Dear xxx,
Knowing where is heading during navigation brings assured happiness. As astudent majoring in Biochemistry, I began my odyssey five years ago, when ourclass had a new biology teacher, who was young and energetic. He taught us in anentertaining way and communicated with us quite well. I liked him very much andwas impressed by the knowledge of Biological Sciences. He opened new doors tothe realm of Biology in my life. And with time being, I feel more and more sureabout my destination. Although the trail of navigation has not always beendefinitely straight, I believe it leads me to my dream.
Because of my excellent performance in the National Olympic MathematicsContest of High School Students in 1994 and my outstanding academic record insenior high school, I had the opportunity to be admitted to Peking University orTsinghua University, two most selective universities in China, waived of theAdmission Examination. But if I took the chance, I couldn’t select biologicalsciences as my major. So I gave up the precious chance and took the AdmissionExamination. I succeeded and was admitted by the Department of Biochemistry andMolecular Biology in Peking University, which ranks first in biological scienceeducation and research in China and has raised many scholars including membersof Chinese Academy of Sciences. In the first three years in university, mycurriculum has a broad range, covering both natural and humanity sciences, aswell as putting emphasis not only on biological sciences but also on closelyrelated courses. I have dedicated my energy to my study and have received acomplete, profound and strict training in biological sciences with the combinedstrength of individual and professors' help. Playing basketball is also a solidpart of my campus life. I am an active member in the basketball team of theCollege of Life Sciences in Peking University. As a point guard, the organizerof the team's attack, I have learned to make the five players to be a stronggroup in a game. Last year, we ranked the third in Peking University Cup amongthe thirty-six teams. This experience endows me a strong sense ofresponsibility, confidence and team-working spirit.
To be a successful scientific researcher requires not only academicpotential but also independent research ability. A student will developcapability for independent research by working closely with a scholar. For thisreason, I entered the National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and PlantGenetic Engineering and participated the Group of Protein Structure andFunction. Now I cooperate with two graduate students, one of whom will go to theHarvard Medical School to continue his research work. Our ultimate goal is todevelop a new thrombolysis drug, which is supported by the National 863 Hi-TechPlanning. (Please check Research Experience for detail.) By the three monthshere, I have been able to do many experiments independently and have obtainedserious attitude and cooperation in scientific work.
I have a sublime dream to be one equipped with exceptional experimentskills in addition to advanced scientific and technological knowledge. In mymind Pennsylvania State University is an ideal place to purse the graduatestudy, which is intellectually exhilarating and challenging. I respect yourrigorous scientific approach, original idea and outstanding achievements. I ameager to join a group in which I can make the best use of my capabilities andcombine my personal intelligence with group cooperation to full-fill the group’sbenefit as well as to make my dream come true. The Department of Pharmacology isdefinitely this type. With the fast development in the field of life sciences,human is getting more and more interested in probing into the nature of lifeitself and every great achievement in the study of life is sure to put light toour understanding of ourselves and to benefit our people and society as a whole.The field of Pharmacology has particular importance to serve man’s purposeabove. A scientist of Pharmacology is not only a researcher, but also thecreator of the future world. I think the challenging Pharmacology is the mostsuitable field for me to begin my graduate study, which is more than acontinuation of undergraduate study and is of not only a matter of greaterknowledge. The aim of it is to prepare students to enter a profession in whichthe knowledge is put into daily use. I am interested in the field of signalpathway in tumor formation. Several professors' research impressed me, includingDr. Mulder and some other professors. After obtaining my Ph.D., I plan to doresearch work in an institution either domestically or overseas. I believe thatsuch a position provides the largest room in which I can make the mostenthusiastic dedication to the world of sciences.
I believe the advanced courses, distinguished faculty and the best-equippedlaboratories of your group will help me make the desired achievements. With theconviction that I can sustain me through the intense graduate study, I have madethe decision to apply for Pennsylvania State University and hope your seriousconsideration.
Yours sincerely,
xxx