There are numerous studies that show ho w highly employers value cultural dexterity and a

global perspective among the graduates they hire. A dozen leading graduate recruiters
questioned by the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) put an ability to work
with people from a range of backgrounds and countries at the head of their top 10 wish-list for
graduate competencies, followed closely by an ability to conduct business with clients from
different cultures.

Therefore do mention various parts of India resided in, adaptability, well travelled, studying
abroad with classmates from different nationalities (Tajik, Russian, Korean, Indian, Turkish)
etc.

Writing the Statement of Purpose

Graduate study is not for slackers. It takes focus and determination to pursue an advanced
degree. That's why admissions committees examine your statement of purpose very closely—
they want to see whether you have the right stuff to succeed in graduate school.

Know what they’re really asking for.

Different schools have different prompts. Nonetheless, they're all asking for the same four
pieces of information:

What you want to study at graduate school?

Why you want to study it?

What experience you have in your field?

What you plan to do with your degree once you have it?

Admissions committees look for candidates with clear, well-defined research interests that
arise from experience. With that in mind, your statement should reveal that you care deeply
about your chosen discipline and that you have the background to support your ideas and
sentiments. It should also demonstrate that you're a diligent student who will remain
committed for the long haul. Always answer the question asked of you. Being substantive and
direct is much better than being creative or flashy.

Be selective.
Grad schools don’t care that you make a great chicken casserole or play intramural bocce ball.
They do care about those activities that speak to your suitability for graduate work. As a
graduate student, you'll be called upon to do difficult coursework and research. You may have
to teach undergraduate classes within your field and conceivably even design a course. And
you'll have to get along with a diverse group of colleagues who will sometimes work very
closely with you. Any experience in school, work, or your extracurricular life that speaks to
those abilities is worth talking about.

Make your statement of purpose unique.

While it's important to be focused, there's no need to be boring. To distinguish your essay, add
unique (yet relevant) information. One of the best ways to do this is to discuss, briefly, an idea
in your field that turns you on intellectually. It's an effective essay-opener, and it lets you write
about something besides yourself for a bit.

Remember, the idea you choose to talk about can tell an admissions committee a lot about
you. And it demonstrates your interest in your field, rather than just describing it.

Ask for feedback.

Be sure to show your statement of purpose to someone you respect, preferably the professors
who are writing your recommendations, and get some feedback on the content before you
send it in. Have someone else proofread your essay for spelling and grammar. A fresh set of
eyes often picks up something you missed.

Finally, don't just reuse the same statement of purpose for each school to which you apply. You
can recycle the same information, but make sure you change the presentation to fit each
school's individual program.

Writing the Statement of Purpose

http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/statement-purpose/
The statement of purpose should convince readers– the faculty on the selection
committee– that you have solid achievements behind you that show promise for your
success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four
different parts.

Part 1: Introduce yourself, your interests and motivations

Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate
study. This should be short and to the point; don’t spend a great deal of time on
autobiography.

Part 2: Summarize your undergraduate and previous graduate career

a) Research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your
responsibilities were, and the outcome. Write technically, or in the style of your
discipline. Professors are the people who read these statements.
b) Important paper or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly
beyond your curricular requirements.
c) Work experience, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing,
designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in
graduate school.

Part 3: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities

If you graduated and worked prior to returning to grad school, indicate what you’ve
been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you
learned. You can also indicate here how this helped you focus your graduate studies.

Part 4: Elaborate on your academic interests

Here you 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 their discipline, and
are engaged with current research themes.
a) Indicate the area of your interests. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or
indicate a theme that you would like to address, and questions that arise from
contemporary research. This should be an ample paragraph!
b) Look on the web for information about departments you’re interested in, including
professors and their research. Are there professors whose research interests parallel
yours? If so, indicate this. Check the specific program; many may require you to name a
professor or professors with whom you might work.
c) End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness
for the challenges ahead of you.

Essential Tips
1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation,
competence, potential as a graduate student.
2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a
passive voice.
3. Demonstrate everything by example; don’t say directly that you’re a persistent
person, show it.
4. If there is something important that happened to you that affected your grades, such
as poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, showing your
perseverance despite obstacles. You can elaborate more in your personal statement.
5. Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.
6. Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say
everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2
single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor
organization.

How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose

http://www.uni.edu/~gotera/gradapp/stmtpurpose.htm

Vince Gotera
English Language and Literature
University of Northern Iowa

January 2006

The Statement of Purpose required by grad schools is probably the hardest thing you will ever
write. (Incidentally, the statement of purpose may also be called an Application Essay,
Objectives for Graduate Study, Personal Background, Cover Letter, or some comparable title.)

I would guess virtually all grad-school applicants, when they write their first draft of the
statement of purpose, will get it wrong. Much of what you have learned about writing and also
about how to present yourself will lead you astray. For example, here's an opening to a typical
first draft:

I am applying to the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at the

University of Okoboji because I believe my writing will blossom at your
program since it is a place where I will be challenged and I can hone my
 writing skills.

How's that? It's clear, it's direct, and it "strokes" the MFA program, right? Wrong. All of it is
obvious and extraneous.

The admissions committee knows you are applying to their MFA program because everyone in
the stacks of applications they are reading is applying for the same thing. The admissions
committee will also know that your writing will "blossom" there since they feel they have a
strong program. Of course you will be challenged — all undergrads going on to a grad program
will be challenged, no matter how well-prepared they think they are. And of course the new grad
student will "hone [her] writing skills" — isn't that the main purpose of the MFA program?

Let's assume the required length of this particular program's statement of purpose is 300 words.
Well, with this opening you will have used up 15% of your space saying virtually nothing. 15%!

In fact, not only is this opening paragraph obvious, extraneous, and space-stealing,
it'sboring! Imagine who's reading this and where: five professors "locked" in a room with 500
applications. Do you think this opening paragraph will command their attention? Will they read
the rest of this statement of purpose with an open mind that this applicant is the kind of student
they want? Will they remember this application later? You be the judge.

