Crafting a compelling personal statement for your university application is akin to building a robust foundation for your future academic journey. it’s your chance to directly communicate your aspirations, experiences, and suitability to the admissions committee. Think of it as a meticulously curated narrative, rather than just a dry summary of your achievements. To truly excel, focus on articulating why you want to study your chosen subject, what makes you a strong candidate, and how your past experiences academic, extracurricular, and personal have prepared you for university life. Key elements to include are your genuine interest in the subject, relevant skills developed, future ambitions, and unique insights. For those seeking examples, a quick search for “personal statement for university application examples” or “personal statement for college application template” can provide valuable insights into structure and content, but remember, authenticity is paramount. Platforms like UCAS in the UK for “personal statement for college application UK” offer detailed guidance, while general searches for “personal statement for undergraduate application” or “personal statement cv for university application” will yield broad advice. The goal is to make your personal statement for university application stand out, highlighting your unique voice and demonstrating a deep understanding of your chosen field.
Deconstructing the Personal Statement: Your Gateway to Higher Education
A personal statement for university application isn’t just another form to fill.
It’s your golden ticket, a critical piece of the puzzle that allows admissions committees to see beyond your grades and standardized test scores.
It’s your opportunity to show passion, demonstrate genuine interest, and articulate why you are the ideal candidate for their program. This isn’t merely a recap of your CV.
It’s a narrative that binds your experiences, skills, and aspirations into a cohesive story.
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Personal statement for Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Understanding the Purpose of a Personal Statement
The core purpose of a personal statement for university application is multifaceted. It’s designed to: Best assignment service
- Assess your motivation: Why this specific course? What sparked your interest?
- Evaluate your suitability: Do you possess the necessary skills and attributes for success in higher education?
- Gauge your understanding: How well do you grasp the demands and content of the program?
- Reveal your personality: What kind of student and individual are you?
- Highlight unique qualities: What sets you apart from other equally qualified applicants?
For instance, a personal statement for university application template often guides you to address these points directly. Universities, particularly in the UK, place significant weight on the personal statement as part of the UCAS application process. According to UCAS data, around 70% of admissions tutors consider the personal statement either “important” or “very important” in their decision-making process. This underscores its pivotal role.
Starting Strong: The Hook and Introduction
The opening paragraphs of your personal statement for university application are crucial.
You have a very limited word count often around 4,000 characters or 47 lines for UCAS applications to make a lasting impression.
Admissions officers often read dozens, if not hundreds, of statements in a single sitting, so a strong opening is essential to grab their attention.
- The Engaging Hook: Avoid clichés. Instead of “I have always been fascinated by,” try to relate a specific experience, a thought-provoking question, or a challenging problem that ignited your passion for the subject. For example, if applying for Computer Science, you might start with a specific coding project or a problem you tried to solve using computational thinking.
- Clearly State Your Interest: Directly articulate your desire to study the chosen subject. This should be followed by a brief explanation of what specifically within that field excites you.
- Connect to Your Experiences: Briefly hint at how your academic or extracurricular experiences have fueled this interest. For instance, if you’re interested in Law, perhaps a particularly challenging debate you participated in, or a current affairs topic that ignited your sense of justice.
Data Point: Research suggests that admissions officers spend, on average, less than 2 minutes skimming the initial sections of a personal statement. This highlights the need for concise, impactful language from the very first sentence. Digital content writer
Crafting Your Narrative: The Body of Your Personal Statement
The main body of your personal statement for university application is where you flesh out your arguments, provide evidence, and demonstrate your qualifications.
This section should be structured logically, building a compelling case for your admission.
Think about what specific skills and knowledge the university is looking for in a prospective student and how you can showcase them.
Academic Excellence and Subject-Specific Enthusiasm
This is the core of your personal statement for undergraduate application. Here, you need to prove your academic prowess and, more importantly, your deep engagement with your chosen subject. Seo optimized content writing
- Beyond the Curriculum: Discuss how you’ve pursued your subject beyond the confines of the classroom. Have you read academic papers, participated in online courses e.g., MOOCs, attended lectures, or engaged in relevant debates? Mentioning specific books, journals, or theories that have captivated you shows intellectual curiosity.
