Dual Degree Application: MSc in Applied Economics at CUHK & MS in Social and Economic Policy at Northwestern University

Subject: Personal Statement - Dual Degree Application for MSc in Applied Economics at CUHK and MS in Social and Economic Policy at Northwestern University

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a dual degree program, specifically the MSc in Applied Economics at CUHK and MS in Social and Economic Policy at Northwestern University. Growing up as the daughter of the first secretary of a village in the North China Plain, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of economic development and the challenges that rural communities face.

From a young age, I observed my father's dedication to the development of our village. Under his leadership, the village underwent significant progress, transforming from a run-down community to a prosperous one. One particular experience left a lasting impact on me. In my father's first year as the first secretary, two villagers were still trapped in poverty. Through careful consideration and learning from successful cases, my father introduced new black corn varieties to these families and facilitated their connection with grain buyers. The result was a significant increase in income and poverty alleviation for both families. However, changing the mindset of the villagers proved to be a complex task.

I encountered a similar situation when the eldest daughter of one farmer, who had exceptional academic potential, was discouraged from pursuing higher education. Despite her outstanding results in the college entrance examination, her father believed that education was useless, particularly for girls. Recognizing her potential, I joined forces with my father to persuade her father to support her education. Eventually, her father agreed to help her apply for student loans. It was an exhilarating moment when we received our admission letters together, symbolizing not only our educational aspirations but also the hope for a brighter future for rural children.

These experiences have driven me to ponder the causes of poverty and explore ways to uplift rural communities, improve farmers' livelihoods, and provide more opportunities for higher education. In my sophomore year, I made the decision to switch majors to the Institute of Economics and Social Research (IESR), which has proven to be the most significant and correct choice I have made in my twenty years of life.

To address my questions and aspirations, I sought guidance from my mentor, Professor Li Chengzheng, the Vice Dean of the Institute of Rural Revitalization. He recommended that I read 'Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty' by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo. This book deeply influenced my understanding of poverty, highlighting the importance of breaking the poverty cycle. This led me to question how this cycle could be disrupted.

Motivated by these questions, I attended every lecture on rural revitalization conducted by Professor Wen Tiejun at the Institute of Rural Revitalization. Inspired by his teachings, I became particularly interested in rural economic systems and conducted a comprehensive review of China's rural economic systems since its establishment. I realized that the key to rural revitalization lies in economic systems.

To gain a more extensive background knowledge, I enrolled in courses such as Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Public Economics and Social Security, and Research on China's Economic Issues. These courses deepened my understanding of economic systems and policy implications.

In my research on China's economic issues, I conducted a presentation on 'Rural Reforms and Agricultural Growth in China,' exploring the household responsibility systems. This research highlighted the significant impact of the household responsibility systems on agricultural output growth between 1978 and 1984. This in-depth analysis provided me with valuable insights into one of the economic systems crucial for rural revitalization.

Under the guidance of my Development Economics professor, I carefully studied 'Cash or condition? Evidence from a cash transfer experiment.' This research demonstrated that conditional cash transfers can improve education levels, while unconditional cash transfers benefit the welfare of young women by reducing early marriages and childbirths. This study enhanced my understanding that poverty alleviation and rural revitalization require more nuanced approaches beyond simple cash transfers.

Additionally, my Agricultural Economics professor introduced me to 'The Effect of Microinsurance on Economic Activities: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment.' This study revealed that promoting greater adoption of insurance significantly increased farmers' sow production, contributing to their long-term economic well-being. This led me to consider the role of finance in rural revitalization.

Beyond my persistent exploration of poverty-related issues, I have extensively read cutting-edge economic papers, strengthened my foundation in economics through rigorous academic training at IESR, and become adept at studying in an English-speaking environment. I have developed comprehensive mathematical skills and completed coursework in Advanced Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and programming languages such as Stata and Python. I independently conducted a research project on the health impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution on the death rates of COVID-19, utilizing instrumental variables and self-taught GIS software. Furthermore, I have actively engaged in research assistantship and teaching assistantship roles, aiding professors in their research and supporting their teaching activities.

Given CUHK's reputation for leading research on Chinese economic issues and Northwestern University's world-renowned School of Education and Social Policy, I believe that this dual degree program is the ideal path to further deepen my knowledge in economics and economic policy.

My ultimate goal is to become a policy maker in civil service and contribute to rural revitalization. I firmly believe that the combination of my experiences, the knowledge gained from IESR, and the opportunities provided by the Dual Degree - MSc in Applied Economics at CUHK and MS in Social and Economic Policy at Northwestern University will equip me with the necessary skills and expertise to achieve this goal.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the field of applied economics and social and economic policy through this dual degree program.

Sincerely, [Your Name]