Remember what you learned in first-year composition? You need a "hook."

A former student of mine applying to enter a master's program in library science had a great
hook. I don't remember Susan's exact words, but the opening paragraph of her statement of
purpose went something like this:

When I was eleven, my great-aunt Gretchen passed away and left me

something that changed my life: a library of about five thousand books.
Some of my best days were spent arranging and reading her books. Since
then, I have wanted to be a librarian.

Okay ... it's clear, it's direct, it's 45 words, and, most important, it tells the admissions committee
about Susan's almost life-long passion not just for books but for taking care of books. When the
committee starts to discuss their "best picks," don't you think they'll remember her as "the young
woman who had her own library"? Of course they will, because having had their own library
when they were eleven would probably be a cherished fantasy for each of them!

Suppose Susan had written this opening paragraph instead:

I am honored to apply for the Master of Library Science program at the

University of Okoboji because as long as I can remember I have had a love
affair with books. Since I was eleven I have known I wanted to be a librarian.

That's 45 words too. Do you think the admissions committee will remember this application
among the 500 applications they are wading through? Probably more than half of the
applications, maybe a lot more than half, will open with something very similar. Many will say
they "have had a love affair with books" — that phrase may sound passionate until you've read it
a couple of hundred times.
All of us have had some event, some experience, like my student's personal library at eleven,
which drives us toward the discipline(s) we inhabit. I was speaking to a group of students
recently about this. One student — let's call her Jennifer — said she wanted to get a master's
degree in speech therapy. When I asked her why, Jennifer said she had taken a class in it for fun
and really loved it. But then I pressed her: was there some personal reason she found that field
significant enough to spend her whole life doing it? At first Jennifer said no, but after more
questioning she revealed that her brother had speech problems. This was a discovery to her; she
had not entered the field with that connection in mind — at least not consciously. But there it
was; Jennifer now had her hook.

You have to really dig. Be introspective. Don't settle for "I love this field." Why do you love this
field? Why do you want to work in this field for the rest of your life? Why does itcomplete you?
Cut through the bull you tell your parents and relatives and friends. What isyour truth? Find it
and then find a memorable way to say it. Grad schools require the statement of purpose not only
because they want to find about you as an applicant, they want you to really think about why you
are taking such a life-changing step — truly and profoundly why.

Okay, back to the scene of the five professors surrounded by stacks of applications, maybe more
than 500. Do you know who they are? What they want? What they like to eat? Obviously, no.
Conversely, do they know you? Well, no. But ... the statement of purpose is your chance to help
them get to know you! Your statement of purpose should portray you as a person, not just an
application among hundreds of others. Not just paper and ink.

Here's one way to do it. When I was an undergrad senior first applying for grad schools, I knew
a grad student — I'll call him Nigel — who told me he had written a three-sentence statement of
purpose to get into Stanford:

I want to teach English at the university level. To do this, I need a PhD. That
is why I am applying.

That was the whole thing. That's only half of 45 words. It certainly portrays Nigel as brash, risk-
taking, no-nonsense, even arrogant. If this is how you want to portray yourself, then by all means
do this. But you should also know that Nigel's statement of purpose is an all-or-nothing
proposition. You can bet there will be members of probably any admissions committee who will
find Nigel's statement of purpose offensive, even disrespectful. And they might not want such a
student at their school. But then I suppose Nigel wouldn't want to be a student at that school,
either.

Try to make your paper-and-ink self come alive. Don't just say, "I used to work on an assembly
line in a television factory, and one day I decided that I had to get out of there, so I went to
college to save my own life." How about this: "One Thursday, I had soldered the 112th green
wire on the same place on the 112th TV remote, and I realized the solder fumes were rotting my
brain. I decided college would be my salvation." Both 35 words. Which narrative do you think
will keep the admissions committee reading?

Tell stories (briefly). Use vivid language. Be specific. Be dynamic. Liven up a moment in the
lives of those five professors trapped with those 500 applications. Maybe 600. Maybe more.
At the same time, be careful not to be glib. Don't be slick. Don't write your application in a
sequence of haiku. Don't put in photos. Just be yourself, but a more heightened version of
yourself in words (since face-to-face nuance and gestures won't be there to help).

Remember your statement of purpose should portray you as (1) passionately interested in the
field; (2) intelligent; (3) well-prepared academically and personally; (4) able to take on the
challenges of grad school; (5) able to have rapport with professors and fellow grad students — in
other words, collegial; (6) able to finish the graduate degree in a timely fashion; and(7)
a potentially outstanding representative of that grad school in your future career.

That's a lot to cover in a few hundred words (the length of a statement purpose, as required by
different schools, tends to be around 300 to 1000 words). "Passionate interest in the field" will
be covered by the kind of hook I have described above. "Intelligence" will be conveyed by the
overall writing, organization, expression, etc. of your statement. Being "well-prepared" can be
demonstrated by using the lingo of the field (theory, craft, etc.), describing the specific kinds of
coursework and other accomplishments you have in the field. Ability "to take on the challenges
of grad school" can be shown by describing the rigor of the work you have done. "Collegiality"
is not particularly important but is nevertheless a factor — if you can show yourself as a
generally nice and cooperative person, that will do — just be true to your own style. Ability "to
finish the graduate program" can be conveyed implicitly by your success thus far and more
explicitly if you can tell some (brief) story about adverse obstacles you have overcome. Being a
"future outstanding representative" can be implied by your being an outstanding representative
of your undergraduate school — for example, don't "bad-mouth" your current college or
professors.

Often, grad schools will ask you to address other or similar qualities as I've listed above. Just use
common sense in focusing on each. Don't address them in the same order as the grad school has
listed. Combine them; rearrange them; do whatever you need to do to show yourself as an
imaginative person, not a parrot following a line of Brazil nuts to crack.

