Dear x,
Due to the comprehensiveness of China’s “reform and open” policies,economics plays an increasingly important role in the development of its globalposition. As a senior at Beijing University majoring in Economics, I feel thatmy field is fundamental to the progress of my country. Yet, at the same time, Irealize only too well that what I have learned as an undergraduate is far fromenough. Therefore, it is my desire to pursue a graduate degree I Economics atyour university. If accepted, my intended concentration would be EconomicDevelopment and Public Economics.
In the process of preparing myself for advanced research, I obtained asolid academic background in mathematics, computer science and basic economictheory. In order to enhance my capabilities and further establish my background,I plan to take Probability and Econometrics as my electives during my lastsemester at Beijing University. During my undergraduate career I was fortunateto be able to audit several advanced graduate level courses taught by overseasprofessors such as Comparative Economic Systems and Advanced Macroeconomics.These classes not only introduced me to new economic concepts and theories, butalso broadened my perspective and gave me new insights into the depth of myfield.
After over three years of studying economics and extensive reading inrelated fields, I have developed my own understanding of the present Chineseeconomy with system. I feel, and it is an idea shared by many, that the Chinesegovernment is presently struggling to adapt a policy which would peacefullyintegrate the advantages of a marked economy with the current Socialist system.to a certain extent, I feel that the government has been successful inimplementing this aim. However, many problems have yet to be resolved. Chiefamong these is the problem of rejuvenating and restructuring the large,state-owned enterprises. As a result under the Chinese socialist system, thesecompanies not only lack a spirit of competition, but are also hopelesslyoverstaffed. There is a definite need to cut back on workers, many of whom areunskilled and present an unnecessary burden on these companies.
The fundamental problem here is that China lacks unemployment and socialsecurity programs, which would be able to assist and re-train these workersshould they be laid off. As there are no options for them, the companies areforced to retain these laborers, creating a stagnant state which limits bothproduction levels and net profits. While foreign-imported goods and foreigncompanies were scare in China, this was not a major problem. However, the influxof foreign goods and corporations has forced China into a predicament where itcan no longer afford to maintain useless employees for the benefit of the State.Should the situation here continue unchecked, China risks loosing its domesticmarked to foreign companies.
These ideas were the result of my field research conducted during my junioryear. During that time, I studied first-hand edly China’s system of publiceconomics and found it lacking in many ways. I feel that if China is ever to bea serious competitor in the world market it needs first to develop a moreprogressive system of public policies. For this, China will have to look toother systems, which have struggled and successfully handled this same problem.My goal is to continue my education in the United States where I can not onlywitness the dynamics of an economic system different from ours, but also studythe ways in which America’s public policy could be adapted and utilized byChina.
In terms of global economics, China still has much to learn. The governmentis far from reconciling itself with many of the principles that underlie themodern market. I also feel that the Chinese situation is unique, and , that inorder to be successful, policy makers must take into consideration regionalcharacteristics, historical tradition and social psychology when defining thecourse of the future. However, it is also essential that the future generationsof leaders, administrators and teachers learn from other countries in order tobetter understand the complexity of China’s role within the global economicsituation.
The more China’s economy is prosperous, the more it needs its owneconomists. Therefore, at the end of my graduate study, I intend to return to mycountry and contribute to China’s economic progress. My ultimate goal is toteach introducing advanced Western research methods to my country and, ifpossible, tackle some of the economic problems faced by my country.
I am also applying for overseas graduate study because of the fact that theUnited States holds the leading position in the research of my chosen field.Your institution, known for its careful and exacting work ethic and nurturingacademic atmosphere, is the university I have long admired. I am confident thatwith your distinguished faculty and recognized facilities, my potential willdevelop into knowledge and experience beneficial to both the United States andChina.
Yours sincerely,