statement of purpose sample for phd in statistics

Perfect Statistics Statement of Purpose: Examples and Advice

Are you considering applying to a master’s program in statistics? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Crafting a compelling statistics statement of purpose is a crucial aspect of your application process, and you’ll want to make sure you stand out from the crowd. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of crafting an exceptional statement of purpose for your application. We will provide you with comprehensive statistics statement of purpose examples, backed by expert advice from our experience as a director of graduate admissions. Our goal is to equip you with the essential insights needed to become a successful applicant. So, let’s dive in and discover how to captivate the admissions committee and increase your chances of gaining admission to your dream statistics program!

Statements of purpose: the basics

A statement of purpose is a crucial document required for your application to any graduate school, showcasing your career path, interests, achievements, and goals. It’s more than just a formal requirement; it provides the admissions committee with insights into who you are beyond your grades. An effective SOP articulates your passion for the field of study, explains why you are a suitable candidate, and demonstrates your potential to contribute to your target field. Typically, it should highlight your academic and professional achievements that align with your chosen program, elaborate on your relevant experiences and skills, discuss your future career goals, and convey why the specific program and institution fit your academic and career objectives. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach for crafting an SoP, it should be concise, coherent, and compelling, maintaining a fine balance between personal elements and academic/professional aspects to let your unique personality shine through.

The importance of the statement of purpose for Ms in Statistics

The statement of purpose for an MS in statistics is a vital component of your application as it underscores your specific interest in the field, your preparedness, and your future objectives. This SoP serves to highlight your analytical skills, logical reasoning, and your ability to work with complex data – all essential skills for a statistician. The admissions committee will look for proof that you understand the challenges and rewards of this field, evidence of your previous studies or work in statistics, and how these have shaped your interest and readiness for advanced study. Furthermore, your SoP should represent your understanding of the role of statistics in the real world, demonstrating your awareness of its applicability across various industries, like science, business, technology, and social sciences. A well-crafted SPP for an MS in statistics can showcase your potential for innovative thinking, problem-solving, and your commitment to contributing to the field of statistics. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to spend time and effort crafting a compelling statement of purpose that successfully portrays you as a passionate and capable candidate for the MS in statistics program.

What admissions committees are looking for

Admissions committees are looking for several key elements in a statement of purpose. First and foremost, they are interested in your passion for statistics and how it developed, alongside any academic and personal experiences that have driven this interest. They want to see evidence of your understanding of the discipline, including its practical applications and importance across various industries. Beyond this, the committee is keen to understand your academic preparation for the course, seeking strong quantitative skills, previous statistical coursework, and research experience if any. Your ability to think critically and analytically about statistical problems, as well as your capacity for innovative thinking, is of high interest. Another vital aspect is your career objectives, specifically how the MS in statistics aligns with these goals. They want to see that you have considered your future in the field and that you are committed to making a significant contribution to the world of statistics. Finally, an understanding of what the program offers and how it can help you achieve your objectives is crucial, showing that you have done your research and are sure of your decision to apply. This combination of passion, preparation, clear goals, and a match with the program forms the crux of what an admissions committee is looking for in a compelling statement of purpose.

What are the key elements of outstanding statistics statement of purpose examples?

The statistics statement of purpose examples that follow first establish a strong and genuine passion for statistics, providing a compelling narrative about how this passion was sparked and nurtured. They then delve into your academic journey, highlighting relevant coursework, research, and internships that have fortified your knowledge and skills in statistics. Quantitative abilities can be emphasized, along with examples of critical and analytical thinking in solving statistical problems. These statistics statement of purpose examples also articulate clear and realistic career goals within the field of statistics, demonstrating a deep understanding of the discipline’s practical application. Importantly, they should clearly state why you are drawn to the specific MS program, showing familiarity with the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources. This includes outlining how the program aligns with and supports your long-term career objectives. These statistics statement of purpose examples also reflect innovative thinking and potential contributions to the statistical field. In essence, an outstanding statement of purpose would weave together passion, preparation, clear career objectives, and alignment with the specific MS program into a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

The basic structure of a statistic statement of purpose

Outline of the basic structure of a statistics statement of purpose: examples, introduction.

a. Background: Brief overview of your academic background and how your interest in statistics was sparked.

• Example 1: Inspired by my fascination with interpreting complex data during my undergraduate degree in computer science, I was naturally drawn toward the field of statistics. The ability to decode patterns and predict trends in real-world scenarios sparked my curiosity and drove me to delve deeper into the field.
• Example 2: While pursuing my degree in economics, I was particularly captivated by the role of statistical methods in economic predictions and policy-making. The intersection of numbers, patterns, and impactful decisions fueled my interest in statistics, and I am eager to explore this domain further.
• Example 3: As a mathematics major, I was intrigued by how statistical theories could transform abstract numbers into insightful narratives. This revelation of statistics as a storytelling tool was a turning point, leading me to pursue a future in this compelling field.

b. Purpose: Statement of your intention to pursue a master’s in statistics.

• Example 1: My endeavor to contribute to the world of data-driven decision-making has led me to apply for the master’s in statistics at XYZ University. I believe this is the next logical and necessary step toward fulfilling my aspirations of becoming a proficient statistician, capable of transforming raw data into meaningful insights.
• Example 2: I aim to delve into the realm of advanced statistical methods and their applications across various industries through the MS in statistics program at XYZ University. I am confident that this program will equip me with the necessary tools and skills to excel in my ambition of becoming a data scientist in a globally recognized firm.
• Example 3: My objective in pursuing a master’s in statistics is to deepen my understanding and mastery of statistical methodologies. With a desire to apply complex statistical theories to real-world problems and contribute significantly to the field of big data and predictive analysis, I regard XYZ University’s program as the perfect platform to achieve these goals.

Academic Journey

a. Relevant Coursework: Highlight specific courses you have taken that have prepared you for advanced study in statistics.

• Example 1: During my undergraduate studies, I engaged in a wide array of statistical courses such as ‘Probability Theory’, ‘Inferential Statistics’, and ‘Multivariate Analysis’. These courses have laid a strong foundation of knowledge, equipping me with the necessary tools to understand and apply complex statistical concepts effectively. My hands-on experience with statistical software packages such as R and Python further enhanced my proficiency in data manipulation and statistical analysis.
• Example 2: My academic journey has been steeped in statistics and data analysis, with coursework like ‘Statistical Modelling’, ‘Data Mining’, and ‘Applied Regression Analysis’ forming the backbone of my learning. These rigorous courses not only honed my analytical skills but also stimulated my curiosity for deeper knowledge in the field. The practical experience I gained from using SPSS and SAS for various class projects has also prepared me for advanced statistical studies.
• Example 3: My undergraduate curriculum comprised robust statistical courses such as ‘Stochastic Processes’, ‘Design of Experiments’, and ‘Time Series Analysis’, which have significantly strengthened my statistical acumen. Additionally, I have gained substantial experience in utilizing statistical software including MATLAB, equipping me with the technical prowess needed for in-depth data analysis and interpretation. This comprehensive coursework and practical exposure undoubtedly form a solid foundation for my advanced study in statistics.

b. Research and Internships: Discuss any research or work experiences that have reinforced your statistical skills.

• Example 1: During my third year, I interned at ABC Financial Services, where I applied statistical methodologies to analyze and interpret complex financial data. This enabled me to hone my skills in regression analysis and hypothesis testing, helping the firm make informed decisions. Further, I utilized R and Python to automate data cleansing processes, streamlining the company’s data management practices.
• Example 2: My role as a research assistant at XYZ Institution provided me with an opportunity to apply statistical knowledge in a real-world setting. My involvement in a project investigating population health trends required me to manage large datasets, apply machine learning models, and interpret results using SPSS. This experience furthered my understanding of how statistics can inform public health policy decisions.
• Example 3: Working as a data analyst intern at DEF Tech, I got a chance to collaborate with a team on a project focused on improving user experience. I applied statistical techniques like A/B testing and multivariate analysis to understand user behavior, which led to a significant improvement in the product interface. This experience allowed me to sharpen my skills in data analytics and interpretation, while also introducing me to the practical applications of statistics in software development.

Career Goals

a. Short-Term Goals: Specify your immediate objectives after completing your Masters.

• Example 1: Immediately upon graduation, my goal is to secure a position as a data scientist with a leading technology firm such as X, Y, and Z. I aim to apply the advanced statistical methodologies and data management skills I have developed during my master’s program to real-world problems, helping my employer make data-informed decisions and drive innovation.
• Example 2: My short-term goal post-master’s degree involves joining a research institution such as D, E, or F as a data analyst. I aspire to contribute to ongoing projects by employing my understanding of statistical techniques, machine learning models, and data analysis tools. This step aligns with my passion for research and my ambition to impact society through informed research findings.
• Example 3: One of my immediate objectives after completing my master’s is to work as a financial analyst in a dynamic financial services firm such as GHY. Leveraging my statistical skills, I intend to analyze and interpret complex financial data, assisting companies in making sound financial decisions. My interest lies in streamlining and improving financial data management practices, and I believe this role will provide the ideal platform for achieving this.

b. Long-Term Goals: Explain your long-range career plans.

• Example 1: For the long term, I envision myself leading a data science team in a tech-based company such as ***, driving the strategy and execution of data-driven initiatives. I aspire to utilize my expertise in statistics and data analysis to influence key business decisions, ultimately enhancing the overall business performance and profitability.
• Example 2: In the long run, I aim to contribute to academia as a leading researcher in the field of statistics and data analysis as a full professor in a research one institution. My goal is to publish influential research papers and guide budding statisticians. I believe in the power of research to bring about substantive change and intend to dedicate my career to advancing knowledge in this domain.
• Example 3: Ultimately, my objective is to ascend to a senior financial management role where I can leverage my statistical acumen to improve financial decision-making processes, drive cost efficiencies, and foster financial growth. I am driven to utilize my analytical skills in a way that has a broader impact on my organization’s financial health and success.

Reasons for Choosing the Specific MS Program

a. Program Fit: Demonstrate how the MS program aligns with your academic and career goals.

• Example 1: The MS program’s emphasis on practical data analysis and application perfectly aligns with my career goal of leading a data science team in a tech-based company. The program’s curriculum covers the essential skills I need to extract, analyze, and interpret data effectively. Course XYZ will enable me to develop DEF skills. The opportunity to work on real-world data-driven projects via the capstone project will provide me with hands-on experience, preparing me to handle complex business scenarios and make informed decisions.
• Example 2: The MS program’s rigorous focus on research methodology and statistical theory is a vital component of my long-term aspiration to contribute to academia as a leading researcher. Professor B, renowned for their research in statistics and data analysis, possesses expertise in H and F that will be invaluable in helping me reach my research goals. The program’s emphasis on producing influential research will equip me with the tools necessary to enroll in a top PhD program.
• Example 3: The MS program’s blend of statistics and financial analytics is perfectly in line with my ambition to ascend to a senior financial management role. Its comprehensive coursework in financial modeling, predictive analytics, and risk management, such as X, Y, and Z courses, combined with the application of these skills in real-world financial scenarios through the financial lab, will equip me with the knowledge and practical skills I need to enhance my organization’s financial decision-making process and drive financial growth.

b. Contribution to the Program: Discuss how you can contribute to the program.

• Example 1: My extensive background in data analysis, combined with a solid understanding of computer programming, positions me strongly to contribute to the program’s data science projects. I can assist in building analytical models and developing algorithms, providing a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, my experience in mentoring junior team members can bring valuable leadership to group projects and collaborative assignments.
• Example 2: My academic background in statistics, coupled with my passion for research, will allow me to contribute significantly to the program’s research initiatives. I intend to actively engage with the faculty and peers in research discussions and seminars, bringing forth my ideas and insights molded by my diverse academic exposure. Furthermore, my experience with research publications can be utilized to assist others in publishing their studies, further enriching the program’s academic repository.
• Example 3: With my robust experience in the financial sector, I can offer an industry perspective to the program’s financial analytics curriculum. I can contribute to class discussions with relevant industry examples, enhancing the practical understanding of theoretical concepts for my classmates. Additionally, I can leverage my network within the financial sector for guest lectures or internships, offering students exposure to real-world financial managerial strategies and decision-making processes.
• Example 1: To sum up, my diverse experience in data analysis and computer programming, combined with my ability to mentor and provide leadership, makes me an excellent fit for the statistics program. I am confident that I will not only gain substantial knowledge from the program but also contribute meaningfully to data science projects, shaping innovative solutions for complex problems.
• Example 2: In conclusion, my academic background in statistics and passion for research are the driving forces behind my intention to join the statistics program. I am eager to actively contribute to X, Y and Z activities, provide my unique insights, and assist in expanding the program’s academic repository. I believe my dedication to research and academic growth will make a significant impact on the program’s initiatives.
• Example 3: Conclusively, my extensive experience in the financial sector and a keen understanding of financial analytics will be valuable assets to the statistics program. By offering industry perspective, enhancing practical understanding, and providing real-world exposure to students, I’m confident that I can contribute significantly to the program by joining the *** club. My aim is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, fostering a comprehensive learning environment for my peers.

The high stakes of crafting your statement of purpose: a make-or-break challenge

While these statistics statement of purpose examples are insightful and well-articulated, it’s crucial to remember that crafting a compelling statement of purpose for a statistics program is a daunting challenge that one should not underestimate. This is not merely a document; it’s your gateway to your dream program, a platform where you introduce yourself, express your aspirations, and showcase your potential to the admissions committee. A single error, an overlooked detail, or a misplaced phrase could tilt the scales unfavorably.

Ask yourself: are you ready to stake your future on a single document? Are you certain that your statement of purpose will stand out among hundreds of others? With the competition being fierce and the stakes high, this is not a process to be taken lightly. It may be advantageous to seek assistance from experienced professionals to ensure that your statement accurately reflects your skills, passions, and potential, thus significantly bolstering your chances of securing admission to your desired program.

With proper assistance, there are no boundaries to your aspirations. By leveraging expert help, you can ensure your statement of purpose reflects the very best of your abilities, skills, and passions, propelling your application to the forefront. The journey towards your dream may be challenging, but remember, in addition to the statistics statement of purpose examples displayed bove, with the right resources and guidance, you are capable of soaring beyond the limit of your dreams. Take advantage of the support available to you, and seize the opportunity to turn your aspirations into reality.

As demonstrated by the statistics statement of purpose examples above, taking the time to craft a compelling statement of purpose that showcases your skills and experiences is an important part of your overall MS in statistics application. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to fully consider all aspects of your story, do thorough research on the program you’re applying to, and utilize resources like the ones provided here to create a shining statement of purpose.

In addition, reaching out to professionals or experts in the field can help guide and provide valuable feedback on the final version. With thoughtful effort and access to guidance from experts, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into your dream statistics program! Additionally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the components involved, remember that there are resources available such as our graduate school application essay services that can help ensure your application materials are ready to wow admissions officers – so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity! In the end, showcasing your submission packet confidently will surely increase your chances of success in obtaining entry into a top-tier statistics program. Good luck!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Dr. Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Dr. Barr spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Dr. Barr has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for weekly tutorials on navigating the graduate application process and live Q&A sessions!

Share this:

Leave a comment, leave a reply cancel reply, discover more from.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• GRE Verbal Practice
• GRE Word list
• Besk Books for GRE
• Colleges: GRE not required
• GRE Math Test -1
• GRE Registration
• Free TOEFL Tests
• Sample TOEFL Test - 1
• TOEFL Dates & Fees
• Best Books for TOEFL

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Europe
• Study in Germany
• Study in France
• Engineering
• Top Engineering Colleges
• Top Business Schools
• Top Economics Programs
• Universities in USA
• Online Universities
• Student visa - USA
• Student visa - Canada
• Student visa - UK
• Student visa - Australia
• Student visa - France
• Student visa - Germany
• High Paying Certificate Courses
• Psychology as a Career
• Zoology as a Career
• Biotechnology
• Statement of purpose
• Transfer Credits
• Fall vs Spring
• Low GRE score

Advanced Placement

Letter of intent.

Statistics is a research-oriented discipline that includes a vast area of research. My country CCC needs special attention, particularly in this field. Considering this fact, I wanted to study Statistics first. I have completed my Bachelor (2009) and Masters (2010) in Applied Statistics from University of ____, CCC . I am highly interested in an MS program in Statistics at The University of ..., CANADA. Another Masters degree will widen my scope; provide strong basis and relevance to pursue my career in Statistics.

During my bachelor's, I submitted a project entitled as, "Applying Vector Autoregressive Model......." in February 2013. The project paper contains a multivariate autoregressive analysis on temperature forecasting of the (district name) district of CCC while considering the other meteorological factors. Related data are taken yearly basis from 1984 to 2012, collected from 'Database and Statistics' published on official website of CCCC Agricultural Research Council, Ministry of Agriculture, CCCC.

I also submitted a thesis report entitled as, "Analysis of Child Mortality Data....." for the partial fulfillment of my master's degree in September 2011. The thesis considered an extension of the Cox's proportional hazards model that allows for heterogeneity due to omitted covariates using frailty (random effect) approach. The covariates involve some key determinants of children's time-to-death event. The data was taken from CCCC Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2010. That's how I got involved with the research work in the field of BioStatistics.

Then I joined International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, CCCC at Emerging Vaccines under the Center for Vaccine Sciences (CVS). I was directly involved in Data Management at that international organization in various public health projects. During that job, I came to know that how village level public health data are collected and managed for future research.

My previous research compels me to continue research in either in theoretical or applied statistics.

I am highly skilled on R, SPSS. I am competent of WinBUGS, SAS, STATA, FORTRAN and MATLAB. While accomplishing my research, I had to work on R, SPSS, and WinBUGS which synchronized subjective knowledge with practical work and expanded my programming knowledge. In professional life, I had to work with Epi Info, FoxPro, Microsoft Access for data management. Apart from this, I am also an efficient user of LaTeX and Microsoft Office Suite.

Considering all the facts, what I have learned and the experience gathered, always stimulate me to dedicate myself in the field of Statistical research. Among the significant areas of Statistics, I would prefer to put more emphasis on BioStatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health Sciences, The design of Experiments, Longitudinal data Analysis, Clinical Trials, Bayesian Statistics, etc. No matter what my research concentration will be, if I would bear a fruitful conclusion and add value to my future career perspective, I will be glad to take the challenge accomplish the research. When I was browsing the internet, I found a faculty member at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, named, Dr. (Prof Name), who works on the BioStatistics collaborative program. I saw that we both have almost same research interests. So I made contact with him. He inspired me to apply for a graduate program, and if I am selected, he will be my research supervisor and possibly be discussing more on his current research.

After completion of this master's degree, my next target will be to have a Ph.D. degree in this field. Then I will return to my home country and would like to dedicate myself to the research of Statistics and apply statistical methods to real-life data to address more important issues. I would love to join the research organizations in my country, who actively work on statistical sectors. They really need manpower with strong academic and research backgrounds. I would also like to teach Statistics at the University level. There are some well-reputed government and private universities in my country, which needs faculty members for the subject 'Statistics', to teach the students and also to conduct some research on various sectors. So if I can strongly prepare myself to contribute for the people of my country, it will be like a dream come true. In the long run, both the Teaching and Research profession of me will contribute to my country.

The graduate program in Statistics at The University of ... is extremely relevant to my above future career plans. I know the university will provide a strong dynamic environment within which to improve my knowledge and skills and develop my career. I believe that the training I will receive pursuing a graduate study at (university name) and research experience will give me the expertise to function as an independent academic investigator so that I have the opportunity to pursue some of the areas of research in which I am interested.

Getting in...

• Top Universities accepting Low GRE scores
• Low GRE score? How to get admission in a top University?
• How to prepare application for Admission
• Pre-Application forms of Universities :(online)
• College application deadlines
• College admission decision dates
• Graduate vs Undergraduate degree: Pros and Cons
• Preparing for grad school interview
• What is Rolling Admission?
• Writing a Common Application Essay
• Writing a Coalition Application Essay
• Statement of Purpose. How to prepare essay for Admission-Application?
• How to write a winning essay?
• Statement of Purpose: (MS in CS)
• s pithy saying, Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just ...">Statement of Purpose: (MS in Engineering Management)
• Statement of Purpose: (MS in BioTechnology)
• Statement of Purpose: Sample 1 (MS in CS)
• Statement of Purpose: (Health Physics)
• Letter of Intent: (MS in Statistics)
• Statement of Purpose: (MS in Economics)
• Statement of Purpose: (Psychology)
• Personal Statement: (Med School)
• What is GPA. How is it calculated?
• Calculate GPA
• Evaluation of Transcripts

Money matters

• Loans for Education, Financial Resources, Scholarships, grants - How to fund your education
• University - Tuition & Fees. Find Cheap Universities in USA

Where to Study?

• Higher Education? USA or Canada or Europe
• Higher Education Counseling
• 99 community service project ideas
• Graduate Admissions FAQs : Cost of studies, GPA, Transfer Credit, Pre-Application, Admission Essay..
• 10 tips for writing a resume
• USA Education System - Semester, Thesis, credit hours
• How to transfer credits to other University
• Admissions : Fall vs Spring Semester
• Tool for Students/Advisors

• Skip to main content
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Apply Apply
•   Follow Us

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

The dreaded doctoral statement of purpose — every PhD program asks for it, but why is it so difficult to write? Writing a strong statement of purpose is essential to getting into your top PhD programs. A PhD statement of purpose gives admissions committees an introduction to your research interests and why their specific program is of interest to you.

Like a cover letter for a job application, a great statement of purpose allows you to highlight your strengths, interests and experience. If you need statement of purpose advice, keep reading for guidance on how to write a successful statement of purpose that will make your PhD application stand out.

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement

Though the two may sound similar, they’re not necessarily interchangeable. A personal statement gives insight into who you are, while a statement of purpose is meant to showcase what you want to do. Rarely will you be asked to write a personal statement for a PhD program.

As you go through the PhD application process, you will likely see schools requesting either a statement of purpose or a research statement. In most cases, they're both looking for the same thing. Admissions committees want to know about your academic background, your research goals and what you hope to accomplish as a candidate in a PhD program.

Your research goals should align with faculty research

Being admitted to a PhD program is a great feeling, but if you enroll in a program that doesn’t match your research interests or help support your career goals, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment later down the road.

Applying for admission to a program is all about fit. Faculty reviewers are looking for students who best represent the department’s mission and will help them obtain their research objectives.

By the time you apply, you should have a solid understanding of what the department’s primary research and content areas are, as well as which faculty members you’d like to work with more closely. This might mean finding information about what their labs do and reading published articles related to their work.

Be sure to include how your interests and past experiences align with the work that they do and how you would be an active contributor to those endeavors. This approach shows that you took the time to look into their program, so the committee will be more willing to invest theirs in reviewing your application.

Don’t be afraid to address your weaknesses

Many people assume they should avoid listing their shortcomings in their essays. The whole point of applying to a program is to impress the reviewers, right? But constructively addressing your weaknesses can be a great way to demonstrate how this program can help you achieve your academic goals.

Look at the catalog and read through the courses that are part of the program. If there is a particular class that fascinates you, talk about how it could help you obtain a new skill or a better understanding of a concept that you’ve struggled with before.

This demonstrates that you are actively seeking programs to help you better your education. It also exhibits that you’re mindful of what areas of your knowledge need some improvement, which shows maturity and the ability to self-assess.

Keep it succinct

If your program of interest does not specify a page word or word limit, it’s best to assume that your statement should not exceed two pages total. It should be enough to give them a glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer but not share your life story.

The aim is to communicate how and why this particular program will help you meet your academic and career goals. Limited space means you must prioritize what you include in your statement.

Create an outline before you start writing to ensure you are including points that are relevant to your application and the program to which you are applying. Your statement is also an example of how well you can write. By framing your essay before you write it, you can avoid stream-of-consciousness writing that can often come across as undefined and incoherent.

Proofread! And read it over and over

When you think you have a finished product, read your essay out loud. This makes it easier to catch typos, poor grammar, and oddly worded sentences. If you have a friend who is also applying to grad school, help each other out by editing each other’s essays.

Having someone else read your statement and ask questions can help you clarify your points and make it more compelling. Your statement is your one chance to present yourself professionally in your own words. The occasional mistake is excusable, but messy writing will make them think you lack attention to detail.

Before you hit submit on that application, be sure that you have attached the correct document for the right institution. It can be very embarrassing if your statement mentions the wrong faculty member’s name or refers to another school’s library! It could also cause the reviewers to think you are not as serious about their program.

You’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting your application, so take your time to review everything before you submit it so you can rest easy knowing you’ve presented your best.

Get tips and learn more

about how to apply to a PhD by reading our guide on Choosing, Applying for, and Thriving in a PhD Program!

Request more

Information.

Complete the form to reach out to us for more information

Published On

More articles, recommended articles for you, 5 tips for writing your ph.d. dissertation.

Somewhere around the end of the first year of your Ph.D. program, you will probably start (or have...

Beyond the Tenure-Track But Still In the Heart of Academia

As a student who is entering or completing a Ph.D. program, you're probably thinking about the...

Alumni Spotlight: Kelsey Kiser

Future SMU grad students, meet an SMU PhD graduate 👋

Kelsey Kiser shares her journey from an...