If you have some problematic academic background, address that as well to reassure the
admissions committee. For example, let's say that you got all C's one semester. Take a (brief)
paragraph to explain that you had some emotional setback that semester but then demonstrate
how your grades have been sterling since then, and that you now have a 3.83 grade-point
average in the discipline. If you spin this well, your story will enhance the admissions
committee's image of you as someone with the abilities to "take on challenges" and "to finish on
time."

Here's an organization I would recommend: (1) passionate hook; (2) segué to your background
in the field; (3) specific classes by title and professors you have had (especially if well-known in
the field); (4) related extracurricular activities (especially if they hint at some personal quality
you want to convey); (5) any publications or other professional accomplishments in the field
(perhaps conference presentations or public readings); (6) explanations about problems in your
background (if needed); and (7) why you have chosen this grad school (name one or two
professors and what you know of their specific areas or some feature of the program which
specifically attracts you).

I should probably expand on item 7. This is a practical issue as well. If you are applying to ten
grad schools, it's a mismanagement of time to write ten separate, tailored statements of purpose.
Items 1 through 6 above can be exactly the same for all the statements. Then when you get to
item 7, put in a different paragraph for each school. Remember this means the ten statements
will all be as long, in terms of word count, as the shortest required length among the ten schools.
If the shortest length is 300 words, probably that length will be okay for the 500-word school (in
fact the admissions committee at the 500-word place may see you as savvy for not going on and
on). But those 300 words will clearly not work for the 1200-word school, so you'll need to
expand that one. Don't pad. Find other engaging material in your background.

About mentioning professors at each grad school: doing this will portray you as someone "who
has done her homework," as someone who is genuinely interested in the field, enough to have
done some prefatory work in that area. Don't just mention their names (anyone who can browse
a web site can do that). Say something of substance about each professor by name, something
that reveals you know and appreciate that person's work. Don't necessarily pick the most famous
professor at the grad school; chances are many other applicants will do the same, and the
admissions committee members will soon be unconsciously filtering those mentions out.
(Besides, the most famous professor doesn't always work with all graduate students or may be
out of town half the year, and you may come off as naive if you say you're looking forward to
working with her.) Find a lesser-known professor whose work truly intrigues you (and truly is
the operational word here). Then say something about what you know of that professor's work
— remember that person may be on the admissions committee. Don't suck up — don't be a
sycophant. Be fair and honest.

Be sure to show your statement of purpose to several professors. Remember they will have
different ideas about what constitutes an appropriate and effective statement of purpose. If one
of your professors has a connection with a specific grad school, she may have some inside
knowledge about what kind of statement of purpose will work best at that school. Make your
final editing decisions based on what will convey you most accurately as you see it. Again, be
specific, be dynamic, come alive on paper. Continue to get advice from your professors on later
drafts.

Proofread your statement of purpose. Copyedit for consistency, accuracy, and style. Ask your
friends to copyedit and proofread your statement; perhaps you can do the same for them if they
are also applying for grad school.

Remember that style in writing can be parallel to style in dress: the second affects your image in
person while the first affects your image when you may not be present. Leaving in typos and
misplaced commas is like dressing in your grubbies for a coat-and-tie / cocktail dress event.
Being too wordy is comparable to dressing in an evening gown or a tuxedo for a casual get-
together. Being too glib, too mannered, may be like wearing a furry rabbit costume to a party
which turns out not to be a Halloween bash. Be careful. Be a perfectionist.

Keep working on your statement of purpose even after you have sent it to the school(s) with the
earlier deadline(s). You might have a later epiphany about your personal and academic
background, your motives for applying for grad school, your long-term plans, and this epiphany
may be just the thing that gets you into the school(s) with the later deadline(s).

To close, the statement of purpose, in the eyes of Department Heads, Program Chairs, and
Admissions Committee members, can be the most important document in the application. Other
parts of your graduate-school application — test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation,
writing samples — do not say as much about you as a person as the statement of purpose can:
your proudest accomplishments alongside your fondest hopes and dreams.
 

Checklist for Writing a Statement of Purpose

Vince Gotera | University of Northern Iowa

[  Organization ... 
]   
      [  ] A "hook" that demonstrates your passion for the field 
 
      [  ] Segué to your background in the field 
 
      [  ] Description of your academic background in the field 
 
             [  ] Specific classes you have taken, given by name 
 
             [  ] Specific professors you have had, especially if well-known in that field 
 
     [  Extracurricular activities in the field 
]   
     [  Publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference
]  presentations or public readings) 
 
     [  Explanations about problems in background (if needed) 
]   
     [  Explanation of why you have chosen the specific grad school 
]   
            [  Mention one or two professors in that school and what you know of and appreciate
]  about their work 
 
            [  Specific features of the grad program which attract you 
]   
[  Get advice from several of your professors — philosophical advice as well as specific writing
]  advice 
 
[  Proofread and copyedit; ask friends to proofread and copyedit as well 
]   
[  Keep working on the statement of purpose, even after you have already sent it to school(s)
]  with earlier deadline(s) 
 
Statement Of Purpose

http://www.majortests.com/gre/sop.php

If you are applying for a postgraduate degree in the US you will usually be required to
write a statement of purpose (SOP). The SOP is a fairly long essay (600-1000 words),
in which you give an honest and carefully considered presentation of your goals. You
also need to show that you have an aptitude for the subject you have chosen, and have
a background that fits you for the subject and level you are applying for. The statement
of purpose should also give a good indication of the type of person you are.

In all SOPs the way you analyze your experiences is more important than the
experiences themselves � you don't need to invent exciting experiences. You just
need to show that you have introspected about the events in your own life, and know
how you have been shaped by them. You should cover something of your educational
experience and interest in the subject. You might choose to write about a particular
project, internship, book, etc. that reveals your passion for your area of study. You
should explain the reasons behind the choices you have made, especially the choices
that have led you to the decision to pursue a Master's degree.

Students often make the mistake of writing too much about the past. The 'purpose' in
statement of purpose refers to your goals. Why do you want the course you are
applying for? Why now? What will you do after the course? What do you want to do in
the long term? These questions must be answered clearly. If you cannot explain how
the course of study will help you get closer to your goals, then you have probably
chosen the wrong course. The admissions committee wants to know that their college
or university will be the right place for you and will be able to help you achieve your
purpose.

