chemistry phd statement of purpose example

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PHD Chemistry, Chinese Applicant

I have found my niche in Academia and I hope to earn the PHD Degree in Chemistry at XXXX so as to devote myself to a professional lifetime of research and teaching in my field. I seek to contribute to my profession and society generally speaking in three ways: cultivating an interest in chemistry on the part of new generations of students, serving the community, and giving my all to research so as to unlock the promise of tomorrow and realize more and more of the great potential of chemistry to make our lives more healthy and comfortable.

I earned my Professional Science Master’s Degree (PSM) in May of 2017 from XXXX University, majoring in Applied and Industrial Chemistry. This experience has left me hungry for further advancement through studies at the doctoral level. I could not be more passionate about scientific research and eager to study towards the PHD in order to attain the optimal foundation for a professional lifetime dedicated primarily towards research. I look forward to cooperating with some of the smartest scientists on the planet, dedicated to resolving practical challenges collectively, joining forces in vigorous, coordinated research. Nothing excites me more than the challenge of analyzing which direction in research has high value and which does not (questions that have already been solved by peers, or issues that are proven to be unsolvable). For me, the establishing of a solid network of relationships with academic circles and participating in international academic conferences is of fundamental importance.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2012 specialized in Pharmaceutical Engineering. Throughout the course of my studies in China, I realized that Chemistry was the field to which I have been called; thus, when I came to America for college at IUP, I chose Chemistry as my major and then immediately set to work learning everything that I could about advanced inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry. My intense efforts were recognized by my winning an academic achievement award for an outstanding GPA.

My research interest include but are not limited to computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, and physical chemistry. I most enjoy simulating electronic structures and molecular processes. For example, I adopted Density Functional Theory (DFT), with the B3LYP functionals at the 6-31G(d) level in Gaussian to explore the optimization structures of MCl 2 (Py) 2 , where the M stands for Ni(II) and Cu(II). I enjoy interdisciplinary exploration in chemistry, linear algebra, quantum chemistry, electrodynamics, and so forth. I have some knowledge of C+, SAS, Gaussian, and Spartan programs, and I am good at mathematics – as demonstrated by the fact that I scored 169 of 170 in the GRE quantitative test.

Another reason why I am especially mesmerized by theoretical chemistry is that, in 2013, the Nobel Prize was given to a research group focused on “Computer Modelling of Chemical Reactions”, a branch of computational chemistry, which leads me to firmly believe that the molecular dynamics of biological macromolecules will continue to be a very hot topic for the foreseeable future. I hope to have a chance at some point to do research in this or a related, supporting area.

I worked especially hard at tracing certain elements in acid mine drainage (AMD) by using the U.S. Geological Survey Coal Quality (COALQUAL) Database to understand halide discharges from AMD to drinking water sources, because I find this branch of environmental chemistry to be especially fascinating. I am also interested in exploring atmospheric chemistry, although I have no relevant research experience in this area. I am especially highly motivated to pursue research in this area in the future, however, because China has an enormous problem with haze resulting from air pollution, with many people these days wearing masks whenever the venture outside. Thus, I look forward to learning all that I can about the chemistry of smog - resulting from emissions from chemical factories, automotive exhaustion, natural gas combustion and utilization, etc.  I seek a full immersion experience in the study of air pollution mechanisms, especially the influence of pollutants on ozone concentrations.

I recently gave a presentation concerning about Chinese culture, custom, and food to other Master’s students who are majoring in counseling to give them a brief description of China and to encourage them to choose China to visit as they prepare for careers as international counselors. After that seminar, the Counseling Department mailed me a thank-you letter with the signatures and thank-you notes of everybody that attended. I was deeply moved by it and this reinforced my passion for academic life and community and illustrates the way in which I seek a full engagement in the future with that community.

I am also in the process of gaining teaching experience since I work part-time as a Chemistry Instructor job at Penn State Schuylkill and also hold a professional tutor job at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). I enjoy the time getting along with students and rejoice in their achievement and growth.

For the reasons outlined above, I am confident that I can excel in your rigorous program at Penn. I keenly look forward to receiving a world-class education in Chemistry at XXXX and I thank you for considering my application.

Personal Statement of Purpose Help for Admission to Graduate School in Chemistry, Master’s & Doctoral Degree Programs, MS, MSc, PHD

All progress is ultimately built upon a chemical foundation and entails in some way the eradication of human suffering. If biology is the queen of the life sciences, then chemistry is her foundation, her essence. Chemistry is the ‘stuff’ of which life is composed; and it is here that rejuvenation of life will take place at its most basic level. Because of the great power of chemistry to make positive contributions to the quality of human life, it is an honor for us to help you to make your statement for admission to graduate studies in chemistry as powerful and creative as possible. After you fill out our Online Interview Form , we will get started within 24 hours drafting a highly impressive, model first paragraph on your behalf. Please also send your resume or CV to our email as well as your rough draft if you have one.  By far the most important part of your statement will refer to your long term plans. In fact, we want to present your information in such as way as it appears obvious that your background has resulted in your own unique professional destiny in chemistry.

I see Chemistry as the of foundation of our future as a civilized, global society, the extent to which we will be able to learn to live and work in sustainable ways. As someone with extensive experience in the field of professional ethics, I will make your story particularly eloquent, taking full advantage of the nobility of your professional dreams.

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Statements of Excellence in Chemistry

Sample 1st Paragraph for the PHD Degree in Chemistry, Chinese Woman, Fluent in Spanish

The Humanitarian Side of Chemistry

Chemistry may seem like a narrow subject to an outsider, but having a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry actually lends itself very well to creating a future career in the humanitarian field.

If you’re diving in to the humanitarian arena directly after your first degree, the easiest method of finding work is to become a volunteer or intern. You may have already carried out some work of this kind as part of a study abroad program or completed some other practical field work of this kind. Or you may already have some experience working as a chemist, but desire to take things in a different direction and help others in need through your work. Either way, you now have a lot of different options. Let’s look at a few of these now.

Working to Improve Water Quality

Water quality is a huge problem in developing countries, and widely affects the health of poorer populations all over the planet. According to World Water Day 2010 statistics, 2.5 billion people live without improved sanitation. More than 70% of these people live in Asia. Since then, the figures don’t seem to have improved very much, with almost 1.4 million people in Latin American and the Caribbean area still without water access, according to water.org, where it is also stated that there are over 2.4 million people in a similar situation in Africa and more than 3.1 million people in Southeast, East Asia and Oceania. How can this be? There are more people with a mobile/cell phone than have access to a toilet.

So as you might imagine, your chemistry knowledge and skills could well be in demand in this area. Focusing on a Masters in Hydrology and Water Management could help you become one of the top experts in this field in the world and turn your love of chemistry into a long, effective career right in the middle of the developing world where people can benefit from it the most.

The University of Idaho (uidaho.edu) offers a Water Resources & Professional Science Masters (PSM), where you’d study environmental water quality, drinking water and human health, communications theory in natural resource management, plus many other useful modules.

Other Environmental Areas of Focus

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville runs an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences – Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, a two-year program that prepares students for work in governmental agencies, consulting firms and educational institutions, as well as the nonprofit section – so your options won’t be limited.

Once you’re in the door and working for one of these organizations, your responsibilities might include laboratory research and analysis, solid and hazardous waste management, groundwater pollution control, water management or restoration environment engineering.

The U.S. Department of Labor tells us that the employment rates for environmental scientists and specialists are projected to rise by 15% through 2022 (faster than average), meaning there are plenty of opportunities to be had. However, happily consider that the US might not be the area with the highest demand for graduates of Masters Programs in this particular field.

Mining, Chemical Weapons & Health

Can’t stand water? Fair enough. What about mining? Or working for an organization like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, winner of the Nobel Prize. In 2009, there was an NGO coalition meeting that attracted members from 29 NGOs from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, East and West Europe and North America, like the Organization for Defending the Sardasht Victims of Chemical Weapons, Society for Chemical Weapons Victims Support and Amman Center for Peace and Development, all of which use volunteers in their good work.

Prefer to get involved in health or biochemistry? A degree or diploma in laboratory technology, and Doctors Without Borders may need you as a laboratory technician to identify the different types of diseases they come across, train local technicians, and many other humanitarian tasks when you’re on assignment.

Inspiring Individuals &Chemists Without Borders

In 2004, a retired chemist in California came up with the idea of creating a group called “Chemists Without Borders”, and he later co-founded this group with Steve Chambreau, a chemist from the US Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base in Cali. They wanted to highlight and celebrate working to find solutions to humanitarian challenges. Chemists Without Borders now primarily focusses on the quality and arsenic levels of Bangladeshi water sources.

However, there are a myriad of ways chemists can aid in environmental remediation after natural or man-made disasters. One example is using biochar, or horticultural charcoal, to remove harmful pollution and improve soil quality. Ted Wysocki is a materials and process chemical engineer who works at South Meadows Farm and Research Center in Massachusetts in the US. He states that pyrolysing agricultural waste to make biochar can be used to absorb and break down pollutants, and it’s almost as effective as activated carbon in this regard. Farmers can produce and use biochar to absorb radioactive nucleotides and therefore prevent plants from exposure to them.

Industrial pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls, dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans can be captured and concentrated. But that’s not all: when they reach high levels, colonies of microbes can be added to the biochar and break down the toxins. Why not get involved with the UK Biochar Research Centre, based at the University of Edinburgh, where they are looking at how biochar functions in the soil environment. Or you could get in touch with the team studying biochar at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, USA.

