Month: October 2024

Uppsala University opens its application portal on October 15th, and it’s time to prepare, not just on paper, but within yourself, for this exciting new chapter.

Here are five tips to guide you through more than just the logistics of the application process.

Tip 1: Make Sure You Get the Programme’s Core Goal

As you sift through countless bachelor’s or master’s programmes, it’s easy to get consumed by the application processes—filling out forms, submitting documents, and crafting the perfect statement. Yet in the rush to meet all the requirements, we tend to lose sight of the bigger picture: admissions teams are not just looking for candidates who tick all the boxes, but for those who understand the programme’s essence and can contribute to its goals. 

Sure, qualifications like grades, language proficiency, and work experience matter, but with so many applicants meeting those criteria, what really sets you apart is your understanding of why this programme is the right fit for you. Ask yourself: What projects and outcomes are the department working on? Do they resonate with your passions? Can you see yourself contributing to that work? After all, a master’s in International Relations at one institution can be very different from the same degree elsewhere. To make your application stand out, do the research—look into the people and projects within the department—and reflect that in your statement to show why you’re a great fit.

Tip 2: Engage With People Who Have Walked the Path

If you find yourself struggling to gather enough information or can’t quite grasp the essence of a programme and whether it fits your goals, a good starting point is to explore the syllabi of key courses, such as the introductory or core modules, as these often provide valuable insight into the programme’s direction.

But there’s a shortcut I’ve always relied on, one that has guided me through many important decisions: reaching out to people who are currently where I hope to be in the near future. Before my move to Uppsala, I reached out to teachers from my department in Mannheim who had previously worked in Uppsala. When they spoke highly of their experience and expressed how much they enjoyed it, I didn’t stop there. I searched for academics in the department whose research aligned with my interests and reached out to them. Many were more than willing to engage in email exchanges, some even offering pages of advice and a few scheduling Zoom calls to help answer my questions in depth.

From my experience, people in academia are often incredibly generous with their help, especially when they see a bit of their own journey reflected in yours. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start reaching out—this is it!

Tip 3: Articulate the Contribution You Can Make

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the programme and its people, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed—everyone seems to be doing such impressive work. You might wonder, “Why would they want me?” But here’s the thing: you don’t need to outshine everyone. You just need to show that you have something valuable to contribute to an already outstanding team. 

Science thrives on collaboration, and new contributions—no matter how small—are always welcomed. Feeling intimidated by the brilliance around you should by no means discourage you from applying. Departments are eager for fresh perspectives. If you can demonstrate that you have one idea, one contribution, or one perspective to add to the pool of great achievements, then you are the right fit.

So in your personal statement, focus not on listing all your past accomplishments, but on demonstrating how you can make a meaningful contribution, perhaps even filling a gap in the department or within the broader field.
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the programme and its people, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed—everyone seems to be doing such impressive work. You might wonder, “Why would they want me?” But here’s the thing: you don’t need to outshine everyone. You just need to show that you have something valuable to contribute to an already outstanding team. 

Tip 4: Showcase Your International Readiness

Now that you’ve pinpointed the unique contribution you can make, the next step is to illustrate to the university how you intend to realize this contribution in an environment that may be unfamiliar to you. Universities are particularly interested in students who can apply their intelligence for collective benefit. Adapting to an international context, with its distinct cultural and academic nuances, can be quite an adjustment. 

For instance, many students in social sciences encounter what’s known as ‘academic culture shock’ when they discover that the approach to social sciences in Uppsala –and most European universities– is predominantly empirical, lacking the normative aspect they might expect. You’ll want to articulate how you can effectively navigate such a shift. Are you planning to integrate your background with this new research methodology? If your intention is to critique it, that’s also perfectly valid, but it’s important to consider how you’ll do this in a way that encourages meaningful academic exchange.

One way to signal your readiness to engage in this international academic environment is by showcasing any cross-cultural experiences you’ve gained, such as studying or working abroad. 

Tip 5: Seek Feedback on Your Application

Here’s one final tip that you are surely already aware of, but it’s always worth mentioning: Before you submit your application, consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or professors who can offer genuine insights. When I request feedback, I find it very helpful to point out the specific areas where I have doubts and ask targeted questions about them. This way, we can reach a consensus more quickly, and both sides feel like they’ve gained something from the exchange.

With careful preparation and a genuine expression of your aspirations, you’re well on your way to making a meaningful contribution to Uppsala University. Wishing you all the best!

My name is Sofía, and I’m from Mexico. I’m in the second year of the Master’s in Bioinformatics programme. My journey to Sweden began with an internship that completely changed my perspective. I fell in love with the culture and the country itself, but most importantly, I was drawn to the research opportunities and the strong support for science that Sweden offers. I felt that Sweden was the place that would allow me to grow in my field (…and I was right).

When I was exploring universities, Uppsala University’s bioinformatics programme stood out. What struck me the most was how different the academic approach is compared to my home country. The programme structure also interested me, as it was designed to give students with little background in programming a good opportunity to learn. But, I still had lots of questions, so I did some researched and found alumni, whom I contacted to ask questions about the programme itself and what life in Sweden looked like.

The infrastructure at Uppsala University is impressive. From well-equipped labs to advanced digital technologies, it’s clear that Uppsala is prepared for cutting-edge research, especially in science-related fields.

I chose bioinformatics because I wanted to change paths. I come from a biology background, where I used to work in a lab conducting many experiments and gathering significant amounts of data. However, I realized I lacked the skills to analyze and truly understand the results. That’s what motivated me to pursue a master’s in bioinformatics—to gain the analytical tools I needed. Additionally, the opportunity to dive deeper into areas like artificial intelligence and data analysis excites me, as these are becoming increasingly important in the field.

Outside of academics, I value Sweden’s way of life. I’ve noticed how most people have a relaxed way of living, and they actually maintain a work-life balance. The amount of art, music, and culture is another thing that convinced me to choose this country. Now, after one year, I can say that I’ve learned a lot—not only from my classes but also from meeting people from all over the world. Keeping an open mind and heart has allowed me to grow both as a person and in my field.

If you want to see more information, don’t forget to check your programme’s page. There are also video interviews on YouTube for most programmes, where you can learn more about students’ perspectives.

Uppsala University page

My interview