While you will want to show that you know all about the course and college you are
applying to, resist the temptation to tell them what they already know. Try to show what
particular courses, clubs, and other experiences you are looking forward to, but avoid
general statements such as "your university is renowned for the quality of its teaching
and facilities". In general, things that everyone could write have no place in your own
SOP.

Before submitting see that you have covered all the points in the checklist. The points
on our writing a statement of purpose tips page and theexample statement of
purpose page will help you get the right approach and style.
Finally, remember that a statement of purpose is not an exercise in creative writing -
stylistic tricks such as direct speech or dramatic openings annoy the reader. The
admissions committee will want to see that you can put your ideas forward in a logical
manner without wasting words. They have many applications to go through and
appreciate short, well-expressed essays.
http://www.majortests.com/gre/sop-sample.php

SOP Sample

The following is a shortened sample SOP (with technical details removed.) Expert
comments at the end of the paragraphs point out important features.

After one year's work experience as a research technician at [redacted], one of the US's
leading research institutes, I want to return to academic study and undertake graduate
studies in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of [redacted].Stating
what you are doing now and what you are applying for is a simple, direct way of starting
an SOP.
After graduating with a first class degree from [redacted], University of [redacted], I felt I
should gain some practical experience working in a research environment to gain first-
hand knowledge of what the life of a research scientist entails. I have loved every
minute of my work: especially the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge projects and
discuss ideas with senior biologists. I soon realized that, although I enjoy handling the
complex equipment and processing the results, I am not going to be satisfied with
carrying out routine procedures under the direction of others. I want to be part of the
team that directs the course of the project. My senior colleagues have encouraged my
ambition and feel that I have the potential for graduate studies.Notice how the student
tries to analyze the reasons for her choices.
My love of biology started in high school. We had a young and enthusiastic teacher,
Mrs [redacted], who took us on field trips and visits. She made sure we did as much
practical work as was feasible, and demonstrated experiments that we hadn't the
equipment or time to do ourselves. She also encouraged us to read. I remember the
impact reading Maynard Smith's The Theory of Evolution had on me: I wanted to be
able to explain such important ideas as clearly as he did. Quite naturally my first
thoughts about a future career tended towards teaching � I wanted to be another
Mrs [redacted].It is good to explain how you became interested in your subject.
However, don't go too far back! Notice that a specific example helps create interest.
At undergraduate level, my interests became more focused. Although physiology and
ecology came easy to me, it was biochemistry and cell biology that really captured my
interest. We were fortunate to have good laboratories and excellent professors. I found
that cell biology was an interdisciplinary undertaking: today you need a foundation in
chemistry, physics and even IT to be at the forefront in this subject. This
interdisciplinary aspect of the subject suits my abilities well. I have always performed
well in all science subjects and find it challenging to apply the knowledge to practical
problems. For this reason I chose to undertake a project in my final year on the
behavior of protein molecules in high energy fields at [redacted]. The scientists
at [redacted] were impressed with my practical skills and were happy to give me a
recommendation that led to my present job.Details of courses and projects help to show
focus. (This student went on to describe another important college project. She also
gave a full description of her current scientific work.)
 Many people have asked me why I did not proceed directly to graduate studies after
graduating. The answer is that I wanted to make sure that I had chosen the right subject
and the right place before embarking on a course of study that would involve many
years of my life. The one-year gap has also given me time to work with the local Natural
History Society: we take families on Sunday trips to the nearby National Park to help
create awareness about environmental issues. I have also been a member and
organizer of the [redacted] Film Society: we watch and discuss films from all over the
world. I am looking forward to furthering my interest in film in the [redacted] Film club, at
your university, and I also hope to use my passion for teaching in the [redacted]Social
Outreach program.Explain the reasons for any unusual features of your career (taking a
year out, poor performance, etc.). Include social and extracurricular activities to show
balance in your life or because they are relevant to the course.
In selecting the University of [redacted] I have been influenced by the way your
research program addresses biological questions at the levels of molecule, gene and
cell. I am particularly looking forward to such courses as Developmental Biology and
Bioinformatics. I am also excited to interact with
Professors [redacted] and [redacted] whose work is closest to what I want to pursue for
the original research component of the MS degree. I have been corresponding
with [redacted], a current student, from whom I have learned about the collaborative
environment at [redacted] where I will interact with talented students, teachers and
industry professionals. I believe that I will be able to contribute to and learn from the
academically challenging environment at the University of [redacted].Try to show that
you are fully familiar with the course you are applying for.
Tips for writing a statement of purpose

1. Be as honest as you can. Essay evaluators can read between the lines � do
not underestimate them.
2. Write the essay yourself. Don't get an expert or your best friend to write for
you. The admissions officers can compare your essay style with your grades, test
scores, and writing samples from GMAT, GRE or the SAT. If they suspect fraud, the
application will be thrown out.
3. Get the essay checked. The writing must be your own, but you are allowed to
get advice. A parent, friend or counselor can give an opinion on how the essay
sounds. You can also get help on grammar, spelling and layout.
4. Evaluate rather than narrate. When writing about your experiences it is
important to discuss what you have learned. Don't just "tell stories".
5. Be logical. Make sure the essay flows well with a proper beginning, middle and
end. Each paragraph should follow logically from the previous one.
6. Focus. Focus on specific points that only you could have written, and which
show your unique personality. Avoid general statements.
7. Be positive. Never complain about your school, family or country. If you want to
explain why you have bad grades, do so without blaming others.
8. Keep the language simple. Avoid quotes because the examiner wants to hear
your words. Don't use flowery language.
9. Keep it short. Concise writing is always appreciated.
10. Pay attention to detail. Use 12 point font. Use a simple font such as Times New
Roman. Justify the text (i.e. align to both left and right margins
What is a Graduate Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement?
http://www.accepted.com/grad/personalstatement.aspx

It is an essay that demonstrates your qualifications for and your

commitment to your chosen academic field. It should be vibrant with details
and examples, and should scream to the adcom readers, "This is a person
worth getting to know!"

