How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose

How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose Vince Gotera English Language and Literature University of Northern Iowa January 2006 The Statement of Purpose required by grad schools is probably the hardest thing you will ever write. (Incidentally, the statement of purpose may also be called an Application Essay, Objectives for Graduate Study, Personal Background, Cover Letter, or some comparable title.) I would guess virtually all grad-school applicants, when they write their first draft of the statement of purpose, will get it wrong. How's that? The admissions committee knows you are applying to their MFA program because everyone in the stacks of applications they are reading is applying for the same thing. Let's assume the required length of this particular program's statement of purpose is 300 words. In fact, not only is this opening paragraph obvious, extraneous, and space-stealing, it's boring! Remember what you learned in first-year composition? That's 45 words too.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose How to Write a Statement of Purpose I. Basic Outline Format for Essay ** Say what you want to do ... do it ... say what you have done ** A. 1. 2. 3. B. 1. 2. 3. Ex. C. 1. II. ** "Graduate schools and competitive undergraduate programs want students who are able to think clearly, without confusion. A. With the statement of purpose you can persuade the admissions committee to accept you. B. 1. I. II. A. B. 1.Why that field of study interesting/what influenced you to choose that field 2.Any related experience/research after university 3.Future plans after receiving degree C. 1.What your specific interests are in your field 2.Why this program is needed for your professional development 3. III. A. Ex. C. If you have done a good job with steps one and two, the writing should come easily. 1.The first sentence is the most important one. 2.Cut out any sentences that are not absolutely necessary. 3.Be self-confident. III. A. Put emphasis on you as a whole person, not just academic ability. B.

Writing the Statement of Purpose Home » Admissions » Graduate Application » Writing the Statement of Purpose by Carla Trujillo, Ph.D. A) Things to Keep in Mind: 1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice.3. B) Writing the Statement of Purpose: Part 1: Introduction Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study. Part 2: Summarize what you did as an undergraduate a) Research you conducted. Part 3: Indicate your current activities. If you graduated and worked prior to returning to grad school, indicate what you’ve been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. Part 4: Elaborate on the topic you wish to pursue for graduate school Here you indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in greater detail.

SOP mistakes: what to avoid 'minnares', on 23 Mar 2010 - 11:59 PM, said: Here's my major question about writing the SoP. If you have many awards and/or publications, do you bring that up in the SoP at all or just leave it in the CV. I agree with the advice others have given. However, you can use your SoP to give your awards greater context; to frame them not as mere compliments to your work (again, they'll be the judge) but as extraordinary privileges you are grateful for. Instead of just listing awards as outcomes of your work, show productive benefits: that each award and opportunity has led you to greater personal achievement. For example, if certain scholarship programs (yes, that admire your work) have helped you on your way, humbly give them credit and explain how they have helped to elevate you to this moment, where you are applying to graduate school. Let the school know that your past privileges were beneficial investments in the future you foresee -- with the program you are applying to.

Writing a Statement of Purpose: Samples, Tips, Resources and Help