Browse articles by topic

Subscribe to.

• Application guidance

Statement of purpose (SOP) for PhD: How to Write and Samples

Securing admission to PhD programs in the university of your dreams might seem difficult—however, it is not impossible. If you can convince the selection committee of your dedication and genuine interest in your research topic, you stand a fair chance of getting that seat. The key to your admission lies in a well-crafted and compelling statement of purpose that will sway the decision-makers in your favour. 

A statement of purpose is your chance to prove to the admissions committee that you have the potential and skills as a researcher. If you are hoping to pursue a PhD, you must put in the time and effort to craft an impressive SOP. This blog will help you understand how to write an interesting yet concise SOP with examples. 

Table of Contents

• How to Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a PhD

General Examples of Statement of Purpose for PhD

• 10 Steps to writing an SOP for a PhD course

How to Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a PhD Course?

Your statement of purpose for PhD must express your sincere interest in the subject matter. The following 10 tips will help you to draft an impactful SOP:

10 Steps to writing an SOP for a PhD course 

• Introduce yourself:

The whole purpose of the essay is to show the university who you are and your goals. It is better to get straight to the point and explain what inspired you to take up research in your particular field of study. Even if you do not have full clarity on your research topic, you can talk about what you are interested in exploring. Make sure you explain your field learning and what made you take up the specific topic. 

• Answer the question, "Why":

Next, it's time to answer some questions. Why do you want to obtain this degree? Why did you choose this particular field of study? Why have you chosen this university to pursue your higher education? 

• Explain how you will be a good fit: 

It would help if you answered why you think you will be a good fit for the program and why they should consider you a potential candidate. For this, you should have a relatively strong knowledge of the program to express how your interests align with it. 

• Express your intellectual curiosity:

You can discuss what excites you about the program and your chosen field of study. Explain why you enjoy doing research and ensure to substantiate your claims with relevant examples.

• Demonstrate your skillset and experience 

In this section, you can highlight any previous experience you have in doing research and explain briefly about it. You can also describe the skills that you think might be relevant. For instance, you can mention your skills in programming languages like C++ and Python if you are doing research in the field of Computer Science. Make sure to mention the recognitions you have received for the skills. 

• Mention work experience, if any 

If you have any relevant work experience, be sure to mention it in your Statement of Purpose for PhD. However, only emphasise this experience if it is directly related to your proposed research.

• Be open about any past setbacks: 

If you have any "black marks" on your record, such as poor grades, leaving a college program or any other issues, it is strongly advised that you do not try to hide these from the admissions committee. Instead, address them head-on in your letter. Showing how you successfully rebounded from setbacks will bode well for you.

• Short and long-term goals:

It's always good to give a brief of your short-term and long-term goals and how this degree will assist you in achieving them. It is also essential to consider any future research areas you may want to explore and how they could potentially impact the community. Your vision for your career 10-15 years from now is a crucial indicator of your thought process and how you plan to integrate your degree into your life.

• Edit and proofread several times: 

To avoid your essays having any typos, poor grammar or other mistakes that could have easily been fixed, ensure that you always edit and proofread your work. A well-written essay is a sign of a competent researcher.

• Circulate your statement:

Asking your recommendation writers to review your college application essays is a great way to get feedback. It will also help ensure that what they write is consistent with your thoughts and experiences. If you have drafts of your essay completed early enough, don't hesitate to ask for their input. Most faculty members are more than willing to help their former students, given adequate notice.

Read more:  How to write an effective statement of purpose?

If you are looking for PhD SOP samples, it is essential to remember that there is a specific way to provide all of your relevant information to the institutions. It is crucial to keep your statement concise but informative. Here are two samples to help you give an idea.

PhD SOP Sample 1

I've always been interested in how physics can explain the things we see and experience in our everyday lives and phenomena beyond our usual perception. My childhood fascination with Physics led me to choose my college major and, ultimately, my career path. 

My interest in complex phenomena only grew during my studies. I am passionate about understanding the impacts of radioactive waste on our world. I pursued an interdisciplinary degree in Physics and Environmental Science to develop the skills needed to become a researcher in this field. My goal is to find effective methods for reducing the harmful effects of radioactive waste on our environment.

After completing my degree, I gained valuable work experience at an Environmental Protection Agency, where my responsibilities included examining sites for radioactive leakage and measuring the damage. This experience motivated me to pursue a PhD in Physics so I could find ways to control such situations. I want to be equipped with the necessary knowledge that will allow me to conduct meaningful research and find effective ways of managing radioactive waste.

The University of Essex is my top choice for several reasons. First and foremost, it has an excellent reputation. Secondly, the opportunities and mentorship available for the particular subject are incomparable. And finally, I know that I would be able to make a meaningful contribution to the community here. I am confident that my practical experience and strong motivation will be significant assets as I pursue my studies and career.

PhD SOP Sample 2

My parents are farmers, and I grew up helping them with crop production and food preparation. I was always curious about the scientific basis for farming, canning, and cooking methods, which led me to major in nutrition and food science. I want to understand the science behind what my family has been doing for generations and use that knowledge to improve our food habits. 

I completed my undergraduate studies in biotechnology and then went on to do a master's in food technology. For my dissertation, I chose the topic of "XXX", which was of great interest to me. My training at XYZ gave me insight into industrial-level operations concerning nutrition, microbiology and contaminants in the food industry.

Whilst doing my master's, I became particularly interested in food safety and quality assurance, as well as post-harvest technology of fruits and vegetables, food processing and bioprocess engineering. I did a little project on "ABC" and wrote my dissertation on "XYZ". Through working in various laboratories across the country during my studies, I gained experience with multiple techniques used in food preservation.

I am passionate about researching food commodities, fruits and vegetables, and their wastage to synthesise nutritional and bioactive components and convert them into functional foods. I believe that food safety is of the utmost importance, and I hope to learn more about this topic through this doctoral program.

There are numerous reasons for choosing Southern Cross University, and one of the main reasons is your highly competent faculty. The research work done by Prof. ABC on Fruits and Vegetables sparked my interest. I am interested in researching independently and working collaboratively with a team on projects that directly impact smaller communities and society as a whole. I am sure that Southern Cross University will help me achieve my goals and better serve society. I promise you won't find me lagging in my quest or effort, and I pledge to do my best in all the assigned tasks.

Related Articles

• Statement of purpose for MBA courses
• Difference between an SOP and a Personal Statement?
• SOP for Data Science
• SOP for undergraduate courses
• SOP for ms programs
• SOP writing tips
• SOP samples to study in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Loved the blog help us reach more students, about the author.

Meet the creative minds behind the content you love in the website ! We're not just any writers; we're your go-to pals when it comes to navigating the world of education. Passionate and committed, our team aims to help you find your dream course by breaking down complex jargon into easy-to-understand language. Overwhelmed by course choices? No worries! We roll up our sleeves to sift through every option, making your search not just easy, but downright enjoyable. Got questions or want recommendations? We're all ears and always excited to help. From deep dives into course specifics to keeping you entertained and informed, we're with you every step of the way. So if you're on the hunt for the perfect course, look no further—AECC Search has got your back from A to Z. Ready to embark on this journey with us? Let's go!

Fulfil your Futuristic Academic Goals with AECC

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World

List of Difference Between sop and personal statement

Top Exams to Study Abroad

How to write SOP for ms programs

Technical Vocational Courses for International Students

• Study in Australia
• Study in New Zealand
• Study in UK
• Study in USA
• Study in Canada
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in Singapore
• University Search
• Scholarships
• Career Search
• Destination Search
• Talk to a Counsellor

SOP FOR PHD IN statistics

Are you planning to become an expert statistician with a PhD? It is indispensable to prepare yourself with an  excellent SOP  for PhD in Statistics to wend your way into colleges outside India. But this is where many students face a challenge with their writing skills. As professional writers, we had the fortune to provide assistance to countless Ph.D. candidates realize their vision and turn into a researcher.  And we can do the same for you.

Points To Include In SOP For PhD In Statistics

Students aspiring to join a PhD program in statistics need to make sure that their statement of purpose is appropriately written to meet the demands of the course and the academy. Every institution of higher education has some stipulations on the type of students they want to accommodate. You get the best results if your SOP for PhD in Statistics portrays you in a favorable light according to those demands. Do not limit your SOP to a non-specific mode of writing. Instead, connect everything that you say to your identity as a researcher. Use facts to support your reasons for pursuing a doctorate and substantiate your expertise in the subject.

You must make certain to your draft a statement of purpose that meets the hopes of the admission council. The essay should also cover other areas of interest that they will want to know about you. Trying to include the answers to the below-given questions will guarantee that your essay is inclusive and complete. To make this article more instructive, we have included excerpts from the sample SOP for PhD in Statistics that we have written. Please contact us to get the full version of the document.

• Why do you want to research statistics? How will it improve your prospects?

“Pursuing my doctoral studies in Statistics will be the commencement of a novel expedition that is not destined to cease. As a former student of IIM, I am mindful of how much modern business is dependent on statistics. Even emerging technologies like Data Science and Artificial intelligence require the thorough consulting of expert statisticians. This demand for expertise gives me great hopes of securing a rewarding career in the future.”

• What research experiences or skills do you possess? How will it help you in this pursuit?

“During my graduation, I presented a project on Regression modeling. The paper proposes a multivariate autoregressive analysis in place of traditional regression trees. The work received much applause from many academic experts around the country. I am confident that by pursuing a doctorate, I can continue to improve myself personally, scholastically, and professionally.”

• What will your research focus on? How do you think it will impact the domain?

“Among the major subtopics of Statistics, I wish to emphasize my studies on bivariate distributions, combinatorics, and Bayesian Statistics. These subjects have been the core of my passion and my forte. I feel confident that through my research, I will be able to make valuable contributions to your university and this field of study.”

• Why did you choose this program from this college?

“While exploring the prospects of your academy, I came across the works of Dr. Nit Lau, whose research are in line with my interests. I look forwards to associating with her team in the future. It is also favorable that the XXX University has a reputation for providing students and researchers with extensive research possibilities.  For these reasons, I am confident that the University of XXXX is the ideal spot for me to pursue a PhD.”

Sample sop for PhD

When reading an SOP for PhD in statistics, the members of the college admission council will be expecting a refined style of language and narration. It is essential to keep in mind to use words and phrases that are most suitable for your target audience. The aim of writing an SOP is not only about conveying your ideas efficiently but also about doing it with an impressive style. The quality of the write-up will add sparkles to your strengths and accomplishments, and improve your likelihood of securing a seat to the course.

SOP Samples For Masters

Are you Searching for the perfect SOP Samples for MS ? Here we have attached a few SOP samples to make your understanding clear. Click on the below-attached links to download free samples.

Get Professional Help For SOP For PhD In Statistics

Even if your statement of purpose for PhD in Statistics covers all the points mentioned above, the chances of rejection are high if you fail to present the essay in a satisfactory fashion. Your essay should be crafted with good penmanship and style. It should also be free of all types of errors.

OUR SOP SERVICES FOR COUNTRIES

Other writing services for students.

+91 98959 02451

[email protected]

Ernakulam Kerala 682028

© 2022. All rights reserved.

Writing Service

• SOP Writing Services
• LOR Writing Services
• Personal Statement Writing
• Admission Essay Writing
• College Application Essays
• Scholarship Essay Writing
• Student Resume Writing

Quick Contact

Description

A Biostatistics PhD Application Notebook [with Statement of Purpose]

Katherine Hoffman

August 14, 2023

A minor life update – I applied to Biostatistics PhD programs last fall! And, a major life update– I’m moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington (UW)’s program next month . I’m super excited (and nervous) to begin. Since applications are opening up for next year, I thought I’d share what the process of deciding to apply, actually applying, and deciding on a program was like for me.

Background and FAQs

I was in a somewhat uncommon situation when I applied in Fall 2022 for Fall 2023 matriculation to Biostatistics PhD programs. I received my MS in Biostatistics in 2018 and have been working in academic medical research since. Because of this, I had many academic biostatistician colleagues and friends to consult about my application. Since not everyone has this opportunity, I thought I’d pass on what was told to me, especially the advice I was given on writing my statement of purpose (SOP). I found the SOP advice so helpful that I’ve publicly shared mine in this Google Doc and added advice I received in the comments.

I am by no means an expert at what biostatistics graduate programs are looking for, and this is not a comprehensive post on applying to (biostatistics) graduate school. For more general and thorough information, I recommend Lucy Lai’s post on applying to graduate programs and Simon Couch’s post on applying to statistics and biostatistics graduate programs . Nonetheless, perhaps some of you might find my experience useful, or you might be able to pass it on to a future applicant who will find it useful!

Do you need a PhD to be successful in biostatistics?

A question I’m frequently asked from students and early-career biostatisticians is whether I feel a PhD is necessary because of a “ceiling” in biostatistics. My answer was and still is: a PhD is absolutely not necessary. In fact, for a while, I was resistant to the idea of pursuing one. It’s a huge financial and personal commitment, and it’s worth carefully examining whether it’s the right decision for you, now or ever.

I wholeheartedly believe I could have been fulfilled intellectually and financially in Masters-level statistician/data science jobs forever. There are many interesting roles in both industry and academic research. Some are heavily programming related, some are much more statistics-heavy, and other roles involve supervision/management as the primary form of career progression. A (bio)statistics degree is extremely versatile because you can pivot to areas such as data engineering, software writing, data reporting/querying/interpreting, and more. There have been multiple times over the past five years that I’ve seriously considered trying out data journalism and/or data visualization roles.

However, I really love studying and teaching causal inference and statistics. Beginning around Spring 2022, I had a nagging feeling that it might be the right time in my life to deeply learn many concepts I’ve struggled to learn for years without formal coursework and training. I wanted to learn these concepts not because I particularly want to develop new methods as an academic researcher, or to make lots of money in industry, but rather because I see huge gaps in the statistical and epidemiological methods which are available and what are actually being used in applied research. I know I will feel fulfilled the rest of my career if I can work on improving these gaps, either through education, scientific communication, or mentorship.

Should you take time off before starting your PhD?

The other questions I’ve been asked are (1) whether it was intentional to take “so much time” off and/or (2) whether I’m glad I waited to go back for my PhD. My answer to the first question is that, no, it wasn’t intentional, because five years ago I was not planning to get a PhD. The second question is somewhat difficult to answer before I start my program (it might be really hard to go back to school, I have no idea!), but at the moment, I am super happy I took a break between finishing the MS and starting the PhD. I had plenty of time to narrow and pursue my interests without any pressure and while making good money. I also had the chance to learn work-life balance, which I wasn’t great at until a few years ago. I was able to build up my application through an abundance of research and teaching opportunities, and this allowed me to be a far more competitive applicant than I would’ve been out of my MS. Finally, I learned a lot about myself! I feel so much more emotionally mature and resilient than I was five years ago.

The Application Process

I’ll try to be as honest as possible about my personal experience in applying. I hope none of the information I provide deters anyone from applying to any schools because they have a different background than me. I’ve been working full-time for five years, so I necessarily have a different background than someone applying during their undergraduate or Masters degree. However, PhD programs accept many, many students directly out of undergraduate and Masters programs, so my successes and failures should not be considered to be predictive of someone else’s.

Assessing which schools to apply to

I gauged my competitiveness for applying to PhD programs by asking biostatistics faculty I knew from working in the field and/or who taught me during my MS. I also searched Reddit for relevant content ( r/biostatistics ) and used Gradcafe . (Be wary of anonymous forums on the internet, though!)

From these sources, I gathered that my strengths were probably:

• having a MS in Biostatistics already
• five years of full-time work as a biostatistical consultant
• experience as the lead data analyst/statistician on many applied projects
• leading some of my own research papers
• participating in statistical methodology papers

I decided the main weakness of my application would be my lack of mathematics background. Even though I had good grades in my Biostatistics MS program, I had only the minimum math requirements to apply to that program originally (Calc I-III and linear algebra), and my Calc III and linear algebra grades were mediocre, albeit from 10 years ago.

Of note, when I read posts on GradCafe, the general consensus was that U.S. citizens (which I am) have a higher chance of being admitted to programs in the U.S. I don’t have much insight on this, but I think it has to do with funding opportunities. There are many government sponsored funding opportunities which are unfortunately only available to domestic students.

In the end, I applied to eight schools: two schools in New York City (where I currently live) and six other schools which are consistently considered to be top programs for biostatistics. Although I’m well-aware that rankings are imperfect measures of the quality of programs and there are many excellent biostatistics programs that are not top-ranked, I also knew I would only consider leaving NYC and my full-time salary for a few opportunities.

Application organization

I kept track of all my applications and notes on a Notion page. I made several tables with information about each school’s requirements and created to-do lists for various tasks (e.g. send transcripts). I also wrote out my letter of recommendation (LOR) writers’ names, emails, and titles so that I would have an easier time copying and pasting.

Application Components

Transcripts.

All the schools I applied to required me to submit unofficial transcripts and then manually enter all relevant (science, math, statistics, etc.) coursework into their own application system. I had to enter the course name, course number, number of credits, semester I took it, and grade for each course. This is super time consuming, and I recommend beginning to work on this as soon as applications open. Many of the application portals were glitchy, and this would have been hard to complete at the last minute.

My GRE scores expired a few years back, but thankfully all the schools I applied to haven’t required them since the pandemic, so I didn’t retake the test. Of note, a few schools said they required them on their website, but did not actually when I inquired with admissions. For one school I only had to self-report my old scores.

Letters of Recommendation

All schools required three LORs, and most accepted up to four or five. The people I asked to write my LORs were:

A long-time colleague and mentor who could speak to my research potential for both methods and applied work. They are mid-career and known within the field of causal inference statistical estimation methods, which is what I want to continue studying.

A long-time physician collaborator who I’d also worked with on applied projects for 4 years who could talk about my skill set in applied projects.

My current boss, an academic epidemiologist with strong training in statistical methods. At the time I’d only worked with them for a few months, but they seemed comfortable writing about my scientific potential.

(Extra letter) My former professor 1 from my applied capstone course during my MS. They are late-career and well-known within the field of biostatistics. They confirmed they could speak to my discipline and aptitude for completing coursework.

1  Some schools explicitly request a LOR from a former professor.

I think this is general LOR advice, but I only asked individuals who I was pretty sure would write strong letters on my behalf. I tried to strike a balance in people who were recognizable names within the field of biostatistics and who worked with me enough to write about me. Remember to ask your letter-writers early, as well as register early with the schools’ application systems so the writers have plenty of time to upload their letters.

Curriculum Vitae

All of the schools required me to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) document. This is the version I submitted for applications. Depending on your background, sections will look different. I recommend having someone within academia, preferably (bio)statistics or related, review your CV. If you are a student, you should also take advantage of your university’s career center resources to review.

Additional feedback I received for this which may be relevant to someone else:

List out all details/roles for classes you served as Teaching Assistant.

List out blog posts under “Scientific Communication” and try to illustrate their impact. I’ve been blogging for years and have a Google Analytics attached to my site, so I was told to add the number of views.

The Statement of Purpose (SOP)

This was by far the hardest part of the application for me! There’s a lot of opinions surrounding the statement of purpose for Biostatistics PhDs, from, “it’s very important and the only way to set yourself apart to the application committee,” to, “nobody reads it and it won’t affect your application.” I opted to believe the first set of opinions and took my SOP seriously.

I received a lot of advice on my statement. The most helpful piece of advice I received was that the SOP is not about highlighting qualifications – that’s what the CV does – and qualifications alone do not equate to success in academia. You need drive and motivation, and your SOP is the chance to show that you have it. It is more about your philosophy and research goals than stating what you’ve done so far. Every time you bring up an accomplishment, you should explain to the committee exactly why that’s relevant to your overall goal of pursuing a PhD in biostatistics. If something is not directly relevant to why you want to pursue a PhD or why you’ll be a successful researcher, you should not include it.

I ended up receiving so much advice for this that I decided to publicly post my UW SOP on a Google Doc with comments. Some other resources I found helpful include these California State Example Essays and Lucy Lai’s Personal Statement for her Neuroscience PhD applications . These tweet threads were also useful:

Writing a statement of purpose (SOP) for PhD admissions – please do not make me read another “as a kid, when I looked at the sky…” a thread. — Hadas Kress-Gazit ( @HadasKressGazit ) November 15, 2021

Every year I read a lot of grad school applications from accomplished people that don't give me the info I'm looking for. It feels like a major hidden curriculum thing. So here's (my opinion on) how to write a great Statement of Purpose/Research for a PhD program. 🧵 1/ — Roman Feiman ( @RomanFeiman ) October 27, 2022

If you take only one thing away from my SOP advice: start writing your SOP early and ask at least one person who has served on an academic application committee, preferably for Biostatistics PhDs, to read your draft to make sure you’re on the right track . This is the easiest part of your application to control!

The Personal Statement

Only a few schools required this, and the prompts were related to why your background uniquely adds to your scientific potential. This statement is, of course, very personal to your own background! I wrote about how growing up in a rural Midwest town with my family in blue-collar jobs shaped my understanding of public health and access to education. I also wrote about my work and volunteer experience in low income areas and with underrepresented groups, and how my motivations for improving diversity in the field are driven by my experiences as an underrepresented gender in STEM. This will obviously look very different for any given applicant. I am not posting my personal statement publicly, but if you have a reason you think it’d be helpful to see my personal statement, please email me.

Application Fees

Almost every school had an $80-130 application fee, paid upon the time of submitting. Make sure to reach out to schools if you have any justification for receiving a fee waiver!

Pre Application Review Service (PARS)

I sent all my application materials in November to UW’s Pre Application Review Service (PARS) for review by current students. This is an excellent service available to underrepresented genders and minority groups. Not only was I able to get feedback on my application, but I made connections with a statistics PhD student who reviewed my application and a biostatistics PhD student who he subsequently introduced me to via email.

Our department is offering a pre-application review service (PARS) initiative to provide support and mentorship to PhD applicants from historically marginalized groups. See details here: https://t.co/0evhEigqrm pic.twitter.com/xZ0B8LA8Gt — UW Statistics ( @UWStat ) September 27, 2022

Interviews and visit days

Applications were due December 1, and I began hearing about interviews the first week of December. My first interview was mid-December (a virtual half-day). The first in-person interview was in mid-January. My last interview was late February (virtual) and in-person visit days for admitted students continued through early April. All in-person visits except for one school were fully funded. I did not attend the unfunded visit day.

I found the interviews stressful to plan around because each was announced only a few weeks before the day(s) of the interview. I had a lot of anxiety leading up to each interview, however, the questions themselves were easy to answer (with the caveat that I’ve done many interviews and interviewed several biostatistician job candidates over the years, so I had an idea of what to expect). The questions I received were generally along the lines of:

• Tell me about why you want to do a PhD. Why do you think you need it? What are you hoping to accomplish during and after your PhD?
• Why [this school]? Why [city the school is located in]?
• Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with others to get a project done.
• What questions do you have about our program or [location of the school]?

For many of my answers, I reiterated (sometimes verbatim) sentences from my statement of purpose. I also brought up different research projects I’d done over the years, depending on where the conversation went. The people interviewing you are, above all, trying to assess your fit with the program. I know it is easier said than done, but my takeaway was that it was best to just let the conversation flow. The interviews were usually 30 minutes long, so make sure you have lots of questions prepared for when the interviewer flips the question-asking to you. If you run out of questions about the program, start asking the interviewer about their research or what their favorite things to do are around the university.

Despite the interview questions feeling straightforward to me, the days were EXHAUSTING, both physically and mentally. You essentially have 8am-9pm day(s) with other applicants, students, and faculty, and you have to be “on” the entire day. This experience can be really overwhelming, so go easy on yourself. I recommend writing notes down after each interview day/visit – I kept a long running note on my phone.

Decision time

Of the eight schools I applied to, I interviewed at five and was accepted to five. 2 My acceptances and rejections didn’t make a ton of sense to me either way, meaning I was surprised to receive certain acceptances while also receiving rejections from schools I thought I may have a higher chance of getting into. This supported a phrase I heard a lot, “PhD admissions are a bit of a black box.” There are many qualified applicants, and it is hard to discern between applicants by a CV, transcript, and a statement of purpose. Different application committee members will have biases in what they’re looking for (e.g. strong mathematics background vs. research experience) and it’s best not to dwell too much on any particular outcome.

2  If you are applying and think it would be helpful to know which schools I applied to and/or what my experiences were at each, please email me.

It was a difficult decision for me to choose between programs. I was extremely torn over the idea of leaving the community I have in NYC. However, I could not shake the feeling that my visit to UW had felt overwhelmingly “right.” After a lot of pro-con lists, I decided to go with this gut feeling.

The major choices which affected my decision were location, overall fit of the program/coursework, current students’ relationships within and between cohorts, perceived work-life balance of students and faculty, funding/teaching/research requirements, stipend amount, and number of faculty working on what I wanted to work on (non-parametric causal inference). After I finished my visit days, I set follow-up meetings with professors and the graduate program directors from multiple schools to make sure I understood my options correctly. I made my decision to attend UW at the end of March, about two weeks before the April 15th decision deadline.

