You’ve taken the GRE, researched your graduate program options, and started your application process. Now, it’s time to take on a task that you may have been putting off: writing your statement of purpose.
Yes, your statement of purpose is an important part of your application to grad school, because it’s your chance to showcase your unique voice, experiences, and goals. But, it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the information you need to craft a strong statement of your own. From how it will be evaluated to how it should be structured, read on for the information you need to know.
What Is a Statement of Purpose?
Your Statement of Purpose — or SOP — shows the admissions committee who you are. It should include information like what drives you and where you want to go in your academic and professional life.
While your grades and/or letters of recommendation tell part of your story, your SOP is a personal branding opportunity. In it, you can share things like why you're passionate about your field of study and tell about the experiences that have shaped you.
Remember that the goal here isn’t to put your resume in paragraph form. You want the statement to tell your story and explain why you deserve to be part of the university’s community.
Members of the admissions committee should walk away from reading it feeling like they’ve gotten to know you and understanding how you’ll add value to the campus community.
How Is an SOP Different from a Personal Statement for Grad School?
In addition to writing your SOP, you may also be asked to write a personal statement. And it’s important to realize that each serves a different purpose when it comes to your application for grad school.
For example, a personal statement is a more general essay that provides insight into your personality, background, and life experiences. A SOP is typically more focused on your academic experience and professional goals.
Your SOP might include research interests, why you want to pursue graduate-level studies, and your skills and achievements. It serves as a roadmap for your future academic and professional journey, outlining what you plan to accomplish with your degree.
How Long Should a Statement of Purpose Be?
Typically, SOPs are about 500-1,000 words. Some universities provide specific guidelines or word limits for their SOPs, so be sure to carefully review the application requirements for your institution.
The main thing to remember is that quality is key. It’s better to have a concise, well-crafted statement than a lengthy one with a lot of unnecessary words. You want to take the time to carefully draft and edit your SOP to ensure it’s clear, engaging, and within the recommended word count.
Laying the Groundwork for Writing a Statement of Purpose
The first step in the SOP process is for you to do some background research on the graduate program you’re applying to. Understanding the specific requirements and expectations of the program is key to crafting a strong SOP.
For example, take a look at the program website, attend open houses/events, and talk to current students and alumni about their experiences. Then, take time to reflect on your personal experiences, achievements, and career aspirations. This information will be the content you include in your SOP.
Here are some tips to guide your reflection:
Identify Your Motivations. Ask yourself why you’re pursuing graduate studies in your chosen field. Think about the academic or professional milestones that influenced this decision.
Highlight Your Achievements. Take stock of your academic achievements, research experience, internships, or other relevant accomplishments. Consider the skills, knowledge, and expertise you’ve gained through these experiences. How have they prepared you for graduate studies?
Clarify Your Goals. Think about your short-term and long-term goals in your chosen field. How will a graduate degree contribute to your goals? Identify specific research areas or industry interests you want to pursue, and explain how the program aligns with these goals.
Your Roadmap: A Statement of Purpose Template
If it helps for you to create an outline before you dig into writing, here’s a general template you can use:
Introduction. Begin with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides a brief overview of your background and interest in the field. This section should set the tone for the rest of your statement.
Academic Background. In this section, highlight your academic achievements, coursework, and any research experiences that are relevant to your field of study.
Research Interests. Share your specific research interests, and explain how they align with the program you are applying to.
Career Goals. Articulate your short-term and long-term career goals and how graduate studies will contribute to achieving them.
Fit With the Program. Demonstrate your understanding of the specific program, and explain why you are a good fit.
Conclusion. Wrap up your statement by summarizing your key points and emphasizing your enthusiasm for joining the program.
The Beginning: How to Start a Statement of Purpose
A successful SOP will begin with a strong hook that grabs your readers attention — and makes them want to keep reading. Below are some tips for developing a compelling hook:
Start With an Engaging Anecdote. Begin with a personal story or experience that motivated your interest in the field.
Pose a Thought-provoking Question. Try beginning with a question that piques the reader's curiosity.
Use a Powerful Quote. Begin with a quote that highlights your passion for your field of study.
Once you’ve finished your hook and introduction, here are some additional tips to help you fill in the other sections of your SOP:
Academic Background. Discuss your undergraduate education and any specialized courses or projects that have helped your understanding of this field. Highlight any research projects or internships, and how they shaped your research interests and skills. Share any academic honors or scholarships you’ve received.
Research Interests. Describe the specific research areas or topics you’re interested in pursuing during your graduate studies. Highlight your familiarity with the research that program faculty members are conducting — and how their work aligns with your interests.
Career Goals. Explain how a graduate degree in your field will enhance your knowledge, skills, and career prospects. Connect your academic and research goals to future career paths.
Fit With the Program. Highlight the program's strengths, unique features, and resources that attracted you to it. Discuss how the program's curriculum, faculty, and/or research opportunities align with your academic and research interests.
The Closing: How to End a Statement of Purpose and Next Steps
Now, it’s time for your big finish: the conclusion. You want to begin your SOP in a way that hooks the reader. First, summarize your key points and restate your passion and interest in the field.
Then, be sure to also do the following:
Make a Connection to the Program. Remind the admissions committee why you’re a good fit for their program. Highlight any specific courses, projects, or resources offered by the program that align with your academic and research interests.
Highlight Your Future Potential. Emphasize how the program will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
End With a Memorable Closing Statement. Craft a closing statement that leaves a strong final impression. This can be a call to action or a powerful reflection on your journey and aspirations.
Once the draft is finished, take time to proofread it for grammar and punctuation, and also for clarity (i.e., don’t be afraid to remove words that aren’t necessary).
Then, have other people read your SOP before you submit it, and incorporate their feedback. For example, you might want to share it with friends, mentors, and/or current professors.
Take Advantage of Campus Resources to Craft the Perfect Statement of Purpose
If you’re currently an undergraduate student at a university, you probably have access to various campus resources that can help you craft a strong SOP. For example, undergraduates at West Virginia University have access to the Purpose Center.
The Purpose Center, the only one of its kind to exist on a college campus, serves as a place for connection and self-exploration. The goal of the center is to connect WVU students with resources across campus to pursue the things they’re passionate about and create a safe space for them to discover who they are and the impact they want to have on the world around them.
For example, one of the ways the Purpose Center team supports students is by working with them on identifying their CliftonStrengths.
"I had not previously considered the value of seamlessly communicating my strengths throughout the telling of my story. By [utilizing the Purpose Center], I can produce a statement that provides insight into who I am without explicitly stating it, a skill that will highlight my maturity and clarity." — Joshua Niedermeyer, WVU Undergraduate Student
The team is also available to support prospective WVU students like you. If you’ve started an application and would like to schedule an appointment, send an email to purpose@mail.wvu.edu.
Interested in learning more about grad school at WVU and the ins and outs of applying? Check out our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Applying to Grad School at WVU.