- Relevant Academic Modules: If your high school curriculum includes specific modules or projects related to your chosen field, highlight them. Explain what you learned, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. For example, a student applying for Engineering might discuss a complex design project in Physics.
- Skills Developed: Articulate the skills you’ve gained through your academic pursuits that are relevant to university study. This could include critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving, research, data interpretation, and effective communication.
- Specific Examples: Instead of just stating “I am a good problem-solver,” describe a situation where you demonstrated this skill. “My participation in the national mathematics Olympiad, where I tackled unfamiliar combinatorial problems, honed my analytical thinking and persistence.”
Tip: When referencing academic material, be specific. Mention the author, title, or concept. This shows genuine engagement rather than a superficial understanding.
Extracurricular Activities and Personal Development
While academic qualifications are crucial, universities are also looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the campus community. This section allows you to showcase your personal growth, transferable skills, and interests outside of formal education. This is especially important for a comprehensive personal statement for college application.
- Transferable Skills: Focus on skills gained through extracurriculars that are relevant to university life and your chosen subject. This could include leadership e.g., captain of a sports team, head of a school club, teamwork e.g., group projects, volunteer work, time management e.g., balancing studies with commitments, communication, resilience, and initiative.
- Real-World Application: How have your activities connected to your academic interests? If you’re applying for Medicine, volunteering at a care home demonstrates empathy and communication skills crucial for the profession. For Business, perhaps organizing a school fundraiser showcased entrepreneurial spirit.
- Depth Over Breadth: It’s better to show deep involvement and genuine learning from a few activities rather than listing a long string of superficial engagements. Explain the impact of your involvement and what you learned about yourself or the world.
- Reflection: Don’t just list activities. Reflect on what you gained from them. “Leading the debate club taught me how to articulate complex arguments under pressure and to respect opposing viewpoints, skills I believe are fundamental to legal discourse.”
Consideration: Avoid listing hobbies that don’t contribute meaningfully to your application. While enjoying movies or podcast might be true, unless you can connect them to your academic or personal development in a profound way, they might consume valuable word count without adding value. Instead, consider healthier, more beneficial pursuits like volunteering, learning a new language, or engaging in community work.
Future Aspirations and University Choice
This section is vital for showing that you have thought deeply about your future and why this particular university and course align with your goals. It ties together your past experiences with your future ambitions. This is crucial for a personal statement for university application that truly resonates.
- Long-Term Goals: Briefly touch upon your career aspirations, if you have any. This shows foresight and determination. It doesn’t have to be a rigid plan, but a general direction. For example, “I aspire to contribute to sustainable energy solutions,” or “I hope to leverage data analytics to solve pressing social issues.”
- Why This University?: This is where you demonstrate specific research into the university and the course. Mention particular modules that excite you, specific professors whose research aligns with your interests, unique facilities, or the university’s ethos. This shows genuine interest and not just a generic application.
- Contribution to University Life: How do you envision yourself contributing to the university community beyond your academic studies? Will you join societies, participate in research, or engage in campus events?
- Connecting the Dots: Link your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and future aspirations. Show how your past experiences have prepared you for the rigor of university study and how this specific program will help you achieve your goals.
Example: “The module at , with its focus on , particularly appeals to me as it directly aligns with my interest in , further developed during my internship at .” Write articles and get paid instantly
Refining Your Personal Statement: Tips for Perfection
Once you have a draft, the real work begins: refining, editing, and polishing your personal statement for university application.
This iterative process is crucial for producing a high-quality document that stands out.
Structure and Flow: A Cohesive Narrative
A well-structured personal statement flows logically from one point to the next, creating a coherent and engaging narrative.
- Logical Progression: Ensure a clear introduction, body paragraphs that develop your arguments, and a strong conclusion. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one.
- Paragraph Cohesion: Use transition words and phrases to link ideas smoothly between sentences and paragraphs. This creates a natural flow and makes your statement easier to read.
- Conciseness: Every word counts. Eliminate jargon, unnecessary adjectives, and repetitive phrases. Aim for clarity and impact. According to The Complete University Guide, successful personal statements often use active voice and concise sentences, with an average sentence length of 15-20 words.
