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How To Write A Statement of Purpose - A Step-By-Step Guide

This guide outlines a step-by-step process for writing a statement of purpose for graduate school applications, emphasizing brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and editing. Key steps include identifying personal motivations, organizing thoughts into a structured outline, and ensuring authenticity in writing. The final statement should highlight unique experiences and qualifications to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

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17 views4 pages

How To Write A Statement of Purpose - A Step-By-Step Guide

This guide outlines a step-by-step process for writing a statement of purpose for graduate school applications, emphasizing brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and editing. Key steps include identifying personal motivations, organizing thoughts into a structured outline, and ensuring authenticity in writing. The final statement should highlight unique experiences and qualifications to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Uploaded by

aidrellis.design
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A

Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting
your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process
more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.


First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write
your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the
committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student
arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or
undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key
questions:

●​ Why do I want this degree?


●​ What are my expectations for this degree?
●​ What courses or program features excite me the most?
●​ Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
●​ How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the
program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your
starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.
Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming
process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing.
An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

1.​ INTRODUCTION

1.​ An attention-grabbing hook

2.​ A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to


your motivation behind applying to graduate school

2.​ BODY

1.​ Your relevant experience and accomplishments that relate to the field

1.​ Example 1

2.​ Example 2

3.​ Example 3

2.​ Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying
to

3.​ Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to
the table

3.​ CONCLUSION

1.​ A brief summary of the information presented in the body that


emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of
purpose is well-organized and concise.

3. Write the first draft.


Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are
interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that
differentiates you from other applicants.

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the
statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

●​ Provide insight into what drives you, whether that’s professional


advancement, personal growth, or both.
●​ Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of
the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s
experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired
industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of
study.
●​ Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget
to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing
your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your
unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.


Before you submit your statement of purpose:

●​ Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly, including requirements


about margins, spacing, and font size.
●​ Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
●​ Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000
words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again
and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main
points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
●​ Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your
best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
●​ Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.
Making a Lasting Impression
Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It
provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that
admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program
that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the
classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application,
explore our related Grad School Success articles.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been
updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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