Another inspiring chemist that is working for humanitarian causes is Sarah Green, a chemistry professor at Michigan Technological University in the US is currently serving as a Jefferson Fellow with the US State Department and the Agency for International Development. She stated in an article in Chemistry World (rsc.org/chemistryworld) that more chemists are needed to work with government and non-governmental aid organizations, and that people with a chemistry background and an international viewpoint are extremely valuable.

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I want to help you get accepted to Graduate School in Chemistry

As someone with a PHD in Religion and Ethics and a historian of the Developing World, I believe that we can all now agrees that the ideal future requires 100% sustainable sources of energy and product feedstocks in adequate amounts to support a high standard of living for all. Which new pathways and technologies based on chemistry, we will emerge to transform our situation for the better. We seek to hold the chemical industry accountable, at the same time that we understand and share their perspectives about energy, oil, natural gas, and coal. These have served as the major raw material feedstocks and energy sources for driving reactions and separations. The industry is now shaping its transformation to sustainable energy and is developing new materials and solutions for energy supply and conversion. I enjoy being involved in considerations of mass and energy balances, capital investment and resource requirements of key alternative energy and feedstock technologies. It is a special pleasure to be of assistance to those applicant who clearly have much to give to our struggle to make realistic progress toward sustainable chemistry in both the short and long term. I am confident that this is where we must place our greatest investment.

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Your Expertise Meets Local Knowledge

One of the ways chemists like you can really have an impact on an area, is by combining your specialized knowledge with the knowledge local’s have on that specific region. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Pan Africa Chemistry Network is working with local scientists to solve local problems, like access to safe drinking water and treatments of diseases to achieve solutions using the region knowledge of those that life in the region. They have carried out joint projects like Project Splash, which began in 2008 in partnership with Unilever, and the Analytical Centre of Excellence hub in Nigeria with Procter & Gamble, as well as other projects across Africa, to great effect by combining knowledge from a far with expertise on the ground.

Areas You Could Focus On

What are some of the other pressing needs chemists can help with? Developing inexpensive and easy to use test kits for mercury, lead, fine particulate carbon and other pollutants that can be found in the air, water and soil; solutions for the eutrophication of freshwater and coastal ecosystems due to chemical fertilizers, which constitutes an environmental threat that could have a powerful humanitarian impact in the future; and alternatively to the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining; better ways to extract useful materials from waste streams; better batteries to electrify developing countries with renewable power, plus many others.

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SOP for Ph.D. in Chemistry

• What is SOP
• SOP Writing Tips
• Statement of Purpose for Masters
• SOP for MBA
• Statement of Purpose for Phd

Updated on 27 March, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. content editor.

A Ph.D. in Chemistry is a research degree ideal for those who wish to carry out independent research in an area of Chemistry.

This article will cover crucial information students must write in their SOP for Ph.D. in Chemistry, including the format, tips, and a sample for easier understanding.

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Table of Contents

Tips for writing effective sop for ph.d. chemistry, first paragraph: introduction and academic goals, second paragraph: reason for choosing the program, third paragraph: what makes you qualified, fourth paragraph: conclusion, final words.

A Statement of Purpose for a Ph.D. is written to a university’s admission panel to highlight a student’s purpose for applying to a specific course. It is an integral part of the application as it gives the student a chance to introduce themself convincingly. It should also highlight the candidate’s research aptitude, efficiency, and time management skills.

Key pointers for writing an effective SOP for Ph.D. Chemistry:

• Do thorough research about the university and program.
• Mention your genuine interest in studying the subject and customize the SOP for a specific university.
• Follow the structure.
• Ensure that the SOP is concise.
• Proofread the SOP several times to check for errors.

How to Draft an SOP for  Ph.D. in Chemistry? Format to Follow

Following this format will make writing the SOP for applying for a Ph.D. in Chemistry simple.

Students must introduce themselves and mention how they realized they wanted to be professional researchers.

They must also mention what goals they want to achieve by doing this course.

The student must prove why “University XYZ” is the ideal place to achieve their goals. Flow from “these are my goals” to “University XYZ is the perfect place to pursue it because …”

The student must explain how they are ready to become a professional researcher. They should mention research skills they developed from other research projects. Also, they can mention unique accomplishments like co-authored papers or awards from academic organizations.

End the SOP by briefly mentioning points from the introduction and paragraphs two and three. Also, mention the career aspirations after completing the Ph.D.

Sample Statement of Purpose Sample for Ph.D. in Chemistry

I have always been fascinated with Chemistry. After attending high school in India, my love for the subject grew, and I pursued my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in this field. Throughout my education, I took up every opportunity to conduct research, and this helped me realize I was passionate about it and wanted a future as a professional researcher. At “University XYZ,” I will have the opportunity to research on <research topics>. I am keen on hearing more about Dr. ABC’s research on <research topic>. My sincere interest in this topic will allow me to learn from his work. Having done research during the last few years, I believe I have the skills and tools to succeed as a graduate student at “University XYZ.” Currently, I lead the research subdivision at X Labs, and we are conducting a study on < research topic>. Additionally, I obtained a 4.0 GPA for research during my Master’s degree. Today, I am looking forward to beginning a new journey at “University XYZ” and facing new intellectual challenges. I am sure I will discover new passions and curiosities as I prepare for a career in academia.

In conclusion, writing a unique Statement of Purpose is essential to get into a good university for a Ph.D. Though the key pointers are listed above, the student must also refer to the university’s requirements. They generally vary from place to place, which makes it essential to recheck the guidelines.

Which Countries are Considered the Best to Pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

Some of the best countries to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry include The UK, Germany, Australia, and Ireland.

What are the career options for a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

Generally, students who pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry work at top corporations and government agencies in positions like Environmental Chemist, Consultant, and Toxicologist.

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Criteria for success.

•   qualified for their program, and
• a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that concisely convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative .
• Your personal statement is no more than 2 pages (less if you can, or if it is required by the school).

Structure Diagram

The graduate school Personal Statement (≈ Statement of Purpose ≈ Statement of Intent) is a document that complements your resume and application form, describing your profile in a narrative way and convincing the admission committee that you would be a good match for a particular department or program. Take into account that matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be read by a graduate committee – a handful of faculty from the program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications every year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, keep in mind the following suggestions:

• Make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications.
• Create a narrative that serves as a personal brand and helps them remember you.
• Give them some unique examples that describe you and make you stand out, and which will make them remember you as “that candidate that was so passionate about…” or “who has a lot of experience in…”, although they might not remember your name.
• Align your academic goals and motivations with specific research projects or research directions of the target department. 

Assessing your match to the target program

A key point on writing your Personal Statement is to demonstrate that you have done previous research about the program to which you’re applying, that you understand its characteristics and objectives, and that you are really interested in joining it and willing to do your best to be successful in it. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. Learn about its faculty members and the projects they are working on. Check what topics and high level goals the department is committed to. Identify the main research areas. 
• Get in contact with faculty and students in your target program. Browse recent publications and presentations but remember lab websites can be outdated and a publication may lag a few years behind the active research in a lab so pay attention to the motivation, direction, and methods of the faculty member over specific results. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, you can include in your essay how those interactions confirmed that you would be a good match for the program.

Reflect before you start

To convince a graduate committee that you are ready for and excited about graduate school, first you need to be able to articulate this to yourself. Earnestly reflect on the following types of questions. A lack of authenticity is easy to detect. 

• Why do I want to go to graduate school? 
• How am I sure?
• Why will I be successful in graduate school?
• What can I do with the help of this degree that I couldn’t do before?
• Where do I want to be in a few years?
• How am I going to get there?

Create a personal narrative

Graduate programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

• E.g. “Graduate study is the first step towards my goal: I want to improve my ability as a researcher and gain more technical depth and breadth to maximize my impact. In the long term, I hope graduate school will better position me to be a leader in shaping the conversation about what problems can be addressed by mechanical engineers.”

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your long-term career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

• E.g. “Above all else, a MIT PhD would help me achieve my long term career goal of becoming a professor, the position in which I can best see myself accomplishing my mission to show others the hidden beauty in everyday life through science.”

Connect your personal narrative to whichever degree you are applying to (be it research-based or course-work-based, or a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or PhD). Especially in mechanical engineering, each of these degrees will enable different career trajectories and provide different educational opportunities. Articulate clearly why the degree you are applying for helps you achieve your goals. In the same vein, consider mutual benefit: what will you contribute to the academic community over your time at your target school? Remember, it all comes back to “qualified match” , no matter what level of degree you are applying for. 

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. They are the most efficient and easiest way to prove your capabilities to the admissions committee.

• What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions ?
• Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration?
• Show your depth with a range of experiences: research, teaching, relevant extracurriculars and leadership positions.
• State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications, or projects completed.

Achievements need not be limited to research projects or publications. Think about all the experiences that demonstrate your ability to conduct research and succeed within the structure of your target program. (Where have you demonstrated creativity? Self sufficiency? Perseverance? What open ended problems have you tackled? What enabled you to succeed at them?)

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

For each experience you include, focus on how the experience affected you. Describe your actions, and always direct the message to highlighting your performance and growth (not how important the company was or how well-known the professor you TAed for is). Remember, it is not an essay about science, it is a personal essay—about you and how you have positioned yourself to succeed in graduate school.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Your goal in sharing your experiences is to demonstrate that you have the qualifications, qualities, and drive needed to succeed in graduate school. Therefore, you will need to not only choose experiences wisely but also state specifically what they mean within the context of your application.

• Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist?
• What did you gain from or demonstrate during that experience?
• How will this make you a better grad student?

Even if it feels obvious to you, you need to explicitly answer these questions to your audience. Here are some examples experiences that have been expanded to contain meaning:

Contemplate how disparate activities can be unified into a common narrative about your motivations and achievements. Articulate this clearly to make your statement cohesive.

Demonstrate your match to the target program

Using the research you did to assess your chosen programs, clearly articulate why you are a match . Consider both directions of the match: not only why you want to go to the school, but also why you would fit in well and contribute to the program.

State which professors in the program you would be interested in working with. Demonstrate that you have done your homework regarding the program. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. If you have had conversations with students or professors in the program, be sure to include that as well. 

Common Pitfalls

Write about you , not your role models. One of the most common pitfalls we see in the Comm Lab is students writing touching Personal Statements about family members or role models who have inspired them. There is nothing wrong with including personal stories about people who have helped you understand yourself better, or positioned you to succeed in graduate school, but it is important to tread very carefully. Don’t leave the reader wondering why they are reading about someone else in a document that is meant to be about you. If you take time to talk about someone who positively affected you, make sure to be very clear about how that experience with that person molded you into a strong graduate school candidate.

Be judicious with childhood stories. A brief mention of some childhood experience that shaped your interests in STEM is probably okay, but if you talk about it at length (more than ~2 sentences), you are taking up space that should probably be used to talk about who you are today, not who you were over a decade ago.

Don’t simply restate your resume. Your Personal Statement should be a technical document (having evidence, numbers, and supporting facts) with personal outcomes (talking about your motivations, ambitions, and ability to succeed as a graduate student). Of course, you will reiterate parts of your resume in your Personal Statement , but what uniquely makes it a “Personal Statement” is the discussion of how those professional experiences affected you , as a researcher and person well-suited to the graduate program at X University.  

Insufficient quantification of your experiences. We are all scientists and engineers; our line of work is inherently quantitative. Quantification is a quick and easy way to add context, lend credence to your experiences, and impress the reader. Even little quantifications can help: “I spent two semesters working on a project about…” is much better than “I spent some time working on a project about…”. See more examples in the section on Experiences, above.

Being a great student and having an impressive resume is only half the battle when it comes to graduate school applications. You need to be able to communicate and convince the committee that your personality and particular set of skills and experiences are well-suited to the graduate program you are applying for. This extends beyond graduate school applications: as scientists and engineers, we write papers and technical reports to communicate with our peers and convince them that our work is meaningful.

By reading this article, you have recognized the value of communication and are well on your way to crafting an effective and powerful Personal Statement. This is your opportunity to make yourself shine among all the other candidates, so make it count! You can do it!

Acknowledgements : This content was adapted from the NSE and CEE Communication Labs’ CommKits for graduate applications.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1, annotated example 2.

Academic Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement are intended to be your opportunity to tell us more about yourself. 

The Academic Statement of Purpose should include information about your academic interests, research interests, research experience, relevant work experience, publications, reasons for pursuing graduate studies, and professional goals. What are your plans for graduate studies and a professional career? You could also tell us if there are any specific faculty members whose research interests you and why.  

The Personal Statement  should include information about other important areas of your life, outside of academics. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, like sports, student organizations, mentoring, etc? Additionally, are there any other clubs, groups or organizations in which you are an active member?

We do not ask that you answer any program specific questions. Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office if you have any further questions.

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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.

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Statement of Purpose 

The statement of purpose is very important to programs when deciding whether to admit a candidate. Your statement should be focused, informative, and convey your research interests and qualifications. You should describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in your chosen degree program, noting the experiences that shaped your research ambitions, indicating briefly your career objectives, and concisely stating your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Your degree program of interest may have specific guidance or requirements for the statement of purpose, so be sure to review the degree program page for more information. Unless otherwise noted, your statement should not exceed 1,000 words. 

Personal Statement

A core part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to educating individuals who reflect the growing diversity of perspectives and life experiences represented in society today and who will contribute to our commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment. Your statement should be no longer than 500 words.

Writing Sample 

Please visit Degree Programs and navigate to your degree program of interest to determine if a writing sample is required. When preparing your writing sample, be sure to follow program requirements, which may include format, topic, or length. 

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PhD Series: How to Write a Statement of Purpose

posted on July 28, 2021

What is a Statement of Purpose?

A Statement of Purpose goes beyond the traditional Personal Statement. It asks applicants to not only describe their professional journey and how that led to their research interests, but also offer additional insight into their proposed area of study. This article offers a useful framework for writing your Statement of Purpose as well as tips to get you started.

Step 1: Introduction and Outline of Goals

The first section of the Statement of Purpose should include a broad overview of your academic interests as well as a brief outline of your short term and long-term goals. Introducing your interests and goals early frames the rest of the essay for the reader, and more importantly, answers the prompt.  

Step 2: Relevant Academic History

Describe relevant academic or work experiences in detail and how they have shaped your desire to pursue a graduate degree in your proposed field. A common mistake made by applicants is providing a detailed account of every single past experience in their Statement of Purpose. While certainly comprehensive, it is not necessary, and can reflect poorly on the applicant, especially if it excludes or dilutes other essential components of the essay. Instead, consider including 3-5 of your most impactful experiences. Describe the projects in detail, skills you developed, lessons learned, and any outcomes. For example, for a research project involving human subjects, you could describe the process of obtaining IRB approval, developing and validating a survey, or mixed methods data analysis. PhD programs are rigorous. Convince the selection committee that you “know what you are getting into,” that you have the knowledge and resilience to be successful in their PhD program.

Step 3: Next Steps and “Why X” Program

Here, describe your research interests, detailing potential projects, research aims and methodologies. Discuss potential mentors at the institution you would like to work with (the buzzword here is “mentoring team”), and the specific skills you will learn from each of them. If done correctly, this section has the most potential to set you apart from other applicants.

Writing a Statement of Purpose that is both comprehensive and concise can be challenging. Before you begin, outline your essay using the above sections, paying close attention to your overarching goals. Do your past experiences clearly explain what brought you to your proposed field of interest? How will pursuing a PhD help you achieve your future goals? Connect the dots for your readers.   

Need more guidance with your Statement of Purpose essay?  The Art of Applying® is here to help. Our experienced team of consultants have trained at the top academic institutions in the world and more importantly, are dedicated to your success. To learn more about how we can help, click here to schedule your 15-minute Quick Call .

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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

How to Write a Chemistry Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

Writing a personal statement is a very daunting task, it can seem like the be-all and end-all of your university application. In this post, Oxford PhD Chemistry researcher and 1st Class Oxford Chemistry graduate, Zoe, outlines how to structure your personal statement, as well as discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to a Chemistry personal statement. We have also provided an example Chemistry Personal Statement for those looking for inspiration.

General Tips for a Successful Chemistry Personal Statement:

When applying to the top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge or other Russel Group universities, the personal statement is not going to be the single factor determining the success of your application. In that sense, there is no need to spend hours curating the ‘perfect’ personal statement - interview preparation and school grades will have a much stronger weighting in the eyes of the admissions office. That being said, a poorly written personal statement can negatively impact your chances and you’ll want to make sure you have avoided common pitfalls and checked all the boxes for a successful application.

Below I’ll discuss key things your personal statement should include, along with common mistakes people make when trying to impress.

1.      Convey your genuine interest for chemistry – this should be the first paragraph and indicate why you want to study chemistry

-          Don’t write clichés such as ‘I’ve wanted to be a chemist since I was 4 years old’ - they want to know what motivates you now

-          Do be yourself and talk about what you genuinely find interesting and what got you motivated to study Chemistry in the first place e.g. at A-level (you don’t gain points for having stated to like Chemistry at an earlier age). Demonstrate your enthusiasm for chemistry by discussing what motivated you to study the subject, such as a particular experiment or a fascinating discovery

2.      Demonstrate you have the skills and motivation required to pursue the subject at the highest-level – this should be paragraphs 2 and 3 and form the bulk of your personal statement. Don’t get carried away, focus on one or two key examples that demonstrate your commitment to the subject

-          Don’t lie – this may seem obvious, but don’t mention books you haven’t read or experiments you haven’t done just to sound clever; this is the easiest way to get caught out in an interview. Tutors are not expecting you to know the whole 1st year undergraduate course and they will be well aware if you pretend you have.

-          Do include any research or reading you have done which shows commitment to the subject. All they want is for you to show you have taken the time to go beyond the standard A-level syllabus, be that by reading books, keeping up with the literature or even attending talks or visiting an interesting exhibition at a museum. There is no right way to show interest in the subject! Highlight your academic achievements in chemistry, including any relevant coursework, research projects, or awards that showcase your skills and knowledge

3.      Highlight skills that make you suited for the course – This should the final paragraph and should be a couple of sentences at most. Showcase these skills, such as your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and problem-solve, which are essential for success in the field of Chemistry.

