How to apply to UP Diliman- Masters Edition; Part 1 (ASOP)
- Ellien Beltran
- Jan 15, 2024
- 3 min read
If you're planning to apply for a master's degree at UP Diliman, you're in the right place. I've divided my tips into three parts. Part 1 focuses on the Academic Statement of Purpose. Hope you learn a thing or two! Disclaimer: I'm not that much of a writer...
Hi! I’m Elle Beltran, a first-year master's student at UP Diliman taking up Clinical Psychology. I wrote this blog because I remember scanning the internet to find substantial “how to apply to UP masters edition” but to no avail. So, I’ve decided to share my insights and maybe help you apply at UP! Join me on this adventure, and I look forward to seeing you on campus!
If I had to sum up my application journey in just one word, it would be "preparation." God knows how much I put in a lot of effort to make sure I felt ready and confident about my application. First and foremost, don’t forget to double-check the requirements needed for applying for a master's, check their website thoroughly!
Okay, now that you’ve kept in mind the requirements let’s now focus on how to make your application stand out above the rest. To not get sidetracked, there are only three main things you need to focus on:
Writing a statement about why you want to study (Academic Statement of Purpose)
Asking for recommendation letters from past professors or workmates (Reference Letters)
Preparing answers for interviews (Interview Prep)
Academic Statement of Purpose
For the ASOP, I actually followed Ann on Demand’s YouTube video about graduate school application and, not to exaggerate, I feel like I wouldn’t stand a chance if I didn’t come across her videos. Will link the YouTube videos below so that you can also watch them yourself.
To start, the ASOP is meant to define your motivations, skills, and career goals. It conveys to the admissions committee why you should be admitted. Thus, your ASOP must be clear and compelling.
Basically, here’s what you need to know:
The first paragraph should revolve around the brief story of who you are. It is the bridge between your background to your chosen course of study. Make sure to make it engaging and really connected to what you’re applying. Since this is UP, having an advocacy is an edge. My advocacy is reformation for mental health care and rehabilitation centers in the Philippines, this was based on my personal internship experience. So, you can definitely draw advocacies from your past experiences.
Second, focus on your academic interests by recounting your past research. You need to walk that talk by providing what you’ve already dabbled into. This part establishes your credibility as a potential scholar.
For the third paragraph, describe your future academic goals. You don’t need to actually do them once you’ve entered the university. This is just the admissions committee’s way of gauging how you envision your academic life. Also, a MUST-DO tip, search the past and ongoing research of the faculty (as well as their names!) that you will apply to. It is important to mention prospective advisors to your academic goal. This demonstrates how fit you are to the university’s research interest!
In the fourth paragraph, you need to connect your future academic goals to short and long-term goals post-graduation. This should be a wow factor to provide a positive impression.
And lastly, write a concluding statement and express anticipation of admission. Praise the university and maybe even the city to really cement how fitted you are to the program.
Let me share to you my closing statement (caution: a little bit cheesy)
I look forward to being part of this prestigious university that puts heavy emphasis on Filipino psychology and fosters competent psychologists through a scientist-practitioner-advocate model of psychology. Standing in front of the iconic oblation, having a picnic in the sunken garden, and spending hours in the university library as an individual who seeks to pursue higher learning and be of service to others is a dream that I would like to make my reality.
Super last tip for the ASOP: reach out to your friends (2 or 3 people) and get to know their insights about your ASOP. This method helps you spot mistakes you missed and gives feedback on your writing.
That’s it for part one! Will update Part 2 (Reference letter) and Part 3 (Interview Tips!) soon. Hope to see you again mwah! If you find this helpful, feel free to share this with your friends and family who are interested in applying for a master's degree <3
Resources
Ann on Demand Videos!
UPDDP- Graduate Program MUST-SEE Links!
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