My independent thinking, sound academic performance and practical media experience distinguished me from most of my fellow students and came to the attention of Prof. XXX, a leading scholar on “cultural communication” in my university. At his invitation, I became a key member of his research team and served as his research assistant. I read a number of leading academic journals including XX and analyzed all the available American news programs recorded on videotapes. Based on my research findings, I wrote a research paper entitled Cross-Cultural Communication Significance of English News for Developing Countries. The paper explores how developing countries (whose native language is not English) can best employ English news programs as an effective tool of communication with the English-speaking audience in the world, with English language as the dominant language of communication in the ongoing globalization context. I also proposed specific steps how those developing countries can promote the communication and the influence of their national cultures in the international community and facilitate their social and economic development. My paper was published in the national-level journal TV STUDY, which indicates the rare achievement of an undergraduate.
The publication of my research paper also testifies to my research potential. The vice chairman of my department offered to be my advisor of my graduation thesis. Under his guidance, I am researching on media culture and constructing analytical models. So far, I have completed the research on American mainstream media culture and its pluralistic value system. My advisor has expressed considerable appreciation of my research work so far.
XX University where I am studying is a key national university that attracts best students from every part of the country. In fierce academic competitions, I have managed to remain top-third in academic performance and win scholarships throughout the years. I received the honor of Outstanding Student of XX University and on account of my distinguished English proficiency I won the third prize for my university in the nationwide English Contest of University Students in 2002. In my extracurricular activities, I organized and participated in several major events for such student organizations as “Galaxy” Literary Society, “What’s New” Student Newspaper, and “Be Creative” Association. As a result, my writing skills and journalistic competence have been markedly improved.
Building on my educational background, my research experience and my research interest, I would like to pursue a Master’s program in Mass Communication. The courses that I plan to study include international mass communication, mass media and culture, theories of mass communication, methods of mass communication research, history of mass communication, economic and political aspects of mass media. I wish to obtain comprehensive and advanced education in mass communication and seek opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars and projects. If possible, I will continue my study toward a Ph.D. degree. I believe that academically and experientially I am qualified for your well-respected program. Therefore I wish that you would seriously and favorably consider my application.