-          Don’t mention extra-curriculars that are not directly relevant to the course. 4000 characters is not a lot and you do not want to waste space or things that tutors will not even consider

-          Do include any extra-curriculars that demonstrate either proficiency and commitment to the subject (e.g., Chemistry Olympiad) or extra-curriculars that will show you are suited to high-paced and demanding environments such as Oxford or Cambridge (e.g. sports or activities that required significant dedication and skills such as time-management)

4. Be concise and focused: Keep your personal statement concise and focused, with a clear structure and well-defined paragraphs. Finally, proofread your personal statement carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly. Consider asking someone else to read it and provide feedback before submitting your application.

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Our Chemistry tutors are brilliant at supporting students with the brainstorming and drafting process for their Chemistry personal statements. Visit our Personal Statement page or book a free consultation to discuss how we can support.

Ideas to Show Interest Beyond Your A-level Chemistry Curriculum:

You may feel overwhelmed when it comes to searching beyond the A-level course. Chemistry is a huge subject so how do you find the best, most interesting things to read and talk about?

The short answer is you can’t. There is not right or wrong book to read just as there is no right or wrong thing to be interested in. The breadth of most Chemistry courses highlights this very fact – you can be interested in whatever area of Chemistry you want, and its completely okay if this ends up being a different area to your interviewer! In fact, you are more likely to invest time into learning new content, and thus are more likely to effectively demonstrate your skills if you have chosen something you are genuinely interested in. So, don’t spend ages trying to find the ‘right’ area to research but do pursue your actual interests!

Below are just a few examples of ways in which you can engage with chemistry outside of the classroom, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. So, if you find something else that sparks your interest then by all means, go with that!

Books You Could Mention in Your Chemistry Personal Statement:

Why Chemical Reactions Happen – James Keeler*

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out – Richard Feynman

The Most Beautiful Molecule – Hugh Aldersey-Williams

Periodic Tales - Hugh Aldersey-Williams

The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean

Napoleon's Buttons – Jay Burreson and Penny Le Couteur

*A very good introduction to some 1st year undergraduate topics but also a pretty big cliché so I would avoid having this as the main book in your personal statement

Chemistry Podcasts:

Chemistry for your life : A podcast helping you understand the chemistry of your everyday life

Chemistry in its element : A weekly tour of the periodic table, from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Chemistry Cayk

Distillations : Uncovering moments in science-related history

Extracurricular Activities For Success in Chemistry University Applications:

UK Chemistry Olympiad

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Year 12 only)

Giving a talk at your school’s Chemistry/ Science society

Seek out relevant work experience : If you have any relevant work experience, discuss it in your personal statement. This could include internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships

U2 Tuition’s co-curricular division, Minds Underground, host online specialised research projects, with many Chemistry-related options. Gaining research experience can be a valuable opportunity for school students, offering numerous benefits beyond what is typically learned in the classroom. Visit the Research Experience page for more information!

Applying to Oxford for Chemistry? Here Is What You Should Also Do

If Oxford is your dream destination for studying this fascinating subject, there are some crucial tips to consider. Here's a breakdown of key elements to enhance your chemistry personal statement, especially tailored for Oxford:

1. Embrace Depth and Breadth:

Oxford values not just your depth of understanding in chemistry but also your ability to appreciate its broad applications. Showcase both your passion for specific areas of chemistry and your awareness of its interdisciplinary nature.

2. Highlight Research Awareness:

Demonstrate your awareness of cutting-edge research in chemistry. Mention specific projects, studies, or advancements that have caught your attention, showcasing a keen interest in staying updated on the latest developments in the field.

3. Demonstrate Critical Thinking:

Oxford places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Showcase instances where you've applied these skills in problem-solving, especially in chemistry-related scenarios.

4. Exhibit Your Intellectual Curiosity:

Oxford seeks students who are not only knowledgeable but also intellectually curious. Share instances where you've gone beyond the standard curriculum to explore your interest in chemistry, such as engaging with advanced books, attending seminars, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities.

5. Discuss Your Future Contribution:

Convey a sense of your long-term vision in the field of chemistry. Whether it's contributing to ground-breaking research, advancing technology, or inspiring future generations, Oxford wants to see your commitment to making a meaningful impact.

6. Make Sure You Personal Statement Is An Exciting Springboard For Discussion At Interview

Oxford places significant importance on the interview process, and your personal statement can serve as a crucial catalyst for engaging discussions during this stage. Craft your statement in a way that prompts curiosity, inviting interviewers to delve deeper into your experiences and viewpoints. Incorporate thought-provoking questions or reflections on your experiences, leaving room for insightful conversations. Showcasing your ability to articulate complex ideas and engage in dynamic discussions will not only demonstrate your readiness for the Oxford environment but also set the stage for a compelling interview experience.

Tailoring your statement with these specific considerations for Oxford will help you showcase your suitability for the challenging and enriching academic environment at the University.

Chemistry Personal Statement Example

Below, we have shared a personal statement example for a chemistry degree application. This is a succinct and focused piece, highlighting experiences from engaging with captivating books and podcasts to participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad. From sugar plastics to sustainability, each facet contributes to a narrative showcasing the dynamic nature of chemistry and the student’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Chemistry captivates me as a subject that blends curiosity and practical understanding. My journey began with Hugh Aldersey-Williams' 'The Most Beautiful Molecule,' a book that provided a captivating exploration of molecular structures. What fascinated me most was the author's ability to unravel the complexities of these structures in a way that felt accessible and intriguing. Aldersey-Williams seamlessly blended scientific detail with a narrative that made me appreciate the elegance hidden within the microscopic world of molecules. This narrative approach to scientific storytelling resonated with me, creating a bridge between the abstract concepts of chemistry and their real-world implications. I enjoy listening to Chemistry podcasts and found the ChemTalk podcast episode featuring Dr. Karen Wooley discussing Sugar Plastics and Sustainability particularly fascinating. Unlike conventional plastics, which contribute to pollution and resource depletion, sugar plastics offer a renewable and biodegradable alternative. Her insights into sustainability, sugars, and their applications in industry resonated with me. This podcast demonstrated the bridge between theory and real-world challenges, showcasing the versatility of chemistry in creating alternative materials and emphasising the practical role of chemistry in addressing global issues. Inspired by Dr. Wooley's work, I undertook a project focused on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics using sugars. Collaborating with peers, we explored the synthesis and properties of sugar-based plastics, aiming to contribute to environmentally friendly solutions. This hands-on project allowed me to witness the tangible applications of chemistry in addressing contemporary issues, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices within the field. Attending a lecture on sustainability in chemistry further deepened my appreciation for the discipline's potential impact on global challenges. The lecture illuminated innovative approaches and advancements in sustainable chemistry, emphasising the role of environmentally friendly practices in research and industry. What fascinated me was the integration of green chemistry principles, showcasing how the field is evolving to minimise environmental impact and enhance efficiency. This experience broadened my perspective on the practical applications of sustainable practices within the realm of chemistry, reaffirming my commitment to contributing to solutions that align with the principles of environmental responsibility. Participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad further deepened my understanding of the versatile nature of chemistry, challenging me to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Being a passionate debater, I have also honed my communication and critical thinking skills, learning to articulate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, running my school's Chemistry Society has provided a platform to share my enthusiasm for the subject with peers, organising events and discussions that foster a collaborative and interactive learning environment. These activities showcase my commitment to both academic excellence and fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for chemistry beyond the classroom. These experiences have solidified my passion for chemistry and its real-world applications. Eager to delve deeper, I am motivated to pursue a chemistry degree, driven by a genuine curiosity and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to this impactful discipline.

In conclusion, writing a strong Chemistry degree personal statement requires careful planning, organisation, and attention to detail. A successful Chemistry personal statement should demonstrate your passion for the subject, showcase your academic achievements, highlight your relevant experiences, and emphasise your skills. By following these guidelines and taking the time to craft a well-written and compelling personal statement, you can increase your chances of being accepted into the Chemistry degree of your choice. Remember to proofread your statement carefully, seek feedback from others, and let your unique voice and personality shine through. Good luck with your application!

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Our experienced Oxbridge-educated tutors are experts in their field and have a proven track record of success in helping students achieve their goals and gain admission to some of the top universities in the UK. We also offer admissions test and interview preparation for those applying to Oxbridge and also top Russell Group Universities who interview such as Imperial.

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Flawless Statement Of Purpose For PhD: Samples & Tips

As an aspiring PhD student, you’ve probably heard it time and time again – your statement of purpose (SOP) is one of the most important elements of your application. In just a few short pages, the admissions committee needs to understand your research interests, fit for the program, and long-term career goals. It’s no small feat to efficiently and powerfully convey all this within the character limit restrictions. That’s why we are here to walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect SOP and bolster your chances of admissions success. In this post, we’ll unpack the anatomy of a compelling SOP, including essential components and structure. We’ll also share statement of purpose for PhD samples from both real and fictional but effective essays to give you a sense of the different styles and tones you can take.Finally, we’ll provide my top writing and editing tips to help you put your best foot forward and craft the type of polished, punchy statement that makes admissions officers eager to admit you into their program. Let’s dive in and get started on building your application’s most pivotal piece.

Understand the purpose

A statement of purpose for a PhD program is more than just a formal requirement for the application process; it is a critical component that helps the admission committee understand your academic journey, your research interests, and your fit into the program. The SOP serves a dual purpose- it demonstrates your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, reflecting your communication skills, and it outlines your intellectual curiosity and dedication to your field of study. The committee uses the SOP to gauge whether your research interests align with those of the faculty, whether you have the potential to contribute significantly to the field, and whether you have the resilience and dedication to withstand the rigors of a PhD program. Essentially, the SOP is your opportunity to convince the committee that you are a compatible candidate for the program and that you have the ambition, curiosity, and academic prowess to succeed.