Miscellaneous notes

A few miscellaneous details I learned and thoughts I had throughout the application process:

Admission rates

I found it difficult to find admission rates online, but the numbers given at some of my interview/admit days (if I remember correctly) were approximately :

• 250 or so applicants
• 15-25 interview spots
• 7-20 spots in the cohort offered

The final number of spots in the cohort and process for obtaining that number varied quite a bit by school. A few schools ranked candidates and could only offer a spot to the top 6-7 candidates. Once someone rejected their offer, they moved down the list to offer the next candidate. Other schools accepted a large (~20) number of applicants with the expectation that only a certain percentage would accept their offer. Finally, at least one school I applied to could only offer a fixed number of spots (12), and could not re-offer to another applicant if someone turned down their offer. That school was careful to only give offers to those they really thought might attend.

Most Biostatistics PhD programs will only admit students if they know they can fund them, i.e. pay for tuition and a stipend, for 4-6 years. For the programs I was admitted to, the stipend offers ranged from $36-46,000 per year, pre-tax. A PhD stipend is often described as “enough to live, but not enough to save,” although this will obviously vary by the city’s cost-of-living and the student’s personal financial situation.

I said earlier that a PhD is a huge financial commitment, and the stipend is the main reason why. Even though the amount of money might seem like a lot (it did to me when I was going through my MS degree!), the time you’ll spend earning your PhD is undoubtedly a short-term loss of potential earnings. If you have a strong quantitative background (as most Biostatistics PhD applicants do), a conservative estimate is that this loss could accumulate to over $400,000 in pre-tax income. 3 This estimate is not accounting for the compounding interest you will miss out on in retirement savings (assuming you would put money towards retirement if working full-time). Although the earning potential is higher with a PhD than with an MS, it will still take some time to counteract the short-term loss.

3  My calculation for this is (potential salary - stipend) * expected years in PhD.

On that note, if you have multiple funded offers, it is worth asking each program what their policies are regarding internships, part-time work, and freelance consulting work, because all of these are supplemental sources of income. Are any of these types of work allowed or encouraged, and does participating in them affect the stipend amount you receive (beyond potential differences in tax brackets)? The answers vary by program, and sometimes even by student due to differences in funding sources.

Reaching out to professors in advance

I did not email any professors before applying, so I unfortunately don’t have much to share on this topic. I doubt it would’ve helped me get into any additional programs, but who knows! It definitely has the potential to be informative and a good networking experience. Lucy Lai includes a template for reaching out to professors in her blog post , as does John Muschelli in his post, “Some things I wish I knew about Grad School” .

Looking ahead, preparing for my PhD coursework

UW is on the quarter system, so I’ll start classes with a cohort of eight other students at the end of September. This summer I’ve been working, enjoying life sans homework, and trying to remember all the math I’ve forgotten over the years.

I’m refreshing myself on linear algebra using a combination of Khan Academy (I love Sal’s visualizations – I listen on 1.5-2x speed and slow down when he says something that I don’t understand) and Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler. The latter is a small textbook which is meant to be a second learning of linear algebra (it’s quite abstract compared to the usual sequence of teaching the subject). This Github repo with solutions to Axler’s exercises is also helpful. I am also brushing up calculus using a mix of Khan Academy, random YouTube videos, and the textbook Advanced Calculus by Patrick M. Fitzpatrick. This is what I wish I would’ve done before starting my MS degree. 🙂

If you’d like to know more about what my work looked like as an applied biostatistician in medical research, please see my Day in the Life of a Biostatistician post. I answer common email questions stemming from that post in this Follow-up post . As always, feel free to email me with questions, clarifications, or suggestions for additional resources to include.

Until next time!

Acknowledgments Deciding to start a PhD program was a huge decision for me, and I am grateful to so many for encouragement and advice over the years. Thank you to my colleague Iván Díaz , who has taught me an enormous amount over the past five years and who has been instrumental in my development as a researcher. Thank you also to my former professors, especially Tom Braun for convincing me not to drop out of my Biostatistics MS program during my first semester :), and Bhramar Mukherjee for consistently vocalizing her belief in my potential. Finally, thank you to Elizabeth Sweeney , Sam Adhikari , David Lenis , Kara Rudolph , Alejandro Schuler , and Seth Temple for helpful conversations which contributed in various ways to information I’ve shared in this post.

• Phone: +91 8466016171
• Whatsapp: +91 8208375580
• Email: contact@leapscholar.com

How to Write Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Ph.D. Admission: Sample & Example

• Updated On April 1, 2024
• Published In General

Every document is important in your PhD application when you present a profile to the admissions committee, AdCom. Each document, whether the Statement of Purpose (SOP), a research paper sample, research essay, resume, or Letter of Recommendation (LOR), can be a crucial factor or a tie-breaker when universities select candidates with similar profiles. 

Table of Contents

Therefore, the statement of purpose for PhD is very important in the entire application procedure. This blog contains all aspects of the SOP for PhD, including its format and requirements for top universities.

How to Write SOP for Ph.D.

Writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a PhD requires candidates to express their interest in the subject honestly and passionately. To help you create an impactful SOP, here are a few simple guidelines: 

• Introduction: Start with a good introduction that catches the reader’s attention and clarifies your intention to pursue doctoral studies. Please describe your academic background and research interests briefly.
• Academic Background:  Explain your academic path, highlighting relevant courses, research projects, publications and achievements in the field. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for your PhD studies and influenced your research interests.
• Research Experience:  Tell us about any research experience, including internships, projects or cooperation. Tell us what you are doing, how you contribute, and what outcomes or insights you gained from this experience. Show your analytical and problem-solving abilities and your ability to collaborate independently.

The best guidance for your STUDY ABROAD DREAM

Start your journey with the best study abroad experts in India

• Future Goals:  Define your long-term career objectives and how you can attain a Ph.D. that aligns with those goals. Explain how you will be able to achieve your objectives and contribute to your professional development by applying for this programme.
• Conclusion:  Clarify your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for this program. Let me finish by saying you are ready and eager to contribute to the academic community.
• Proofreading & Editing: Please review your SOP closely to see if you have any grammar, spelling, or typing errors. Ensure that everything is clear, coherent and concise at all times. To improve the quality of your SOP, consider seeking feedback from professors, mentors and colleagues. 

Sample Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Ph.D.

Presenting key information to institutions in a structured manner is essential when searching for samples from the PhD SOP. Applicants should aim for a length ranging from 200 to 1000 words, tailored to the institution’s requirements when writing a PhD personal statement.

It’s important to strike the right balance; a statement should not be too lengthy, which can overload the reader, and it should not be too short, which could lead to a lack of clarity. To ensure that the message is effectively communicated, emphasis is placed on being concise yet informative.

Sample SOP for PhD: Sample 1

I grew up in Chandigarh and witnessed firsthand the effects of environmental degradation and climate change on our society. That experience awakened my passion for the environment, and I am determined to continue my studies in this area. I am excited to apply for the Master’s program in Environmental Studies at [University Name].

A commitment to understanding and dealing with environmental challenges shapes my academic journey. I’ve completed my undergraduate studies in environmental science and acquired a solid understanding of environmental principles and sustainable development.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of organisations dedicated to protecting and developing our environment throughout my professional career. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the complex interaction between human activities and the natural environment.

I researched topics such as biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change because of my interest in environmental issues. One of my most memorable achievements was participating in the project to assess the impact of deforestation on local ecosystems in this region. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental research.

In particular, my long-term objective in conservation biology and ecosystem management is to contribute to developing novel solutions for environmental problems. It will give me the knowledge and skills necessary to make a real impact in this area by studying for a master’s degree in environmental studies at [University Name].

The interdisciplinary approach and research opportunities offered by the Environmental Studies Programme at [University Name] are very attractive. I would be incredibly attracted to work with highly respected faculty members and participate in hands-on research activities. Given the alignment of my research interests and career goals, exploring specific topics related to the Specific Research Areas is especially important.

Lastly, I’m excited about continuing my studies at [University Name] and contributing to environmental studies. I’m sure I’m a strong candidate for the Master’s program because of my academic background, professional experience, and passion for protecting the environment. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample SOP for PhD: Sample 2

The dynamic world of business, and its profound impact on society, fascinated me as a young man. This fascination, coupled with a strong desire to make a positive difference through strategic leadership, has motivated my pursuit of a Master’s degree in Business Administration at [University Name].

I completed my undergraduate studies in Economics at [University Name], where I developed a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative analysis. I’ve been equipped with a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, financial principles and strategic decision making through my studies.

I have acquired valuable experience working in various roles within the financial services sector following my college studies. These experiences have given me a firsthand insight into the complexity of business operations, financial management and strategic planning. I’ve sharpened my ability to analyse, manage and work as a team through my roles.

I am well aware of the effective business leadership through my professional experiences. I’m passionate about using the principles of business to drive innovation, sustain long term growth and positively contribute to society. I will gain the necessary knowledge, skills and network to meet these objectives by completing my Master of Business Administration.

With its reputation for academic excellence, diverse student population and emphasis on Experiential Learning, the MBA program at The [University of Name] is particularly appealing to me. I’m looking forward to working with respected faculty members and fellow students, exchanging ideas as well as gaining a perspective from different points of view. In addition, I’m looking forward to participating in hands-on projects and internships that will strengthen my practical skills as well as industrial knowledge.

My aim is to take a leadership role in the business sector, where I can make an impact on organisational growth and innovation after completing my MBA programme. In the end, my objective is to set up a business which will contribute positively to both the economy and society with its focus on sustainability of economic practice and community entrepreneurship.

Finally, I want to develop my business management knowledge and skills in order to make a significant impact on the global economy. I’m confident that the necessary tools and opportunities to achieve my objectives will be provided by the MBA program at [University Name]. Thank you for your consideration of my application, and I’m delighted to be able to contribute to a lively academic community at [University Name].

SOP for Ph.D. Admission Requirements for Top Universities

The requirements for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) when applying for a PhD program at top universities remain consistent in terms of the general approach to writing. However, variations exist in structure, word limit, and other specific guidelines depending on the individual university’s requirements. 

Here, we examine the SOP requirements for PhD applications at leading universities, per the QS World University Rankings 2024. 

• 1. SDS and Non-SDS Visa Differences for Canada
• 2. SOP for Business Analytics
• 3. SX1 Visa

Writing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) is crucial for students applying to graduate programs. By using the tips and advice shared in this blog, you can effectively share your academic journey, interests, and goals with admissions teams. 

Remember, a good SOP shows your passion and readiness for advanced studies. With careful attention and effort, you can create an SOP that stands out and boosts your chances of getting into your desired program.

For more guidance on how to write SOP for PhD, you can contact our LeapScholar Team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. what makes a good sop for a ph.d..

Ans. The applicant’s research interests, academic background and career objectives should be clearly stated in a good SOP for a Ph.D. To demonstrate their readiness for doctoral-level research and their contribution to the academic community, the SOP should strongly align the applicant’s interests with the programme’s offering. In addition, it should be well-written, concise and in line with the specific programme and its requirements.

Q. What are some of the mistakes you should avoid in an SOP?

Ans.  Avoiding typical mistakes when drafting an a SOP statement of purpose is essential. Stop using generic language and cliches that do not promote your individuality. Ensure your SOP is tailored to each program, demonstrating an understanding of their unique offers and how you fit in with the school community. Focuses on the relevant experience and achievements, omitting irrelevant details.

Q. What is the importance of SOP for a Ph.D.?

Ans.  In the case of Ph.D. admission, the statement of purpose of the SOP provides candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their academic background, research interests and career aspirations. This enables applicants to demonstrate their compatibility with the programme’s objectives and faculty expertise, giving admissions committees valuable insight into whether they are suited for advanced research or a career in academic studies.

Q. How do I write a SOP for college admission?

Ans. When writing the Statement of Purpose (SOP) to be admitted into college, make sure that you highlight your academics, career aspirations and why you are a good fit for this program. Indicate the relevant experience, skills and achievements that align with your objectives while explaining how college resources and opportunities will meet them. Keep the SOP brief well-organised and tailored to the specific college or program you’re applying to.

Q. How do I start an SOP sample?

Ans. To start a SOP sample effectively, consider opening with a compelling anecdote, a personal reflection, or a statement of purpose that succinctly articulates your motivation and passion for the chosen field of study. This will set the tone for the rest of the document and draw the reader’s attention from the beginning.

Q. What is the format for the SOP statement?

Ans. The format for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This introduction should provide an overview of your background and interests. Paragraphs should be added to the body highlighting your experiences in academia and industry, as well as particular successes and motivations. Lastly, the conclusion should summarise your main points and express your enthusiasm for this programme.

Q. Can I reuse an SOP for different Ph.D. programs?

Ans. While it is possible to apply the same overarching theme or experience to each SOP, it is essential to adapt each SOP to the specific requirements of the programme, the faculty, and the research opportunities. Using the same SOP without modifying it can be seen as generic and lacking genuine interest in the program. Personalising each SOP demonstrates your commitment and understanding of how you will align yourself with the goals and features of every program.

Q. Can I mention my weaknesses or challenges in my SOP?

Ans.  Generally, it is best not to mention weaknesses or problems explicitly in your Standard Operating Procedures. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths, experiences and accomplishments. However, if you have overcome significant challenges that have shaped your academic journey or personal development, you may briefly mention them to demonstrate resilience and growth. Frame such experiences positively, emphasising what you learned and how it has strengthened your resolve to pursue your academic goals.

Q. How long should my SOP be?

Ans. Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) should be approximately one to two pages in length or between 500 and 1,000 words. Emphasising your academic background, research interests, career objectives, and why you are a strong candidate for the programme is essential. Keeping to the specified word count will ensure clarity and keep readers engaged while giving enough information about your qualifications and reasons for doing so.

Q. What tone and writing style should I use in my SOP?

Ans.  Keep your SOP professional and formal, but also add personality and enthusiasm to your chosen area of interest. To effectively communicate your motivation, experience and aspirations, you must be able to do so in a language that is easy to understand. As the Standard Opinion Paper is an official document for academic evaluation, do not be overly informal or superficial.

Q. How can I make my SOP stand out from other applicants?

Ans.  Make your SOP stand out by highlighting unique experiences, points of view and motivation. Share specific examples to highlight your achievements, skills, and passion in this area. Furthermore, demonstrate a deep understanding of the programme and show how your interests align with its objectives. Lastly, you must write a persuasive story which will appeal to the reader and give your candidacy an indelible impression.

Popular Universities for Study Abroad

30+ universities for study abroad.

• Arizona State University
• Northeastern University
• Coventry University
• University Of East London
• University Of Hertfordshire
• Conestoga College
• Humber College
• Centennial College
• University Of Birmingham
• Stanford University
• University Of Greenwich
• Columbia University
• Bpp University
• Texas A & M University
• University Of Maryland
• University Of Toronto
• University Of Melbourne
• University Of Waterloo
• New York University
• Mcgill University
• Harvard University
• University Of British Columbia
• University Of Alberta
• University Of Oxford
• University Of Cambridge
• University Of California Berkeley
• Yale University
• University Of Calgary
• Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT)

Popular Blogs

Cgpa to gpa: check how to convert 10 point cgpa to 4 point gpa, check how to calculate percentage to cgpa.

• Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World 2024

Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

Related Posts

10 Countries With Free Education For International Students

Trending now

Testimonials

Free Resources

PrepScholar GRE Prep

Gre prep online guides and tips, 7 successful statement of purpose examples.

Not sure what graduate schools are looking for in a statement of purpose? Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help! In this guide, we’ll orient you to what makes a great statement of purpose or letter of intent for graduate school. Then we’ll provide you with four successful statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. We’ll also provide analysis of what makes them successful. Finally, we’ll direct you to even more helpful examples that you can find online!

The Graduate School Statement of Purpose: An Overview

A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master’s degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally-focused graduate programs, your statement of purpose will primarily discuss how your pursuit of this professional program relates to your past experiences, and how you will use the skills from the program in your future career.

A statement of purpose for grad school is also where you sell the admissions committee on why you belong in their program specifically. Why do you fit there, and how does what they offer fit your interests?

What’s in a Great Grad School Statement of Purpose?

Here are the essential elements of a strong graduate school statement of purpose:

Clear Articulation of Goals and Interests

A strong statement of purpose will clearly and specifically lay out your goals in undertaking the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Again, for a research-focused program, this will focus primarily on the research project(s) you want to undertake while you are there. For a more professional program, discuss what interests you within the professional field and what skills/knowledge you hope to gain through the program.

Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.

You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .

Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .

You should be as specific as possible in discussing what interests you. Use examples of particular phenomena, tools, or situations that you find exciting. If you are vague or say that everything in the field interests you, you run the risk of seeming unfocused or not actually that passionate.

Don’t worry that being too specific will box you into a particular research area or subfield during your entire tenure in graduate school. Your program understands that interests change—they won’t be pulling out your research statement to cross-reference with your dissertation proposal!

Evidence of Past Experience and Success

A great graduate school statement of purpose will also show programs that you have already been successful. They want applicants that will be able to follow through on their research/professional plans!

To this end, you’ll need to provide evidence of how your background qualifies you to pursue this program and your specific interests in the field. You’ll probably discuss your undergraduate studies and any professional experience you have. But be sure to draw on specific, vivid examples.  You might draw on your thesis, major projects you’ve worked on, papers you have written/published, presentations you’ve given, mentors you’ve worked with, and so on. This gives admissions committees concrete evidence that you are qualified to undertake graduate study!

Interest and Fit With the Program

The third essential ingredient to a great statement of purpose is to clearly lay out why you and the program are a good fit. You should be able to identify both specific reasons why your work fits with the program and why the program suits your work/interests! Are there particular professors you’d like to work with? Does the department have a strong tradition in a certain methodology or theory you’re interested in? Is there a particular facet to the curriculum that you’d like to experience?

Showing that you and the program are a match shows that you chose the program thoughtfully and have genuine interest in it. Programs want to admit students who aren’t just passionate about the field. They want students who are genuinely enthused about their specific program and positioned to get the most out of what they have to offer.

Strong Writing

The final essential piece of a strong statement of purpose or letter of intent is strong writing. Writing skills are important for all graduate programs. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can clearly and effectively communicate your ideas in a way that flows logically. Additionally, you should show that you know how to write in a way that is descriptive but concise. A statement of purpose shouldn’t ever be longer than two pages, even without a hard word limit.

Admissions committees for humanities programs may be a little more focused on writing style than admissions officers for STEM programs. But even in quantitative and science-focused fields, written communication skills are an essential part of graduate school. So a strong statement of purpose will always be effectively written. You’ll see this in our statement of purpose for graduate school samples.

Real, Successful Statement of Purpose Samples

In this section, we’ll present four successful graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts, along with a brief commentary on each statement. These statements come from a diverse selection of program types to show you how the core essentials of a statement of purpose can be implemented differently for different fields.

Note: identifying information for these statements have been changed—except for example four, which is my statement.

• Statement of Purpose Sample One: Japanese Studies MA

This statement of purpose is notable for its great use of space and its vivid descriptions. The author is able to cram a lot into about a page. She discusses how she came to her two primary research interests (and how they are connected). She integrates this discussion of her interests with information on her past experiences and qualifications for pursuing the course of study. Finally, she includes details on her goals in pursuing the program and components of the program that interest her. Her examples are specific and fleshed-out. There’s a lot very cleverly included in a small amount of page space!

Additionally, the language is very vivid. Phrases like “evocative and visceral” and “steadily unraveling,” are eye-catching and intriguing. They demonstrate that she has the writing skills necessary to pursue both graduate study and her interest in translation.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Two: Music MM

This sample is fairly long, although at 12 point Times New Roman it’s under two pages single-spaced. The length of this statement is partially due to the somewhat expansive nature of the prompt, which asks what role music has played in the applicant’s life “to date.” This invites applicants to speak more about experiences further in the past (in the childhood and teen years) than is typical for a statement of purpose. Given that this is for a master’s degree in music, this is logical; musical study is typically something that is undertaken at a fairly young age.

This statement does an excellent job describing the student’s past experiences with music in great detail. The descriptions of the student’s past compositions and experiences performing new music are particularly vivid and intriguing.

This statement also lays out and elaborates on specific goals the student hopes to pursue through the program, as well as features particular to the program that interest the student (like particular professors).

• Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD

One of the first things you’ll likely notice about this statement is that it’s a little on the longer side. However, at 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced, it still comes in under 2 pages (excluding references). It makes sense for a PhD statement of purpose sample to be longer than a master’s degree statement of purpose—there’s more to lay out in terms of research interests!

The writing style is fairly straightforward—there’s definitely a stronger focus on delivering content than flashy writing style. As Economics is a more quantitative-focused field, this is fine. But the writing is still well-organized, clear, and error-free.

The writer also gives numerous examples of their past work and experience, and shows off their knowledge of the field through references, which is a nice touch.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Four: History of the Book MA

This is actually my statement of purpose. It was for a program that I got accepted to but did not end up attending, for a Master’s in the History of the Book. You’ll notice that the two essay prompts essentially asked us to split our statement of purpose into two parts: the first prompt asked about our research interests and goals, and the second prompt asked about our relevant experience and qualifications.

I’ll keep my comments on this graduate school statement of purpose sample brief because I’ll do a deep dive on it in the next section. But looking back at my statement of purpose, I do a good job outlining what within the field interests me and clearly laying out how my past experiences have qualified me for the program.

Obviously this statement did its job, since I was accepted to the program. However, if I were to improve this statement, I’d change the cliche beginning  (“since I was a child”) and provide more specificity in what about the program interested me.

Deep Dive Analysis of a Sample Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Next, we’ll do a paragraph by paragraph analysis of my statement, statement of purpose sample four. I’ll analyze its strengths and suggest ways I could shore up any weaknesses to make it even stronger.

Essay 1: Academic Interests

To refresh, here’s the first prompt: Please give a short statement that describes your academic interests, purpose, objectives and motivation in undertaking this postgraduate study. (max 3500 chars – approx. 500 words)

Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points?  We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.

Try our 5-day full access trial for free:

Paragraph 1

Since I was a child, my favorite thing has always been a book. Not just for the stories and information they contain, although that is a large part of it. Mostly, I have been fascinated by the concept of book as object—a tangible item whose purpose is to relate intangible ideas and images. Bookbindings and jackets, different editions, the marginalia in a used book—all of these things become part of the individual book and its significance, and are worth study and consideration. Books and their equivalent forms—perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus—have long been an essential part of material culture and are also one of our most significant sources of information about the human historical past. Through both the literal object of the book, the words contained thereon, and its relationship to other books—forms of context, text and intertext—we are able to learn and hopefully manage layers of information with which we would otherwise have no familiarity.

First, the good: this paragraph does a good job introducing my academic interest in the book-as-object, and shows off pre-existing knowledge both of the study of material culture and literary theory. Additionally, the language is engaging: the juxtaposition of “tangible” and “intangible” in the beginning and phrases like “perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus” lend life to the writing and keep the reader engaged.

If I were to go back and improve this paragraph, first, I would absolutely change the first sentence to something less cliche than talking about my childhood. I might try something like “My love of books is a multifaceted thing. I don’t only love them for the stories and….” Second, I would chill out on the em dashes a little bit. Three sets in one paragraph is a little excessive. Finally, I might actually cut this paragraph down slightly to make more room word-wise later in the statement to discuss what specific things about the program interest me.

Paragraph 2

Furthermore, blogs, webcomics, digital archives, e-readers, and even social media sites like tumblr and Facebook have revolutionized the concept of the book by changing how we share and transmit ideas and information, just as the Gutenberg printing press revolutionized the book all those years ago in the fifteenth century. Once again there has been an explosion both in who can send out information and who can receive it.

This paragraph briefly and effectively introduces my other main academic interest: how new technology has changed the concept of the book-as-object. The tie-back to the printing press is a nice touch; it’s a vivid example that shows that I’m aware of important historical moments in book history.

Paragraph 3

I am deeply interested in the preservation of the physical book, as I think it is an important part of human history (not to mention a satisfying sensory experience for the reader). However I am also very concerned with the digitization and organization of information for the modern world such that the book, in all of its forms, stays relevant and easy to access and use. Collections of books, archives, and information as stored in the world’s servers, libraries and museums are essential resources that need to be properly organized and administered to be fully taken advantage of by their audiences. My purpose in applying to the University of Edinburgh’s Material Culture and History of the Book is to gain the skills necessary to keep all forms of the book relevant and functional in an age when information can move more radically than ever before.

This paragraph actually has a focus problem. Since it covers two topics, I should split it into two paragraphs: one on the integration of my two interests, and one on my goals and interests in the program. I could also stand to expand on what features the program has that interest me: professors I’d like to work with, particular aspects of the curriculum, etc.

In spite of these things, however, this paragraph does a good job clearly integrating the two academic interests related to the book I introduced in the first two paragraphs. And the language is still strong —“satisfying sensory experience” is a great phrase. However, I’ve been using the word “information,” a lot; I might try to replace with appropriate synonyms (like “knowledge”) in a couple of places.

Paragraph 4

Additionally, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Sciences upon completion of my master’s and I feel that this program while make me uniquely suited to approach library science from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective.

This final paragraph offers just quick touch on my future goals beyond the program. It’s typically fine for this to be relatively brief, as it is here, just so long as you can clearly identify some future goals.

Essay 2: Relevant Experience

The second prompt just asked me to describe my relevant knowledge, training, and skills.

