SOP review

[ant]

Hi

So I am planning to apply for the 2019 intake of LKYSPP for public policy. I have a communications background and thought my best way of standing a chance to get in is by playing up the potential importance of communication in governance. 

This is what I've written so far. Comments?

Having spent most of my childhood in the early 2000s, I was lucky enough to observe the communication evolution up close. With increased internet penetration and the birth of social media changing the way we communicate and interact with each other, I am eager to understand the ways I can use communication to transform governance and public service. In the long-term, I hope to be involved in the implementation of policies that strengthen the participation of citizens in the political process and create an infrastructure of inclusivity where voices of all sections of society can be heard in the upper echelons of policy-making. As a woman in India, this is a goal that is particularly close to my heart as many women in our country are still unheard and unseen.
I decided to further explore and strengthen my knowledge in this sector by interning at an advocacy group that aimed to bridge the gap between elected representatives and citizens via social media among other initiatives. I was further convinced about the potential impact of communication on public service when I visited a government school as part of an awareness drive. With a paltry ratio of 1 teacher for every 300 students enrolled, it’s a complex process to significantly change the quality of education imparted but with nearly all the older students using phones of some kind, accessibility to information has the potential to transform the way knowledge is transmitted.

I believe that Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy is in a perfect position to complement my expertise in communication by providing me with a thorough understanding of the skills and know-how required to be an effective policy practitioner. Situated in a country that is known for its innovative policies and a government that understands the transformational power of information, it would be a privilege to witness from up close ground-breaking initiatives such as ‘Smart Nation’. With a faculty that is esteemed worldwide and possess a vast knowledge regarding the development of policies in the Asian context, the Masters in Public Policy offered at your school will help me understand the emerging role of Asia on the world stage.
I strongly believe this course will help me understand how I can use my expertise in communication to realize my long-term objectives. I am confident that I will be an asset to your institution and hope you grant me the opportunity to contribute significantly to society.

[p287]

I have only heard this, have not witnessed it personally: Apparently mentioning how young you are (by describing your childhood in the 2000s) can make some admissions envision you as immature. You might be able to reword with something like "I was lucky enough to observe the communication evolution of the early 2000s," completely avoiding your age at the time.

[ant]

Interesting point! Noted. 

Thank you