What your statement of purpose should not do

While your statement of purpose should provide a comprehensive picture of your academic journey, it should not merely rehash what can already be found on your resume or CV. The resume primarily lists your qualifications, the courses you’ve taken, the projects you’ve completed, and the positions you’ve held. Simply repeating these details in your statement does not add any value to your application and can be redundant.

As demonstrated in the statement of purpose for PhD samples below, the aim of the essay is to provide context, explain the motivations behind your academic and professional decisions, and to outline your future research goals and aspirations. Rehashing your resume wastes valuable space that could be used to highlight your research interests, demonstrate your analytical thinking, and elucidate your understanding of the academic field. Moreover, it reflects a lack of creativity and an inability to think critically, traits that are extremely important for a successful PhD candidate. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your SOP goes beyond your resume, offering a deeper insight into your intellectual journey and your commitment to your chosen field of study.

Here is an illustration of how your statement of purpose can provide a comprehensive account of your academic journey without simply echoing your resume or CV:

“As an undergraduate, I was drawn to the complexities and intricacies of molecular biology, a fascination that was kindled during my sophomore year project on DNA replication. This wasn’t simply a course requirement for me, but a thrilling dive into the minuscule yet mighty world of cells and DNA. The project led me to identify my research interest and, subsequently, to choose an internship in a lab specializing in gene editing techniques. This experience allowed me to work with renowned professionals and gain hands-on experience, igniting a desire to contribute meaningfully to this field. My decision to apply for a PhD program in molecular biology stems from this inquisitiveness and the profound desire to delve deeper into the mysteries of genetic codes. If granted the opportunity, my aim is to focus on gene therapy research to combat genetic disorders, a pursuit that I believe can change countless lives. This is not merely an academic endeavor for me; it is my commitment to contribute to a field that holds immense potential for human health.”

Know your audience

Understanding your audience is central to crafting a compelling statement of purpose for a PhD program. When preparing your SOP, consider the specifics of the program and department you’re applying to — what are their research focus areas, what methodologies do they frequently employ, who are the key faculty members, and what are their contributions to the field? Incorporating these details into your SOP will demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and that you’re genuinely interested in the program.

It’s not about pandering to the department; rather, it’s about showing that you’ve taken the time to understand their objectives and that you see a genuine alignment between their work and your research interests. For instance, if the department is known for its focus on quantitative methods, you might want to highlight your experience with these methods and how you plan to utilize them in your research. Similarly, if a faculty member in the department is doing groundbreaking work in your area of interest, mentioning this work and how it aligns with your research goals could work in your favor.

Remember, the SOP is not just about selling your skills and achievements; it’s about weaving a narrative that shows a deep understanding of the program, a clear vision of your research journey, and a firm belief in your compatibility with the department’s goals and values. Among the statement of purpose for PhD samples provided in this blog post, the following one demonstrates how to do just that:

“As an aspiring PhD candidate, I am drawn to the University of XYZ’s Department of Neuroscience due to its renowned focus on neurodegenerative diseases. I have a particular interest in the methodologies that Dr. Jane Doe employs in her groundbreaking research on Parkinson’s disease. Having utilized quantitative methods extensively during my master’s thesis, I plan to further refine these skills to contribute to this field’s evolving discourse. I am particularly impressed by the department’s innovative approach to integrating molecular biology and computational modeling . This aligns closely with my own vision of utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to understand the complexities of neurodegenerative disorders. My past research endeavors along with my desire to delve deeper into this particular field have equipped me with a unique perspective and a steadfast determination. I firmly believe that the application of my skills and the alignment of our research interests will significantly contribute to the department’s ongoing projects and overarching goals.”

Focus on your research experience

In your statement of purpose, the articulation of past experiences forms a pivotal part. It lays a foundational layer that demonstrates your abilities, commitment, and growth. Each experience that you narrate should be a reflection of your intellectual curiosity, research acumen, and dedication to your chosen field.

This does not mean that you just sequentially list your experiences. Instead, it is essential to focus on those that had a significant impact on your academic journey or shaped your research interests. Discuss your learnings, illustrate how challenges were addressed and remember to underline your contribution to each experience shared.

The idea is to paint a picture of your capabilities, showcasing not just your technical skills, but also your problem-solving ability, perseverance, and team spirit. When an admissions committee member reads your SOP, they should not only grasp your past experiences but also see your potential to effect meaningful change in the future.

As such, your SOP should be a blend of your present and future – a snapshot of who you have been, who you are, and who you aspire to become. Therefore, invest the time to reflect, compose, and meticulously proofread your SOP, as it serves as a powerful tool that can impress the admissions committee, setting you apart from other candidates.

“During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to be a part of a research team working on nano-sensor technology. This experience ignited my passion for nanotechnology and sensor systems, as I found the potential of these technologies in addressing some of the pressing environmental issues remarkable. I contributed to this project by identifying a novel approach for enhancing the sensor’s sensitivity, which was an outcome of my methodical problem-solving approach and rigorous testing. This experience was not without its challenges, and it was during these trying times that my perseverance shone through. There were instances when our team hit roadblocks, but we resolved them collaboratively, highlighting my ability to work effectively in a team. The knowledge and skills that I gained from this experience have significantly influenced my academic path and future aspirations. Now, I aim to delve deeper into this domain in my graduate studies, with the ultimate goal of developing innovative solutions for environmental challenges. I believe that my dedication, combined with my problem-solving skills and team spirit, will enable me to contribute significantly to the ongoing projects at your esteemed institution.”

Highlight your research interests

As shown in the statement of purpose for PhD samples below, general statements about being interested in a broad field, such as ‘molecular biology’ or ‘international relations,’ will not make you stand out. Instead, delve into the intricate aspects of your area of interest, demonstrating your profound understanding and passion for the subject.

For instance, if your research interest lies in the domain of molecular biology, you might specify that you are particularly intrigued by the role of microRNAs in gene regulation and its implications for cancer treatment. If international relations is your field, you might express a keen interest in the interplay of economic sanctions and nuclear disarmament, using specific case studies such as North Korea or Iran.

Back your assertions with evidence of your knowledge and skills – refer to relevant research you’ve done, courses you’ve taken, or seminal literature you’ve read. Tying your research interests to current debates and pressing issues in the field will further underscore your commitment and preparedness for PhD-level work. You also need to mention potential research questions you wish to explore, thereby showcasing your ability to conceptualize and execute research.

Remember, your research interests are the cornerstone of your PhD journey, and the statement of purpose is an opportunity to demonstrate that these interests are informed, well-articulated, and aligned with the department’s expertise.

“My fascination with molecular biology is deeply rooted in the complex world of microRNAs and their potential in gene regulation. I am particularly captivated by the implications this has for cancer treatment, a connection I have explored in my undergraduate research examining the role of microRNA-155 in breast cancer progression. This research, coupled with my advanced coursework in cellular biology and genetics, has equipped me with a robust understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving disease. Furthermore, my keen interest extends to pressing debates in the field, as I am actively engaged in studying the potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets. Looking forward, I wish to delve deeper into this area during my PhD, with an initial research question centered around understanding the differential expression patterns of microRNAs in various cancer types. I am confident that the department’s expertise in molecular biology, notably the groundbreaking work on microRNA-based therapies, aligns perfectly with my research interests, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to this pioneering field.”

Emphasize your motivation

Your motivation is the driving force behind your aspiration to pursue a PhD, and it is crucial to articulate this effectively in your statement of purpose . It is not enough to merely state that you are passionate about your subject; you need to demonstrate your commitment and dedication through tangible examples and anecdotes.

For instance, you might talk about a seminal moment or experience that sparked your interest in the field – perhaps a particular course you took or a paper you read that opened up a new perspective. You might recount how you pursued this interest, undertaking independent reading, engaging in research projects, or seeking out mentors in your field. You might discuss how these experiences fueled your passion further, inciting an insatiable curiosity and a determination to contribute to the field.

Convey how your subject has influenced your worldview, shaped your career goals, and ingrained a sense of purpose and direction in your life. This passion should seep into every facet of your statement of purpose, presenting a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee. Ultimately, your motivation should underscore your willingness to embrace the rigors of a PhD program, your readiness to delve deeper into your field, and your ambition to make a profound impact on it.

“My fascination with neurobiology was truly sparked when I took an introductory course in my sophomore year of undergraduate studies. The intricate workings of the human brain and how it influences behavior captivated me. I sought to dive deeper into this subject, undertaking independent reading beyond the scope of my coursework. I also volunteered for a research project under the guidance of a respected professor in the field. This hands-on experience introduced me to the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of contributing to scientific knowledge. These experiences reinforced my passion for neurobiology, instilling an insatiable curiosity and a determination to delve deeper. Today, this subject has evolved from merely an academic interest to a defining aspect of my life, shaping my career aspirations and directing my purpose. My motivation to pursue a PhD stems from this profound desire to deepen my understanding, participate in groundbreaking research, and ultimately contribute significantly to our understanding of the human brain.”

Discuss your qualifications

Your qualifications form a significant part of your application and should be highlighted effectively in your statement of purpose. Start by discussing your academic background, emphasizing the relevance of your degrees, courses, and thesis projects to your proposed area of study.

For example, if you’re applying for a PhD in psychology, you might mention your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the same field, the psychology courses you’ve mastered, and the dissertation you’ve completed on a related topic.

