How to start a Statement of Purpose.?

Question

I am starting to brainstorm about my Statement of Purpose. I am going to apply to two different programs at 3 or 4 graduate schools. I know that these programs are totally different and I shouldn't use the same one for both. Any help will be appreciated.

Answer 1

The purpose of the essay/statement of purpose/letter of intent is to convince the graduate admissions committee that you are an excellent candidate for admission to THAT program.

Here's what you should include:

Your academic interests, and how your academic background suits you for further study of these interests. Be as specific as you possibly can, showing your familiarity with current theory and method in your intended area of study. Delineate your goals, too. (Do you intend to become a professor? a researcher? Do you want to work for an NGO or a nonprofit? Say so.)

If there are blemishes on your record, explain them. For example, if you were working 30 hours a week as an undergrad, this might help the committee understand a less-than-perfect GPA.

Be sure to include any information about you that cannot be found on your undergraduate transcripts (like awards, special projects you did, work experience related to your field of study, etc.)

Articulate your reasons for choosing THIS particular program. Show familiarity with the faculty and their fields of specialization. Don't just list the faculty - specify with whom you'd like to work and why.

Mention your desire to be considered for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. But only briefly. Like once.

And for goodness sake, proofread. Statements/essays with spelling or grammatical errors go directly to the bottom of the pile.

(You didn't ask about including a writing sample, but here's my advice about that. Select something representative of your interests, and indicative of your abilities. Again, take the opportunity to show your facility with current method and theory. And please follow each program's directions; if they ask for a 30 page writing sample, don't submit a 15 page sample, and vice versa.)

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Be clear, concise, and specific. While you should try to tailor each school's S.O.P. to that school, it's okay to have a few paragraphs you use in each, talking about your goals and where you see yourself in the future. What are your strengths as a student? What could you bring to this school or program? Write those paragraphs first, then work on specifically addressing how each school you're applying to will help you acheive those goals--look at specific programs, courses, professors, teaching/research opportunities. Show them that you've done your homework about the program, and that you're impressed by what the school offers.

Most importantly, focus on your positive attributes and be honest. Don't try to sound like someone you're not, because admissions committees can see right through that. Your S.O.P. is your sales pitch for yourself, and while you want to make yourself sound as appealing as possible, you also want to make sure the programs know the real you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well don't tell the truth, like I NEED THE MONEY (in a grant application statement of purpose) or I WANT A MASTERS to get double the salary at my first job!

What is your purpose! Do you genuninely have one and is it a good one!

Then look at the school as see what their thrust is.

If you are looking to become a plastic surgeon and the University's Medical department's thrust is Medical Reserach and Psychiatry, then you SHOULD NOT be applying there!

On the other hand if you are looking to get a Harvard Degree, then you should say I WANNA to be to Medicine what Stephen Hawkings is to Physics!

Don't think people don't do that. They do that to get jobs, get grants and get into a college!

But what is your purpose. HAve you really thought that out!

Reality is, if you go to the university founded by PAt Robertson, Regent University, you don't do a thesis trying to prove how a movie like Broker Back Mountain sets a postive example for Gays, because it won't pass the board! He's opposed to gays and he sets the tone for the university.

They won't tell you that to your face, but you will be ousted.

The same applies to a pscyhologist who is out to prove Freud correct in a school that is Behavorist based. You won't pass the board!

Your house is in the way of a freeway, you don't fight city hall to change the path, you do fight them to get as much money as you can, otherwise they will come along and condem you for having 20 year old plumbing!

Now look at the schools, look at what you REALLY WANT TO DO (although this can change once you get out in the real world) and write a good proposal.

You have to learn how to do this, as you will need a Thesis to get an MA or MS in most schools and you will need to write Grant proposals to do things, like your PH D Dissertation!

Answer 4

See some examples online to have some ideas to start it. And also, you can follow any good format of writing it. You can also have some statement of purpose writing services to complete this job easily and efficient. Good Luck!