Hi,

I am from India and I want to apply for masters to an english university in Holland, which necessitates writing a motivation letter. I am unsure about the content, the writing skill and the grammar that I have used. I really do not want to miss this opportunity to get into this university and so I am posting my letter here so that I can get some suggestions as to what more improvements should I make.

I would really appreciate your help.

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letter

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MOTIVATION LETTER

Scientific research has stepped into a new domain with advancements in translational research bringing the new feats from benchside to bedside. This requires knowledge and experience in research as well as clinical studies. Unlike the conventional mode of treatment - which was to treat the disease symptomatically; amalgamation of research and clinical studies focuses on finding newer ways to eliminate the disease right from its root cause. Having known this, I want to exploit the fundamentals of genetic mechanisms through research and make a significant contribution to medical fraternity.

During my graduate study I excelled in courses like Molecular and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biostatistics, Animal and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Genetics engineering, Genetics and Medical Biotechnology. With presentations and seminars incorporated into the curriculum I presented a seminar on “Congenital Heart Defects – Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects”. This seminar inspired me in a very intense way because I realised that cardiovascular diseases cause highest mortality rates annually. Also, during the study of Stem Cell Biology, I came across different research works regarding the regeneration of heart cells for heart valve replacement surgeries and other diseases. I was amazed by the potential the regenerative medicine hides in it and the way in which it can be harvested to treat diseases like myocardial infarction, stenosis and others. While learning about the basics of heart diseases, regeneration and other therapies, I was mesmerized with the efforts to bring in modern therapeutics in cardiology and I made a resolution to contribute in the development of newer means of healing cardiac ailments and help the patients with their sufferings. It was not much later that my father-a professional badminton player, endured a massive heart attack without any previous medical history. The doctors were unable to answer my questions as to why such a physically fit person could have suffered such an attack. This incident made my intention of pursuing research in cardiology elevate tremendously.

The M.Sc. Biomedical Science course at Maastricht University gives a very brilliant opportunity to study the aspects of health and diseases that I am unaware of and hence improve my understanding of diseases. Also the various course modules that focus on modern approaches towards diagnosis and treatment of diseases, along with the detailed study about the integration of various methodologies that should be used for diagnosis and treatment, would increase my wealth of knowledge regarding the various molecular as well as clinical aspects of diseases. This in turn will help me to move a step closer in achieving my goal of resolving cardiac patient related problems in medicine through the specialization in cardiovascular sciences in the second year of the program.

Looking to my interest and dedication towards research I was accepted as a trainee in the research lab of one of my professors from biomedical division under whose guidance I wrote and presented a review article on “Gene Therapy-application and potential role of Neprilysin and Insulin Degrading Enzyme (IDE) in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)” in 2nd International Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology, held in VIT University (2011). I also wrote and presented a research paper on “Effect of Biomolecules on Solid Tumor” in the 3rd International Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology, held at VIT University (2011). I gained hands-on experience for various techniques like Western blotting and histopathological examinations of H&E stained tumor sections along with the dissection of mice for animal studies. For my M.Sc. dissertation I got accepted into one of India’s leading cancer hospitals and worked on Large Genomic Rearrangements in the dissertation titled “Study of Germline BRCA1/2 Mutations in Indian Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Families”, a retrospective study, using the quantitative technique of MLPA. I also gained hands-on experience in molecular techniques like RFLP, PCR, PAGE, DNA Isolation and purification and Blood separation.
I took part in various conferences and symposiums like: “Silver Jubilee International Conference on Biotechnological Solutions for Environmental Sustainability”, VIT University, India (2009), “Symposium on Genetics in Clinical Practice: Diagnosis to Therapeutics”, Ahmedabad, India (2010) and “An AACR International Conference on New Horizons in Cancer Research: Biology to Prevention to Therapy”, New Delhi, India (2011), where I had the chance to view and understand the advanced work of scientists in various fields from all over the world.
I underwent training in “Preliminary Study in Diagnostics of Genetic Disorders” at a premier cytogenetic laboratory, an (ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory), Surat, India and in clinical genetics on “Mutation Probability Models - Comparative Study of BRCAPRO, BOADICEA, and Myriad Models” at TATA Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, India.

My goal is to work for patients with heart disease and develop methods that could be successfully implemented into clinical practice to alleviate the sufferings of cardiac patients. The M.Sc. Biomedical Science program at Maastricht University would provide me with a platform to reach towards my aim because the course modules listed are very applicative and the thesis project in cardiovascular sciences would also give me a chance to work for diseases like myocardial infarction, ischemia, angiogenesis and regenerative therapies. So M.Sc. Biomedical Sciences program, at Maastricht University would be a very appropriate place for catering my interest because it brings me the opportunity to interact and learn from renowned clinicians and researchers.

I have also represented my state and University in Badminton at National level, winning awards and scholarships for the same. I was awarded the “Best outgoing sportswoman of the Year” award in 2012. Managing between studies and sports has taught me to organize time efficiently and sports have instilled in me the spirit for team work and leadership qualities.
Though being culturally different I assure you that this fact would never hinder my effort to prove my worth. I will work with utmost dedication and strive to attain my goal.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
xyz
Masters Applicant