Next, delve into relevant work experiences, internships, or research projects you’ve partaken in, explaining the insights and skills you’ve gleaned from these opportunities. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, the methodologies you’ve used, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the results you’ve achieved.

Remember, each aspect of your qualifications should align with your research interests and underscore your readiness for the PhD program.

Show how you can contribute

In the conclusion of your statement of purpose, it’s essential to clearly articulate how you can contribute to the PhD program and the broader academic community. This involves showing how your unique perspectives, experiences, skills, and aspirations can enrich the learning environment, push the boundaries of your field, and address pertinent societal issues.

For example, you might highlight how your innovative research methodology can fill existing gaps in knowledge, how your commitment to mentorship can foster a supportive academic culture, or how your interdisciplinary approach can facilitate collaborations and yield groundbreaking insights.

Be sure to also touch on your long-term career goals, such as becoming a professor, a policy-maker, or a consultant, and explain how these align with the objectives of the PhD program and the institution’s mission. This gives the admissions committee a clear vision of your future trajectory and reassures them of your determination and potential to succeed.

Remember, your conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression, so ensure it’s compelling, coherent, and reflective of your passion, readiness, and potential to excel in the PhD program.

“To conclude, I am keen to join your esteemed PhD program as I see it as a platform where my experiences, skills, and aspirations can have a significant impact. With my in-depth background in environmental science and a passion for data analytics, I intend to explore innovative methodologies that address the pressing issue of climate change. This interdisciplinary approach, I believe, can fill gaps in current research and provide novel insights that could potentially lead to impactful solutions. I am equally committed to fostering a supportive academic culture through active mentorship in the X program, leveraging my experience as a TA during my master’s in Y activities. Looking ahead, my ultimate career goal is to work as a policy consultant, leveraging research to shape powerful environmental policies. I am confident that this aligns with the mission of your institution and the objectives of the PhD program. In summary, I am eager to contribute to the academic community and believe that with my passion, readiness, and potential, I will be a valuable addition to your program.”

Express clearly and concisely

As demonstrated in the statement of purpose for PhD samples above, writing an essay that is clear and concise necessitates a logical structure and a succinct, yet compelling language.

Use simple, direct language, focusing on precision and clarity. Be mindful of wordiness and redundancy, as these can dilute your message and confuse the reader. It’s crucial to use strong, active verbs and to avoid jargon, ensuring that your SOP is accessible and engaging. Breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms not only demonstrates your understanding of the subject but also makes your SOP easier to read.

Each paragraph should flow seamlessly into the next, maintaining a logical progression of ideas. Providing relevant examples and conveying them succinctly can further enhance the clarity and impact of your SOP. Moreover, a well-structured, concise SOP reflects your ability to communicate effectively, a skill integral to any academic pursuit. Whether you’re describing your research interests, academic achievements, or future plans, make every word count.

Remember, your goal is to convince the admissions committee that you are a promising candidate who will contribute positively to their program.

Show, don’t just tell

One of the most persuasive techniques in writing a compelling SOP is to employ a ‘show, don’t tell’ approach. This involves illustrating your claims with vivid examples and stories that demonstrate your qualifications and passion, rather than merely stating them.

For instance, instead of claiming that you have strong research skills, you might describe a complex project that you successfully managed, explaining the strategies you used and the challenges you overcame. You could bring your academic interests to life by detailing the precise moment when you realized your passion for your field of study, whether it was a fascinating lecture, a thought-provoking book, or a groundbreaking research paper.

You can also substantiate your career aspirations by recounting relevant experiences, such as internships, workshops, or leadership roles, that shaped your career goals and prepared you for the future. These narratives not only provide concrete evidence of your attributes but also make your SOP more engaging and memorable.

Be sure to use vibrant language to paint a clear picture and evoke emotions, making your experiences resonate with the reader. Incorporating a personal touch — your unique perspective, insights, or reflections — can give your SOP a distinct voice that stands apart from others.

Through compelling storytelling, you can transform your SOP into a captivating narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Warning: The purpose of statement of purpose for PhD samples

When it comes to crafting an impactful statement of purpose, samples can serve as invaluable tools. They offer a glimpse into the structure, content, and tone expected in a well-curated SOP. More than mere templates to be copied, statement of purpose for PhD samples should be viewed as guides for understanding how to articulate your academic and career aspirations effectively. They showcase successful attempts at conveying passion for a field, highlighting academic achievements, and outlining future goals within the constraints of a limited word count.

Despite the benefits of statement of purpose for PhD samples, it’s critical to remember that each SOP is unique and personal. Simply copying a sample would undermine the primary purpose of the SOP: to provide a distinct and authentic narrative of your journey and aspirations. The correct way to utilize these statement of purpose for PhD samples is by analyzing the writing strategies used, deriving inspiration, and then creating an original piece of work that reflects the applicant’s unique story. This approach ensures that the SOP not only meets the formal requirements set forth by the academic institution but also captures the individuality of the applicant, thus making a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

The high stakes of your statement of purpose

Your SOP is much more than a mere component of your application; it is a crucial determinant of your acceptance. This document breathes life into your application, rendering a vivid picture of your past, present, and future aspirations to the admissions committee. Its weight is such that a well-crafted SOP can elevate an otherwise average application, while a poorly constructed one can diminish the impact of an exceptional academic record.

Think of it as a double-edged sword, capable of either bolstering your chances of admission or, alternatively, significantly undermining them. The smallest of errors — be it a grammatical faux pas, a lack of coherence, or a failure to aptly convey your passion — can be detrimental, casting doubt on your abilities and commitment.

On the other hand, a compelling, polished SOP that succinctly encapsulates your journey, goals, and potential can resonate profoundly with the committee, positioning you as a desirable candidate. The stakes, then, are undeniably high. It’s a daunting task to undertake alone, and the margin for error is slim. Assessing your work objectively can be challenging, and subtle nuances may escape your notice. Seeking feedback in this critical endeavor may prove invaluable in ensuring your SOP is not just good, but exceptional.

Let’s recap. As demonstrated through our statement of purpose for your PhD samples, the SOP is one of the most important elements of the application process and needs to distinctly capture your research interests, fit for the program and future aspirations in its few pages. We have provided you with helpful information about components and structure, given real samples to emulate, and shared tips on writing and editing to ensure you submit a top-notch statement that will leave a favorable impression. Now that you know how to write an effective SOP for your PhD application confidently, what are you waiting for? Put your newfound knowledge into action and get started on creating an outstanding SOP that truly speaks for itself. And if you find yourself struggling or needing a bit of guidance along this journey, we offer statement of purpose services – whether it be helping you write your SOP from scratch or providing personalized feedback. Make sure to check them out!

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 .

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• Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

Chemistry PhD SOP

• application
• personal statement

By paulnguyen November 18, 2019 in Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

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Hi guys, here is my personal statement for a Chemistry PhD. program.

Please take a look and give me some feedback. I appreciate any help! I can also look at yours and give feedback if you wish.

A little bit about my application: GPA: 3.70, major GPA: 3.75. GRE general: 150 V, 165 Q.

Although my GRE is not that high, my research professor told me to aim to top inorganic chemistry programs because of my strong research experience and the fact that English is not my first language + I take >17hrs every semester since I transferred to my current university in junior year. 

My nomadic life began at the age of 16 when I left my hometown to move to the biggest city in my home country, [name of the country] . Since that day, I have lived in 5 cities and traveled to 4 countries and 12 states in America. Change is my lifestyle. However, 3 things that never change in me are passion, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. With these values, I have not only overcome all obstacles from integrating into new communities but also set myself up to be ready for any challenge I will encounter in the future.

My passion for chemistry is ignited by my father who is a veterinarian. I grew up helping him capping scintillation vials and watching him working with animal drugs and I was genuinely fascinated about how science impacts life and wished to be a veterinarian when I grow up. That preliminary dream motivated me to study science early in my life, which led to my first two academic achievements at the [Name of the competition] Provincial Chemistry Competition for Middle School Students and the [Name of the competition] Math Competition when I was 15. I was one of the two contestants who got the highest score on the chemistry competition and was selected for a scholarship to study at the provincial high school for talented students. However, I declined the offer.

It is not fortuitous that I chose to dig more deeply into chemistry instead of sticking with my childhood plan of becoming a veterinarian. The more I learned about chemistry, the more I wanted to create. I wanted to create new chemicals that could change the world. Not so long after I won the chemistry competition, I realized this childish dream would not be practical if I kept staying in my hometown. I declined the high school for talented students offer to seek better opportunities in a bigger city. I attended a private high school and had a chance to do hands-on chemistry experiments twice a week participate in city science fairs and meet people from top universities in my country. I was also introduced to overseas education which excited my curiosity about the academic environment and life in the other hemisphere. To satisfy my curiosity, I went to the U.S. after graduating from high school.

Spending my first 2 years of college at a community college where research opportunities are not available, I tried to get into some short-term chemistry research programs and industrial internships, but it is hard because of my citizenship status. At the same time, I found a huge interest in sharing my knowledge and helping people. I joined the science and writing tutor teams and developed professionalism in tutoring chemistry and math, editing students’ academic papers, and communication with my colleagues. To me, the purpose of gaining new knowledge is to share knowledge. That is my motivation for dedicating most of my college time to teaching and tutoring. I ended my first period of college with the honor of being selected as the outstanding student at [H] College for my contributions to the community.