- Word Count Management: Be mindful of character limits. If you have too much content, prioritize the most impactful examples and details. If you’re short, expand on your reflections or provide more specific examples.
Pro Tip: Read your statement aloud. This helps you identify awkward phrasing, repetitive sentences, and areas where the flow is disrupted. Report writing help
Language and Tone: Authenticity and Professionalism
The language you use reflects your personality and your ability to communicate effectively.
Your personal statement for college application should strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity.
- Formal but Personal Tone: Maintain a formal academic tone, but let your personality shine through. Avoid overly casual language or slang.
- Active Voice: Use active voice whenever possible “I conducted the experiment” instead of “The experiment was conducted by me”. This makes your writing more dynamic and engaging.
- Strong Verbs: Replace weak verbs with strong, descriptive ones. Instead of “I was involved in,” try “I spearheaded,” “I initiated,” or “I contributed to.”
- Proofread Meticulously: Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from your credibility. Read your statement multiple times, and ideally, have someone else proofread it for you. Tools like Grammarly can be helpful, but nothing beats a human eye.
- Avoid Plagiarism: This is non-negotiable. Universities use sophisticated software to detect plagiarism. Your personal statement for university application must be entirely your own work. Using templates as a guide is fine, but copy-pasting is a direct route to rejection. UCAS reports that over 20,000 personal statements are flagged for similarity detection each year.
Fatal Flaw: Plagiarism is considered academic misconduct and can lead to immediate rejection of your application. Always ensure your work is original and reflects your unique voice.
Seeking Feedback and Iteration
Once you believe your personal statement for university application is complete, step back and seek feedback.
Fresh eyes can spot errors or areas for improvement that you might have overlooked. Professional copywriting services
- Trusted Mentors: Ask teachers, career advisors, or mentors to review your statement. They can offer valuable insights into content, structure, and clarity.
- Peers with Caution: While peer feedback can be useful, ensure they understand the purpose of a personal statement and are capable of providing constructive criticism. Be wary of sharing too much, as it could unintentionally lead to similar statements.
- Multiple Rounds of Editing: Don’t expect to get it perfect on the first try. Be prepared to revise your statement multiple times based on feedback. Each revision brings you closer to a polished, impactful document.
- Final Check: Before submitting, ensure all details are accurate, the formatting is correct, and it meets all specified requirements for your chosen university and platform e.g., personal statement for college application format.
Key Takeaway: The iterative process of writing, feedback, and revision is not a sign of weakness, but a hallmark of a diligent applicant. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
While knowing what to include is important, understanding what to avoid in your personal statement for university application is equally crucial.
These common mistakes can significantly weaken your application.
Generic Statements and Clichés
Admissions officers read thousands of personal statements. Website content writer freelance
Generic phrases and clichés make your statement forgettable.
- “I have always been fascinated by…”: This is perhaps the most common cliché. Instead, show your fascination through specific examples and deep engagement.
- Listing Instead of Reflecting: Don’t just list achievements. Explain what you learned, how you grew, and what skills you developed. For example, instead of “I play the piano,” explain how playing the piano has instilled discipline, improved your problem-solving abilities reading sheet podcast, or enhanced your creative expression.
- Vague Statements: Be specific. Rather than “I enjoy science,” explain what aspects of science you enjoy and why.
- Overuse of Adjectives: Let your actions and examples speak for themselves. Avoid excessive self-praise with adjectives like “passionate,” “driven,” or “innovative” without concrete evidence.
Actionable Advice: Every time you write a statement about yourself, ask “How can I show this instead of just telling it?”
Exaggeration and Fabrication
Integrity is paramount.
Exaggerating or fabricating experiences is a grave error with severe consequences.
- Be Honest: Admissions committees are experienced at spotting inconsistencies or highly improbable claims. Your personal statement should reflect your genuine experiences and insights.
- Don’t Overstate Your Role: If you were part of a team, accurately describe your contribution. Don’t claim sole credit for group achievements.
- Consequences of Fabrication: If caught, you risk immediate rejection from all universities you applied to, and your academic record could be permanently tarnished. Trust is a fundamental component of the academic environment.
