[ES2007S] Blog Post #3: Application Letter

Draft 1

<Address>

<Postal Code>

<HP Number>

(10-2-2011)

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
14 Science Drive 4
Singapore 117543

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am graduating from the National University of Singapore with a B.Sc in Life Sciences and would like to pursue my graduate studies in the Department of Biological Sciences of the National University of Singapore. I am aware that there are many research projects carried out by your department and am particularly interested in the research on diseases.

As mentioned in my résumé, my degree specialises in Biomedical Science, which gives me a good foundation in pharmacology, physiology and immunology. My grades also indicate that I am meticulous in my tasks, ensuring that they are free of error and completed on time. Also, my Final Year Project has given me the opportunity to carry out research in a laboratory, equipping me with the necessary skills and techniques. I am confident that these qualities would allow me to contribute greatly to the research scene of your department.

I seek your active consideration of my application for graduate studies in your department. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

<Signature> 

Kenneth Lee

Draft 2

<Address>

<Postal Code>

<HP Number>

(13-2-2011)

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
14 Science Drive 4
Singapore 117543

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would be graduating from the National University of Singapore with a B.Sc (Hons) in Life Sciences and would like to pursue my graduate studies in the Department of Biological Sciences of the National University of Singapore. I am aware that there are many research projects carried out by your department and am particularly interested in the research on diseases, especially cancer.

As mentioned in my résumé, my degree specialises in Biomedical Science, which gives me a good foundation in pharmacology, physiology and immunology. From my past roles and experiences with Anderson Junior College Symphonic Band and the Singapore Armed Forces Bands, I have gained many skills, like patience gained from the long waits between parade rehearsals and meticulousness gained from the sectionals conducted for my section. Such traits are useful, especially in the field of research. Also, through the Experimental Molecular and Cell Biology module which I took recently, I have been equipped with the necessary skills and techniques in the laboratory, like handling a micropipette, agarose gel electrophoresis, and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. With these qualities, I am confident that I will be able to contribute greatly to the Department of Biological Sciences in the field of cancer research.

I seek your active consideration of my application for graduate studies in your department. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

<Signature> 

Kenneth Lee

[ES2007S] Blog Post #2: An Interpersonal Conflict

It was the second day of Chinese New Year, when my family decided to open our house to our relatives for card games. Having eaten too much food during the last two days, all of us agreed to settle our own dinner before meeting up. However, one of them seemed to be unaware of this arrangement. Because of other plans, he arrived a little late without eating dinner beforehand. The doorbell was low on battery, so the ringing was drowned out by the noise within the house.

When he resorted to knocking the door, my mother heard it and answered the door.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

“We have no dinner available. You’ll have to go to the food court next door to eat.”

“Okay,” he said as he got ready to leave.

“Why don’t you leave your bag here with us so that you don’t need to carry so much?”

“My umbrella is inside,” he said as he left.

After an hour, my other relatives were wondering why he was not back yet, so they tried to call his cell phone but he did not respond to any of the calls. It seemed that he thought we intentionally did not leave any food for him and felt rejected. As he lives alone, he was probably more prone to such emotions. Also, he grew up separately from the rest of my relatives, making it hard for him to blend in with us.

In such a situation, what should be done to make him feel more accepted?