I transferred to [University___X] with intentions of looking for research opportunities and experiencing the south of the U.S., but the passion for teaching is still in me. Throughout the semesters, I operated Peer-leading team learning sessions to help students in the Inorganic Chemistry course and I became a mentor to support first-year chemistry students. These teaching and mentoring opportunities not only improve my skills but also put me in a position where I always have to update my knowledge. Also, here at [University___X] , I discovered another passion of mine. I joined Dr. [Dr. A] 's research group and was surprised by how immature I was. Little did I know that the way chemistry changes the world is not as loud as a speech from a political figure nor as emotional as a song from a singer. Chemistry changes the world on a molecular scale that most people do not even recognize. Here, I found my passion and curiosity of synthesizing molecules that can contribute to the growth of chemistry and society.

In [Dr. A] ’s lab, [Dr. B]  and I studied the syntheses and characterizations of a class of sandwich-type mononuclear lanthanide single-molecule magnets which possesses high degrees of axial symmetry and exhibits novel magnetic properties. In this project, I learned air-sensitive manipulations, glovebox and Schlenk line techniques along with the uses of NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). As this is my first research experience, I was also taught how to plan and organize reactions before running them. My most appreciation for this project goes to the lanthanide elements. Because I did not learn a lot about lanthanides in undergraduate courses, this project made me curious about these interesting metals. This research experience also expanded my knowledge of magnetism and methods to design single-molecule magnets. Furthermore, the most important thing I got from this project is that I can finally identify my chemistry forte, which is synthetic inorganic chemistry.

I continued my research journey by joining [Dr. C] ’s lab. Here, I jumped into a new and fascinating project which focuses on syntheses of bio-inspired compounds that display catalytic activities for CO 2 reduction and hydrogen production. Specifically, I investigated the synthesis of an unprecedented manganese compound with an [name of the ligand]  ligand which, for the first time, shows a switching in the binding mode of the [name of the ligand]  ligand from a tetradentate [x]  ligand to a binucleating tridentate [y]  ligand. The unexpected result inspired me and my mentor, Mr. [Name] , to figure out how it happened. I consider this project as an exploration because over the summer, I performed more than 50 reactions, set up numerous diffusion tubes for growing crystals, and waited weeks to see the formation of the crystals. Eventually, we figured out that the role of an extraneous metal is vital to facilitate or to template the formation of the novel manganese compound. The exploration gave results that not only answer our questions about the phenomenon and motivated us to produce an academic paper, but also teach me how valuable and important patience, hard work, and critical thinking are in scientific research. The more I am excited about the results, the more I want to share them. I gave oral and poster presentations at three undergraduate research symposiums at the three biggest universities in Texas. In addition, further study of this project is also my undergraduate thesis that I am working on. This project has prepared me for graduate school in two major ways. First, I have gained strong skills and knowledge in synthetic inorganic chemistry which also reflects my interests in this subject. Second, I have learned how to effectively describe and interpret my research to audiences with different academic backgrounds and in different forms of presentations.

Now I know that I can create and synthesize molecules and I want to create and synthesize more. My research experience has shown me how beautiful, important, and versatile compounds of transition metals (including lanthanides and actinides) can be. I want to keep synthesizing more coordination complexes and discover their applications from their structural, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. This, in addition to my passion for teaching, fosters my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in chemistry, and [University___Y] is where I want to be to achieve this goal.

Choosing inorganic chemistry as the concentration, I understand it is an interdisciplinary subject that requires knowledge in biology, physics, and materials science. I also understand that the synthesis skill that I have is not enough to solve recondite problems in real life. To do that, I need to understand problems at an interdisciplinary level.   At [University___Y] , I believe I will have a chance to work toward that goal because every research group in inorganic chemistry here has a diverse research profile. My first attention is brought to Dr. [D] because her group has worked with single-molecule magnets. Moreover, I also want to be a part of her journey in quantum information science by approaching via coordination chemistry. Besides, I am also interested in Dr. [E] ’s group where I can both be exposed to a variety of innovative chemical fields such as nanomaterials and nanolithography, and improve my synthesis root in coordination chemistry. Dr. [F] ’s research group is also appealing to me due to their works in transition metals complexes. The [F]  group can be a good place for me to utilize my passion for synthetic inorganic chemistry to apply to biological and medical fields.

Committing several years for chemistry is not an easy decision but I am confident that I have enough passion, curiosity, and a strong work ethic for this challenge. Although my life has involved a lot of moving, since the day I realized the beauty and the importance of inorganic chemistry I always have a consistent goal of becoming an influential and dedicated chemist. Pursuing a Ph.D. degree from [University___Y] is a significant step toward my future.

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How do I write a Statement of Purpose for my grad school application?

by Markus Deserno | Oct 30, 2020 | Uncategorized

It’s that time of the year again: grad school applications are soon due ! You have dutifully selected a good set of schools, following the “reach/middle/safe” principle; you’ve secured writers for your letters of recommendation; you’ve filled out many forms; maybe you also have submitted GRE or TOEFL or IELTS scores—and now you look with dread at that pristinely empty text document on the screen in front of you, titled “Statement of Purpose”. The cursor goes blink, but your mind is blank.

To be honest: I don’t know for sure what that feels like. I have never applied for graduate school in the US. But I have served on graduate school admissions committees here; in fact, I have chaired them for many years. And in that position I have read hundreds upon hundreds of Statements of Purpose. I would like to think that I’ve pretty much seen it all. And with that knowledge, earned by experience if not by practice, I would like to share a few tips for those of you who are understandably unsure how to write this important document. As a warning : this is going to be tailored to applications to physics graduate school, since this is my background. I suspect that a fair amount of it translates to other fields; but considering the significantly different cultures in other disciplines (other sciences, or engineering, or the humanities, or the arts) I advise caution in following my suggestions in fields remote from their primary provenance.

So, without further ado, here’s a list of thoughts you might find helpful:

1. What is your purpose ?

Why do you want to go to graduate school? What do you hope to achieve? What lights your fire? Brainstorm your motivation for this big step! This, of course, is important much beyond the immediate task of writing an SOP. It is therefore curious that quite a number of people seem to stumble into this without giving it some careful thought. Or at least one would think that, given how their SOPs are devoid of a clearly articulated purpose, save maybe for some clichés about how they’ve always liked physics. (There’s nothing wrong about going to physics graduate school because you love physics; but when you say so, be original . And check point 4 below.)

There are so many things that could drive you: a genuine desire to do real research, after having been fascinated by it during undergrad projects. A specific problem that’s been with you for a long time that you wish to have a go at. The desire to help people. A profound interest in physics education. The hope to break the glass ceiling of expectations you have been living under. Whatever it is—make sure you are clear about it yourself and then tell the committee about it ! Having deeply reflected about your motivation and then speaking about it compellingly and with earnest conviction makes your SOP truly genuine.

2. What does the department look for?

To counterbalance the first point: remember that grad school is a two-way road. You want to get something out of it, but so does the department that accepts you . After all, they pay you ! For what?

A mental exercise that is very useful when preparing an SOP—or, for that matter, any piece of writing in which you want to sway someone else—is to  put yourself into their position . What are they looking for? What matters to them? What would they consider a red flag? What would strike them as a winning argument? Don’t do this superficially. Really try to flip your perspective. This should help you answer the question whether they care about your rad skills as a skateboarder (probably not), or about the many hours of chemistry tutoring you did in high school (probably yes).

To give you a couple of examples, here’s what in my experience a department cares about:

• Will you pass the first 1-2 years of graduate courses ? Because if you don’t, their significant investment into you (tuition and stipend for the first two years could sum up to $100k!) does not yield a return. This is the biggest reason why they care about your GPA, the courses you took, and whether you did well in grad courses you decided to take. This is also what tests like the physics GRE are good at predicting.
• Do you realize how hard it is to push the boundary of knowledge ? Real-world research is often the art of persevering in a tenacious fight against obdurate obstacles. There are many challenges, confusions, set-backs, and fresh starts. And this requires a lot of stamina, dedication, and frustration tolerance. Do you have that in you ? The admissions committee will look for any indication that you’re ready for this. That’s why they are so very eager to see undergrad research beyond curated fail-safe lab courses. Research that could have gone wrong, or maybe even did . It doesn’t much matter whether the field was particularly closely related to what you may wish to pursue in grad school, as long as you saw the real thing you now are eagerly signing up for. [BTW, before this sounds too discouraging: when you finally make that scientific breakthrough, you will feel like the king of the world. The sense of profound accomplishment is incredible, but also hard earned. This correlation holds of course way beyond physics.]
• Do you understand your responsibilities ? Once you join a research group, your work will contribute to their scientific progress. They rely on you to make that experiment succeed, or get that calculation done. They need you to be a dedicated player in a team that strives for success, recognition, and future grant money. Do you understand that this will be part of your job? That grad school is not only a journey toward your own personal scientific growth, but also a commitment to pull your weight in a team that relies on you?

3. Focus on your growth as a young scientist

An SOP is different from a college application essay. Many applicants feel tempted to write about transformative experiences in their childhood, events that got them on the trajectory on which they are now. This is indeed a great opening for an SOP, but that’s it: an opening . It should quickly lead to what the committee really wants to hear: how have you grown academically, what research experience and skills have you gained, what compels you to apply to grad school (and why this grad school).