As a folklore and mythology student, I have gained a robust understanding of material culture and how it relates to culture as a whole. I have also learned about the transmission of ideas, information, stories and pieces of lore among and between populations, which is an important component of book history. Folklore is also deeply concerned with questions of the literary vs. oral lore and the tendency for text to “canonize” folklore, and yet text can also question or invert canonized versions; along with this my studies in my focus field of religion and storytelling have been deeply concerned with intertextuality. One of my courses was specifically concerned with the Heian-period Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and questions of translation and representation in post-Heian picture scrolls and also modern translations and manga. In addition to broader cultural questions concerned with gender and spirituality both in historical Japan and now, we considered the relationships between different Genji texts and images.

This is a strong, focused paragraph. I relate my academic background in Folklore and Mythology to my interests in studying the book, as well as showing off some of my knowledge in the area. I also chose and elaborated on a strong example (my class on the Tale of Genji ) of my relevant coursework.

I also have work experience that lends itself to the study of the book. After my freshman year of college I interned at the Chicago History Museum. Though I was in the visitor services department I was exposed to the preservation and archival departments of the museum and worked closely with the education department, which sparked my interest in archival collections and how museums present collection information to the public. After my sophomore year of college and into my junior year, I worked at Harvard’s rare books library, Houghton. At Houghton I prepared curated collections for archival storage. These collections were mostly comprised of the personal papers of noteworthy individuals, categorized into alphabetical folders. This experience made me very process-oriented and helped me to understand how collections come together on a holistic basis.

This paragraph also has a clear focus: my past, relevant work experience. Discussing archival collections and presenting information to the public links the interests discussed in my first statement with my qualifications in my second statement. However, if I were to revise this paragraph, I would add some specific examples of the amazing things I worked on and handled at Houghton Library. In that job, I got to touch Oliver Cromwell’s death mask! An interesting example would make this paragraph really pop even more.

Finally, in my current capacity as an education mentor in Allston, a suburb of Boston, I have learned the value of book history and material culture from an educational perspective. As a mentor who designs curriculum for individual students and small groups, I have learned to highly value clearly organized and useful educational resources such as websites, iPad apps, and books as tools for learning. By managing and organizing collections in a way that makes sense we are making information accessible to those who need it.

This final paragraph discusses my current (at the time) work experience in education and how that ties into my interest in the history of the book. It’s an intriguing connection and also harkens back to my discussion of information availability in the paragraph three of the first statement. Again, if I were to amp up this statement even more, I might include a specific example of a book-based (or book technology-based) project I did with one of my students. I worked on things like bookbinding and making “illuminated manuscripts” with some of my students; those would be interesting examples here.

This statement is split into two parts by virtue of the two-prompt format. However, if I were to integrate all of this information into one unified statement of purpose, I would probably briefly introduce my research interests, go in-depth on my background, then circle back around to speak more about my personal interests and goals and what intrigues me about the program. There’s not really one correct way to structure a statement of purpose just so long as it flows well and paragraphs are structured in a logical way: one topic per paragraph, with a clear topic and concluding sentence.

More Statement of Purpose Examples

We’ve provided you with four great graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. However, if you’re looking for more, there are other sample letters of intent and statements of purpose for graduate school online. We’ve rounded up the best ones here, along with some strengths and weaknesses about each example.

Majortests Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a fairly straightforward, clearly written statement of purpose sample for a biology program. It includes useful commentary after each paragraph about what this statement of purpose is accomplishing.

• This statement of purpose sample is well-organized, with clear topic sentences and points made in each paragraph.
• The student clearly identifies what interests her about the program.
• The student proactively addresses questions about why she hasn’t gone directly to graduate school, and frames her professional research experience as a positive thing.
• She gives a tiny bit of color about her personality in a relevant way by discussing her involvement with the Natural History Society.
• In general, discussing high school interests is too far back in time unless the anecdote is very interesting or unusual. The detail about The Theory of Evolution is intriguing; the information about the high school teacher seems irrelevant. The student should have condensed this paragraph into a sentence or two.
• While this statement is cogently written and makes the candidate sound competent and well-qualified, it’s not exactly the most scintillating piece of writing out there. Some of the constructions are a little awkward or cliche. For example, the “many people have asked me” sentence followed by “the answer is” is a little bit clunky. This is probably fine for a STEM program. But just be aware that this statement is not a paragon of writing style.

Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?

Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.

PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.

Check out our 5-day free trial now:

UC Berkeley History Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a graduate school statement of purpose example from the UC Berkeley History department’s PhD program, with annotations from a professor as to why it’s a successful statement.

• The author is able to very clearly and articulately lay out her research interests and link them to past work she has successfully completed, namely, her thesis.
• She is able to identify several things about the program and Berkeley that indicate why it is a good fit for her research interests.
• She addresses the time she spent away from school and frames it as a positive, emphasizing that her use of time was well-considered and productive.
• Her writing is very vivid, with excellent word choice and great imagery.

While very well-written and engaging, this sample statement of purpose for graduate school is a little bit on the long side! It’s a little over two single-spaced pages, which is definitely pushing the limits of acceptable length. Try to keep yours at 2 pages or less. Some of the information on the thesis (which comprises over half of the statement of purpose) could be condensed to bring it down to two pages.

Pharmacy Residency Letter of Intent Sample

This is not technically a sample letter of intent for graduate school because it’s actually for a pharmacy residency program. However, this example still provides illumination as to what makes a decent graduate school letter of intent sample.

• This is a serviceable letter of intent: the writer clearly lays out their own goals within the field of pharmacy, what qualifications they have and how they’ve arrived at their interests, and how the program fits their needs.
• The writing is clearly structured and well-organized.
• The main weakness is that some of the writer’s statements come across as fairly generic. For example, “The PGY-1 Residency Program at UO Hospitals will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teaching, research, and leadership skills” is a generic statement that could apply to any residency program. A punchier, more program-specific conclusion would have amped up this letter.
• While the writer does a decent job providing examples of their activities, like working as a tutor and attending the APhA conference, more specificity and detail in these examples would make the statement more memorable.
• There’s a typo in the last paragraph —a “to” that doesn’t belong! This is an unprofessional blip in an otherwise solid letter. Read you own letter of intent aloud to avoid this!

NIU Bad Statement of Purpose Example

This is an ineffective graduate school statement of purpose example, with annotations on why it doesn’t work.

As you might imagine, the main strength in this document is as an example of what not to do. Otherwise, there is little to recommend it.

• The annotations quite clearly detail the weaknesses of this statement. So I won’t address them exhaustively except to point out that this statement of purpose fails at both content and style. The author includes irrelevant anecdotes and lists without offering a decisive picture of interests or any particular insight into the field. Additionally, the statement is riddled with grammatical mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and strange acronyms.
• You’ll note that the commentary advises you to “never start with a quote.” I agree that you should never start with a freestanding quote as in this example. However, I do think starting with a quote is acceptable in cases like the Berkeley history example above, where the quote is brief and then directly linked to the research interest.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples: 4 Key Points

Graduate programs ask for statement of purpose to hear about your interests and goals and why you think you and the program would be a good fit.

There are four key elements to a successful statement of purpose:

• A clear articulation of your goals and interests
• Evidence of past experiences and success
• Interest and fit with the program
• Strong writing

We’ve provided you with four successful statement of purpose samples from our graduate school experts!

We also provided additional statement of purpose samples (and a sample letter of intent) for graduate school from other sources on the internet. Now you have all kinds of guidance!

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for more information on graduate school , see our guide to what makes a good GPA for grad school .

Not sure if you need to take the GRE ? See if you can get into graduate school without GRE scores .

Want more information about the GRE? We can help you figure out when to take the GRE , how to make a GRE study plan , and how to improve your GRE score .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

• Graduate School

15 Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples That Worked!

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose is tough, but we’re here to help! Review these statement of purpose examples and our expert tips to help you create your own effective essay and learn how to get into grad school . The samples come from our own past students who got into multiple top graduate schools. Note that the students worked with our admissions experts as part of our application review programs to create these statements. We hope they will serve as a starting roadmap for you.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 70 min read

Graduate school statement of purpose example that got 5 acceptances (998 words).

“Architecture is the will of an epoch translated into space.” I was 16 when I first read this quote by Mies van der Rohe, and, back then, I thought I really understood what it meant. Thinking of this quote one summer evening, as I walked around my beloved New York City, I was inspired to commit to a future in architecture. At that early stage, I cherished romantic ideals of designing grandiose buildings that would change a city; of adding my name to the list of architectural geniuses who had immortalized their vision of the world in concrete, steel, glass, and stone. It was in college that I became passionately interested in the theoretical design and engineering concepts that form the basis of architecture, while also exploring in greater detail the sociological and economic impact of architecture.

The true breakthrough for me took place in my sophomore year of college, when I was volunteering at The Bowery Mission, a women’s shelter situated in Queens, New York. The shelter was in a poorly ventilated building, with an essentially non-functioning air conditioning system. The little bit of relief for the people who stayed there was a small park nearby, a patch of green between suffocating buildings. One day when I was working the afternoon shift there in the peak of summer, I looked out to see bulldozers in the park. It was being torn up to make room for yet another building. I saw that completed building a year later – a grey block of steel that did not utilize any of the original park space. Witnessing this injustice, while learning every day about how climatology, materials technology, and engineering mechanics intersect with urban planning and architectural design, ignited a passion for sustainable design in me. [BeMo2] How can we, as architects, minimize our harm to communities and eco-systems? How can we design buildings with a view to sustain long-term energy and resource efficiency without sacrificing immediate economic viability? What are the eco-conscious solutions that architects can put forward to address the environmental changes of the 21st century? These were the questions that plagued me then and I have pursued the answers to these questions throughout my academic career so far.

I found the answers to some of these questions in the robust curriculum I pursued at ABC College of Architecture, New York. I took up advanced coursework in Engineering Mechanics, Surveying, Soil Mechanics, Steel Structures, Model Making etc. which helped me hone my technical skills. As my interest in sustainable architecture developed, I became curious about the social and anthropological impact of architecture. I studied Art History, African American Literature, Anthropology, and Cultures of Ancient Greece, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of the socio-ecological impact of architecture and ethical responsibilities of architects. With this strong background of academic exploration, my architectural philosophy continued to evolve. I became interested in cutting-edge design techniques and their application to sustainable design. In my junior year at college, I participated in the New Dimensions of Architecture conference held in New York City, presenting my own paper on “Analyzing the Implications of the Weiszman Design Theory for the Sustainable Architecture of the Future”. In fact, it was at this conference that I met Professor Richard Wright, the esteemed architect and professor emeritus at the Architecture department of XYZ University. Talking with him was one of the most enlightening moments of my life. We discussed our shared passion for ecologically efficient and socially cohesive architectural solutions, and he introduced me to the works of Leonard Nieman, Mary Andrews, and other cutting-edge green architecture firms that are making a real contribution to ecologically sustainable urban planning.

In fact, the possibility of learning from and working directly with Professor Wright is one of my main reasons to seek admission into your M.Arch program. His innovative design theories have a tremendous potential for sustainable architecture solutions. I would love to learn from him and collaborate with him to continue to explore my interest in these topics. I am also deeply interested in the scope of studies afforded by your wide-ranging curriculum that focuses on the latest architectural innovations as well as socio-economic evolutions in architecture. Moreover, for a budding green architect, nothing is more attractive than your quarterly line-up of seminars and conferences that frequently feature the names of the architects at the forefront of design innovation. With my strong academic background in both the technical and socio-economic aspects of architecture, and my focused passion on sustainable architectural solutions for the future, I think I am a perfect candidate for your master’s program. This education is exactly what I need to launch me into the next phase of my career, where I hope to gain experience at one of New York’s top green architecture firms, working on problems of low-budget housing, eco-friendly factory designs, and organic city planning. Eventually, I hope to specialize in sustainable, low-budget urban planning for socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

It’s funny to think how far I’ve come from my early romanticized ideals of what it meant to be an architect. Those sunset walks around New York city from my teenage years, surrounded by the works of Mies van der Rohe and Rem Koolhas, inspired in me an awe for the cultural power an architect can wield. It was an early lesson that a building can both represent and transform spaces. Today when I walk around my beloved city, what I see are the innumerable missed architectural opportunities to organically inhabit and improve any given space with sustainable design. And now, when I consider Mies van der Rohe’s famous quote, I no longer think of my own petty will or the limited scope of individual genius; I think of the will of an entire generation committed to saving our planet with teamwork, collaboration, and true passion, and how grateful I am to be a part of this generation of architects.

A statement of purpose is an essential part of your application for a graduate program. While your academic transcripts and letters of reference reveal your academic credentials, and your extracurriculars and graduate school resume show your professional capabilities, your statement of purpose gives you the chance to present yourself as a candidate in a more well-rounded and compelling way. This is your opportunity to make yourself stand out as an applicant! Your preparation for writing and completing the statement of purpose is not unlike your preparations with graduate school interview questions — you need to leave yourself an ample amount of time to ace it.

Of course, each school is different, and you need to make sure you have checked the specific requirements of your chosen institutions before you begin writing your statement. But no matter which school you’re applying to one thing is certain: a strong statement of purpose is crucial to your success! 

What’s included in a graduate school statement of purpose?

The statement of purpose provides the admissions committee with a way of understanding more about you as an applicant on a deeper level. The statement of purpose gives them the opportunity to assess your suitability for their particular program and institution. Finding the right fit between an applicant and a graduate program is crucial for both parties, and your statement of purpose is your opportunity to explain to the admissions committee why you believe this graduate program is right for you. 

With this in mind, it is important to use the statement of purpose as a way of showcasing what led you to the program in the first place, and what you hope to achieve if accepted. Here’s a quick list of what should be included in your grad school statement of purpose:

• Why you are pursuing a master’s or PhD
• Why you are interested in a field or a specific program
• How you have prepared yourself academically or professionally for a career in this field
• What you will contribute to the program
• Your future career goals and how the program will help you achieve them

Here's a quick guide to writing a grad school statement of purpose if you'd rather watch a video:

How to Start Writing a Graduate School Statement of Purpose

The key to great writing is great preparation. That is why you need to lay some groundwork before you even start drafting your statement of purpose. Here are the steps you need to take to prepare yourself.

#1 Set aside the time

Preparing and writing a statement of purpose is not a quick undertaking. Proper preparation is a commitment, and you need to make sure you are setting aside enough time to complete the steps below. Since the statement itself will also require several drafts before reaching its final form, always keep in mind that this is not something to leave to the last minute! Ideally, you should give yourself 6-8 weeks to write your statement. Do yourself a favor by getting started on your preparations as early as you can, leaving yourself plenty of time to write and re-write your statement afterwards.

#2 Research your school and program thoroughly

Whether you’re wondering how to find a postdoc program or searching for the best special master’s program for you, research is essential. Visit the school’s website and pay close attention to any mission statements or explicit values that are stated. Visit the pages dedicated to your department and program of choice to glean clues regarding their academic culture. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the research specialties of the faculty members. Make note of any faculty members whose research interests align with yours, as they could potentially serve as a supervisor or mentor. Be sure to learn how to write a research interest statement , too!

#3 Brainstorm how and why you would fit into the school and program

It’s not enough to want to attend a particular school just because of their good reputation or nice location. While learning about the school, its faculty, and your program of choice, you should be constantly reflecting upon how and why you would fit in as a member of that community. Think about what you can contribute to the school, why you want to do a PhD or master’s program, and how the program will help you achieve your career goals. These reflections will prove crucially important when you write your statement.

If you need outside help with writing your essay, you can turn to a graduate school essay tutor for feedback and expert advice.

#4 Contact any potential mentors

If you have discovered a faculty member whose work sounds intriguing to you, reach out to them to introduce yourself and your own research interests. Forming a direct connection with a faculty member could significantly boost your candidacy, especially if the faculty member is willing to consider playing a supervisory role in your work or write you a graduate school recommendation letter . A faculty member will also be able to answer any questions you may have about your common research interests, and how you could explore those further within the program.

Building these relationships now is also a good way to start networking and finding future job opportunities if you’re not sure how to find a job after grad school !

As noted above, every school is different, and each program is unique. Make sure you understand the specifics of what they are looking for in a statement of purpose, e.g. length, emphasis, any required formatting guidelines. The more closely you follow their guidelines, the less prone you will be to making errors in terms of structure or formatting. Many graduate schools will provide prompts to make your writing process easier. Make sure to read the prompt carefully. While these tend to be very open-ended, they can provide clues as to what the admissions committee expects to see in your statement.

The essay prompts may ask you to share something the admissions committee should know or provide you with an opportunity to explain any gaps in your application. If you want to know how to get into graduate school with a low GPA , this is where you can discuss the circumstances of your below average grade and what you’ve done to improve yourself.

If you are in doubt about what the school expects from your statement of purpose, ask for clarification from an appropriate authority at the school. Remember that each institution’s website and admissions office is there to help clear up any uncertainty you may have about deadlines and requirements. Seek clarification if you are not sure about something.  

#6 Get your materials in order before you write

Before you begin writing, you need to make sure you have everything you need for your reference close at hand. Make sure you have copies of your academic transcripts and your CV for graduate school within easy reach, to help jog your memory about specific courses or achievements you wish to include in your statement of purpose. You might also wish to keep nearby any useful information you have about the program and its faculty, for quick reference when you need it.

#7 Make some outline notes

Sitting and staring at a blank page can be a little intimidating. That’s why having some useful notes can make writing the actual statement much easier! Go over your reference materials and make a short list of which experiences and achievements you would especially like to highlight in your statement. Ideally, include 1 to 3 experiences that are relevant, impactful and important to you. Note down specific examples for achievements you want to highlight. Make sure you have a clear, specific answer for WHY you are pursuing a graduate degree. The better your prep notes are, the more straightforward writing your statement will be.  

After researching the program, you have an idea of their mission and culture. Think of your accomplishments and strengths in relation to what you know about the school. Do they value research? Share some of your research experiences or accomplishments from your research resume . Does the program tout the importance of community? Discuss any community service you have participated in and what you’ve learned from those experiences.

A strong statement of purpose should include the following elements in the main body of the text:

You can expect to be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in your grad school interview, too, so having a way to answer those questions effectively will help you. ","label":"Weaknesses or setbacks","title":"Weaknesses or setbacks"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Statement of Purpose Content Examples

We will now take a look at each of these four elements in greater depth below, with some useful examples. 

Focused Interest in the Field

Your statement of purpose also allows you to share your focused interest in the field of your choosing. In thinking about your intellectual and research interests, consider including some of the following elements:

• Problems of interest in the field that you find exciting or compelling . Introducing the contemporary problems of interest in your field of choice and why you find them intriguing is a great way of showing the admissions committee that you are familiar with the discussions in your field, and that you are fully ready to contribute to helping address those problems and issues in your own work and studies.
• Potential area of interest/research question you would like to pursue. A strong applicant knows what their purpose is, and that purpose is most clearly expressed in sharing the area of interest or research question that you wish to pursue in your studies. Let the admissions committee know what you would like to learn more about, and as ever, why. Share the paths you might wish to explore further shows the committee that are you in tune with your own intellectual curiosity and eager for opportunities to dig a little deeper. Your statement will be especially memorable if you can name a faculty member whose research interests reflect your own.
• Your perspectives and intellectual influences. If you have ever encountered a teacher or scholar that has shaped your perspectives and influenced your intellectual pursuits, feel free to mention them. If there is a particular faculty member whose work you admire at the school you are applying to, then that’s a bonus!

My interest in the Health Economics specialization option is a testament to my conviction that health is one of the most interesting and complex determinants of social welfare. In my experiences as a traveler, researcher, and student, I understand health policy to be one of the most defining characteristics of a national identity as well as the locus of key clashes between equity and efficiency. Health economic policy is the most interesting because it juxtaposes health care, in which universality and equality are perceived as dominant principles, against the rationality and efficiency considerations of an increasingly liberal global economic reality. Graduate studies in health economic policy is the ideal corollary to my academic, personal and social background. I am most keen to explore the relationship between economic and psychological models of human behavior to hopefully advance a more holistic social sciences perspective on why people act against their own self-interest when it comes to their health. ","label":"Excerpt Example","title":"Excerpt Example"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Preparing for a grad school interview? Watch this video!

Academic & Professional Preparation

Your academic and professional preparation can take many forms, and that is why it is important to think carefully about the ways in which your path has given you the tools needed to succeed in the program of your choice. But note that the statement of purpose is not meant to be a recitation of your CV. Instead, the statement of purpose should be a narrative about why you took the steps you did and how it brought you to graduate school. Some examples that might apply include:

• Previous jobs, internships, or volunteering. If you gained any valuable and relevant volunteer or work experience, mention it! For example, an applicant for a public health program might mention how volunteering at a soup kitchen inspired her interest in the relationship between food insecurity and poor health outcomes in marginalized communities. You can let the admissions committee know about any relevant technical skills you’ve gained through these experiences, too.
• Research. If you already have some exposure to undertaking research projects of your own or if you have helped as an assistant on someone else’s project, sharing what you have learned from such experiences could make an excellent addition to your statement. Research experiences assure an admissions committee that you are ready to perform the necessary intellectual labor a graduate program demands. Also be sure to mention the important skills you have developed through completing research tasks! Such skills may include multi-tasking, finding and synthesizing relevant information, strengthening your communication skills through writing reports, or developing greater attention to detail.    
• Teaching Assistantships. Just like the research assistantships mentioned above, a teaching assistantship that helped you gain valuable exposure to your field of choice and/or helped you to develop your mentorship skills may be worth mentioning in your statement. A teaching assistantship is valuable work experience and shows that you know how to be a team player in an academic community. Skills you could highlight from such experiences include: effective communication with others, working collaboratively with others (such as faculty and other TAs), mentorship abilities, and the ability to adapt to different learning styles.
• Relevant degrees, courses, and conferences. Single out specific courses or degrees you have taken and any conferences you may have attended or presented at that relate to your current research interests. As ever, take some time to reflect on why certain courses or conferences have proved formative for you. For example, you could discuss the importance of the specialized knowledge you gained in a course, or the public speaking skills you developed through presenting at a conference. 

After spending four years as an Arts & Science undergraduate and earning a Minor specialization in Economics, I have developed strong analytical research skills, a capacity for truly critical thought and an appreciation for the universal relevance of economic investigation. My interest in the social determinants of health, and how these interplay with policy and economics, was the impetus for my senior undergraduate research project entitled, \u201cHealth and behavior: Advancing a microeconomic framework for changing decision-making in people with obesity.\u201d I was fortunate to work with economists Drs. Levi and Traut, with whom I interrogated the classical and contemporary theories around human behavior and health. In my role as a research assistant, I conducted three literature reviews, one of which was used to support the work of a senior graduate student and will be published in an upcoming issue of Health Economics and the abstract was accepted for a poster presentation at the Annual Health Economics Conference in Denver CO. ","label":"Excerpt Example","title":"Excerpt Example"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Career Goals and Plans

A statement of purpose can showcase not only your past achievements and current plans, but also your goals for the future. You don’t necessarily have to know exactly what you want to do after graduating, but including these goals can show the committee that you are capable of long-term planning, and that you are eager to put what you learn in the program to good use afterwards. You can use the part about career plans to address some of the following:

• Roles you might like to pursue. If you have a very specific job in mind as your dream job, you can discuss that and explain what makes it an ideal position for you. For example, is it the institution, the location, or the mission of the job/position that attracts you? Alternatively, you can discuss what kind of role you are hoping to have even if you don’t know exactly where you will end up yet. For example, you can explain how this Master's or PhD will help your med school chances .
• Transferable Skills. Discuss what skills you hope to gain through taking the program, and how those skills could help you in whatever academic or professional career path you pursue after graduation. For example, you could discuss how your research projects strengthened your writing and communication skills, or how balancing your coursework and lab work taught you to manage time effectively. Don’t overlook the importance of “soft” skills: conferences can develop your public speaking skills, while group projects can make you a team player.

It is the responsibility of economics researchers to offer sustainable and feasible alternatives and recommendations to experts in all other fields regarding their most pressing challenges such as climate change and regulation of illegal trade. Further, the intermediary between economics research and the implementation of its corresponding results is the policy process. Because analytical research and writing are my most well-developed academic strengths, as evidenced by my GPA, undergraduate thesis, reference letters, and writing samples, the MA Economic Policy (Health Specialization) program is an ideal launch point for a research career in academia with branch points into policy work in the social determinants of health. Eventually, I want to complete a PhD. I want to build a focused academic practice at McMaster where I can help civil society, government and social enterprises understand and address \u2018wicked problems\u2019 at the intersection of economics and public health. The skills I aim to acquire through this graduate training are crucial to the evolution of my practice. ","label":"Excerpt Example","title":"Excerpt Example"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Here are some tips on getting into graduate school!

