Creating a Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is the number one way for faculty and admissions staff to get an idea
of who you are beyond transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores. They want to get a
sense how passionate you are about your field of interest, and also how likely you are to
succeed in the discipline long term. Remember when you are accepted into a graduate program
the faculty of the program is making an investment in you. The statement of purpose is a
chance for you to prove to them that you are committed to success in graduate school.
Getting Started
1) Fully review the program/ scholarship/fellowship/grant for which you are applying.
Make sure the program is a good fit for you by becoming well acquainted with its
unique qualities. These include:
a. Faculty and research interests
b. Culture of the program
c. Where you fit in
d. What your idea/goal will add to this specific program
e. Career Options available
2) In order to present the most complete document possible during the application, it is
wise to begin to prepare it around one year in advance. This document can serve as a
working essay for any scholarships, fellowships, or grants for which you apply.
3) Before you begin to write your Statement of Purpose solidify all of the goals for creating
the document. These goals include:
a. Illustrating your ability and motivation to succeed in the program
b. Explaining your long-term goals in your field of interest
c. Highlighting all of the paths that you took in preparing for entrance into this
program or acceptance of the funding source- research background, academic
achievements, extracurricular involvements
d. Demonstrating to readers exactly why you should be granted admission as
opposed to another qualified applicant- What makes you a unique candidate?
4) Ensure that your document accomplishes all of the recommended goals before you
submit it to the admissions committee.
The Content
1) Check the application for any specific questions that the admissions counsel/award
committee may be asking. It is essential that you answer all questions and address
all mentioned points of interest in your statement.
2) A Statement of Purpose is usually 500-700 words in length, but be sure to be double
check that your essay fits the specific length requirement of the program. Going
over the length requirement by even one word may disqualify your application.
3) Throughout the essay share information about yourself, your interests, and your future
plans.
Address
how
your
unique
narrative
would
contribute
to
the
interests/objectives of the program/funding opportunity.
4) Any special conditions or inconsistencies in your records/scores should be mentioned in
the statement. This gives you an opportunity to address and amend any potentially
negative weights on your application.
Twenty Helpful Tips
Top Ten Do’s
1) Unite your essay and give it direction with a theme or thesis.
2) Before you begin writing, map out your paper. Create an outline. Choose what
you want to discuss and the order in which you want to discuss it.
3) Use concrete examples from your life experience to support your thesis and to
distinguish yourself from other applicants
4) Write about what interests and excites you. This is what the admissions staff
wants to read.
5) Start your essay with an attention-grabbing lead- an anecdote, quote, question,
or engaging description of a scene.
6) End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the intro and restates your
thesis
7) Revise your essay at least three times.
8) In addition to your editing, ask someone else to critique your statement of
purpose for you. (Preferably several faculty members).
9) Proofread your personal statement by reading it out loud or reading it into a
tape recorder and playing back the recording.
10) Write succinctly.
Top Ten Do Not’s
1) Do not include information that does not support your theme.
2) Do not start your essay, “I was born in…” or “My parents came from…”
3) Do not write an autobiography, itinerary, or resume in prose.
4) Do not try to be a clown (but gentle humor is OK).
5) Do not be afraid to start over if the essay is not working or does not answer the
essay question, however, it is a good idea to save your drafts.
6) Do not try to impress your reader with over-complicated vocabulary. Be yourself.
7) Do not rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling.
8) Do not provide a collection of generic statements and platitudes.
9) Do not give mealy-mouthed, weak excuses for your GPA or test scores.
10) Do not make things up.
How to Format
Listed below is a quick reference outline to aid you in your preparation for writing your
statement. Organization is the key to perfecting your Statement of Purpose.
1) Solid Opening Statement
2) Academic Preparation
3) Volunteer/Research Experience
4) Why Interest in the Program
5) Faculty Researchers you want to work with
6) Discrepancies in Record
7) Long Term Goals/Aspirations
8) Final Argument Statement/Conclusion