Motivation letter for a Master's degree: feedback highly appreciated

0 Hello,02br
00I was looking around on Internet for help on writing a motivation letter for applying to a Master's degree and found this very worthy site.02br
00I would be really grateful if someone had time to take a look at mine. I do understand that I am the one to write the letter but I would appreciate comments from others as sometimes it is easy to lose track of what is important and relevant and what not when re-reading one's own writings.02br
00Also, I do not have a feeling of commas in English so I tend to just leave them out. Maybe it would be possible to take a look at that.02br
00Thank you very much in advance.02br
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00Regards,02br
00Eeva02br
00P.S. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have similar problems with Estonian, I'd be glad to help.02br
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00Dear Mrs. Hamilton, 02br
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00I am writing to apply for the Master of Science programme in Econometrics at the Universiteit van Amsterdam. 02br
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00I graduated from the University of Latvia with BSc in Economics in June 2006. During my studies I became interested in public sector economics and especially in statistical analysis of problems related to the field. In fact, I am planning to pursue a career in public policy research with an international research or regulatory organisation where the use of econometric methods is highly relevant. For this reason I want to develop my quantitative abilities further in an environment that supports intensive learning of a broad range of methods and applications of econometrics.02br
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00Already prior to my third-level education I had a strong interest in mathematics and enjoyed problem-solving and as a result attended various mathematics’ contests throughout the secondary school. During my studies at the University of Latvia I developed a strong interest in the application of statistical methods in economics. The related courses at the university taught me the use of such statistical analysis tools as STATA and SPSS which later on were utilized in my bachelor thesis writing process. I further used the acquired analytical abilities while working for a research project for the Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies. In fact, I am currently employed by FirmX where statistical tools are used daily to analyse market research problems.02br
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00There are several reasons why I think this course in the Universiteit van Amsterdam in particular is the best place to develop my quantitative skills. Firstly, this specific course has an interdisciplinary approach to teaching econometrics. This allows the development of a wide range of expertise guaranteeing broad-minded graduates who have all the prerequisites of becoming successful in a number of specific fields without losing a broader perspective. Secondly, the very good research reputation of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Universiteit van Amsterdam corresponds to my desire to deal with economic research further and ensures the superior quality of the provided education. Last but not least, the international aspect of the university as well as the city of Amsterdam is very appealing. Not only does the multiplicity of backgrounds provide a variety of opinions which in study process is an asset in itself but it also constitutes a valuable experience in the light of a possible career in an international organisation. 02br
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00I believe that my analytical abilities and interest in the application of mathematics and statistics in economics provide a solid base for the MSc programme in Econometrics at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and a policy researcher position later on. Please do not hesitate to contact me in case you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration. Looking forward to hearing from you.02br
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00Yours sincerely, 02br
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00Eeva Mmm 0-