Of course, you don’t just want to rattle off your projects and skills. Good writing creates context. And a good school cares about you as a person, not just as a replaceable “science worker”. But don’t forget that you apply for a slot in a competitive program in a highly technical discipline. Focus on what matters for that. For instance, you can write about how you go about solving problems. Or how you deal with road-blocks and struggles (because overcoming roadblocks and struggles is going to be a big part of your grad student life). How your academic record has prepared you for what you want to do (but don’t just reiterate your grades—the committee has them anyways). If you have a talent for teaching and explaining things, you can point that out, too. They might need you as a TA in a semester when your advisor is short in funding, and you will at some point have to give talks and write papers.

4. Avoid boilerplate

One of the really important things you want to achieve in your SOP is to become a memorable applicant , and not just another number in an Excel sheet, sorted—god forbid!—by GPA. Someone who a committee member might bring up in a discussion when there are still slots to fill (and there always are) after all the “obvious” cases have been admitted, and there are dozens upon dozens of candidates who look virtually indistinguishable by the numbers. If at that moment a committee member recalls you and starts talking about you, then you have almost won. Why? Because among dozens of candidates, everyone of whom could in principle be admitted, you often end up admitting those who for whatever reason you are talking about. So to be memorable is very important. (Of course, you don’t want to be memorable for a particularly poor SOP either. In this case, bad press isn’t better than no press at all.)

If that is your goal, then one of the best ways to shoot yourself in the foot is to write boilerplate verbiage. You are not going to stand out by recycling the bromides of the olden days, by dutifully checking off all the stereotypes of the passionate budding scientist who is enthralled by physics. I cannot count the number of times I have read the phrase “Since early childhood I have been fascinated by the unfathomable beauty of nature.” Now, it might be totally true that this describes you very well. But you have to find a way to say it that is not a platitude.

Some people seem to believe the solution to this problem is to make copious use of a thesaurus (“unfathomable!”). Don’t be tempted to do that . A thesaurus is great if you want to find the one word that fits best in a given context, and there are often much better words than the ones that first spring to mind. But it should not be used to bloat your writing into an orgy of pretentious swank. That’s not you. That’s not authentic. And nobody likes reading it.

5. Show, don’t tell

You want to come across as smart , diligent , creative , motivated —all the good stuff. At the same time, most people have a natural aversion to heaping praise upon themselves. When we coach students how to prepare a strong application for grad school (or a job in industry), we tell them that they need to overcome that natural (and quite likable) hesitance to brag. But it seems we don’t quite tell them how to actually do this gracefully, and so a surprisingly large number of students seem to come away with the idea that they simply need to conquer their embarrassment and pin all these praising words onto themselves. Awkwardness ensues instantly.

But how does one talk praisingly about oneself? It’s not that hard, actually, and the trick is: show, don’t tell . Rather than calling yourself “clever”, give an example where your cleverness clearly showed; for instance that episode when you solved a problem that your team was flummoxed by and you figured it out. Instead of calling yourself “hard-working”, talk about that episode where you collected that crucial bit of data at 2am on that week-long trip to the synchrotron. And instead of calling yourself “motivated” and “dedicated”, describe how you discussed your REU options and additional course offerings with your academic advisor, in order to be best prepared for graduate school. True, doing it this way isn’t quite as concise as using peppy words. But it says a lot more about you, is much more convincing, and much less awkward.

There is still a place for those coveted praise-words, but it is not in your SOP. It is in the letters of recommendation you have asked your mentors and advisors to write about you. If they have accepted to support your application, then almost surely they want to write a strong letter, and since they don’t want to write a lot (and the committee doesn’t want to read a lot…), succinct words of praise flow naturally and are entirely unobjectionable.

Incidentally, pro tip : even if your letter writers want to write endorsingly, that doesn’t mean they have all the information to do it well. They write a lot of letters, and they have a lot of students. And their brains are often more foggy than you would believe. (Trust me, I know. I’m the aging owner of one of those brains.) For that reason, I ask the students I promised a letter to provide me with a “ brag sheet ” that lists the items they are most proud of and wish me to brag about. With some context, so that I can write more knowledgeably about it. If you’re comfortable with this, offer your letter writers such a document.

6. Check out their webpage

A strong SOP should be tailored to the place you apply to. Have a section towards the end in which you explain how you see yourself fitting into their program. Are you eager to pursue condensed matter physics and are impressed by the local “Center for the Technology of Very Small Things” they have built over the years? Tell them! (Professors are vain and like to be flattered. But know the line between sweet-talk and ingratiation!) Are there professors in biophysics whose work you have used during one of your undergraduate projects? Tell them! Has your advisor pointed you to a group at their place that does amazing work and you’d like to become a part of that? Tell them! When you were selecting the schools you ultimately decided to apply to, browsing their webpage and making sure that the research topics and scientific opportunities available at that place align with your own personal interest was surely a big part of the “research” you did on them. Now you have the chance to tell them that, yes, their program excites you. Here’s the reason why, among all the many grad schools in the country, you’ve picked theirs to apply to.

Documenting that you have checked out the place you are applying to, are familiar with their strength and ambitions, know who does what, and where you’d fit in, is a great way to also show that you care about them . That you take their graduate program seriously. You have done your homework. This almost always gives you a leg up. But you should be careful about two things: first, webpages are often woefully outdated not quite up to date, and that famous professor you say you would totally love to work with might long be an emeritus (or, ahem, worse). And second, you are at the very beginning of your career as a scientist and physicist. You ain’t seen nothing yet! At your stage of career you haven’t (yet) earned the right to be opinionated about what fields of physics are worthy of pursuit.  Don’t be that person who is hell-bent on a career in, say, galactic astrophysics, after having done a 6-week summer REU project on galactic astrophysics. It is almost always wise to be flexible. (Unless you are really really sure you know what you want to do.)

Tailoring your SOP like this might take time. And you unfortunately might not have all that time, depending on how many applications you plan to send out. If so, then restrict this extra work to those places you are most eager to get in.

7. Be concise

After all these recommendations, all these many things you can or should or might want to write about, here comes the hardest part: do it concisely (albeit not tersely ). Faculty on admissions committees have to read dozens, sometimes hundreds of SOPs, and if any one of them drones on for just a tad too long, they lose interest in the writing— and maybe in you .

It is admittedly really hard to talk about all of the stuff you need to cover in something like 2 pages . But hey, that’s yet another skill you need to ultimately learn: how to write succinctly . ( Tip : don’t duplicate anything the committee already has in some other form , such as CV and grades, unless you expressly want to emphasize something very important.) If your writing shows that you have some talent in communicating, the committee will be rather pleased. This is a student who might actually produce a respectable first draft of a paper! Hence, your efforts to polish your SOP are not wasted.

You can easily check the length of your SOP; but whether it’s actually good often requires a second pair of eyes. Give it to somebody else for honest criticism. Ideally someone who knows how these documents are read, like your research advisor. Your friends might offer you help, and they might have great ideas and opinions to boot; but they are likely just as hazy about what really constitutes a good document as you are. Get help from people who know because they have been in the business for a while.

OK, that’s enough for now. Lots of advice! I probably forgot some things, or been unclear about others. Some of this might strike you as opinionated, and some of it almost surely is. So take it with a grain of salt. I will most likely update this document at some point—based also on feedback you are welcome to leave in the comments.

This is supposed to be a helpful list of thoughts that make you understand how the people on the other end of the process tend to read your application. But people vary in their tastes, departments have different priorities, and conventions for how to write documents such as an SOP evolve over time. Feel free to flout every single one of my recommendations, provided you have a well thought-out reason for doing so!

Markus Deserno is a professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University. His field of study is theoretical and computational biophysics, with a focus on lipid membranes.

Quite insightful. Thank you Markus.

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Chemistry Personal Statement Examples

What is a chemistry personal statement?

Writing a personal statement for chemistry is a chance to sell yourself to the admissions tutors and show them why you would make a great candidate.

It’s a place to describe your skills and strengths, as well as your career plans and ambitions for the future.

You are allowed up to 4000 characters to explain why you are applying for a sociology degree, so you need to make sure your statement is as good as possible to stand out from the crowd.

How do I write a good chemistry personal statement?

Great chemistry personal statements always use evidence to support their claims.

You need to convince admissions tutors that you’re a good match for the programme, so if you claim to be committed or inquisitive, then use examples from your life to back it up.

To write a successful chemistry personal statement you need to start early, brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.

This will then need to be carefully revised and edited before asking family and friends for feedback. Incorporate their comments and suggestions, and see how it is improved before asking them to look at it again.

Read through our chemistry personal statement examples to give you an idea of what makes a good chemistry statement.

Make sure you proofread your statement for grammar and spelling before sending it off, and if you feel you need a little extra help, take a look at our personal statement editing services .

What should I include in my chemistry personal statement?

Many students choose to start their statement by picking a specific aspect of chemistry and explaining why they enjoy it.

Admissions tutors want candidates that are as passionate about the subject as they are.

As well as your motivations for studying chemistry, think about your hobbies and extracurricular activities too. What skills have you learned from these and how will these help you in your chemistry degree?

Talk about any work experience placements you have completed, e.g. shadowing a lab technician or someone in a hospital. What did you take away from this experience? Do you feel you have all the necessary personal traits and qualities that make a good chemistry student?

Your wider reading is also important, so it's worth mentioning anything you've read recently that you found interesting and why. Generally, admissions tutors like students who express their views and opinions, and can back them up with evidence.

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