That's a tall order for a 2-3 page essay!

The following tips will help you write a persuasive, vibrant statement of
purpose—one that transforms you from a bland collection of test scores and
classes into an exciting human being.

Ten Do's and Don'ts for Your Statement of Purpose

The Do's
1. Unite your essay and give it direction with a theme or thesis. The
thesis is the main point you want to communicate.
2. Before you begin writing, choose what you want to discuss and the
order in which you want to discuss it.
3. Use concrete examples from your life experience to support your
thesis and distinguish yourself from other applicants.
4. Write about what interests you, excites you. That's what the
admissions staff wants to read.
5. Start your essay with an attention-grabbing lead -- an anecdote,
quote, question, or engaging description of a scene.
6. End your essay with a conclusion that refers back to the lead and
restates your thesis.
7. Revise your essay at least three times.
8. In addition to your editing, ask someone else to critique your
statement of purpose for you.
 9. Proofread your personal statement by reading it out loud or reading it
into a tape recorder and playing back the tape.
10. Write clearly, succinctly.
The Don'ts
1. Don't include information that doesn't support your thesis.
2. Don't start your essay with "I was born in...," or "My parents came
from..."
3. Don't write an autobiography, itinerary, or resume in prose.
4. Don't try to be a clown (but gentle humor is OK).
5. Don't be afraid to start over if the essay just isn't working or doesn't
answer the essay question.
6. Don't try to impress your reader with your vocabulary.
7. Don't rely exclusively on your computer to check your spelling.
8. Don't provide a collection of generic statements and platitudes.
9. Don't give mealy-mouthed, weak excuses for your GPA or test scores.
10. Don't make things up.

he Environmental Studies Student

Two scenes stand out in my mind from my visit to Brazil’s Wetland: Forests
burning before seed planting and trees as hedgerows. Before the planting
season, I could see the leafless remnants of burnt trees still standing. The
burning of pristine forests destroys both the habitats and countless species
which depend on and thrive in these habitats. The few remaining bare,
scarred trees silently convey the cost to our natural resources of pursuing
our economic interests. Some forests are preserved by government edict
issued in response to international pressure. But most of this preservation
occurs alongside major roads — not to protect the ecosystem, but to
prevent disturbance to ranches and farms along the highways. The clash
between economic and environmental concerns that I witnessed in Brazil
fascinates me and attracts me to the Environmental Studies Program.

Two courses in my geography department increased my interest in the

connection between the environment and economics: Conservation of
Underdeveloped Countries and Environmental Impact Analysis. In the
former, we studied the problems of natural resource management in
developing countries. The balance is always tilted toward economic growth
at the expense of environmental preservation. For example, because the
Pantanal Wetland could become a highly productive agricultural system once
it’s drained, it is drained regardless of the destruction that drainage causes
to the ecosystem. Only portions of the wetland are preserved for tourist
purposes.
The other course that piqued my interest is an interdisciplinary course called
Environmental Impact Analysis in which we, as a group, created matrix and
flow diagrams discussing the economic and environmental impact of logging
and preservation of old growth forests. I was able to use tools that I
acquired in my economics and environmental studies classes. In general,
logging creates economic benefits at the local level. It increases
employment in the timber industry and subsequently in related non-timber
industries; it also benefits local government. Yet, it has great deleterious
environmental effects: soil erosion, watershed destruction, and a decrease
in species diversity due to loss of habitat. The logging industry represents
the classic clash between economic and environmental interests.

I also took two sequential classes in the economics department that are
related to Resource Management — Theories of Growth & Development and
Policies for Economic Development. Because the courses were taught by a
professor who is concerned chiefly with economic growth, I learned the
standard economic rationalizations for development unrestrained by
environmental concerns.

In addition to my interest in resource management policies, I have a specific

interest in Geographical Information System (GIS), a powerful tool for
natural resource management. After taking several related classes in GIS, I
began interning for the National Park Service (NPS). After I learn how to use
ARC/INFO, a leading GIS package, I will assist the NPS in constructing
projects. Some of my duties include spatial and non-spatial data analysis,
digitizing themes such as fire locations, vegetation, wildlife habitats, etc.,
and tabular and graphical presentation of results. I hope to use the tools I
acquire during this internship in my continuing study of our environment.

I would like to study the social and economic factors that influence
environmental policy formation. For example, because people worry more
about pollution than endangered species, laws and regulations concerning
environmental pollution are more numerous and stricter than for bio-
diversity. Within the School of Environmental Studies, I have a particular
interest in the emphasis: Economics, Policy, and Management. This
emphasis deals with how economic factors can create negative externalities,
such as pollution, and need to be regulated. This emphasis also tries to
consider non-economic values, such as aesthetic pleasure and species
diversity. It also discusses tools like GIS and system analysis that apply to
environmental management. Because of my interest in GIS, economics, and
environmental studies, this emphasis suits me perfectly. Furthermore, the
interdisciplinary approach of the School of Environmental Studies attracts
me since it combines social science’s strengths with a knowledge of the
natural sciences necessary to protect and preserve the environment.

After completing my masters program, I would like to continue my

education and obtain a Ph.D. in natural resource management. This degree
would enable me to combine a teaching career with advising business and
government on natural resource management issues. Teaching college
students is more than a one-way channel; I would also learn from their
questions like my professors have from mine. In advising business and
government, I can help them strike a balance between economic and
environmental concerns. GIS will be a useful tool in helping me give them
crucial information.

I have enjoyed an interdisciplinary approach in my environmental studies

major and become fascinated by the clash between social interests,
especially economics, and environmental needs. I pursued an additional
major in economics to better understand this conflict. Furthermore, my work
for the NPS will train me in the latest techniques in natural resource
management. I would like to continue exploring this clash and resource
management in the School of Environmental Studies. Ultimately, I would like
to teach and work in natural resource management. Ideally, I would like to
find ways for allowing development while preventing the burning of beautiful
and valuable eco-systems like the Pantanal Wetland.

