Statement of purpose for grad school?

Question

I'm applying for a MA in Economics & need assistance with a statement of purpose. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The purpose of the statement of purpose / letter of intent is to convince the graduate admissions committee of each department to which you are applying that you are an excellent candidate for admission to THAT particular department.

Here's what you should include:
(And it does not matter in what order. Just make sure your narrative makes sense.)

Your academic interests, and how your academic background suits you for further study of these interests. Be as specific as you possibly can, making SURE to show 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, independent studies, 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.

You didn't ask about the writing sample, but I'll throw in some advice about that for free. :)

The expectation in regard to your writing sample is that it will be an academic paper that you've written recently. Ideally, it will illustrate your ability to do solid research in your area of interest, employing your preferred methodology. Be sure to follow exactly the length requirements, as this differs at every program.

And for goodness sake, proofread everything. Statements or writing samples with spelling or grammatical errors go directly to the bottom of the pile, so to speak.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Did you retake the course? Food for thought: What fundamentally changed in you through this experience. What ignited your passion after your 1st year? How did you mature? What life's lessons have come out of you college experience? What makes you ready for "grad school"? What have you learned to overcome and persist the academic riggers of graduate level work? What contributions will you make after you graduate in your profession or field of study. Are you looking to go beyond the Masters level? The bottom line you need to share with the reader, your passion/flame/spark that got ignited! How you feel unstoppable, you learned a secret, what was it?

Answer 3

I can't tell you what to write. Only you know why you are going to grad school. Only you can say what getting an MA in economics is going to do for your future.

Answer 4

Is this your statement of purpose for wanting a degree in Economics? If so, I would simply state your reason for wanting to attend the respective school's program, and why you specifically want to pursue a degree in Economics w/them; perhaps it is a schools whose reputation is very highly respected and this is your field of work and you want to further your education in it. I hope this helps and good luck! :)

Answer 5

Personal fufillment, that is why I went to grad school. I never even used my degree, but knowing I have one gives me a great feeling of satisfaction

Answer 6

No, I don't have any suggestions.