Creating a Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The Statement of Purpose (often called "Letter of Intent" or "Personal Statement") is an important component of graduate school applications. The SOP is an essay to showcase your background, experiences, and motivation for applying to graduate school. It is an opportunity to expand upon your application materials to provide admissions committees a more accurate view into who you are as a professional and person. the SOP also serves as a sample of your writing skills, so be sure to write a polished essay, free of grammatical errors!
Tips for Writing Your Statement
- Write at the graduate level, but avoid too much jargon.
- Be clear and concise.
- Use active voice.
- Use first-person point of view - do not overuse "I-statements".
- Avoid clichés (e.g. "actions speak louder than words").
- Stay positive, even if writing about a problem area.
- Demonstrate by example - don't just say you are hard-working, give examples!
- Start with your most important achievements!
- Include details, when possible - course names, professors' names, and specific schools/programs.
- Give yourself time to edit and revise before submitting - have a career coach review your SOP!
FAQ
Yes! Each program’s prompt (if provided) might request slightly different information. It is important to cater your SOP to the specific programs you are applying to, addressing how your interests align with the opportunities available at each program. For example, you might want to discuss the research interests of the program’s faculty, specific opportunities at the program/school, or accomplishments of alumni.
Many programs provide a writing prompt for the SOP. Take time to reflect on the prompt provided before jumping in. When you write your SOP, follow the guidelines provided in the prompt VERY carefully. If a program you are applying to does not provide a prompt, see below for formatting ideas.
Follow the guidelines provided by the program you are applying to (word count, number of pages, format).
- Unless otherwise noted, 1-2 pages is standard.
- Typically 1.5 line spacing or double spaced.
- 12-point font that is easy to read (Times New Roman, Calibri).
- .5 to 1-inch margins.
- Include a header with your name and program you are applying to.
Answer the specific questions in the prompt, if provided.
BEGINNING-–Getting to know YOU! (what makes you different)
- WHO are you as a person and a student?
- HOW did you become interested in this topic/field of study? (What sparked your interest?)
- WHAT do you hope to accomplish by completing this degree? (What are your career goals?)
MIDDLE–Getting to know YOUR INTERESTS & EXPERIENCE! (what you will bring to the program)
- WHY do you want to study this field?
- WHAT is your specific research interest? (for PhD programs)
- WHAT have you done so far in the field of your choice?
END–Getting to know YOUR MOTIVATION FOR PURSUING OUR PROGRAM! (why you choice them)
- WHY do you want to study at this university/program?
- WHY do you want to study under this professor/in this lab? (for PhD programs)
- WHY are you a good fit for this program?