how to write best statement of purpose
How to Write a Great
Statement of Purpose
Monique Limón
Assistant Director
McNair Scholars Program
University of California, Santa Barbara
Raslyn Rendon
Director
Outreach, Recruitment and Retention
Graduate Division
University of California, Irvine
1
Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement vs. Diversity Statement
(Generally speaking)
•Statement of Purpose- discusses your purpose for applying to graduate school as it relates to your academic/professional goals •Personal Statement- discusses your personal background (not necessarily academic and professional)
•Diversity Statement- discusses the broader impact you and/or your research might have for underserved/diverse communities
2
What are the formal requirements?
• Some applications call for one statement, while others require responses to a series of multiple questions.
Responses range from 250 to 750 (around 2pages) words each. Always read the instructions carefully!
When in doubt, call the department or program for clarification. • In general, a statement of purpose is about 1-2 singlespaced pages (standard font, 12pt, 1” margins).
• Include your NAME and contact information on the first page.
3
What is essential?
•
•
•
•
A discussion of your preparation and background
A statement of your area of interest
A statement regarding your research ambitions
Your reasons for wanting to undertake graduate study • A brief discussion of your future career goals
4
What makes it great?
•
•
•
•
•
Concise
Well-written
Organized
Relevant
Sets you apart from other applicants (without gimmicks) • Speaks to your audience (the admissions committee)
• Establishes your voice
5
What should it do?
• Articulate a clear, realistic research purpose.
• Set you apart from other applicants.
• Demonstrate evidence of relevant experience and preparation. • Convince committee of your fit and suitability to the specific program to which you are
Statement of Purpose
Monique Limón
Assistant Director
McNair Scholars Program
University of California, Santa Barbara
Raslyn Rendon
Director
Outreach, Recruitment and Retention
Graduate Division
University of California, Irvine
1
Statement of Purpose vs. Personal Statement vs. Diversity Statement
(Generally speaking)
•Statement of Purpose- discusses your purpose for applying to graduate school as it relates to your academic/professional goals •Personal Statement- discusses your personal background (not necessarily academic and professional)
•Diversity Statement- discusses the broader impact you and/or your research might have for underserved/diverse communities
2
What are the formal requirements?
• Some applications call for one statement, while others require responses to a series of multiple questions.
Responses range from 250 to 750 (around 2pages) words each. Always read the instructions carefully!
When in doubt, call the department or program for clarification. • In general, a statement of purpose is about 1-2 singlespaced pages (standard font, 12pt, 1” margins).
• Include your NAME and contact information on the first page.
3
What is essential?
•
•
•
•
A discussion of your preparation and background
A statement of your area of interest
A statement regarding your research ambitions
Your reasons for wanting to undertake graduate study • A brief discussion of your future career goals
4
What makes it great?
•
•
•
•
•
Concise
Well-written
Organized
Relevant
Sets you apart from other applicants (without gimmicks) • Speaks to your audience (the admissions committee)
• Establishes your voice
5
What should it do?
• Articulate a clear, realistic research purpose.
• Set you apart from other applicants.
• Demonstrate evidence of relevant experience and preparation. • Convince committee of your fit and suitability to the specific program to which you are