Ethical Stance: From an Islamic perspective, honesty Sidq is a core virtue. Lying or deceiving, even in pursuit of an educational opportunity, goes against foundational principles. Seek success through truthful and diligent effort, trusting in Divine provision. 1000 word essay
Focusing Too Much on Non-Academic Interests Without Link
While showing you’re well-rounded is good, your primary focus should remain on your academic suitability.
- Relevance is Key: Every piece of information in your personal statement for university application should ideally link back to your academic aspirations or demonstrate transferable skills relevant to higher education.
- Balance: If you discuss a hobby, ensure it contributes meaningfully to your narrative. For example, playing chess could demonstrate strategic thinking or problem-solving skills, which are valuable in many academic fields.
- Avoid Irrelevant Personal Details: While a personal statement is “personal,” it’s not an autobiography. Avoid irrelevant family history, medical issues, or overly emotional appeals that don’t directly relate to your academic qualifications or aspirations.
Rule of Thumb: If an activity or experience doesn’t illuminate your academic potential, passion for the subject, or relevant transferable skills, consider omitting it to save valuable word count.
Personal Statement for University Application: UCAS vs. Common App
While the core principles of a strong personal statement remain consistent, there are key differences depending on the application system. Understanding these nuances is crucial, especially when distinguishing between a personal statement for college application UK and a general personal statement for college application.
UCAS Personal Statement UK
The UCAS personal statement is a single statement submitted for all your chosen courses within the UK university system. Digital marketing content writing
This means it needs to be broad enough to apply to all programs, yet specific enough to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Single Statement: This is the most significant difference. If you apply to five different courses, they all see the exact same statement. Therefore, avoid mentioning specific university names.
- Subject Focus: The majority around 70-80% of the statement should be dedicated to your academic interest in the subject. Universities want to see your passion for the discipline itself, not just their institution.
- Character/Line Limit: Strictly limited to 4,000 characters or 47 lines whichever comes first. This necessitates extreme conciseness and careful word choice.
- Academic Emphasis: While extracurriculars are welcome, they should primarily serve to demonstrate transferable skills relevant to academic study or illuminate your subject interest.
Key Strategy: When applying to multiple courses that are broadly similar e.g., various engineering disciplines, focus on the common core principles or interdisciplinary aspects that appeal to you. If applying to wildly different subjects, a UCAS personal statement becomes significantly more challenging, often requiring you to choose the course you’re most passionate about or applying to more closely related fields.
Common App Essay US
The Common Application used by many US universities offers more flexibility and a different approach to the “personal statement.”
- Multiple Prompts: The Common App provides several essay prompts, allowing students to choose one that best fits their story and experiences. This offers more freedom in terms of content and narrative style.
- Focus on Self-Reflection: Common App essays often lean more towards self-reflection, personal growth, and telling a unique story about who you are. While academic interests can be included, the emphasis is often on your character, values, and how you respond to challenges.
- Longer Word Count: Typically around 650 words, which is considerably more than the UCAS character limit, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of a specific theme or experience.
- Supplemental Essays: Many US universities also require supplemental essays specific to their institution or programs. These are where you demonstrate your specific interest in that university.
Distinct Approach: The “personal statement for college application template” in the US often emphasizes storytelling and showcasing your unique personality and values, whereas the UK equivalent UCAS is more directly academic and subject-focused.
Get paid to write articles online
Beyond the Statement: A Holistic Application
While the personal statement for university application is a powerful tool, it’s crucial to remember it’s just one piece of a larger, holistic application.
A strong personal statement complements, rather than replaces, other essential components.
Academic Transcripts and Grades
Your academic record is, undeniably, the foundation of your application.
Universities look at your grades, the rigor of your coursework, and your overall academic trajectory.
- Consistency: Demonstrating consistent academic performance is often more impressive than a few high grades mixed with fluctuating ones.
- Relevant Subjects: Excelling in subjects relevant to your chosen degree program is particularly important. For instance, strong grades in mathematics and physics are vital for engineering applications.
- Context: Universities often consider the context of your grades – the difficulty of your school, the challenges you faced, and any improvements over time.
