describe your outstanding qualifications, and identify areas of study as well as faculty that are of special interest.
I want to pursue a career in the research and teaching of the effects the technology developments have on the society in 21st century. I am interested in the ways technological tools such as social networks affect the way we find information, write, read, and create communities.
During my undergraduate studies I explored topics about the evolution of printing, dissemination of information and the effects of intellectual property on publishing, and most importantly the history of reading itself and how technology is continuously changing everything mentioned above. For my undergraduate thesis, I did a research on the topic: "Readers in Collaboration: New Model of a Social Book Publishing", creating a platform allowing readers and writers to meet online, and through a social network to collaborate in writing projects of mutual interest.
After my Bachelor, I worked for several years as a system administrator, but have always wanted to go back to school for my Masters in Science, presently in my second year. I have focused on subjects such as business sustainability through crowdsourcing, social media analysis, the rise of social networks and new online platforms possibilities and investigating the changes in reading patterns and implications for the publishing industry.
Currently I am researching crowdfunding as a business model for publishing books and its use as a marketing tool to discover the level of interest in readers and to build a community of fans around the book. I am also writing about the importance of fan communities and social media use for webseries success.
I also work as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Study Abroad. I am responsible for the social media policy and marketing strategy (brochures and other materials) for the office, advice students on studying abroad options, and leading Study Abroad 101 sessions during this semester. I have also led a workshop about Social Media for the employees of the Office of External Affairs and the Center for International Engagement. My social media policy and marketing strategy, along with social networking analysis of our social media usage will be presented during the spring research symposium.
In my spare time I write articles about e-publishing trends, future of reading, learning, convergence media, transmedia storytelling, crowdsourcing and gamification at "Future Reading" e-magazine, that I publish as well.
Although I have a low GRE, I have experience with several projects about building collaboration portals for teachers, e-learning portal for unemployed people in Bulgaria, a CAITE proposal for a project (OurGeekWorld) attracting minority and female students to the world of science and technology and several fan based orientated research topics. I hope I will get the opportunity to join the Rutgers School of Communication and Information to pursue my doctoral studies and further build upon my knowledge.
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Thanks in advance for all the help
I really think that you're off to a good start, but I don't think you've fully responded to the prompt. I'm also in the same boat as you (applying to a PhD, low gpa, and a ridiculously short word limit!), it took a lot of reworking to finally chop my essay in half and allow for space to really explain why I would be a good fit for the specific program and also suggest the professors I'd like to work with. Your's is missing the connection to the specific department and professor, and from the advice I've received from my mentor with a PhD it's very important to show that you've done your research and are making an informed decision to apply.
What helped me be able to fit all of the information in my essay was the realization that my CV is where they can find all of the information on publications, work experience and trainings. I alluded to some of my work experiences in my essay, but largely concentrated on selling what makes me the best PhD candidate despite issues with my gpa. :)
Feel free to go check out mine if you want to see what I did to make it work!
Good luck with applying to the program!