Statements of Purpose: Overview and Before You Draft

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/969/01/

Summary:
The statement of purpose is perhaps the most important, and most
challenging, element of your application packet. This letter needs to reflect
who you are and why you would be an asset to the program you are
applying to. It needs to make you stand out from the hundreds of other
applicants and yet stay within the genre-based expectations for a statement
of purpose. This resource provides information on writing statements of
purpose specifically for graduate school applications.
Contributors:Fernando Sanchez
Last Edited: 2014-10-10 07:52:00

Your graduate statement of purpose is one of the most important documents

in your application packet. A good statement of purpose may not necessarily
get you in to a program, but a poorly written one could cause the committee
to overlook your application. In addition, submitting a strongly written
statement works in your favor in such situations as:

 having a low grade in one or two of your courses

 breaking a tie with other applicants who have performed at your level
in terms of GRE and GPA scores
 getting into programs in which standardized test scores are weighted
significantly less than demonstrating one’s professional interests and
abilities   (i.e., Humanities and certain Social Science fields).

Remember that your statement of purpose is the only opportunity you will
have to let the admission committee directly get to know you. They will have
some sense of who you are based on your recommenders’ notes and on the
writing sample you include, but this is the chance for you to personally make
a good, strong impression.

Please note, that these resources focus on applying to graduate studies

programs in the United States. The information contained in these resources
may or may not be appropriate to other contexts. 

Before you begin

Unlike with most job applications, you can have months to review the
statements of purpose that graduate programs ask you to write. Most
graduate programs include questions or writing prompts that they would like
you to answer within the application materials themselves. As soon as the
materials have been updated for this year’s applications, write down, or
copy and paste the questions into a document, so that you can have as
much time as possible to think through each one. Start making connections
(mentally or visually) between your classes, work experience, or volunteer
opportunities. Based on what you would like to do in graduate school (and
beyond) what kinds of themes begin to emerge?

Look up information about the programs you are applying to. Check out
their websites and if there is any material that you are curious about but
they don’t list, such as the graduate curriculum or research opportunities,
check in with the program administrator. Then, once you have gathered all
of that information, start looking for the connections between the program’s
and your own work and interests. Which of the programs that you have in
mind would be the best based on their required coursework, professors in
the fields, teaching opportunities, and so on?

You can use several exercises to write down some preliminary thoughts in a
non-linear fashion before you start drafting: for example, prewriting to get
your ideas flowing; sketching out a preliminary outline; or, you can also use
a number of other invention strategies such as: brainstorming, freewriting,
clustering, or asking questions to help you get your thoughts on paper. 

There is a lot at stake in the statement of purpose, so it can be daunting to

begin writing. You might feel hesitant to start drafting your document until
you are absolutely sure that you know your theme, structure, and have all
the pertinent information about each program ready at hand. The fear might
be that you’ll have to just change everything later if you start writing now,
so why waste the time? There is, most definitely, an element of truth to that
logic, but remember that the longer you procrastinate, the less time you will
have to make any changes whatsoever. Don’t be afraid of these so called
“false starts.” Getting started early on your writing will help you generate
more ideas, which will strengthen your statement down the line.

Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement

Summary:
The statement of purpose is perhaps the most important, and most
challenging, element of your application packet. This letter needs to reflect
who you are and why you would be an asset to the program you are
applying to. It needs to make you stand out from the hundreds of other
applicants and yet stay within the genre-based expectations for a statement
of purpose. This resource provides information on writing statements of
purpose specifically for graduate school applications.
Contributors:Fernando Sanchez
Last Edited: 2013-10-07 02:20:22

Write one essay for each program. Although they may sound similar, each
program’s statement prompts asks for slightly different pieces of information
about who you are. You may be fortunate to have two or three similar
prompts for a few programs, but even then, remember that you must meld
your own interests with the opportunities available at each particular
program--so, no two statements should read exactly alike. In essence, be
prepared to draft (and continuously revise) dedicated statements for each
program application. Don’t send out a boilerplate essay.

Attempt to create one unifying theme in your narrative. Some applications

ask you to include the answers to  broad prompts in your statement. For
instance, the only instructions you get may be: describe your goals and
preparation to pursue graduate study in no more than 1500 words.
Conversely, others may ask you to answer a series of very specific questions
such as your reasons for applying to their program in particular, how your
background fits into your professional goals, how your past achievements
would aid you during your time in graduate school, and what you have
learned from your prior professional experience. Regardless of the particular
kind of writing situation, attempt to fit your narrative into one unifying
theme. For example, if your essay focuses on how family has played an
important role in your decision to go to graduate school, do not throw in an
experience from your trip to a foreign country as another factor in your
decision making process unless it is strongly tied with the overall theme of
family. Also, be sure to stick to the word limits.

Strong statements of purpose answer four important questions that inform

admissions committees of who you are professionally and personally.

Professionally, statements of purpose answer two questions for the committee.

First: what kind of work are you interested in doing in graduate

school?

Be specific, don’t make the mistake of thinking that being vague in your
focus will reach a wider audience. For instance, if you mainly want to study
business ethics with two prominent faculty members who focus on that
topic, write that in your statement. Do not worry that you are pigeonholing
yourself by being specific and instead list several other areas that
you could be interested in. There will not be enough time to go into all of
these areas and it will make your statement sound aimless and
disconnected.  

Second: why is the program you are applying to a good fit for

you?

This is where your online research on each program comes into play. Be
specific about what makes the program that you are applying to your ideal
choice. Avoid general statements such as “your program is one of the best
in the country.” Focus more on the specific things that you think make it
great—for you and your research in particular. If it has a good instructor to
student ratio, how will that benefit you? If what separates the program from
the rest is that it provides excellent field training before you graduate, how
will you take advantage of this? Be specific. You may also talk about your
goals after grad school. Where do you see yourself? Does the program have
a good history in helping other students get there? You don’t have to be one
hundred percent certain about your future plans; no one will pull your
application essay before you graduate and express shock and
disappointment if your interests happen to change. But generally, going to
graduate school is a huge commitment. Admission committees want to know
that you understand this and that you envision some type of gain for your
dedication.

