Reading the Essay that Got Me Into Harvard | Personal Statement | Indonesian Student

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of applying to Harvard Graduate School of Education, discussing the process of writing a Statement of Purpose. They emphasize the importance of finding one's purpose, reflecting on personal values, and communicating goals through the essay. The speaker highlights their passion for improving education in Indonesia, particularly for underprivileged children, and details their efforts in initiating non-profit projects like Bonsai Smartphones for School. The video offers valuable insights on how to structure an effective SOP and conveys the speaker’s dedication to social impact and education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Perfection is not the goal of your essay; the focus should be on communicating your values and goals.
• 😀 Your essay should reflect who you are and what you stand for, as it helps demonstrate your fit for the university or scholarship program.
• 😀 There are no 'hacks' for writing a successful essay, such as using specific words or phrases multiple times. Authenticity is key.
• 😀 Finding your 'why' or purpose before you start writing your essay makes the process easier and helps guide the overall narrative.
• 😀 A clear and specific goal can serve as your guiding principle, or 'North Star,' for your Statement of Purpose.
• 😀 The structure of a Statement of Purpose typically includes five parts: Introduction, Details, Plan, Long-term Goals, and Anticipatory Statements about the program.
• 😀 It's important to tailor the structure to your own style and preferences—feel free to adjust as necessary to stay true to your message.
• 😀 The story of your past, including your experiences and challenges, can provide powerful context for your goals and motivations.
• 😀 Your personal story, including your education and career experiences, is a valuable asset when applying for programs like a master's degree.
• 😀 The essay should convey your passion and purpose in a clear and honest way, even if you feel it's not perfect. Learning is an ongoing process, and it's okay for goals to evolve over time.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the statement of purpose essay, according to the speaker?

The main purpose of the statement of purpose essay is to communicate your values, goals, and personal story, rather than achieving perfection. It’s about showing who you are and how your experiences align with the program you’re applying to.

How does the speaker suggest tackling the writing process for a statement of purpose?

The speaker recommends finding your 'why'—your core purpose or motivation for pursuing the program—as it serves as a guiding principle throughout the writing process, making it easier to structure and articulate your goals.

What was the speaker's personal goal in applying to Harvard, and why?

The speaker’s goal in applying to Harvard was to learn how to design informal learning experiences that are fun, effective, free, and accessible for children from low-income families in Indonesia. This aligns with their passion for providing accessible education.

What is the structure of the statement of purpose essay that the speaker followed?

The structure consists of five sections: 1) Introduction (background and beliefs), 2) Details (academic and technical interests), 3) Plan (connecting academic interests to future goals), 4) Long-term goal (vision after graduation), and 5) Anticipatory section (praising the program and its fit for the applicant).

What role did the COVID-19 pandemic play in shaping the speaker’s goals?

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the challenges students faced in accessing online education, especially in rural areas. This experience motivated the speaker to find ways to provide better access to digital learning tools for students from low-income families.

What is the 'Smartphones for School' initiative, and what did it accomplish?

The 'Smartphones for School' initiative is a non-profit program started by the speaker in 2020 to provide smartphones and data packages for students who lacked access to online learning. The program raised nearly 22 million rupiah in donations and distributed 20 smartphones to students in underserved areas.

How did the speaker combine their career and education to pursue their goals?

The speaker worked in various roles, including as a German teacher and a copywriter, while also initiating workshops to share knowledge. They later worked with an ed-tech company, all of which fueled their passion for education and their desire to bridge educational gaps in Indonesia.

What is the speaker's long-term vision for education in Indonesia?

The speaker aims to bridge the educational divide between urban and rural students by providing digital learning equipment and creating offline educational content like TV shows and activity books. They also want to develop learning pathways in museums to cater to learners of all ages.

Why is the speaker particularly interested in Harvard’s Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology Program?

The speaker is interested in this program because it offers a unique combination of education, technology, and media production, which aligns perfectly with their goals of creating accessible, engaging, and effective educational resources for children in Indonesia.

What specific areas of expertise at Harvard does the speaker hope to learn from?

The speaker hopes to learn from Professor Joseph B., whose expertise in children's media and educational multimedia aligns with their goal of creating educational content for children. They are particularly inspired by his work in educational TV and digital tools.