Addressing setbacks or gaps

Every applicant has strengths and weaknesses, and a statement of purpose is your chance to show the committee that you are self-aware enough to know what your own weaknesses and setbacks are. In discussing these, keep in mind the following:

• Be self-aware and clear. Try to sound honest and objective instead of boastful or defensive when discussing your strengths and weaknesses. Your statement will be even stronger if you include ideas or plans for improvement for any weaknesses you may have. Proving to the committee that you have the capacity for self-growth will strengthen your candidacy, and will also assure them of your intellectual and personal maturity.
• Explain how you have improved your weaknesses or tackled setbacks. Include specific examples, when discussing a weakness, focusing on how you have improved: “I noticed that I struggled with time management during one of my undergraduate courses, and so I developed the habit of planning out work schedules for all of my tasks in advance in order to meet all of my deadlines.”  
• Mention any special circumstances that may have led to compromises or delays in your academic performance. If your academic performance has been affected by something that has occurred in your life, you can explain the impact that these challenges have had upon you. Emphasize your ability to adapt and grow by explaining how you overcame these setbacks and what you have learned from them. Your resilience and adaptability will boost your candidacy by showing that you are able to overcome challenges.  

When you are ready to write, take a moment to review the length requirements. A statement of purpose is typically between 500 to 1,000 words long, which means that you must make a special effort to convey as much meaningful information about yourself as you can within this relatively small word limit.

The statement of purpose should usually have four main sections, but you can avoid explicitly separating the four sections and opt for the more natural flow of a letter instead. If, however, your program explicitly asks for a certain format, be sure to give them what they ask for! 

Structuring your statement

A strong statement of purpose is one that has a clear structure. You need to ensure that the information is laid out in a way that makes it easy for the reader to follow. A well-organized statement keeps the reader engaged!

The structure of a statement of purpose should follow the general structure of an academic essay:

Leave the reader convinced that you are committed to learning and growing, and that you are absolutely prepared for this next step in your academic career. ","label":"Conclusion","title":"Conclusion"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Do’s and Don’ts of Graduate School Statement of Purpose

In order to avoid some of the most common pitfalls when writing your statement of purpose, review the following list of Do’s and Don’ts to make sure your statement is the best it can be: 

Even a statement with the most wonderful content in the world will be a lot less wonderful if it\u2019s littered with typos, grammatical errors, or disorganized sentences. Read and reread your work many times to make sure it is cleanly and professionally written.  "}]">

Your writing needs to be clear and concise. Do not try to show off to the committee by using words that are unnecessarily obscure or too specialty-specific. Not everyone on your committee might be familiar with your research field. Always aim for clarity above all else. If you must use a specialty-specific term, be sure to define it to ensure that both you and your reader understand what you mean when you use that term. "}]" code="timeline2">

When you think your statement is as good as it can possibly be, run it by a second set of eyes. This can be a trusted friend or teacher, or you can get professional feedback from a grad school advisor . Take a moment to check over the following checklist before submitting:

• Have you made sure your statement meets the requirements specified by the school/program? Is it the right length, in the proper format, and does it include any specific information they may have asked for? Does it answer the prompt?
• Has your statement gone through several drafts? If the answer is “no”, stop what you’re doing and commit yourself to rewriting your statement. Remember that a strong statement is one that has gone through several drafts, getting stronger and more effective each time! If the answer is “yes”, ask yourself, “Is this the best my statement can possibly be?” If in doubt, ask for more feedback.
• Do you provide examples for every claim you make? Check over your statement for instances where you claim to have an ability or experience. Have you provided clear and specific examples to back up your claims?
• Does your statement tell a compelling story? Carefully read over your statement to get a sense of the narrative you have crafted for your reader. Is it a compelling narrative, or have you lapsed into just listing random items from your CV? Make sure your statement is telling a story that gives context for who you are, not just a list of things you’ve done.
• Have you proofread your statement? Even when you’re absolutely sure your statement is in top form, you need to proofread your statement several times to make sure that all typos and grammatical errors have been eliminated. Take breaks after each time you proofread. This way, you will be looking at your statement with fresh eyes every time you read it. You should also take some time to make sure the statement is well-organized and has a proper “flow” in terms of both structure and style. If you’re looking at graduate school application help , you can get a graduate school admissions consultant to look over your essay!

Here's how we helped one of our students get into graduate school!

14 More Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples

Graduate school statement of purpose example #2 (984 words).

When I was 12 years old, my sister suffered a traumatic car accident that left her with PTSD, depression, and severe anxiety. Our parents did not really understand the impact of what she was going through and as a family, we never talked about it much, though we all could witness her pain. So, through my teen years, I watched as a beloved family member struggled with her mental health. Though I did my best to support her through the worst times and assist her in getting professional help, there were still many moments when I felt powerless and clueless in the face of her suffering. This challenging experience set me on the path to pursuing clinical psychology as a career. I wanted to question, dissect, analyze, and hopefully, understand, this mysterious phenomenon that had dominated my life for so long. Through my academic study of psychology and personal experience of my sister’s PTSD, I found that I was particularly interested in clinical psychology with relation to adolescent populations.

From the age of 16 to 21, I worked as a volunteer at an after-school care program for children and teens from disadvantaged backgrounds. While there, I met numerous young people, who had faced starvation, neglect, abuse, and violence, from a very young age, and who needed help to cope with the long-term effects of those early experiences. Working with these kids, helping them through events that might be unimaginable for most adults, further sharpened my interest in how trauma influences the development of generalized anxiety disorders and panic disorders, and in particular, the pre-existing conditions and underlying risk factors for suicide in adolescents with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This is the topic I hope to continue to explore as a Master’s student in the Clinical Psychology program of your university. Thanks to my personal and first-hand experiences with the effects of trauma, I think I can bring a unique perspective to the study of long-term PTSD in adolescents.

Though my core interest in clinical psychology and the effects of trauma started as deeply personal, my scholarly curiosity and intellectual proficiency led me to academic explorations of this subject from a young age. While in high school, I took up Intro to Psychology classes from my local community college and completed a Peer Youth Counselling certificate course from the Ryerson Center for Mental Health. This academic exploration confirmed my desire to study psychology in college, and my coursework through my undergrad years focused on building a broad portfolio of the key areas of psychology, including Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Science, Industrial Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and more. I also took up courses in Biology, Physiology, and Neuroscience to better understand the physical pathologies of adolescent trauma. I believe this thorough grounding in the biological aspects of developmental psychopathology will help me to address the sorely needed requirement for cross-disciplinary research into effective treatment programs for trauma survivors.

Throughout my undergraduate education, I gained research experience that helped me develop the skills and knowledge I need for my clinical psychology graduate studies. For my last two years of undergrad, I worked with Drs. Rebecca Brown, Tyler Baker, and Gary Wolf at the Guntherson Memorial Lab at ABC University, on their studies into the development of substance abuse in adolescents suffering from PTSD. As a research assistant my responsibilities included conducting literature searches, data collection, data entry, supervision of study participants, preparation of research documents, and drafting of participant assessment packets. Thanks to this experience, I was able to develop my valuable observational and data analysis skills and learn more about critical aspects of clinical research such as programming computer tests, investigating study measures, forming hypotheses, supervising participants, and more. I also enrolled in Dr. Brown’s senior level research class and through my final two years of undergrad, I published four research papers on a variety of clinical psychology topics, including a paper on “Depression, Anxiety, and Traumatic Amnesia in Adolescent Survivors of CSA” that was published in the New England Psychology Journal’s June 20XX year issue.

What attracted me to the clinical psychology master’s program at XYZ University was the strong emphasis on diversity in the classroom and cultural context in the curriculum which aligns with my ambition to gain a holistic, socially conscious understanding of trauma manifestations in vulnerable populations. Moreover, your program offers the chance for students to complete two research projects in the world-class research facilities associated with the XYZ University, allowing me to develop and perfect my research skills in the most appropriate environment. I hope to complete these projects under the supervision of your faculty members, Dr. Sally Hendrix and Dr. Mirian Forster, widely considered two of the most brilliant, forward-thinking minds in trauma research today. Their work on the endocrinological risks of anxiety development in adolescents and development of abnormal psychology in CSA survivors is particularly pertinent to my own research interests. With my background in clinical research, my first-hand experience of the effects of trauma, and my deep devotion to and understanding of the pathological effects of adolescent PTSD, I think I can bring a lot to your next master’s cohort.

Through all the clinical experiences and academic knowledge I gained in the last few years, my interest in the questions of trauma, anxiety, and depression continue to be deeply personal. Though my sister survived her teenage years, she continues to live with anxiety and symptoms of PTSD that she doesn’t fully understand. There is still so much about human psychology that we simply don’t know, and I hope to address that gap a little by using the training and education I gain at your university to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology in the future. By seeking the answers to the questions of how trauma can warp an adolescent brain and what we can do to try and manage it, I hope to shed light on an under-represented area of psychology that sorely needs our attention.

During the first year of my undergraduate degree, I took a small course entitled “Third World Development” taught by three rather radical and lively professors from Trinidad, Chile, and Lebanon, respectively. This course, despite its passé title, existed to deconstruct our notions of ‘otherness’ by illustrating the deep connectedness of issues, people, and nations. This theme of ‘connectedness’ is threaded through my research and work history under various labels and theories. My undergraduate research was dedicated to understanding the ways and means of political participation for women in remote Northeast India. I became curious about the role of women as informal politicians within their small collectives where survival literally hinges on connectivity. My time in observation of these women opened me to the idea that health and wellness can emerge from places facing serious food insecurity, poor shelter, corruption, and long distances from the center of national power. The extent to which women could draw upon their collective power and roles as givers of care in order to lobby local governments and participate legitimately in the polity was the very definition of their empowerment. 

During my graduate work at [x] University, public health approaches to vulnerable populations were of particular interest to me. It became clear, during my fieldwork with care providers for women who sell sex and do high-risk drugs in downtown East side, that vulnerable populations around the world often have more in common with each other than with the ‘dominant’ or non-excluded populations. My research led to my questions about the role of social capital, defined in this case as a public good comprised of relationships and networks, in leading to better health outcomes amongst highly marginalized urban women. The mechanisms through which both groups of women, in Northeast India and downtown Vancouver, became able to rely on or reject peers, givers of aid or care, and the social and political systems in which they were enmeshed, are very similar. I have witnessed how health outcomes can be a partial function of connectedness for women on the periphery.

Public health has proven the best venue through which I can search for explicit, concrete evidence that individual and population welfare can be socially determined, by access to and power to make choices regarding housing, education, employment, income, political participation, nutrition, and transportation. I see the centrality of connectedness, to institutions and peers, to the processes that enable an individual to access, choose, and influence. My current work as a policy analyst with the Public Health Agency within the Strategic Initiatives and Innovations Directorate is focused largely on reducing health inequalities by mobilizing action on particular social determinants of health. While this work is important and generally on point, I suspect that the United States and Canada may benefit from exploring the micro-level ‘enablers’ of change with respect to the social determinants of health. These enablers, including social networks as a form of social capital, are sometimes lumped, and incorrectly so, with the more tangible determinants, such as housing and nutrition. I see these enablers as characteristics of favorable environments in which health can be positively affected: in families, neighborhoods, schools, communities, etc.

My proposed dissertation research would fall into the broader goals of studying the social mechanisms by which parental social connections impact the eating behavior of their children as well as the way in which these mechanisms may vary across local neighborhoods. My particular interest is the potentially causal nexus between maternal social networks, neighborhood environments, and the transmission of eating behaviors to children. In effect, my role would be to help operationalize maternal adversity and identify potential moderators on the effects of maternal adversity on obesity and eating behaviors of children.

I am drawn to [X] University School of Kinesiology and Health Studies specifically due to Dr. Spencer Moore’s background in medical anthropology and current work with social network analytic techniques. The application of network theory analytical techniques will be a new endeavor for me, but I am attracted to the study of populations that are not necessarily bound by their geography but by common circumstances, such as maternal adversity, and, potentially, common health effects related to obesity and food behaviors. I want to understand the links between the nature and degree of ties between low-income women and how these ties affect norms related to obesity and food.

The School of Kinesiology and Health Studies is an excellent institution that is well-equipped to support new graduate students interested in innovative ways to explore social challenges. It is here that Dr. Moore is developing an important critical mass surrounding this way of examining social networks as enablers of obesity and food behavior outcomes among marginalized women and their young children.

My prior individual research experiences were qualitative in nature, relying on grounded theory and warranted assertion analysis techniques common to sociological research. I have experience as a research assistant on a larger project studying large, linked quantitative databases of provincial health and corrections data in my home state. Also, I have a sufficient course work history in statistics and epidemiology to be able to make the leap to more advanced quantitative techniques, given access to graduate courses on the subject. Social network analysis is a fascinating way of quantifying social capital and social networks and I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to study these methods and methodologies under Dr. Moore.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #4 (993 words)

As a child of Bangladeshi refugees who fled from war, famine, death, and other horrors I myself have never had to face, I was always attracted to the hidden facts behind the grand narratives of history; the little stories of small people who didn’t leave an impact on major world events but lived, breathed, and worshipped just the same. My parents left everything behind in Bangladesh – their papers, property, lands, family, and friends. It was an erasure of not only their personal history but the history of generations who came before them. As I grew up, I became passionately interested in the history of my ancestors, perhaps as a way of making sense of my own experiences as a second-generation immigrant. I remember how once in grade school, we had to prepare a “family tree” project with the names and photos of our parents, grandparents, and so on. My mother started crying when I asked her for these details and photos; it was a traumatic reminder of all she had lost. I consider this genealogical tree my first history project, as I combed through the internet using the meagre information my mother gave me to supplement my bare project board with a few details. The internet wasn’t very helpful and, needless to say, I proved unsuccessful in finding any information. But it fueled a passion in me for finding out all about where I had come from, and from there, I developed my interest in the social, cultural, military, and economic history of south-east Asia.

I pursued this interest all the way to college, majoring in history with a minor in anthropology, and it was in my undergrad years that my general interest in the history of south-east Asia crystallized into an interest in the politics of historical interpretation, especially in regard to women in pre-modern south-east Asia. The history of women’s spaces, especially under patriarchal regimes, fascinates me; how oral traditions develop to combat lack of literacy, how their social roles shift and change in response to military and economic developments, and finally, how these historical changes constitute the present. Specifically, I am deeply interested in how women’s spaces evolved as a result of colonial influences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I credit a wide range of authors, thinkers, and historians with molding my interests and refining my analysis. The latest papers by BW Anandya, Wazir Jahan Karim, and N Choi about the pathways to religious and political power for women in southeast Asia, profoundly opened up my mind to the possibilities for what we can learn from primary resources about these “lost” populations of history. On the other hand, the philosophical and sociological theories of Edward Said, Gayatri Chakrovorti Spivak, and Homi Bhabha provide the philosophical framework for how I approach my writing.

I have always followed my intellectual curiosity to take on challenging coursework and build a solid academic foundation for my intended pursuit of historical research. Apart from completing the most intensive coursework pertaining to Asian history studies in my department, I also took courses in British History, Postcolonialism, Anthropology, Philosophy, and Women’s Studies, so as to round out my understanding of the key topics related to my area of interest. My professor also allowed me to complete independent studies and research projects in selected areas of my interest such as African American history in Canada and History of Hebrew Scriptures. The study of such diverse historical topics helped to provide greater context to my primary area of interest; I found many interesting parallels between the experiences of oppressed populations in different parts of the world. Three of my papers were published in our university’s academic magazine, and I presented my paper on “Development of Oral Traditions in Women’s Spaces” at the Annual National History Symposium in X year.

In my junior year, I got the chance to write an independent research paper about the historical figure of Savitri Bai Phule, analyzing her community ties from 1920 to 1935, within the framework of Spivak’s concept of “strategic essentialism” and cross-cultural solidarity. This was a major milestone for me as I got the chance to work on my main area of interest while using primary resources on loan from University of Mumbai, including Savitri Bai Phule’s journals, historical Times of India newspapers, and more.

I would love to continue my research into these and other unexplored histories of women in south-east Asia as part of the master’s program at your university. With my personal background, academic proficiency, and focused historical interests, I think I represent an ideal candidate for ABC University. I look forward to working in an environment that encourages diversity, forward-thinking research, and cutting-edge investigative techniques. Your rigorous curriculum will help me refine my understanding of historical investigation methods and expand my consciousness of the cross-cultural socio-economic influences in pre-modern women’s spaces. As an aspiring PhD candidate, I would love to get the chance to tap into ABC University’s extensive network of primary resources, subject matter experts, and trailbreakers. I am very excited to work with Dr. Nina Gupta from the History of Southeast Asia department. I am in communication with her about her findings on historical distortion and its intersection with political agendas in colonial Southeast Asia, as it directly impacts the research I’d like to do. In fact, her encouragement and support motivated me to apply to your master’s program!

My next big goal is to pursue a PhD, also from your university, under Nina Gupta’s supervision. Through my master’s education, I plan to work towards developing my expertise in Southeast Asian women’s studies and making myself an asset for your PhD program. One day, I hope I can become a professor at a top university such as yours, so that I can continue my research into the rich and untapped veins of history just waiting to be investigated and pass on my love for the subject to interested young minds.

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave to me, very early on, was a keen sense of just how unique my childhood was. Though by no means a position of high stature, my mother’s clerking post at the American consulate in Cairo provided us with an immense array of benefits, and those that impacted me most were, unsurprisingly, the plethora of cultural institutions a short walk away from our home. Whether the Coptic, Luxor, or the Grand Egyptian, the first thing I wanted to do each afternoon after getting out of school was to zoom into the cool air of a museum. Even at a young age, I was aware of the complexity of being a light-skinned American kid wandering through these halls, gazing at artifacts of a civilization that far preceded the origins of what I understood to be “western” civilizations. How did I end up here? What was the nature of my relationship to this rich and vast culture that both fascinated me and exacerbated my feelings of being somewhat alien in its midst?

This intersection of cultural and political analysis expanded as I got older and began to unpack the complicated colonial forces that played a part in both early and contemporary Egyptology. As I matured as a student, I became able to articulate questions that had hitherto lived as abstract uneasiness in my head. Curators and guides of many Egyptian museums were reluctant at first to really open up about the pervasive presence of English and North American archaeologists in the 19th century's antiquarian boom, but I was fortunate to have longstanding relationships with many such officials, both through my own wanderings and my parents' work.

As I began to ask more pointed questions and gained the ability to explore museum records on my own, I became overwhelmed by how drastically the Egyptian archaeological "industry" had been shaped by British colonialism, and how this resulted in a still-developing tension between international exhibition and the local or indigenous preservation of civilizational artifacts. My undergraduate work in anthropology has sought to develop a number of theses in this regard, most importantly the need for efforts of artifact repatriation and return from the British Museum as a step toward more complete reconciliation after centuries of extraction.

Throughout my undergraduate research with Professor X at [undergraduate university], I sought to utilize careful historiographical analysis to better support repatriation efforts popularized by former Egyptian antiquities minister Dr. Y. These efforts helped mobilize the X museum in Boston to return a priceless bust of Prince Ankhhaf under Dr. Y’s insistence, which was not only one of the most satisfying moments in my academic career so far but of my life overall.

In addition to the historiographic focus of my work, I’m keen to shift into the present politics around artifact repatriation and reclamation of physical heritage, specifically relating to how contemporary North African political struggles utilize cultural and anthropological discourses. Professor Z’s work in this realm has been hugely influential and inspiring to me, and were I to be admitted to your PhD program it would be an incredible honor to assist her ongoing research in contemporary cultural discourse in Egyptian and Islamic political movements.

I was fortunate to be selected for the American University in Cairo’s Presidential Internship program in 2019, just after graduating. Returning to Cairo for the first time since I was 13 years old was incredible but bittersweet in some ways. The lens through which I observed many of the institutions I’d mythologized as a child was far more critical, and I realized that my graduate work would necessarily be inflected by this added layer of complexity and disillusionment. If admitted to this PhD program in anthropology, I would seek to capitalize on this personal experience. I think it’s incumbent upon people who have lived in anthropological intersections like this—in my case specifically as an unwitting addition to longstanding “Western” colonial presence in North Africa—to produce academic work that illuminates the political and cultural tensions that they’ve hitherto experienced as largely subjective phenomena.

To this end, I propose utilizing modeling techniques common to digital-archaeological projects in Egyptological studies to support a more culturally-focused analysis of the flow of expropriation during the heyday of colonial extraction in the early 20th century. I believe that object-oriented models of provenance can be utilized to support analysis of ongoing repatriation discourse. This would build on Professor X’s work mentioned above, providing more graphic and tangible insights into emancipatory nationalist and post-nationalist movements in contemporary Egypt and North Africa in general.

If admitted to ______'s graduate program, I would not only seek to contribute to the program's ongoing scholarship as a student, but would hope to continue working collaboratively with the department once I move into independent scholarship and teaching following graduation. I feel especially passionate about forming long-term relationships with faculty given the scarcity of nuanced scholarship that addresses the intersections of anthropology, political science, and archaeology in Egyptological studies. Teaching and research have guided every step of my journey so far, and I know without a doubt that this is my path forward as well. As such, I would seek to serve as a paragon not only of ________’s interdisciplinarity and intellectual inventiveness to my future students, but to continue to be a productive and prominent member of _____’s research cohort no matter where I end up teaching. 

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #6 (859 words)

My road to mechanical engineering began with my dad unceremoniously kicking me out of the kitchen. By the time I was in kindergarten, I couldn’t resist rummaging through my family’s cupboards, trying to find something to take apart and rebuild it. This became a running joke in my family that, rather than knives or other sharp objects, I had to be kept away from screwdrivers, lest I end up taking the whole house apart. This all changed when I discovered desktop computers, and specifically GPUs, which I found endlessly fascinating in their ability to be easily disassembled and modified.

Although my free time during high school was indeed spend huddled over computer hardware much the way my childhood was, I became interested in the capabilities of redirecting the work capacity of hardware, and in particular the ability to reorganize the way hardware acceleration can be optimized to assist in Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tasks in manufacturing. During my undergraduate work at X University, I developed an interest in machine learning while working on Dr. Cheboygan’s ongoing research in augmenting GPU software to better optimize their performance in general-purpose computations. In both my senior thesis and independent study blocks, Dr. and I studied a number of potential workarounds for latency bottlenecks relating to DDR5 infrastructure.

This phase of my research cemented my desire to continue on with both machine learning and CAE, and it’s precisely around these points that I’d like to develop my MSc thesis. Specifically, I want to build on the considerable research on GPU acceleration I undertook during my BS in order to further expand upon shifts in both manufacturing and product design. As abstract as this work has been in many ways, its end result would be to streamline workflows for product engineers that will greatly speed up the process of dealing with intractable problems relating to bottlenecking by physics computations.

I’m motivated to address sophisticated problems like this for a fairly non-academic reason. Throughout the last two years, I’ve participated in organization drives with X organization, my region’s largest manufacturing union. Admittedly, I came to this work with quite personal motivations, having seen my mother’s engineering positions often under attack by naïve or even ignorant efforts to automate various aspects of product design. My work with this union sought to argue, from a scientific perspective, the need to improve both software and hardware using human-supervised machine learning and not wholesale robotic automation. Rather than downsizing and eliminating human positions in the manufacturing process, I offered data to union leadership that showed how a minimal investment in technological upgrades at the level of product implementation could preserve job security for product engineers and implementation supervisors while vastly speeding up the manufacturing process to deliver an increased output of nearly 80% in some cases.

This was immeasurably satisfying, and although not every negotiation was a success, I was able to contribute something unique to a class of workers who I felt had suffered under an outmoded and overly aggressive model of automation for nearly 20 years. In short, I would like to pursue graduate work in mechanical engineering at Z University because I think my work can have an overwhelmingly positive impact in aspects of labor tensions relating to instrumentation and automation. I think that through careful work in machine learning and deep learning, we can target specific aspects of the manufacturing process that have proven to be flashpoints of conflict between engineers and administrators.

The department's emphasis on teaching throughout the graduate program is also a huge draw for me. I tutored privately throughout my undergraduate years, and volunteered at my school's learning center to help students not only with introductory engineering courses but also calculus and linear algebra. Reconnecting to this passion for high-level mathematics, I would seek to work with Dr. Muskegon and Dr. Flint to both participate in and utilize their research in computational methods to clarify the mathematical dimension of my proposed thesis. Dr. Muskegon’s recent publications in the International Journal of Computer Theory and Engineering are especially relevant to this work, as I believe my course of study would benefit greatly by implementing her utilization of novel approaches to principal component analysis.

Lastly, on a simpler note, I’ve always been drawn to the West Coast, and would love to explore the wilder, mountainous areas North of Vancouver during my free time. Growing up in the flatlands of the Midwest seeded a very strong desire for the “big landscape” areas of Western Canada, and I can think of no better compliment to the abstract and small-scale work I’d be undertaking in the mechanical engineering program than to spend my free weekends hiking and camping in places like Coquitlam mountain Which is to say, simply, that I believe UBC is an ideal location for my next phase of scholarship not only because of its academic innovation and integrity, but because its surrounding environment is both beautiful and inspirational. I would arrive and continue to be an enthusiastic and incredibly engaged student in UBC’s MSc program, and I would be honored to assist in the incredible work being undertaken by both faculty and fellow graduate students alike.

Not many students seek to spend their gap year surrounded by the choking aroma of sulfur, but I will readily admit to being just such a student. After 4 years spent in a blur of library lighting and research, I found myself in desperate need of immersion into both Soto zen Buddhism and Japanese culture more generally. So, after some careful planning, I spent 4 months last year working in an onsen in Fukui, spending my 1 day off each week wandering around the shrines interspersed between Echizen and Kyoto and generally trying to soak up every bit of soto history I could.

