Writing a Statement of Purpose

Graduate school applications require a statement of purpose. A statement of purpose is similar to an undergraduate personal statement, but it is typically more succinct and specific in its focus. Each university maintains its own format. However, in all cases, the statement of purpose is an applicant’s opportunity to detail his or her case for admission. Here are some great tips on what to know when writing your college admissions essay.

Prospective schools seek a narrative that explains how your experiences shaped your motivation for pursuing this degree and program, how those experiences prepared you for success, and what your long-term goals are both within the program and after graduation. The key to this process is to convince the university you are applying to that you are precisely who they desire. You must prove that you are dedicated to this opportunity, that you have a sense of what you will achieve with this degree, and that you are capable of contributing to their reputation. Here are several strategies to do so:

Do not be shy

Strong statements of purpose involve selling yourself, to a certain degree. It is all too easy to stumble into the trap of understating your qualifications while attempting not to seem arrogant, but this is a moment when you must state what you are capable of academically. Support statements about your aptitude or qualifications with evidence – cite your grades in relevant courses when discussing your dedication in the classroom or your letters of recommendation from previous research when detailing your ability to further knowledge within the field. Here are some helpful tips for writing an essay that you may find useful.

Conduct careful research

Do express your excitement for the program, but recognize that enthusiasm alone is not sufficient to convince an admissions committee that you truly wish to be part of their university. Project informed enthusiasm so they understand that you are not just excited about the opportunity to attend graduate school, you are excited about the opportunity to join their program. Reference those attributes that attracted you to the university, as well as why those aspects of the program motivate you to be a part of it. Bridge this information to your past experiences. The more specific you are, the better.

Outline your intended future

Your explanation of a long-term plan serves as proof that you have thought things through carefully. By explaining in a convincing manner where you hope your career will go, what motivates you to follow that trajectory, and how this graduate school will assist you in achieving those goals, you can convince the admissions committee that you are not making an impulsive or ill-informed decision. The last thing any program desires is a person who is uncertain he or she wishes to be in graduate school. By sharing your future, you can avoid this doubt. These are some great tips on how to write a personal statement for medical school.

When properly constructed, a statement of purpose will weave a strong explanation of how your past has prepared and motivated you to become a part of this program, how you have equipped yourself for success, and what you hope to accomplish with the degree once you earn it. By presenting this clearly and succinctly and citing ample evidence, you will put your best foot forward in the admissions process and greatly augment your likelihood of earning an interview.