Reality Check: No matter how brilliant your personal statement, significantly low grades in core subjects can be difficult to overcome. The statement works to enhance a strong academic foundation. Reword essay for me free
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation or references provide an external, objective perspective on your abilities and character.
- Credibility: They add credibility to the claims you make in your personal statement. If you say you’re a “natural leader,” a teacher’s reference highlighting your leadership in specific projects corroborates this.
- Insights: Recommenders can offer insights into your classroom participation, work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and personal qualities that might not be fully captured in your personal statement.
- Strategic Choice: Choose recommenders typically teachers or counselors who know you well and can speak genuinely and specifically about your strengths relevant to university study.
Tip: Provide your recommenders with your personal statement draft, your CV if applicable, though a personal statement cv for university application is more a concept than a literal CV attached to a personal statement, and information about the courses you’re applying to. This helps them write a more tailored and impactful letter.
Interviews and Portfolios Where Applicable
For some competitive courses, or at certain universities, interviews or portfolios are part of the application process.
- Interviews: These are opportunities to elaborate on your personal statement, discuss your academic interests, and demonstrate your critical thinking and communication skills in person. Be prepared to discuss anything you’ve mentioned in your statement in greater depth.
- Portfolios: For creative subjects like art, design, or architecture, a portfolio is essential. It showcases your practical skills, creativity, and unique artistic voice. Your personal statement should ideally set the stage for your portfolio, explaining your artistic inspirations and processes.
Preparation is Key: If an interview is required, revisit your personal statement thoroughly. Be ready to expand on any point and demonstrate how you continue to engage with your chosen subject.
Final Review and Submission Checklist
Before you hit ‘submit’ on your university application, a meticulous final review of your personal statement for university application is non-negotiable.
This checklist will help ensure your statement is in its best possible form.
The Ultimate Personal Statement Checklist
Tick off each item to ensure your statement is polished and ready:
- Relevance: Does every sentence contribute to making you a stronger candidate for your chosen course?
- Clarity & Conciseness: Is the language clear, precise, and free of jargon or unnecessary words? Have you stayed within the character/word limit?
- Structure & Flow: Does it have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion? Do ideas transition smoothly between paragraphs?
- Content:
- Have I articulated my genuine interest in the subject?
- Have I provided specific academic examples that demonstrate my passion and understanding?
- Have I highlighted relevant skills developed through academic and extracurricular activities?
- Have I reflected on what I learned from my experiences, rather than just listing them?
- Have I explained why this particular university and course are the right fit for me?
- Have I briefly touched upon my future aspirations?
- Originality & Authenticity: Is it entirely your own work, free from plagiarism? Does it reflect your unique voice and experiences?
- Accuracy: Are all names, dates, and details correct?
- Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation: Is it free from errors? Have multiple people proofread it?
- Tone: Is it formal yet engaging, professional yet personal?
- Impact: Does it leave a lasting, positive impression? Would an admissions officer want to meet you after reading it?
Remember: This statement is your one chance to speak directly to the admissions committee without the filter of grades or test scores. Make it count. Invest the time and effort into crafting a document that truly represents your potential.
FAQ
What is a personal statement for university application?
A personal statement for university application is a written essay where you articulate your reasons for wanting to study a particular course, demonstrate your suitability for it, and showcase relevant skills and experiences.
It’s your opportunity to impress admissions committees beyond your academic grades.
How long should a personal statement for university application be?
The length varies by application system.
For UCAS applications in the UK, it’s typically limited to 4,000 characters including spaces or 47 lines, whichever comes first.
For US Common App essays, it’s usually around 650 words. Website content writer near me
Always check the specific requirements of the application platform you are using.
What should I include in a personal statement for university application?
You should include your genuine interest in the subject, relevant academic experiences e.g., specific modules, projects, independent reading, transferable skills developed through extracurricular activities, future aspirations, and why you are applying to this specific university and course.
Can I use a personal statement for university application template?
Yes, using a personal statement for university application template can help you structure your thoughts and ensure you cover all necessary sections.
However, you must personalize the content entirely to your own experiences and voice.
Plagiarizing from templates or examples is strictly forbidden and can lead to rejection. Fat joe content writing
What’s the difference between a personal statement for college application and a personal statement for university application?
The terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, especially in the US and UK.
Generally, a “personal statement for college application” refers to the same document as a “personal statement for university application,” though the specific requirements like word count, prompts, and emphasis might differ between US and UK application systems e.g., Common App vs. UCAS.
How do I make my personal statement for university application stand out?
To make your personal statement stand out, focus on unique experiences, provide specific examples rather than generalizations, use reflective language to show what you learned, maintain an authentic voice, and demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity beyond the standard curriculum. Avoid clichés and generic statements.
Should I mention extracurricular activities in my personal statement for university application?
Yes, you should mention extracurricular activities, but focus on the transferable skills you developed e.g., leadership, teamwork, time management, communication and how these relate to your chosen course or university life. Don’t just list them. explain what you gained from them.
Is there a specific personal statement for college application UK format?
For UCAS applications in the UK, there isn’t a strict format beyond the character/line limit.
It’s usually written as a single, continuous piece of prose, often with logical paragraphs. The key is to be concise and subject-focused.
How important is the personal statement for undergraduate application?
The personal statement is very important.
While academic grades form the foundation, the personal statement allows admissions tutors to understand your motivation, suitability, and personality.
For competitive courses, it can be the deciding factor between equally qualified candidates.
Should I talk about my future career goals in my personal statement for university application?
Yes, it’s beneficial to briefly mention your future career goals, especially if they align with your chosen course.
This demonstrates foresight, ambition, and that you have considered how the degree will help you achieve your aspirations.
It doesn’t need to be a rigid plan, but a general direction.
How do I start a personal statement for university application?
Start with an engaging hook that captures the reader’s attention and immediately connects to your passion for the subject. Avoid common clichés.
You could begin with a specific anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a challenging problem that sparked your interest in the field.
Should I proofread my personal statement for university application myself?
Yes, you should proofread it yourself multiple times.
However, it’s also highly recommended to have others teachers, family, trusted friends proofread it as well.
Fresh eyes can spot errors or areas for improvement that you might have missed.
Can I reuse parts of my personal statement for university application for different universities?
If you are applying through a system like UCAS UK, you submit one personal statement to all your chosen universities.
For systems like the Common App US, you choose one prompt for your main essay, but individual universities may require additional supplemental essays, which are unique to them. Always check the specific requirements.
What if I don’t have many extracurricular activities for my personal statement cv for university application?
Focus on quality over quantity.
Even a few meaningful experiences, whether academic projects, part-time jobs, or personal initiatives, can demonstrate valuable skills.
Reflect deeply on what you learned from any experience you include.
Remember, the “personal statement cv for university application” is more about integrating CV-like experiences into your narrative, not attaching a separate CV.
How specific should I be about my chosen course in my personal statement?
Be very specific.
Mention particular modules, theories, researchers, or facilities that attract you to that specific course at that university.
This shows you have done your research and are genuinely interested, rather than just sending a generic application.
Should I mention any personal challenges in my personal statement for university application?
You can mention personal challenges, but only if they are directly relevant to your academic journey or have significantly shaped your desire to pursue higher education, and crucially, if you can demonstrate how you overcame them and what you learned.
Focus on resilience and growth, not just the difficulty.
What is the ideal structure for a personal statement for university application?
A typical structure includes an introduction hook and initial motivation, body paragraphs focusing on academic interest and relevant skills backed by specific examples, paragraphs on extracurricular activities and transferable skills, and a conclusion that reiterates your suitability and future aspirations.
Should I use formal language or a more conversational tone in my personal statement?
Maintain a formal, academic tone, but allow your authentic voice and enthusiasm to shine through. Avoid slang, overly casual language, or clichés.
The goal is to be professional, clear, and engaging.
How many drafts should I write for my personal statement for university application?
It’s common to write multiple drafts.
Many applicants go through 5-10 or even more drafts.
The process involves writing, revising, getting feedback, and refining until the statement is polished and impactful.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid in a personal statement for university application?
The biggest mistake to avoid is plagiarism.
Your personal statement must be 100% your own original work.
Universities use sophisticated software to detect plagiarism, and getting caught can lead to immediate rejection from all applied institutions and potentially damage your academic future.
Leave a Reply