My real wish was granted near the end of my time in Fukui, when I was accepted for a 1-week sesshin at Eiheiji castle. This was the fulfillment of a desire I’d stoked throughout my BA work in Asian studies at X University. Throughout my research, I’d devoted considerable time to analyzing concepts of time in extended religious ritual, and at Eiheiji, I was able to not only observe this in action but to experience it directly as well. My personal relationship to zen was not especially developed prior to this point, but after just the first step through Eihiji’s main gate, I felt something shift in me, and knew that I wanted to dedicate my academic career to exploring not just zen but soto ontology specifically.

To this end, my dissertation with the religious studies department would seek to utilize ongoing scholarship by professor Farmington in discussions of temporal dilation and dissolution in religious ritual. At Eihiji, and in sesshin settings specifically, there are numerous conceptualizations of time that are at odds with typical monastic linearity, and I believe incorporating a more careful analysis of temporal augmentation is key to unpacking the metaphysics of both sesshin and “intensive” events in other traditions as well. I may feel a personal connection to much of what I’ve studied and written about so far, but I feel an even stronger dedication to exegesis of religious ritual experience for the sake of furthering philosophical and theological discussion across traditions.

My abiding love for Soto zen is a key motivator in this project, but I come to this study earnestly and with academic rigor. Interfaith dialogue has been a constant part of my life outside of academia. Throughout high school I volunteered a great deal of time with both Saint Sophia Orthodox church and Bharatiya Hindu temple in [hometown]. This provided not only opportunities to engage in beneficial community projects, but also myriad opportunities to discuss theological and doctrinal matters with people outside my own religious practice. These activities, much like my enthralling experiences in Fukui, clarified and concentrated my desire to pursue high-level scholarship in religious studies.

Your program will allow me to pursue interdisciplinary studies that will touch upon more than just community interfaith dialogue. My early undergraduate years heavily focused on Western philosophy, and specifically German idealism. Dr. Huron’s work in examining influxes of hermeticism and esotericism in general in this tradition is incredibly fascinating to me, and while my thesis doesn’t directly touch on it, I am quite curious about potential intersections of Western esoteric ritual and Soto Zen ritual, specifically their descriptions of atemporal experience. Indiana university’s overarching emphasis on collaborative work, and especially the religious studies department’s similar commitment to intersectional and comparative analysis, is a massive draw for me. Although Northwestern’s Asian studies department boasted a number of interdisciplinary and cross-specialty working groups, the offerings at IU are significantly more numerous and broader in scope, and I would be honored to participate in the East Asian epistemology working group especially. The paper I presented at last year’s International Conference on Buddhist Philosophical Studies centered on epistemological contradiction in Yunmen’s koans, and I think there’s a great deal of room in my proposed project to explore theories of knowledge in relation to the discussions of ritual temporality and chronology.

While I certainly found aspects of my time working in an onsen exhausting, the difficulty of the work and communication therein was a challenge I greatly enjoyed. I would bring this newly enhanced sense of dedication and discipline to graduate studies at[BeMo3] Indiana university, and, gratefully, be able to formalize an ongoing academic project that’s deeply connected to the religious and cultural experiences I had during this time as well. I feel profoundly ready, in other words—ready for both advanced scholarship and the semi-monastic lifestyle that best supports this work. My week at Eiheiji was transformative in a few ways, but perhaps the most unexpected of which was the way it showed me what I already knew about myself from a clarified or even purified perspective, and I know without a doubt that the zeal I felt bloom within me is inextricable from continuing along the path toward doctoral research and eventually teaching.

Note how the following personal statement is truly personal and after reading this statement you feel like you know this applicant already. They also leave you feeling a lot of emotions. Both warm and sad. And that's good. You want to create some sort of emotion in the admissions committee members that read your personal statement:

As an applicant to _________, I am one among many candidates who acknowledges the highly diverse and appealing culture of the campus. As an immigrant candidate, I am among those individuals who acknowledge their gratitude for a country that has enabled them to explore endless opportunities and to write this very statement. I have been given an opportunity, one which lets me offer a glimpse of my individuality, the story behind my journey, my capabilities and future possibilities for _________. In recognizing my ethnicity, my academic progression, continuous community involvement, work experiences, and strong regard for _________, I have been equipped with the passion, knowledge and determination to pursue __________.

My journey was challenging, but has characterized the woman I've become, and solidified the mark I want to leave in this world. In addressing my ethnicity as an Assyrian, I was born in Iraq. At the tender age of 4, my family and I fled to Turkey as refugees in hopes of safety, and were eventually granted acceptance to_________. My parents' relentless will to leave all they had known to offer my siblings and I a safer environment, one which would enable us to flourish with opportunities, was inspiring and admirable. Assimilating into another culture was seemingly difficult. However, leaving Iraq was necessary to ensure I had a future, one that would allow me to learn, experience, and eventually become a_______.

“Why have you decided to pursue____?”. A question that seems direct, however, can be daunting to simplify in two pages. Coming from an oppressed war nation of extremists, justice is buried among the remnants of homes. My early exposure to a war-stricken environment led to a realization and eventually a passion; my relentless pursuit for social justice. My culture has also enabled me to express patience and understanding to individuals of all backgrounds. Openness is the very ingredient, which echoes within _____and, is expected of ______students attending _________. I offer a distinct diversity in representing a small and underrepresented group of individuals; I speak Assyrian, an ancient language of Aramaic, spoken during the early times of Mesopotamia. With a passion for linguistics, I have also become advanced in speaking Arabic and French. Diversifying my communication is a trait I can bring forward to _________ as the backbone of the school thrives in multiculturalism and offers multiple global/international opportunities. Moving forward I want to continue utilizing my personal experience and platform to advocate for families displaced, as I strive to be at the forefront of international affairs.

My university career, employment, and volunteer experiences have further fueled my passion for _______. Additionally, they have enhanced my academic thought, cultural awareness and critical approach in _________. The education I gained at________, with a major in Criminology and minor in Political Science provided me with an advanced knowledge of political relations. As a student, I gained the research skills to analyze individual behavior and public policies. I analyzed criminal patterns, from a theoretical and statistical standpoint. The analytical framework and organizational skills I gained are notable qualities that I can apply to my studies. During my entire university career, I remained employed and at times held two occupations. Additionally, I held an internship, played soccer, and remained active within the community in partaking in numerous charity events, and associations, such as Transition 2 Betterness, Heart & Stroke, and Social Science Society. My internship at the Border Services Agency strengthened my regard for national security, while sports taught me discipline, effective communication, and team collaboration. Furthermore, my passion in music, has led me to explore creativity with artists of all backgrounds. Having written multiple songs, and recorded with a variety of artists, I have challenged my writing abilities and allowed myself to be vulnerable and ready to grow. My ability to balance employment, volunteer, academics and music has characterized my motivation to improve myself as a student, and as a________.

Alternatively, my career experiences have tested my creativity in utilizing various resources to achieve my end goal. In the 3 years I spent within the recruitment/consulting industry, I gained a professional outlook and got an insight into the competitive market. As a Scientific Recruiter, I worked alongside scientists/chemists and medical doctors, to ensure they found a suitable opportunity. Through technical screenings and developmental feedback, I was able to strategize and prepare the candidates for client interviews. As an Account Manager, I led the first Scientific Division for my company. I worked 60 hour weeks for two years to build a pipeline and plant the seeds for new business relationships. I partnered up with clients across the __________ area within various industries; pharmaceuticals, consumers and hospitals. Through extensive business development, I assisted clients by finding candidates that were technically and culturally a fit. My experience within sales was challenging, and at times exhausting, but taught me patience. I was able to gain a multitude of survival skills that can certainly be applied to _________. I learned to self-start, self-motivate, and lastly, I learned that at times you will fail, but that does not mean you have failed. As an Academic Consultant at ________, I assist graduate students with their application and interview process to Medical and Dentistry School. We examine problematic scenarios, address pressing issues, and explore multiple strategies. Evidently, I am apt to apply a similar critical perspective to further my research by exploring multiple measures to gain a diversified analysis.

Through my non-profit partnerships; my role as a War Child Catalyst for War Child and Journalist for Observatory Media, I have gained cultural awareness in international relations and advanced my researching and writing abilities. As a War Child Catalyst, I created my own committee, One Army, which raises funds for families and precisely children affected by war. As a journalist, I have furthered my knowledge of current Canadian policies and generated awareness for displaced individuals.

Upon my acceptance to _______in the _______ program, I hope to advance my critical thought and awareness in international affairs and national security, through a calculated evaluation. I will also advance my focus through a _______ Diploma that is offered. With a variety of courses, such as ____________, __________, and __________, I will adopt a dynamic perspective to direct my thesis. In addition, I hope to collaborate with ________ and ____________, notable professors with substantive work regarding national security. With respect to campus involvement, I will see that my experiences will be utilized as I plan to join the _________, ensuring I will be at the forefront of political and social justice issues.

As examined, my work experience, passionate community involvement, and academics will enable me to not only apply but also excel at ___________. How will we ensure national security when our nationalism is questionably crippled by our democratic stance towards multiculturalism? An ironic question which I intend to explore, and one which I have prepared for my entire life.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #9 (1705 words)

A statement of purpose is a chance to tell the story of your life. Your statement is not only a celebration of your triumphs, but also a true reflection on the challenges and struggles you have faced. Remember, you cannot victimize yourself in the essay. Rather than simply talking about your difficulties, make sure to emphasize how you overcame them. Create a captivating narrative of how events in your life led to this moment - your decision to apply to grad school:

My desire to join the world of social work proved innate and organic since the pillars of the field parallel the way I lead my personal and professional life. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to promoting and helping employees grow and thrive personally and in the workplace. This dedication to implementing a living salary, continued education, financial literacy and equal opportunity sparked my interest to further my educational path since these practices within the working environment were not commonplace. Through my work experience I saw a need for financial literacy as I watched employees work multiple jobs and struggle to make ends meet. I saw the insurmountable stress that people faced on a daily basis and how much it negatively affected stability within their lives. I knew that I needed to do something that proved longer lasting and further reaching. I decided to set out to not only change the dynamic of financial capability for all, but also to help people to cope with the stress of our fast-changing environment.

My trajectory towards my goals in the world of social work started with one of the largest challenges of my life. While attending X College, I received the devastating news that I had early signs of cancer, requiring invasive and immediate treatment. Shortly thereafter, I also lost my home. These hardships caused a shift in my focus, priorities, and ultimate trajectory of my educational path. These humbling experiences afforded me the privilege of learning to maintain strength, perseverance, empathy and humility, despite the adversities.

My perseverance and dedication to finding my footing in the world again allowed me to begin the journey of running restaurants at the age of twenty-five. After experiencing poverty, debilitating anxiety and a decline in my own health I knew that creating a safe environment for people to thrive in was of the utmost importance to me. I took the lessons I learned through my experiences into my career and created policy within the businesses that I ran that reflected my dedication to implementing a living wage for all employees. Specifically, I standardized paid time off, extended sick leave, improved access to healthcare, and facilitated equal opportunity for all people that desired growth. My new position allowed me to offer personal mentorship, helping employees advance within the company and in the growing hospitality industry as a whole. This was incredibly rewarding for me, especially when I was able to see those who I mentored move on in their career to build enriched and financially stable lives.

When I moved on from this company, I carried my ethos with me into my next three

businesses. I became a general manager at a restaurant, opened a distillery for the bar, and started my own hospitality consulting business. Now, not only did I dedicate myself to treating employees ethically, I also was persistent in investigating the companies I used to supply the businesses that I oversaw. While working for the restaurant, I made multiple trips a year to Mexico to ensure that the products I purchased for the business were from companies that did not exploit or undercut their employees. In conjunction with my stand on supporting ethical business practices, I was given the opportunity to also open a mezcal distillery with [X name] in Tijuana. By opening the distillery, we were able to provide access to electricity, running water, transportation and basic human needs to the village where the mezcal was made. The experience I gained at this point in my life changed my trajectory of what I truly wanted to pursue, planting a seed for me to fight for change within my field of work.

When I made the decision to leave the hospitality industry it was innately due to the fact that I couldn’t continue to be part of an industry that primarily cared about their bottom line and not the people that worked to ensure their success. I left knowing that I wanted to redirect my life and embark on making changes that were designed to help lift people out of difficult situations to ultimately generate stability, prosperity and fulfillment. I wanted to ensure that progressive changes I spearheaded would prove wider reaching and longer lasting. I knew I wanted to be a mentor, a coach and a financial planner since I was privileged and honored to be in the positions I was granted in life, I wanted to share what I had learned with others.

In an effort to gain experience I have been honored to have the opportunity to volunteer as a crisis Counselor for Crisis Line. During my time working as a counselor I have seen a common trend amongst people in crisis which resonated with me; lack of access to healthcare and financial disparity. This work, that I continue to do weekly, has shown me the fundamental need for people to not only have financial security but also to have access to healthcare which includes mental health services. This experience furthered my understanding on how financial instability can cause a milieu of problems and can be at the root of anxiety, stress and affect mental health in an adverse way. Without access to channels that teach financial literacy and techniques to cope with stress on a continuous basis, I knew that any relief I did bring might be short lived. There is still a need for dependable, ongoing care that I would not be able to give unless I decided to continue my education and further my mission to help people live a stable and prosperous life.

When I started looking into social work, X University was my first choice. I’m inspired to learn from the brilliant minds of coveted professors at X School, whose work includes devoting tireless time and effort to social change, innovation and diversity. I feel that there are many like-minded professors that share my passions and goals within the school.

I am inspired by the idea of being placed in the field, to allow me the privilege of gaining some real-life experience, paralleling my studies, and ultimately allowing me to explore the multiple facets that make up the large body of social work. I am confident that I will be able to fully devote myself to the program and will not have the added responsibility of working while I am in school. Should I be accepted, the X School is one I am confident will prepare me to meet my goals, give me the relevant field experience that I am seeking, and will prepare me to be a future leader in the field of social work.

When I made the decision that I would like to pursue graduate work at X University, I knew that there would be costs that I would have to consider and navigate if I were granted acceptance. I have over half of the funds in savings for school from when I was working in the hospitably industry and plan on applying to The X Scholarship Fund, The XY Scholarship, and hope to be awarded the X Merit Scholarship. After savings and possible scholarships, I would like to apply for a stipend with the X Project.

What I am hoping to focus on while attending X University are the core challenges of building financial capability for all and reducing extreme economic inequality. Since financial literacy is an optional topic for California teachers to incorporate in their lesson plans, it has become extremely illusive in our educational programs statewide. The implications of this lack of education can create and has created broad economic impacts that will affect our local and state economies and could result in further layoffs, another crash in the housing market and people facing even more insurmountable debt. The people that will be most affected by this illiteracy, those that are marginalized and face a lower socioeconomic status, will harbor the brunt of these negative impacts. Through higher education I am hoping to learn how to tackle this problem and implement financial proficiency not only for children and teenagers but also make it widely available and free for all adults who wish to benefit from this education. We have many programs in the state of California that aid low income families so that they can meet their everyday needs. If we do not make financial education programs widely available how are these families expected to eventually exit these programs and become self-sufficient? Without educated consumerism, families can find themselves trapped in the cycle of poverty.

While providing individuals and families with the resources needed for financial literacy it will be increasingly important to also implement cognitive behavioral therapy that will aid them during this transitional period. Changing the way people view and navigate economic difficulties can be stressful and create a level of anxiety that is associated with dramatic change. Even when change is for the better it can still manifest into feelings of stress and uncertainty. I am hoping to learn how to help people through the anxiety of uncertainty so that they are able to approach and navigate their daily lives with collected confidence. I’m interested in learning about classic ways to approach anxiety and also new techniques and therapies such as the recent research on psychedelic therapies, mindfulness and nature-based therapies.

While my background and areas of interest might seem unorthodox, I am hoping that the experience and knowledge I’ve gained within the workforce has prepared me to seek higher education. Through being in the positions I have been granted in life I have been able to gain skills that are necessary when implementing change and facing a career of helping others; such as maintaining boundaries, possessing the ability to be empathetic in stressful situations and being able to plan and manage time and money far into the future. My experiences have inspired me to drive to fight for implementing resonating, impactful change, to ultimately help in the fight towards propelling the progress and growth of our global society and community forward. Should I be accepted I am certain that I will gain exemplary knowledge and skill to become a future leader in the field of social work through the forward thinking, brilliant minds of the professors at X University. 

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #10 (738 words)

Oil is in more than my family’s blood. It’s in our history, too. When I was a child, my grandfather told me a story about his own father and the discovery of oil. My great-grandfather worked for Imperial Oil, and back in the 1940s, his team had been tasked with finding new oil reserves to drill into. After several failed attempts, the team had dug up nothing but dirt, and their expectations were low. My great-grandfather was considering taking work elsewhere to pay the bills. By chance, the team decided to drill in a location nearly 100 km away from their latest attempt. No on else had drilled in the area yet, and it wasn’t on anyone’s radar. My grandfather, a teenager at the time, happened to be out that day with his father, learning the ropes and watching the drill sink deeper and deeper into the earth. Tensions were high as they waited, drilling past the point where oil was normally found. My grandfather described it as a strike of lightning coming out of the earth—black gold shot out of the hole and rained down on the derrick and soaking the crew. They’d struck oil at last. Their discovery led to an economic boom, and my family has stayed in the oil and petroleum business ever since.

My grandfather and my father both worked in the oil industry their entire lives. My grandfather worked with the same derrick that saved his father’s livelihood, using it to locate new wells until it was decommissioned. Growing up, I absorbed a great deal about the industry from my father, who explained to me how petroleum products could be found in almost all of our everyday products, from the plastic toothbrushes in our bathrooms to the heating systems of our homes. He was always encouraging me to find out how things worked, to be curious about the world around me. As a kid I was always building and rebuilding personal projects, from my first Lego sets to my initial attempts at concocting an all-natural surface cleaner that wouldn’t give my mom an allergic reaction.

My vision for myself as a rig worker alongside my dad morphed into getting my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. It allowed me to pursue my passion for reinvention while keeping my busy mind happy with new problems to solve. I dived into exploring the energy industry, attending lectures, speaking with industry experts, reading and researching, and even driving six hours away to attend a conference on the future of renewable energy. During my summers off from school, I helped my grandfather install solar panels at his home. Oil had been my grandfather’s life and livelihood, but he always encouraged me to think of the future of energy, and if I needed new solutions, to “dig another hole”. I was fortunate to have stellar examples of perseverance and hard work in my life, and to have an instilled passion for and connection to such a dynamic and challenging career.

After graduation, I took a job with ExxonMobil, where I have worked for several years as a petroleum engineer. My most significant projects have centered on developing computer modeling software, to improve the safety of workers and efficiency of drilling and extracting operations. I have also been involved in developing software which tests for and anticipates any geological shifts that can impact drilling or mining operations. I knew the moment I received my undergraduate degree that I wanted to take the next step, so I have taken opportunities to advance myself with professional development courses and volunteered to act as the company’s regional representative at key industry events. I also delivered a speech at the Oil and Gas Symposium on the benefits of cleaner oil extraction and production, and how my company has invested in new technologies to achieve these results.

I want to pursue my master’s in petroleum engineering because it will allow me to move into newer, more niche circles of this industry. It will allow me to use my innovation, my passion and my experience to find better, cleaner ways of using our energy resources and our petroleum reserves. Further education will help me continue to grow as a professional in the oil industry and become a part of the next wave of invention. It will allow me to be on the next team that strikes metaphorical oil and unearths the future of energy.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #11 (755 words)

Public health issues have always been a beast with many heads for me. The preservation and education of public health is a multifaceted, multidisciplinary effort, and the ongoing problems that contribute to public health concerns are the same. They cross disciplines and socioeconomic classes. The dynamic nature of public health as always been of interest to me, from the time I first experienced some of the problems affecting my hometown community’s health and well-being. Homelessness was a longstanding and noticeable problem in our community, exacerbated by issues like drug addiction, poor mental health resources and prejudice. While not all of these are considered direct public health matters, they are all connected threads of a deeper, darker beast.

I was aware of these problems in my community on a surface level, but as I grew up I began to take notice and pay more attention. My father served as a city councillor for many years, and we often attended community events together as a family. One of his favorite things to say was that “everyone can contribute something”, whether we were gathering food bank donations, fundraising for the local town arena or volunteering at the soup kitchen. Everyone pitched in. Everyone contributed something of their time, or money or care. The community worked together to address points of concern. When I sat in on council meetings my father attended, I saw the issues of homelessness and drug addiction were often debated and discussed. Everyone was trying to collaborate on a solution. Meanwhile, very little was actually being done to address the problems, and they continued to worsen. One of the town homeless shelters was shut down after the provincial government pulled funding, and the community saw an uptick in health-related issues, especially among marginalized groups.

I volunteered at homeless shelters in my area for many years, and I heard firsthand the struggles about getting access to healthcare resources such as counseling, safe prescriptions and even first aid. Without the homeless shelter and the more comprehensive resources it provided, such as safe sites and mental health counseling, people were struggling. The shelter coordinators had previously worked long hours to be able to provide the resources they could, but they’d never received enough funding to implement anything more than band-aid solutions. Even after the homeless shelter was shut down, several staff members did what they could to help regular clients at the shelter. After the shelter closed, we lost many of our regular visitors since they could no longer access medical care. Many individuals were arrested on drug charges, exacerbating the tension between the marginalized members of the community and the police, and taxing an overtaxed system.

Experiencing these things at an impressionable age sparked the desire in me to be of service to the community. One more set of helping hands was always welcome, and as my dad told me: “everyone can contribute something.” I wanted to contribute. I decided to study for my Bachelor of Science in social work, intending to continue my work with the homeless and do what I could to improve public health in my community. I’ve worked as a social worker for the past 5 years, as a counselor, advocate and friend of the homeless members of our community. I’ve worked to educate and raise awareness, supervise the installation of temporary homeless shelters, collect and distribute donations, and host free skill-building classes. I’ve been privileged to grow from an eager volunteer to a professional public health and social worker who demonstrates empathy, compassion, creativity and resilience.

However, in fighting this multi-headed beast I realize the problems easily multiply. I can defeat one issue for a while, and two new ones pop up. I wanted to be a part of ending the problems once and for all.

By getting my Master’s in Public Health, I’ll be able to gain a deeper and more nuanced education of the issues surrounding public health. I’ll be able to use that education and my growing professional skills to make sustainable changes in communities like mine. I’ll be able to test and implement solutions that fit the community instead of imposing cookie-cutter solutions to diverse and complex situations. I’ll be able to contribute in a meaningful way.

To your program I will bring my drive and my passion for public health, as well as the skills I’ve built as a social worker, volunteer and community member. I know I have more to give back, and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of the solution.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #12 (896 words)

I remember exactly where I was when the shelter-in-place order was issued. I was at my teacher’s aide desk in Ms. Colburn’s sixth grade homeroom class, poring over the lesson plan for the day and making notes in the margins. When my email notification dinged on my open laptop in front of me, my future in education was changed forever. The email was notifying us that our lives and jobs as we knew them were about to change. We were told to return home and await further instructions. From that point on, I didn’t step foot in a classroom again for over a year.

Being a teacher had been my dream since I myself was in sixth grade. When I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Education, I found a position as a teacher’s aide at Woodward Elementary School. The opportunity to work in the classroom, interact with students and watch them grow and question and discover and collaborate and learn, was a dream come true. I hadn’t yet worked at Woodward a year before the pandemic irreversibly changed the way we educate. As a new educational professional, the pandemic threw an undeniable wrench in my future plans, and it tested my developing skills with challenges I could never have expected. However, it also presented me with opportunities I never would have had otherwise.

The first week of staying at home, I was trying to get organized, install new software on my work laptop, gather my notes and adapt to a working situation that was sometimes changing on a daily basis. My sister called to check up on me, and while we talked she asked if I could do her a favor. My niece was struggling with the new normal, learning how to switch to e-learning when learning in a traditional classroom had already been difficult for her. My niece was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and she’d explained before how she had trouble focusing, keeping herself organized and on task, and sometimes struggled to understand her homework assignments. As a student, I often helped tutor her in my free time and help her develop tools for educational success. We worked together to create a weekly schedule, practice tricks to keep her focused and alert, and established mental health “check-ins”. Since starting her schoolwork from home, her old tools weren’t enough. The changes to her school life and the anxiety caused by uncertainty were overwhelming her. Of course, I agreed to resume our tutoring sessions in my free time. This was a new situation for everyone, and there wasn’t as many resources or accommodations for my niece as there were in her old classroom. So, we improvised. I taught her how to use the new technologies and adapt them to her needs. I helped her find and test out virtual scheduling apps and websites to suit her. We also put her in touch with a virtual counselor who could help her with her mental health. I encouraged her to take “screen breaks” and start new activities at home to help her when she started to lose focus. We began a game of virtual checkers and other mobile games to provide her a fun break when she needed it. The change in my niece was undeniable. Her mental health was better, her social skills improved, and she was adapting to her schoolwork and actually enjoying her virtual lessons. Despite missing her friends, she made her grade that year on the honor roll, and I couldn’t have been prouder.