A word of caution: Avoid changing your statement just to get into a program
if it is a bad fit for you. You’ll save yourself time and money down the line.

Be aware that while it is generally a good idea to be as honest about your

intentions as possible, avoid being too candid about your reasons for
applying to a certain school if they are less than scholarly. For instance,
admission committees do not want to hear that you are applying to their
program primarily because of the school’s proximity to significant others,
family, friends; because it is located in a place with a great college town
feeling; or, because it offers a variety of funding opportunities (however,
you could probably mention this last one in passing if their funding is
outstanding among other programs, signaling a dedication to its students’
goals). 

Personally, statements of purpose also answer two questions for the committee.
First: What matters to you—and why?

The committee will receive a lot of data about you. The statement of
purpose allows you to give that data meaning. It is important that you not
just rephrase whatever is on your CV or resume because this won’t get at
the meaning behind your experiences. A job or a class may have lasted only
a few months, but it may have been the impetus for you to go to graduate
school because of a unique experience that occurred there. The statement of
purpose should give the committee a sense of who you are and how you
have personally interpreted events in your life.

Second: How are you unique from the other candidates?

Above all, avoid playing it safe with bland language. It can be tempting to
resist making yourself stand out in your statement because you don’t want
to ruin your chances by “sounding weird.” Ironically, this type of information
may be what makes you the most compelling candidate. Graduate program
committees receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of applications each
year. Make your voice stand out among the rest by showing that you are not
only professional but that there’s a person behind the important decisions
you have made. What was the human element that motivated you to get
you to where you are?
Many people wonder whether they should mention their minority status.
Generally, you should mention your minority status only if it pertains to your
studies. For instance, did working with a minority group (that you belong to)
motivate you to go to graduate school? How so? Are you interested in
undertaking minority issues once you have earned your degree—and, if so,
in what capacity? For example, once you earn your Masters in Social Work,
are you hoping to help Hispanic individuals who suffer from serious and
persistent mental illness? Tie this with your background to give this goal
some context.

Remember to switch over between other graduate application tasks such as

asking for letters of recommendation, ordering your transcripts, filling out
the questionnaire for each school, and so forth. This will break up the writing
task and help to re-energize you.

Statements of Purpose: After You Finish a Draft

Summary:
The statement of purpose is perhaps the most important, and most
challenging, element of your application packet. This letter needs to reflect
who you are and why you would be an asset to the program you are
applying to. It needs to make you stand out from the hundreds of other
applicants and yet stay within the genre-based expectations for a statement
of purpose. This resource provides information on writing statements of
purpose specifically for graduate school applications.
Contributors:Fernando Sanchez
Last Edited: 2012-09-21 11:22:07

Have someone else read through your draft along with the prompts that the
particular school is asking you to address.

Do not be afraid of breaking up your “finished” draft as you revise. Your

readers may say that a section in your statement should come earlier or
that an entire paragraph isn’t “working;” they may ask you to move
sentences to various other paragraphs before making a judgment call on
whether to excise those sentences completely. These changes take a lot of
time and patience, and can be frustrating if you have come to think of your
rough draft as “mostly finished.” 

Be sure that you have tailored each statement to each school’s specific
questions. At the very least, this means making sure that each of the
statements has the correct school’s name on them. 

In How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement, Mark Allen Stewart

suggests a simple yet highly important task in order to ensure that what you
have written in your statement of purpose sounds original and personal. He
recommends going through each line and highlight sentences that sounds
like it could have been written by anyone (7-8). Leave all sentences that
could only have been written by you untouched. Too much highlighting in
your statement implies that you have not taken enough risks with your
statement and that it will most likely sound like any of the dozens—if not
hundreds—of statements that the committee will receive. If this is the case,
you may not be able to simply “convert” each general sentence into a
personal one. You may need to restructure your entire statement to create a
consistent personal narrative.  

Your first paragraph sets the tone for what is to come. Leave yourself
enough flexibility to write this part last, once you have ironed out what
exactly the overarching theme of your statement is. Try to capture the
attention of your reader with a memorable introduction. This could include a
brief anecdote or an elaboration of a gripping recent finding in your field that
plays into your theme.

Once you feel that you have written the best statement that you possibly
can (or if time has simply run out), be sure to edit your work. One of the
most common complaints of admission committee members is reading
essays that have not been completely polished. Remember that as a piece of
writing that you are submitting, your statement conveys what kind of
professional you are not only in terms of the content you write, but how you
have presented the content itself as well. Admission committees accept
applicants who demonstrate care for their work.

Works Cited

Stewart, Mark Allen. Peterson's How to Write the Perfect Personal

Statement. Lawrenceville, NJ: Peterson’s Publishing, 2009. Print.

Give your Statement of Purpose an Edge at EssayEdge.com!

Read the essay question carefully to find out what the university expects you to write
about. While you don't have to stick to the questions asked, you must be sure to answer
them all in your SoP. Refer to your lists of background research and write about two
handwritten pages in response to the essay question. Go through them the next day.

Remember that your essay has the following objectives:

Show your interest in the subject. Rather than saying that you find  electronics
interesting, it is more convincing to demonstrate your interest by talking about any
projects you may have done and what you learnt from them. If you have taken the
initiative to do things on your own, now is the time to talk about them
Show that you have thought carefully about further studies, know what you are getting
into, and have the confidence to go through with it.  Have the admissions committee like
you! Avoid sounding opinionated, conceited, pedantic or patronizing. Read your essay
carefully, and have others read it to find and correct this.

