Writing Your Academic Statement of Purpose

6/27/23, 10:11 PM Writing Your Academic Statement of Purpose : Graduate School
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 Writing Your Academic Statement of P…
Writing Your Academic Statement of Purpose

What is it?
Each applicant must submit an academic statement
of purpose (ASOP). The ASOP is one of your primary
opportunities to help the admissions committee
understand your academic objectives and
determine if you are a good match for the program
you are applying to. The goal of this document is to
impress upon the admissions committee that you have a solid background and experience
in your area of interest and that you have the potential to be successful in graduate study.
Why is it important?
The ASOP is one of the most important pieces of your graduate school application because
it:
Gives the reviewers an understanding of your academic background and interests.

Allows you to illustrate in your own words what sets you apart from other applicants.
Helps them determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are
applying.
Shows your communication style and ability.
Information to Include
Introduce yourself and your academic interests
Provide simple background information on your area of interest and how it became of
particular interest to you.
Here you can also share with them how and why you decided to pursue a graduate
degree in this field.
Describe your academic background, preparation, and training

Skills you have learned from academic, lab, or research experiences (e.g.,
undergraduate coursework, research opportunities, scholarly writings, jobs in the field,
presentations, etc.). Whenever possible, give specific examples and illustrate the points
you are making, don’t just simply tell them.
Research you conducted – project title or focus, research mentor, your specific role,
what you learned and the outcome. If there were challenges, don’t be afraid to mention
what you learned from them. This shows persistence and resilience in the face of
adversity– these are also things they are looking for!
Important papers or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly beyond
your academic degree requirements.
Relevant work or internship experience as related to the field you are applying to.
Show them you are making an informed decision

Indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince
the faculty that you understand the scope of research in the discipline and are aware of
research trends.
Show them that you have thoroughly researched the program, its faculty, and research
focus areas, and why you are applying to this program specifically. This will help you
write a more informed essay that is relatable to the faculty who will be reviewing your
application.
Describe why you are a good fit for the program and why the program is a good fit for
you.
If there are specific faculty you are interested in working with, check the program’s
ASOP instructions and determine how best to mention this in your essay. Some
programs require you to name a professor(s) with whom you would like to work.
Are there any aspects of the program that are of particular interest to you (immersion
program, opportunities for collaboration with others outside of the institution, research
centers associated with the program, etc.)?
Include information that is important to you outside of the program – supportive
environment for first-year students, access to amazing literary resources, opportunities
to participate in professional/career development programming, etc.
Professional goals – you may wish to outline what you plan to do after you complete
the program as a way of underscoring the importance of your choice to pursue
graduate study.
Share any extracurricular opportunities you have had that show leadership, ability to
work with a diverse group of people, teaching skills, etc.
Research degree applicants should identify specific faculty members whose research
interests align with your own interests.
Important Things to Remember

Details
Pay attention and follow instructions very carefully – every program is different and
some have specific items/topics they want you to address.
Unless otherwise noted, this is an academically focused essay, not necessarily a
personal essay. You will likely add some personal details here and there, but be sure to
keep the focus on your academic background and future potential.
Proofread and pay close attention to details – they really matter!
Have others from a variety of perspectives read your essay before you submit it – they
should be looking at it in terms of content, style, and grammar. Remember, those
outside of your field can provide you with valuable perspective and feedback.
Keep in mind that you can continue editing your ASOP after you have submitted it to
programs with earlier deadlines.
Length, Format and Tone

Unless otherwise noted one to two pages in a standard font and size is typical.
Include your full name and proposed program of study at the top of each page – if
faculty are not reading an electronic version of your essay, pages can become
separated.
Write with confidence and in an active voice – doing this makes your sentences clear
and less wordy/complicated.
Language should be positive and focused. Since faculty are the ones reviewing your
application, it is fine to use discipline-specific terminology, tone, and style in your ASOP.
Final Checklist
Have you…
Described your academic background in enough detail to show your experience and
preparedness in the field?
Shown that you are a good fit for the program you are applying to?
Defined why you want a graduate degree in this field?
Demonstrated that you are self-motivated, persistent, competent, and have the skills
necessary to be successful in graduate school?
Followed the ASOP instructions as defined by the program you are applying to?
Polished, proofread, and had others review your ASOP?
Land Acknowledgement
Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱ hó꞉nǫɁ (the Cayuga Nation). The
Gayogo̱ hó꞉nǫɁ are members of the Hodinǫ̱ hsǫ́ :nih Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a
historic and contemporary presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell
University, New York state, and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of
Gayogo̱ hó꞉nǫɁ dispossession, and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱ hó꞉nǫɁ people, past and
present, to these lands and waters.
This land acknowledgment has been reviewed and approved by the traditional Gayogo̱ hó꞉nǫɁ leadership.
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6/27/23, 10:11 PM Writing Your Academic Statement of Purpose : Graduate School

More in this Section

Diversity & Inclusion

Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement

Access & Recruitment

Bouchet Honor Society

Graduate Diversity & Inclusion Awards

Funding and Resources

Gives the reviewers an understanding of your academic background and interests.

Describe your academic background, preparation, and training

Show them you are making an informed decision

Important Things to Remember

Length, Format and Tone

Careers Beyond Academia

English Language Support Office

Future Faculty and Academic Careers

Graduate and Professional Student Assembly

Office of Global Learning

Office of Postdoctoral Studies

Cornell University Graduate School

Web Accessibility and Privacy Help

Cornell University © 2023

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