The students weren’t the only ones who I worked with to improve mental health and morale. My fellow teachers and I kept in touch to coordinate our lessons, of course, but we also started to notice the dip in our mental health. I began a weekly “zoom coffee” chat for social time and a disconnect from work. I also joined online teachers’ groups where I could share my experiences and ask for advice. Having a community, even a virtual one, helped me immensely. It reminded me that although the way in which we were educating was very different, we could still recreate and adapt to our circumstances. Even if I spent my entire career as a teacher using e-learning and digital teaching tools, I knew I could thrive.

I want to pursue my Master’s Degree in Education and Digital Resources to further develop my professional skillset in e-learning knowledge and resources. With a master’s degree, I can adjust to the change in circumstances and better equip myself to be a teacher and educator post-pandemic. I will also have the tools to address the new challenges and realities of digital education. I’ll be able to continue my passion for teaching, despite any hardships encountered, and in fact help students flourish. By working utilizing the skills I’ll gain, I’ll be able to work better with students who are unfamiliar with e-learning technology, have learning disabilities or other struggles with digital education.

The pandemic complete changed the trajectory of my teaching career, but as the field has so dramatically altered in recent years, it made sense for me to go back to school and continue developing myself professionally. I know I will be able to contribute meaningfully, too, with my experiences earned during the pandemic. Moving forward, I know I will be able to be a better teacher than ever in a post-pandemic world.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #13 (593 words)

That morning, a frail Mrs. Jones, surrounded by machines and a labyrinth of tubes, shared her wish: to end her life with dignity. That poignant moment during my early years as a medical intern brought the latent interest, which had been subtly brewing in the backdrop of my academic and professional pursuits, sharply into focus. It ignited an ardent quest to delve deeper into the moral and ethical dimensions of healthcare - the world of bioethics.

Reflecting back, even during my undergraduate years, the intersection of biology and morality seemed unavoidable. I pursued a dual major in Biology and Philosophy, a combination that perfectly mirrored my growing interest in the interplay between life sciences and ethical considerations. During a seminar, I led a spirited debate on the ethical nuances of genetic manipulation, emphasizing both its groundbreaking potential and moral pitfalls. This experience solidified my appreciation for informed discourse and strengthened my skills in analyzing multifaceted ethical dilemmas.

As I transitioned into the professional sphere, this inclination towards bioethics only intensified. At the hospital, beyond the typical responsibilities of an intern, I initiated the formation of a junior ethics committee, primarily comprising young healthcare professionals. Leading this committee, I oversaw discussions on a myriad of subjects, from the rights of the terminally ill to the implications of genetic testing. The committee was instrumental in crafting a set of guidelines for the ethical distribution of resources during health crises, with my detailed proposal on ventilator allocation during an influenza outbreak being unanimously adopted.

Yet, the world outside the hospital held more lessons. I championed health equality as a core member of a grassroots organization “BioEthicalGrounds”. In one notable project, I designed a community engagement campaign titled “Grassroots Perspectives on Life Sciences” targeting underserved populations, educating them on the bioethical implications of genomic data storage and its potential misuse. This endeavor further underscored the significance of comprehensive knowledge and sound judgment when confronting bioethical challenges head-on.

Understanding the need for a structured foundation, I sought formal education in bioethics. I enrolled in a year-long certification course where I delved into the theoretical underpinnings of bioethical dilemmas and contributed to a published paper on the "Ethical Dimensions of Genetic Privacy."

Now, standing at this crossroad, Columbia University's distinguished Bioethics program seems to be the right path for me. Its unique blend of rigorous academic training and real-world applications represents the ideal avenue for my aspirations. Situated in the heart of New York, a nexus of global health organizations, Columbia offers unparalleled opportunities. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum and emphasis on active engagement align seamlessly with my experiential background.

Moving ahead, my primary focus at Columbia University will be to research the ethical implications of advanced genomic techniques in prenatal testing. The rapid advancements in this area are pushing the boundaries of our ethical frameworks, especially when considering the potential for designer babies and socioeconomic implications of access to such technologies. I am particularly intrigued by how religious, cultural, and socio-economic contexts influence the moral decisions of families when confronted with the choices these technologies present.

My journey, starting from that dawn with Mrs. Jones, has been one of continuous exploration, leadership, and an unyielding drive to understand and act on bioethical concerns. I'm eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities Columbia's Bioethics program offers, hoping to bring my diverse experiences into the fold and drive forth the discourse on bioethics in innovative ways. With a comprehensive education, hands-on leadership roles, and an unwavering commitment to ethical considerations in healthcare, Columbia is the next logical step in my journey.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #14 (809 words)

My earliest memory is punctuated by a cacophony of notes emanating from the family grand piano. That formative moment, watching my mother gracefully dance her fingers across the ivory keys, illuminating our modest living room with Chopin’s harmonies, sowed in me an unyielding passion for music. It was more than just auditory appreciation; it was the realization that music, in its purest form, was an encapsulation of history, culture, emotion, and the spiritual essence of humanity.

My musical odyssey took root with formal piano lessons at the age of six, forging a disciplined regime of mastering scales and refining finger techniques. This dedication soon bore fruit when, at twelve, I secured a place in the esteemed "Young Pianists' Showcase" competition. Preparing for this event, I meticulously studied Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," not only mastering its rhythm and melodies but also delving into its history and the maestro's inspirations. Competing against a myriad of talented peers and being adjudicated by accomplished musicians wasn't merely an avenue to demonstrate my skill. It was a profound immersion into classical music's vast universe, each composition narrating tales of bygone eras, legendary composers, and the societies they graced. While the accolades from such competitions were heartening, they also ignited an unwavering curiosity about the stories and cultural fabric behind every note and composition.

In high school, I was given the opportunity to lead our school orchestra, a position that added another layer to my musical foundation. Leading an ensemble of diverse instruments and temperaments required much more than a proficiency in music. It demanded leadership, an acute understanding of each instrument's intricacies, and the ability to weave a tapestry of sound that resonated with audiences. One of my most significant achievements was reconstructing a lesser-known Baroque-era composition and adapting it for our ensemble, a task that combined my skills in performance, leadership, and historical research.

Parallel to these engagements, my insatiable thirst for understanding music's evolution led me to self-study. I devoured books on classical music's progression, from its liturgical roots in the Middle Ages to its multifaceted manifestations in modern times. This autodidactic journey further convinced me of music's unparalleled role in mirroring and shaping societal changes.

My undergraduate years were spent at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, where I majored in Musicology. The formal academic setting introduced me to systematic research methodologies, interdisciplinary approaches to music studies, and access to vast archives of primary sources. I excelled in my coursework, especially enjoying collaborative projects that allowed me to work with peers from diverse musical backgrounds. One such venture was curating a series of performances that juxtaposed classical compositions with their modern reinterpretations, fostering dialogues about music's evolving role across centuries.

Additionally, I was fortunate to participate in a workshop where I collaborated with a team to draft an opera. This endeavor refined my skills in composition, understanding narrative structures, and delving deep into historical contexts to create resonant and relevant musical pieces. The opera, based on a 17th-century French fable, went on to be performed at a college gala, receiving commendations for its fidelity to historical contexts while innovating in presentation.

Catholic University's Musicology department stands out as my top choice, and I sincerely hope to be granted the privilege of studying here. The department’s commitment to a comprehensive study, blending practical musicianship with rigorous academic inquiry, aligns seamlessly with my aspirations. The esteemed faculty, known for their extensive research and contributions to the field, would provide the mentorship I seek to delve deeper into nuanced studies, particularly those at the intersection of music, culture, and theology.

Furthermore, the University's grounding in Catholic tradition resonates deeply with my belief in music as a spiritual endeavor. The rich tapestry of liturgical music, its evolution over centuries, and its interplay with secular compositions present vast arenas of exploration, ones I am eager to embark upon. In particular, I am drawn to research the transformation of Gregorian chants from the Medieval era to the Renaissance, focusing on their influence on the polyphonic styles of the latter period. Dr. Maria Jenkins, a renowned expert in medieval and renaissance music at the Catholic University's Musicology department, has extensively studied this transition. Collaborating with Dr. Jenkins, I aim to unearth deeper insights into how these chants were adapted, evolved, and influenced the larger musical landscape of Western Europe, potentially culminating in a comprehensive research project or publication.

The tapestries of history, culture, and spirituality are interwoven through the threads of music. Through systematic study, fervent practice, and deep introspection, I've honed skills and imbibed knowledge that make me a fitting candidate for the Musicology program at Catholic University. My quest is not just to study music but to understand its soul, its eternal resonance, and its ability to elevate humanity. At Catholic University, I see a haven where this quest would be nurtured, challenged, and fulfilled.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Example #15 (677 words)

It's often said that the most powerful things come in small packages. In the world of nuclear engineering, a single uranium fuel pellet, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, holds the energy equivalent of 150 gallons of oil. As I sat in my high school physics class, I remember the awe I felt when our teacher revealed this fact. It wasn't just the sheer power of nuclear energy that captivated me, but the vast potential it held for sustainable energy. From that defining moment, my path was clear – I wanted to delve into the world of nuclear engineering, unlocking the mysteries and potentials that lay within the nucleus of an atom.

Upon entering the University of Florida for my undergraduate studies, I committed to a dual major in Nuclear Engineering and Physics. This was not merely to obtain a degree but to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and real-world applications of nuclear energy. While my courses laid a robust theoretical foundation, I actively sought avenues for hands-on experiences to bring my learning to life.

One such opportunity arose during my junior year when I secured a coveted internship at the Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station. This wasn't a typical observational internship. I was thrust into the heart of reactor operations, working side-by-side with seasoned nuclear engineers. From calibrating reactor control mechanisms to troubleshooting minor hiccups in the cooling systems, my responsibilities were vast. This experience drove home the paramount importance of safety and precision in nuclear operations. For instance, while assisting in a reactor shut-down procedure, I realized the intricate choreography required to ensure each step was flawlessly executed. Any oversight, however minor, could escalate into a significant issue.

Beyond the confines of the power plant, I recognized the value of sharing knowledge and engaging with the broader nuclear community. This realization prompted me to participate in the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Conference. Alongside a dedicated team from my university, we researched and presented a detailed paper on "Advanced Safety Mechanisms in Modern Reactors." The countless nights we spent analyzing reactor models, scrutinizing historical data, and simulating potential scenarios were arduous but profoundly enlightening. Our paper was not only well-received but sparked stimulating debates on the future of reactor safety. This experience underscored the significance of continual learning and innovation in our rapidly evolving field.

Eager to further contribute to the nuclear engineering community, I took the initiative to organize the Nuclear Engineering Students' Symposium at the University of Florida. Steering this event, I found myself in a whirlwind of activity – from curating a diverse lineup of guest lecturers, including industry stalwarts, to devising hands-on workshops that simulated real-world reactor challenges. The success of the symposium was a testament to my organizational prowess, but more importantly, it emphasized the importance of fostering a vibrant community where budding engineers could engage, learn, and innovate.

North Carolina State University stands as a beacon for nuclear research, especially in my area of interest: Advanced Passive Safety Systems in Nuclear Reactors. Passive safety systems, capitalizing on natural phenomena like gravity and convection, are the future of nuclear reactor safety. I'm eager to delve into this area, particularly focusing on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of such systems. Dr. Walt Williams, with his groundbreaking work on passive cooling mechanisms, is someone I've admired and followed throughout my academic journey. The opportunity to work under his guidance at NC State is an enticing prospect, one that promises profound growth and meaningful contributions to the field.

My journey from that enlightening high school physics class to the cusp of advanced nuclear research has been both demanding and deeply rewarding. I believe North Carolina State University, with its unparalleled legacy in nuclear engineering, is the perfect place to further this journey. My educational background, coupled with my hands-on experiences and unwavering dedication, positions me well to contribute to and benefit from the esteemed Nuclear Engineering Department at NC State. I am eager to embark on this next phase, driving innovations and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in nuclear engineering.

A graduate school statement of purpose tells the admissions committee more about you as an applicant. A strong statement of purpose offers a compelling narrative about your interests, abilities, and experiences, to show the committee that you are a strong applicant and the right fit for their institution and graduate program.

A graduate school statement of purpose usually ranges between 500 and 1,000 words in length. Be sure to check the specific requirements stated by the program as you prepare to apply.

Set aside plenty of time for preparation so that you are not doing anything at the last minute. Research your institution and program of choice carefully to get a better sense of its values and academic culture. Brainstorm how and why you would make a good fit for the school and program of your choice. Contact any potential mentors amongst the academic faculty to discuss your research interests with them. Make a list of any requirements your program specifies for your statement of purpose. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the appropriate authority at the school for clarification. Before you start writing, make sure you have all of the materials you may need for reference close at hand, such as your academic transcripts. Make some notes outlining what you would like to include in your statement to help guide you as you write.   

A graduate school statement of purpose should contain an introduction, a main body based on 2 or 3 experiences, and a conclusion. Your statement should be clearly written and well-organized to help the reader follow the flow of your narrative.

A statement of purpose should include four main elements: your research interests in your chosen field, your academic and professional preparation, your strengths and weaknesses, and your career plans. You need to give specific examples for each of these main elements, and to explain what you have learned from every experience you mention.

In writing your statement of purpose, you need to commit to writing several drafts to make sure your statement is as strong as it can be. You should ask for feedback from trusted academic mentors or professional consultants to ensure that your statement is effective and compelling. You also need to carefully proofread your work multiple times before submission.

You must never plagiarize your statement of purpose. Avoid using clichés and tired phrasing to keep your writing original and fresh. It is also important to favor clarity over artfulness, so be sure to avoid using overly-fancy language so that the focus is always on the substance of what you’re saying. Also avoid technical or overly specialized language unless absolutely necessary, and be sure to define any technical or specialized terms that you must use. 

Before you submit your statement of purpose, take some time to review your statement in its final form to make sure it is the best version it can possibly be. Make sure you have followed all of the requirements in terms of length and formatting as specified by the school. Ask yourself if you have rewritten the statement several times, and if you truly believe it does not require another draft.

Check to make sure you are providing compelling examples for every claim you make regarding your experiences or abilities. Read your statement over again and make sure it is a narrative that gives the reader interesting details and context, not just a list of your achievements to date. Finally, make sure you have proofread your statement and eliminated any typos or grammatical errors that would distract your reader.

Your own research and ability to write concisely and clearly will be important in making your statement strong. Firstly, give yourself enough time for multiple drafts. Trust us when we say that your statement will need to be written and rewritten multiple times - it's inevitable. Secondly, be selective with the experiences you choose to include in your statement. It is more important to show rather than tell how you would be a great addition to the program. Being selective about your experiences will allow you room to go into detail and demonstrate to the admissions committee how your experiences make you the perfect fit.

Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you can always research legitimate companies or consultants that can help you polish your statement and avoid wasting another year on applications. If you are considering whether BeMo is worth your time and money , make sure to read up on the successful experiences of our past students.

A good statement of purpose for graduate school will include why you want to study at the graduate level, why you are interested in a particular field and what you have done to prepare yourself for graduate study and your future career. It may also share your future career goals and how a program will help you achieve those goals. An effective statement will be clear, well-written and have a narrative flow that captures the reader’s attention and leaves them wanting to learn more about you.

An effective graduate school statement of purpose needs to hook the reader in the first sentence. Try to think of a specific experience or anecdote you can introduce to the reader in a creative and compelling way to open your essay. Continue building your narrative based on 1-3 experiences which shaped your desire to go to grad school or enter a specific career field.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, 19 comments.

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Ablie! Thank you for your comment! We are glad you found this helpful!

Ayman Alfadil

Thanks a lot for your information. If my intended field of Ph.D. research is quite different from my previous research experiences, what am I suppose to do to link my previous interest with the new one? and Is it possible to have feedback on my writing?

Hello Ayman! Thank you for this wonderful question! It is not a problem that your previous research experience is not related to your new PhD interest. Even if they are not related in theme, it is important to showcase how your previous research experience honed your skills as a researcher. Demonstrate that the expertise that you acquired throughout your research history can be easily translated into this new field. Do not forget to give the admissions committee some sense of how you got interested in this new field, but it is not a problem that you decided to switch disciplines/interests. And of course we can help you with feedback on your writing. Please contact us for a free initial consultation (https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php) and we can discuss how we can help you make your statement the best it can be.

Ayman Alfadil, you are the winner of our weekly draw. Please email us by the end of the day tomorrow (June 19) at content[at]bemoacademicconsulting.com from the same email address you used to leave your comment to claim your prize!

Joana Smith

This is indeed the best Statement of purpose ever ,I love everything written here! It has really help me thank you!!!

Hello Joana! Thanks for your comment! We are glad you enjoyed this article!

Asra Tabassum

Hi...I want the sample for statement of purpose (for masters) where the student changes his filed/background/majors from science to IT... Atleast one sample which helps me to write my own. Thank you.

Hi Asra! Thanks for your comment and suggestion! We will try adding this kind of example as soon as possible!

Segun Abiri

I am so much in love with the way you make a big and difficult task simple. As a practitioner in adult education in Nigeria with over 6 years of experience, I intend to further my experience by having a Masters program in Canada. Problem is, my first degree is not in education, but Arts - Philosophy. I hope to scale through. Thank you for this great write ups.

Hi Segun! Thanks so much for your comment! We are glad you enjoyed the article. When you apply to a Master's program in Education, you do not need to have an undergrad degree in education. Your first degree in liberal arts will be a perfect fit for an Education graduate degree. Good luck and let us know if we can help you any further!

Chika happiness nwachukwu

Hi,indeed is the best statement of purpose ever,please I want the sample for statement of intents for masters,where the student changes his field,background/ majors from accounting education to educational foundations that will help me write my own. Thank you.

Hello Chika! Thanks for your comment! We will keep your request in mind when we update this blog! Thanks!

Hi, I wonder if you can only help me with SOP edits? Thanks.

Hello Bob! We can absolutely help you! Please contact us here https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php to schedule your free initial consultation.

Nwabueze Kewulezi

Hi, this is the best article on SOP I have read. Please, I need your advice. I am very passionate about teaching. I studied English, but my M.A. thesis is related to pragmatic. How do I relate both to my deep flare for education?

Hello Nwabueze! Thanks for your comment. Try to reflect on what connects your educational and professional background to teaching? Just because your MA thesis is not related to education, it does not mean that it cannot inform your love for teaching. Try making connections between your experience in the MA and what you want to do next. Hope this helps!

Samuel Frimpong

Can i get samples of these write-ups in Music?

Hello Smuela! Thanks for your comment. When we update the blog, we will make sure to keep your request in mind.

Chisa Amadi

Good morning, please I want to start up personal statement but don't seem to know how to go about it am applying for Agricultural science soil and water option. Please I will need a guide. Thank you

Hi Chisa! Thanks for your comment. Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can help you with your personal statement! Look forward to hearing from you!

hey, thanks for the clear explanation, can you please help me write purpose statement for a journalism degree course

Hello Lucy! Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can help you with your statement of purpose. Hope to hear from you!

This piece is extremely helpful

Hi Frimpong! Thanks! Glad you found this helpful!

Thank you for sharing this useful tips on SOPs.

Hello Anne! Thank you so much for your comment. Glad you found this helpful!

Elif Ülkü Türkoğlu

Thank you so much, this will be super helpful for my MA applications.

Hi Elif! Thanks for your comment! We are glad this is helpful!

Raphael Barrack Wangusu

Currently struggling with SOP preparations..i pursued Law for my bachelor degree and i wish to apply for masters scholarships in CANADA, UK, SWEEDN and USA. Thank you.

Hello Raphael! Thank you for your question. Please reach out to us for a free strategy call to discuss how we can help. 

Amazing content! I've never seen it explained the way you guys did it here!! Thank you!!!

Hello Joy! We are very glad you found this helpful!

It made me understand clearly what i have to do. thank you

Thanks Tumie! Glad you found this helpful!

i cant find any sop become related to food science. I really need a sample to help me. Could you help me please

Hello Shabnam, thanks for your message. We will keep your request in mind for when we update this blog.

I have enjoyed reading every bit of this document. I am so enlightened by it. Thank you.

Hello Michael! Glad you found this helpful! Thanks for your comment. 

Get Started Now

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your grad school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into grad school or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

SOP for PhD In Statistics

• statement of purpose
• uc berkeley

By Dario July 12, 2017 in Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

Recommended Posts

I did a Masters in Berkeley in Statistics, fell in love with it, and am now applying for a PhD in Statistics. Would anyone be willing to read over my statement of purpose? 

What follows is my first draft, and I'm really not sure how to feel about it, so any comments are appreciated.

Notes / Questions are in  italic font.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since I can remember people told me that the only people that amount to something are “practical” people: engineers and the likes. I did not, and still do not, want to accept that premise. Because I am about as clumsy as a Panda bear. And because my passion lies in Statistics.

As the first of my family to go to College I felt bad for the financial burden I put on us, so I gave in to the pressure. I studied Industrial Engineering and had my life cut out for me: Finish my Bachelors, start working in a Consultancy. Luckily things changed last year. The Fulbright Commission enabled me to spend a year finding and pursuing my passions, free from financial worries and far away from pressure from my family.

Do you feel like I should delete these 2 paragraphs or put them in a personal history statement? Any other comments here?

Because I worked for three semesters at the Statistics Department in city ABC during my Undergraduate I knew I liked the subject, and after my Masters I now know I am passionate about it. The project work at Berkeley has shown me the joy, and frankly also a sense of pride, in coming up with ideas no one had before. It has also shown me the frustration that every researcher has to suffer at some point, and the fact that I not only finished the project, but finished it successfully strengthened my resolve to do a Ph.D.

Should I be more specific about the project work? We are trying to get it published, but I'm not sure if we will in time. So include specifics?

Throughout my Undergraduate career I found myself studying the same things again and again. Worse even, I still forgot much of what I studied. [DC1]   The Causal Inference reading group with Prof. XYZ during my masters showed me how to best retain and cope with a huge amount of new knowledge.   There I also learnt how to approach new subject matter independently. While there have been academically more rewarding classes, the reading Group has given me a taste of what a Ph.D. would be like, and shown me that I would enjoy doing one.

The aim here is to tell them that during my masters I already got a taste of a PhD and decided that I'd like to do it. Because the masters is a "Professional Degree" the commission commitee might ask itself what changed that I wanna do a PhD now, so I'm trying to adress that point here. Do you think I should adress it more explicitly?

The reading group and the causal inference class I took in Berkeley showed me the relevance of applied statistics for their respective fields and taught me how important proper statistical education is for most researchers.   I thoroughly enjoyed both courses and would love to work in this area. Professor XYZ and ABC have been inspiring teachers and conduct research in areas that I would love to immerse myself in. A unique thing about statistics is that it gives us methods to draw conclusions about data. Especially if we are able to draw causal conclusions those conclusions can change lives.

Here I wanna talk about causal inference, that I liked and would love to do more about it. Do you think that's not explicit enough?

I am wary about committing myself prematurely to a specific topic of research, but am very excited about Causal Inference and would love to make my own small contribution to the advancement of the field. What makes Causal Inference special is that advancements  have immediate and real impact on a wealth of studies and their results The cross-section and cooperation between Statistics, Biostatistics and Public Health in DOTDOTDOT (don't worry, it's not a generic statment) make it an ideal environment for me to develop my interests and foster fruitful discussions.

There's also a last sentence, that's too personal for me to post. I can PM it to anyone interested.

Also, feel free to correct any spelling mistakes, I'm not from the states so a couple of them might have gotten in there.

Thanks,  Dario

Link to comment

Share on other sites, create an account or sign in to comment.

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Already have an account? Sign in here.

• Existing user? Sign In
• Online Users
• All Activity
• My Activity Streams
• Unread Content
• Content I Started
• Results Search
• Post Results
• Leaderboard
• Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

• Prices/Payment
• Standard Service US$199.00
• VIP/Rush Service US$299.00
• Statement of Purpose Help
• Dr Robert Edinger, Personal Statement of Purpose Specialist
• Editing/Writing Service
• Guarantee/Privacy Policy
• Client Testimony
• Autobiographical
• Disadvantaged Status
• Letters of Recommendation

#header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ color:#000000 } @media (min-width: 650px) { #header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ } }

Blog posts : "statistics phd ", phd statistics, biomedical research, korean.

PHD Statistics, Econometrics

PHD Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation

PHD Statistics, Earth Sciences, Thailand

PHD Statistics, Canada, Korea

Eugenie Y. Lai

Contact: eylai [at] mit.edu GitHub: ey-l Twitter: @EugenieLai eugeniesday --> Scheduled — --> CV , transcript

News [ More Updates ] 2021.04 Joining the Data Systems Group (DSG) at MIT EECS CSAIL as a PhD student in Fall '21.

Theme by orderedlist

Another Annotated Example: CS PhD Statement of Purpose

Date: 2021-04-22

This post is inspired by the Statement of Objective examples provided by the MIT EECS Communication Lab . Some programs (e.g., Berkeley EECS) require a Statement of Purpose (SoP) and a Personal Statement (PS). In this post, we will dissect and annotate my SoP submitted to MIT EECS, which is a hybrid of both, in my case.

I also shamelessly include a copy of my first draft for a before-after comparison and show how far I have (and maybe anyone could) come by applying the learnings discussed in this post. It would be difficult to measure the impact of something without showing the starting point, which is often missing in the existing resources for SoP.

