I chose Sheffield because it seemed very interesting and my program has a good global reputation

I heard about Sheffield when I was searching online for potential graduate programs. I was specifically looking for a program in human osteology, and Sheffield's program seemed specific to what I was looking for. 

I chose Sheffield because the coursework all seemed very interesting, and the archaeology program had a global reputation. I also reached out to my (now) advisor, Dr. Lizzy Craig-Atkins, who was very helpful, responsive, and seemed willing to help me make the most out of the MSc. She even had a zoom meeting with me before I applied, and answered all of my questions (and then some) about the program and Sheffield in general. 

The thing I liked most about Sheffield was its proximity to green spaces. It had  the feel of a major city, but wasn't overwhelming because of how many beautiful parks and trees there were. The Peaks District was also so close, it was easy to take day trips. I also found a few coffee shops I really loved to study in. 

The Marshall application process was very intense, but I also think it prepared me well for any future applications. There were a series of challenging
essays, and we had to write a personal statement, which really helped me narrow down my goals for graduate school and beyond. The interview
process was very nerve-wracking, but now applying for PhDs, I feel a lot more confident about how to write a strong application and interview well in a professional setting. 

I think anyone eligible and willing to put the time into completing the Marshall application should! It has been so life changing, and is truly a once-
in-a-lifetime experience. I think the most important thing to emphasize in the application is that the program you are applying for is the perfect fit. You should be able to communicate why your specific program at your specific UK institution is an experience you cannot get anywhere else. I think it is also important to find programs beyond the Oxbridge-London triangle. I think my personal Marshall experience has been benefited by being in Sheffield and getting a sense for British culture outside that bubble. I also think being in a smaller program, I have been able to have a lot more contact with my supervisor than I would in a larger program, and that has also given me a better opportunity to really explore a topic I was very interested in during my dissertation.