Also, if you are an anxious applicant, let’s not compare ourselves. I know it’s easier said than done, and I still fall into that trap too. But it is unfair to compare the ins and outs of ourselves to only the best side of others (e.g., their SoP). This note was first brought up to me by Dr.* Maria De-Arteaga back in 2019 when I just started to pivot my profile towards grad school and has been helping me get off the overthinking treadmill since.

*Note: I heard Prof. and Dr. are distinct in the states, but we use Dr. for both in Canada. I didn’t know until the visit days and only used Dr. in my SoP. So let’s use Dr. in this post to keep everything consistent.

Before We Start

Intended audience: Future and current CS PhD applicants.

The role of SoP in grad admissions: Touched on by this Twitter thread , which could be specific to MIT EECS.

My result: I applied to 8 programs and was fortunate to get in almost everywhere, with 5 offers (i.e., Berkeley, MIT, UBC, UMichigan, and UWashington) and 3 withdrawals (i.e., Columbia, Maryland, and NYU).

A non-exhaustive list of caveats that may make this post not as applicable so readers’ discretion is advised:

• I applied during a pandemic, not sure how that affected my experience.
• I only applied to programs in the US and Canada so the experience is subjective to the system here.
• I’m in data systems so please question if the content is field-specific.

Motivation to (uncomfortably) put myself out there:

• Writing crystallizes my learning and is a skill I’m working on. The pressure helps me practice.
• The potential of helping someone trumps the fear of being judged.
• I received so so much help and support throughout this grad application cycle and just want to give back.

Speaking of support, a list of direct help I received for my SoP:

• I was privileged to be assisted by the MIT GAAP and Berkeley EAAA program . A huge thank you to my MIT GAAP mentor, Xuan , who chatted with me bi-weekly since October 2020, provided extremely valuable feedback on my SoP, and helped me navigate through the applying process. It still feels surreal that I will actually meet her in person at MIT this fall.
• Many thanks to my labmates and my research parent, Dr. Rachel Pottinger , who offered both helpful comments and emotional support.
• I happened to take COMM 395 Business Communication with Elizabeth Bowker that term (to fulfill my undergraduate degree requirement at UBC). I found some materials covered for presentations transferable to writing, and a big thank you to her for the additional support.
• I was also privileged to get help from the Writing Centre and Student Service Centre at my undergraduate university.
• Just to reiterate, the examples by the MIT EECS Communication Lab are particularly helpful. Many other schools/programs (e.g., CMU ) provide such examples too.
• I was also influenced by these YouTube channels: Lillian - AlphaGenesis , Casey Fiesler , The Kath Path , Andy Stapleton .

So the first takeaway is clear: Be resourceful. Ask around. Keep an eye out for opportunities and resources, which shouldn’t take up much energy. Just have that running in the background.

Overall Thought Process

The grad application as a whole is supposed to show a 3D us to let the committee make a sensible decision. If we think backwards, SoP is only included for a reason. Like any member of a K-Pop group, it has a unique proposition in the package.

I wanted to show a 3D me by leveraging the application package with little overlaps between materials. But so far, the transcript and CV only put me into numbers and project names.

So something is missing – without showing my thought process and personality, I’m boring, cold, and flat. This gap is where SoP comes in, and it is the only* opportunity to add that third dimension. We will use sketching as an analogy and go through the things that I constantly reminded myself of when thinking about my SoP at a high level.

*Note: Letters of recommendation (LoRs) help too, but they are observations of us. SoP is the one thing in our full control.

Convey the why’s. Like all drawings, SoP needs a purpose, a main message that both utilizes the space in the application and fills the gap. From most of the resources above, the purpose should be conveying the why’s (e.g., why research, why grad school, why this subfield).

Find a common thread and tell a story about professional development. Now we know what to include, but how could we organize the content in a way that shows the reader how we think? We need a skeleton first. I could tell my why’s in a plain list. But wouldn’t some layered structure to show how my research journey evolved add more character? Inevitably, we have to repeat what’s in the CV, but the added value comes from the personality and thought process illustrated through those experiences. The experiences are just a tool at this point, instead of the main focus, so don’t worry about repeating the content.

Bring in personality. Let’s colour the black-and-white skeleton with a personal pallet. I tried to make every sentence read like something only I would write. Admittedly, bringing in a personal voice while staying professional is a fine line to walk, but it’s possible. The annotated SoP is (trying to be) an example. So is this post. We will talk about a few ways to do that in the detailed comments.

Help the reader focus. We have limited paint. Be concise and precise. Every sentence is an opportunity to draw a line and should together portrait a clean image. We don’t want to waste any bits or distract the reader with random, extra lines so every word should have its place. I also thought hard about what to leave in and leave out. Although I was involved in many things throughout my undergraduate time, I only included experiences that are pertinent to my story.

Detailed Comments by Section

There is a lot to unpack. We will walk through my reasoning for each section at a detailed level, which can also be seen as a concrete embodiment of the high-level takeaways discussed above.

Statement of Objectives

Introduction

We don’t want to be a boring person. Opening with questions grabs the reader’s attention better than the laundry list of who I am and what I do in my first draft. The questions plant seeds too, as we will see later. Opening with research interests directly is also interesting.

How can we propagate breakthroughs in the scientific community to the real world? With the explosion of big data, how can we help fields outside of computer science (CS) extract and leverage its value? Inspired by these questions, my current research focuses on facilitating user interaction with databases.

Elaborate on my current research interest with the techniques (in the method space) and a use case (in the problem space). The use case also hints at my why’s, coming soon.

Specifically, I apply visualization and machine learning techniques to alleviate the barriers between users and databases to help users access and make sense of data. By helping users better explore and understand the data they have collected, I hope to enable data-driven decision-making in a wide range of fields. It is with these broad goals in mind that I am applying to pursue a PhD.

Finding My Research Interests

This section shows two things, my technical competency and why’s. I described 3 research projects and used the reflection on the experience to answer the why’s.

+1 to the example provided by the MIT EECS Communication Lab, the formula I used to describe a research project, one line each: summary + clarification of terms if necessary + need of the work (e.g., gaps) + our contributions + outcomes + my specific input . We will see this formula twice later in this section.

With a focus on data provenance summarization, my research journey began under Dr. Rachel Pottinger at the UBC Data Management and Mining Lab. The provenance of a query over a database is a subset of the data in the database that contributed to the query answer. While comprehensive, query provenance consists of large volumes of data and hence is overwhelming for users to explore. We presented an approach to provenance exploration that builds on data summarization techniques and provides an interface to visualize the summary. This work led to the first two papers I co-authored, Summarizing Provenance of Aggregation Query Results in Relational Databases (ICDE’21) and Pastwatch: On the Usability of Provenance Data in Relational Databases (ICDE’20). My main contributions include identifying the limitations in the existing methods, implementing the existing and our summarization methods, and running the experiments.

We love the dark times. Dr. Brené Brown said vulnerability and hardships help people connect and build trust. Being rejected is my true experience, and I intentionally included that to make myself relatable to the reader. In this case, it also shows resilience and segues into my first why, why research but not industry. As you may have also noticed, this concept is used everywhere in this post too.

Our work experienced a few submissions. Although I felt discouraged at first, I learned to reflect and was encouraged by how much our work had improved after each round. I also enjoyed my experience in research more than the industry for the autonomy and ownership over my work.

But I didn’t want to just tell my why’s like a list. I envisioned a story structure inspired by The Secret Structure of Great Talks by Nancy Duarte. She introduced a shape at around 6:00. Applying that concept, I first established what is, what could be, and the gap here. Like the shape, we will see me traversing between what is and what could be in the rest of this section.

However, I had some burning questions regarding my research interests going forward. Although I was engaged by the technical aspects of solving open-ended problems, I wanted to find something that would really excite me – what is the thing that would get me out of bed every morning? And how could I find it?

Transition to my next project to show more technical competency while keeping the flow of the story.

My next project, Developing a Data-Driven Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy in Surrey, BC, Canada, helped me answer those questions.

Another example of the formula above but in a slightly different order to make things flow better.

Working with another undergraduate student under the supervision of Dr. Raymond Ng, we set out to address the challenge of how the city of Surrey should place EV charging stations. Prior to our work, the approach to determine where to install an EV charging site was solely based on expert opinions, despite a large volume of data collected by the city of Surrey. To help city planners make strategic decisions informed by evidence, I developed a web application to give them a user-friendly way to explore and make sense of the data. I used interactive maps and graphs to visualize the spatial distribution and time trends of Surrey’s vehicle stock, traffic flows, and land use. In September 2019, the city used my tool to choose 20 charger locations for a Canadian federal funding proposal, and I was proud to co-present this work at the SIGKDD’20 Social Impact Session this summer.

Talking about our values is another good way to bring in our personality while staying professional, which also helps answer some why’s. For example, what kind of research keeps us excited? I’m excited about real-world users (in the problem space), but everyone is motivated differently. Maybe you are excited about system design? Cool! Or applying new ML models? Also cool! Note that this part also ties back to the opening questions.

Through zooming in and out on a pressing, real-world issue, I realized what I should be looking for in the research I pursue: the possibility of helping others and the insight into real-world issues that would spark that possibility. I started to envision making an impact on the real world through my research. The value of our work in the scientific community can only be actualized when our tools are adopted by downstream users such as domain experts and decision-makers. Hence alleviating user-database barriers is a vital step in advancing data-driven decision-making in a wide range of fields.

Transition to the 3rd and final project. Another piece of advice I got (for almost everything grad application related) is don’t tell, but show . Earlier I said that I’m motivated by real-world issues, and here I showed that I followed through my words with actions.

With that overarching goal in mind, I initiated a project to facilitate user interaction with databases by identifying the major stakeholders and their challenges when interacting with databases, and then mapped that to their needs.

Apply the formula again to describe the project.

Database users often interact with databases via SQL query sessions. From our analysis, users pose a variety of SQL queries in sequence with changes in SQL keywords and query fragments such as tables and attributes. However, the existing approaches only consider queries individually and make recommendations based on query similarity and popularity. We presented a new approach to recommend query information by learning from the sequential knowledge exploration patterns of historical users. We modelled our query recommendation problem as a query prediction task and used sequence-to-sequence models to predict the next query. Supervised by Dr. Pottinger, this work led to Sequence-Aware Query Recommendation Using Deep Learning, submitted to VLDB’21. As the lead researcher, I identified knowledge gaps in the existing work, defined and scoped the research problem, analyzed the workload data, implemented the deep learning models, ran the experiments, discussed the results, and wrote the paper.

Tie back to the motivation and answer why grad school to wrap up the story.

Seeing a connection between my work and the quantifiable impact gives me a rush of excitement that I am contributing to help those real-world users in need. Through this project, I found myself enjoying both scoping and solving open-ended problems and hope to further improve with additional formal training in graduate studies.

Equal Access in STEM

I added this section following the same MIT EECS Communication Lab example and used the previous formula to explain the project as well.

It may seem odd to risk the flow of a research-focused SoP and make us question if this section is even relevant. But MIT EECS doesn’t require PS, and I wanted to show what I care about and where I come from. This section is also intended to help the SoP stay professional when I touched on my personal background in the last section. Again, fine line to walk. Lastly, grad school to me is more than research. This section adds another dimension to my professional development and connects to my career pursuit in academia mentioned later.

My other goal in graduate school is to further my pursuit of advancing equal access to educational resources for students in marginalized groups. Besides mentoring young women in STEM throughout my undergraduate time, for the past year, I worked on the UBC CS Undergraduate Program Evaluation and Renewal project. In the process, I realized how my experience with data visualization and user interface design could help to improve equity in education. Degree planning is challenging and time-consuming since students have to envision their career path and go to individual course pages to ensure they meet prerequisites accordingly. First-generation college students are especially vulnerable as they lack adequate guidance from their immediate support system. To solve this problem, I designed an interactive directed graph to show the dependencies between courses, provide a holistic view of the CS program, and visualize potential academic trajectories at UBC CS. I was thrilled to present my work at the UBC Board of Governors Meeting in Spring 2020. I deployed the graphs to the UBC CS website this summer and am currently helping UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology adapt the graphs campus-wide. Participating in this project allowed me to advance equal access in a higher level of education and help as many students thrive as possible.

Future Work

This section aims to convince the reader that I know the strengths of the program, our interests align, and I’m valuable specifically to them. The first part outlines my overall research interests, while I gave specific examples about the program and PIs in the second part.

I chose to put my research statement here, not anywhere else. Up to this point, I’ve been signalling pieces about my motivation and research interests using the opening questions, projects, and my why story. The reader now has enough context and is ready for a punch.

All my experiences collectively shaped my research interests and motivated me to pursue graduate studies. Today, database systems provide a vital infrastructure to access high volumes of data in a variety of applications. Seeing the user-database barriers and the potential of data-driven decision-making in areas outside of CS (e.g., city planning and sustainability) incites my urge to build my work around the theme of facilitating user interaction with databases. With a deep understanding of the problem space and skills gained through solving problems in this space, I hope to continue this line of work by applying visualization and ML techniques to help database users access and make sense of data.

I find this part becomes more candid and compelling when I write it as if the PIs would actually read it (and mine really did). Also, it only becomes attractive when the interest goes both ways. I wanted to show how they could help me but also what unique skills I could offer.

MIT CSAIL’s past and current work indicates its members’ unique strengths on this topic. Specifically, I would be excited to work with Dr. Tim Kraska and Dr. Sam Madden. Dr. Kraska has made outstanding contributions to enabling data analytics for individuals outside of CS using ML-inspired techniques. The sequential features of query sessions discussed in his recent work, IDEBench (SIGMOD’20), are fundamental to my work on sequence-aware query recommendation, where we empirically analyzed the query sequences in two real-life workloads. Extending my work under his supervision would give me strong support in leveraging query session information using ML techniques. My research interests also greatly overlap with Dr. Madden’s work, such as Data Civilizer, on building end-to-end systems to facilitate domain experts with data exploration. I would be excited to work with Dr. Madden by bringing my skills and experience in applying ML techniques to SQL queries.

Where I See Myself

I wanted to address why I spent 6 years at UBC, which is relatively uncommon and often raises questions (e.g., if I can handle a rigorous course load). However, it was difficult to word my reason in a professional way at first. So I only briefly mentioned the personal aspect while elaborating on my work experience. Xuan pointed out the key is to relate personal struggles to professional development and helped me further emphasize the value of the experience and how it contributed to my goals in graduate studies.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income, single-parent family, working puts additional constraints on my course load yet is the most effective way to support myself. Although I spent six years on my undergraduate degree, I did two years of co-op at three different places in industry, non-profit, and academia. While studying full-time, I have also worked part-time in retail, administration, and teaching. Through these valuable experiences, I not only learned about the many real-world challenges that people face on the job, but also discovered research interests that would allow me to address some of those challenges.

Let’s not leave any loose ends and tie the two goals together to wrap up.

After graduate studies, I aim to pursue a career in academia, so that I can develop the research and tools to address these challenges and more. Furthering my education at MIT would bring me one step closer to my goal of advancing data-driven decision-making in a wide range of fields and improving equal access to educational resources for students like me in marginalized groups.

Other Takeaways

I also learned and applied these general/minor things.

Just start writing. It is an iterative process. The first draft is the hardest and almost guaranteed to suck, but it gets our brain going. It gets a lot easier once we gain the momentum and just have to make incremental changes.

Start early , which goes hand-in-hand with the last point. I wanted to leave ample time for that interactive process, finished my first draft in late August, and finalized it in the first week of December 2020. I feel grateful that I took the time to reflect on my why’s, which also came in handy later in the (quite intense) interview process in January 2021.

Don’t stress too much about tailoring the SoP to each program. Partial thanks to SIGMOD ‘20*, I had a general research direction when applying. The programs and labs I applied to may have nuances in their research interests and strengths, but my motivation, research interests, and skillsets didn’t need to change much. I only swapped out the second half of the future work section for each program. However, someone with a broader interest and a more diverse set of programs may want to customize the SoP more and have different answers for each why depending on the program.

*Note: More on my experience at SIGMOD ‘20 .

Read each program’s prompts and formatting requirements carefully. The point above is about the content, while this one is about the format and separation of the content. Programs like Berkeley EECS require an SoP and a PS so the separation depends on the prompts. I include my final copy of SoP and PS to Berkeley to show how I did it with minimum additional effort, which also helps illustrate the point above. The formatting requirements all have slight differences (e.g., word limits, header, title) so just be aware.

Choose what feedback and advice to take in. Going back to the point of being resourceful, we may later find ourselves getting various or even conflicted advice from different sources, which can be confusing and overwhelming. My apologies if this post is making it worse. But I always ask two questions whenever I get advice from people:

• Do they know the field ?
• Do they know me ?

Although some advice is generalizable, this sanity check is a reminder to further verify if the information is credible and applicable to me, especially when I get negative (but not necessarily constructive) feedback.

An extreme example is the words from my relatives and family friends when they laughed at my school list. It still hurt at the moment, but the rational me didn’t take their comments to heart because they’re not in CS, and they don’t know my profile. More than a filter to allow in helpful advice, the questions are also shields to protect us, much needed in such a sensitive time.

Through the applying process, I had countless breakdowns moments where I felt that I had already tried everything, but my SoP just read shallow, and my writing would never be good enough.

But it’s because SoP is hard to write!! It not only demands writing techniques but also deep reflections of the why’s from our experiences. Although writing the SoP challenged me hard on both fronts, I’m glad that I took the time and saw it as an opportunity to grow: It reminded me that improving my writing is a never-ending process, and the reflection indeed made me question my life but also assured my decision to pursue graduate studies.

However, I do want to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege to afford the time and energy. Further, if we consider our individual profile (e.g., GPA, LoRs) as a whole, pouring our limited resources into SoP alone may not be a strategic move. Nothing is perfect nor needs to be. So knowing when to say good enough is an important skill too (which is something I still need to work on).

Lastly, taking one step further, I find some of the takeaways transferable to other written pieces (e.g., papers), other forms of communication (e.g., presentations), or professional development in general.

Although I had much fun reflecting on my learning, I genuinely hope this post would be somewhat helpful to at least one other person on the planet, and very best of luck if you are applying soon!! <3

Back to blog

• [email protected]

Some of these samples have been accepted by top programs. They have been graciously shared by past applicants for educational purposes. We hope they inspire you to write your own.

Drop us a draft of your SOP, PS, LOI, ML, &/or LOR for

• Expert 1 v 1 Guidance (includes reviewing and editing)
• Review and edit

Most reviewed programs

• MS and PhD in Computer science, Data Science, AI, Engineering (MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Caltec, etc)
• Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Linguistics and literature
• Film studies

PLACE ORDER

Statement of Purpose for PhD in Computer Science (MIT Accepted)

We analyse three SOP samples, two accepted at MIT and one at the University of Washington.

Statement of Purpose for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (MIT Accepted)

In this article, we analyse a Biomedical Engineering SOP that was accepted at MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech

Letters of Recommendation: A Guide and Sample for your Recommenders

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing (Undergraduate) (Highly rated)

Description: We describe in detail how to write a statement of purpose for nursing. In the SOP, the applicant underscores the areas of nursing she’d focus on and how she was suited for the school.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Ph. D Nursing (Compelling)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing Ph. D, the applicant identifies the field of interest and specialization that he’s interested in early, details professional and research work, then points out the skills he would like to gain from this program and how the university will help in this endeavor.

Statement of Purpose for MBA (Ivy school)

Description: We start by providing a step by step guide that should help with generating ideas for your MBA SOP and then crafting one while adhering to certain tips. We then provide 3 ivy school samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science  (Highly rated)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science, the applicant describes how a local mobile money sending application in rural parts of Africa inspired his love for computing.  The applicant explains a clear career path after graduating. You can get a similar SOP by ORDERING HERE

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2 (Recommended)

Description: In this SOP, we provide the blueprint of writing a SOP for computer science. We follow it with two highly rated samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Cognitive Science (Good)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant describes how personal struggles with Dyslexia, and the inspiring story of  Akeelah in the Akeelah and the Bee film, motivated a desire to understand how the human brain works and how it can be trained to optimize the good while negating the bad.

MBA Statement of Purpose Example  (Excellent)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA, the applicant evokes the loss of family business and a business degree that didn’t equip him with practical skills as the motivation for applying for an MBA. The applicant brings out the steps that he has taken to remedy this lack of practical experience and the skills that he looked forward to getting from the MBA program.

Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA with Engineering Background (Compelling)

Description: The applicant underscores professional experience managing people, financial, and operational processes. He emphasizes possession of transferable research experience, the result of which is a successful Statement of Purpose for MBA that got him acceptance to a top business school. You can get the same HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for Masters in Public Health Science (Good)

Description:  In this SOP, the applicant underscores her teaching and research experience and show how they would be transferred to a role of a public health educator. If you’re applying for university admission in a field other than you did your bachelor’s, we can help with standardizing your SOP. Speak to us today HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for  Psychology Graduate School (Great)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant explains how growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood with a police father informed her early views on crime prevention and the place of psychology. She places this early observations in their proper context by profiling the background of teenage offenders thereby underling the place of early trauma on future behavior.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Mathematics (Highly rated)

Description: This sample explains the applicant’s love for numbers and top achievement as well as suitability for the university.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Business Management (Highly rated)

Description: The SOP demonstrates how professional experience not deemed relevant to business management may be captured as an example of work ethics

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing PhD

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2

Statement of Purpose Sample in Cognitive Science

Statement of Purpose sample for mathematics

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA with Engineering Background

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Pyschology

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science

Statement of Purpose sample for Business Management

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Public Health

Statement of Purpose for MBA Sample (Ivy school)

We also edit, review, and standardize other Admission Documents

Admission CV

Personal Statement

Recommendation Letter

Scholarship Essay

Motivation Letter

Cover Letter

Our Promise

• A SOP tailored to your program/university requirements
• Original, plagiarism free
• A SOP customized by an expert in your field
• Direct communication with assigned editor
• Proofreading and plagiarism check
• Punctuality
• Free revision for 2 weeks
• Confidentiality
• Money back guarantee

Let us Polish your Admission Documents

You don’t have to gamble an admission slot because of a low quality admission document. We’re the experts. You can count on us.

Expert SOP Help

• SOP for MBA
• SOP for Law Internship
• SOP for Tourism
• SOP for Social Work
• SOP for Graduate School
• SOP for Ph.D.
• SOP for Engineering
• SOP for Scholarship

SOP Edit & Review

• SOP Proofreading
• SOP Graduate School
• SOP for College
• SOP for PHD
• SOP for Information Technology
• SOP for MPH
• SOP Engineering
• SOP Medical
• SOP for Computer Science

What Our Clients Say

"After hours of staring at my computer screen and attempting to cobble up something together, I decided to try PhD Statements of purpose services. I enjoyed quite a peace of mind as they delivered a SOP that brought out exactly who I am. My nursing doctoral dream is now on course, partly because of the ivy standards services I received."

Michelle Stuart

“I Requested for an MBA SOP and I was quite nervous as I had never used the platform before. It's now my plug for all admission documents. Thanks a bunch."

I needed a Mathematics statement of purpose and an admission CV as quick as possible. These guys delivered these admission documents within hours of placing my orders. They reflected my individuality and I don't know how they did it. AMAZING!!

Dorothy Palmer

"I didn’t realize I could get such a quality Nursing PhD Statement of Purpose online. It was perfectly customized and individualized.Thanks for bringing me up closer to my doctoral program admission.<!-- wp:shortcode -->[learn_press_profile]<!-- /wp:shortcode -->

[learn_press_profile]

Go to Charlotte.edu

Prospective Students

• About UNC Charlotte
• Campus Life
• Graduate Admissions

Faculty and Staff

• Human Resources
• Auxiliary Services
• Inside UNC Charlotte
• Academic Affairs

Current Students

• Financial Aid
• Student Health

Alumni and Friends

• Alumni Association
• Advancement
• Make a Gift

Personal Statement and Writing Sample

Personal statement.

In your statement of purpose, please discuss the following in one to two single-spaced pages:

• Your professional, academic, and community experiences
• The area of research you wish to potentially pursue as a student in the program, the name of at least one member of the Epidemiology PhD Program Faculty or Participating Faculty who shares this research interest, A brief statement regarding your proposed research area interests with the research of the identified faculty member(s),
• Your specific interest in UNC Charlotte’s program
• Your career and personal goals including how the program aligns with your career plans
• How you plan to actively participate in UNC Charlotte’s mission to advance health equity and well-being in an urbanizing world

WRITING SAMPLE

In addition to the statement of purpose, a writing sample is required for all applications to the PhD program in Epidemiology. Your writing sample should:

• Demonstrate aptitude for scholarly writing e.g., a literature review, a report of a needs assessment or evaluation project, a master’s thesis, or a published original research article on a public health or an epidemiologic topic where the applicant is the sole or first author.
• Demonstrate conceptual and analytic skills
• Use appropriate and consistent citation and reference formatting
• Applicants without existing examples of academic or scholarly writing should develop a 10-20 page paper on an epidemiology topic of interest that demonstrates conceptual skills and writing ability, use appropriate and consistent citation and reference formatting