Demonstrate a rounded personality. Include a short paragraph near the end on what
you like to do outside of your professional life.  Keep the essay focussed. Each
sentence you use should strengthen the admissions committee's resolve to admit you.
So while you may have done several interesting things in life, avoid falling into the trap
of mentioning each of them. Your essay should have depth, not breadth. The resume is
where you should list achievements.  Remember that you have very little space to
convey who you are, so make every sentence count.

Pitfalls your essay must avoid : It is a repetition of the resume or other information
available from the application form,  It could have been written by just about anybody;
your individuality does not come through, It is not a honest account in response to the
essay question (why you want to study what you do, what you have learned from an
event/person in your life and so on) It has embarrassing, highly personal and emotional
content that should be avoided unless it makes a unique, creative point. The
admissions committee would not appreciate reading about the pain you went through
after breaking up with your boyfriend. An account of how you overcame difficult family
circumstances, illness, or a handicap, would be a valid point to include in your essay. 
However, avoid emotional language.

Give your Statement of Purpose an Edge at EssayEdge.com!

Language Guidelines

Take another 7-8 days to write 3-4 more drafts. Go through the objectives and pitfalls
often. Refer to, and edit your lists as you go along.

Flow
While each paragraph should make a complete statement on its own, the essay should
logically progress from paragraph to paragraph. Read your essay for flow, or have
someone else read it, and ask yourself if there seems to be an abrupt shift between
ideas in two consecutive paragraphs.

Structure
This follows naturally from flow. Do all the paragraphs mesh together to form a cogent
whole? Does the essay, through a logical progression of ideas, demonstrate your
interest, enthusiasm, and fit in the department you have applied to?

Language
Avoid slang and abbreviations. For acronyms, use the full form the first time and show
the acronym in parentheses. Use grammatically correct English and ALWAYS read
your essay carefully for spelling mistakes before you send it off - your computer's
spellcheck may not flush out all the errors. Try to make your essay crisp, cutting out
unnecessary adverbs, articles and pronouns (for instance, a careful reading may yield
several "the's" that are superfluous).
 Tone
Use a consistent tone throughout the essay - it will only confuse the admissions officers
if you alternately sound like Ernest Hemingway and Shakespeare, and is hardly likely to
endear you to them! While you should avoid flowery language and cliches, there is no
harm in looking for the most apt phrase or sentence. Be careful while using humor - it
can misfire and harm your chances. 

1
Know yourself. With a well-crafted Statement of Purpose you can persuade an
admissions committee to accept you. In order to convince them, you must be convinced
yourself. You must be sure of what you want, why you want it, and why that particular
program can help you.
 Why should the school select you over someone else? You must be able to
answer that question for yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
 Before beginning to write, think. Review your intellectual and personal
development over your academic career. When you can clearly articulate the history
that led you to decide to apply to a particular program, you are ready to begin writing.

2
Write the introduction and thesis statement. Before writing an essay like this, you
must have a thesis statement. This is the one sentence that introduces the central idea
of the paper. It must be specific. This statement should sum up the basic meaning of
the essay, and signal to the reader what to expect.
 The first sentence is the most important one because it gets the reader's
attention. Create a strong opening paragraph of five sentences or less. Briefly explain
who you are, where you're from, why you have chosen the particular field to which
you're applying, and why the university is among your first choices.
 Make it count. The first paragraph is very important. It is your introduction, and
should hook the reader from the start. You want to make him or her want to continue
reading.

3
 The body of the paper. Each paragraph should deal with a single central idea. This
idea should be introduced early in a topic sentence, telling the reader what to expect in
the paragraph.
 Several ideas in a single paragraph will only confuse the reader. If the central
idea has several supporting points, break it into several paragraphs rather than having
one very long paragraph.
 Support your ideas, don't just spit them out without backing—it's like writing a
cheque without money in the bank. By giving support to your ideas, you convince
readers of their truth and accuracy. If you successfully prove your statements, the
reader should agree with your conclusion.
 Structure the sequence of ideas carefully and logically. Remember, you are
mapping a course, leading the reader through the points that support your thesis. You
do not want to confuse them, or make them take the long way around. Transition
smoothly from paragraph to paragraph to link them together logically. Use connecting
sentences to keep the paper flowing smoothly.

4
Conclusion. Restate your thesis and the main points supporting it. In the conclusion,
add some new ideas or information to challenge the reader to think further.

1
This is the easy part. If you've written a thorough and thoughtful outline, this will just
be a process of refining what you've already written. Let's review and expand on the
steps here:

2
Introduction: state your goals. The first sentence is the most important one. You want
to grab the reader's attention, and not let it go until you are finished.
3
The body of the paper. Flesh out the details of who you are and what you've
accomplished.
4
Explain your background. Show that you are academically prepared for your chosen
program. Include the following:
 Where and what you've studied
 Past research or diploma projects you've participated in.
 If applying to a program in a different field of study, explain how the skills you
learned in earning your degree can be applied to the new field.

5
Describe your professional goals.
 Why you find your particular field of study interesting. What influenced you to
choose that field?
 Include any related experience or research you've had or been involved in to
date.
 Describe your future plans after receiving your degree. Will you be continuing in
your education, or will you be working in your field?

6
Explain your reasoning. Describe what and why have you chosen to study in graduate
school.
 Where your specific interests lie in your field.
 Why this program is needed for your professional development, and how great is
the need.
 Describe what led you to your choice of university—courses, faculty, research
projects, facilities, etc.

7
Write your conclusion. Sum up the main points, and describe what you can contribute
to the program.

8
List all the enclosures you will include in your application and give a very brief
description of your portfolio.

9
 Thank the admissions committee for their time. Chances are they are reviewing
hundreds of applications along with yours.

10
Provide your contact information.

1
Go back and revise, edit and rewrite. Remember to include everything above while
aiming for 2-3 pages maximum. This is where being very concise and to the point is
important.
 If possible, let the letter sit for a few days after you've finished writing it. Come
back with a fresh pair of eyes and start revising.
 Perhaps ask someone else edit your letter. Ask for honest and constructive
criticism, and be prepared to accept it gracefully.
 Cut the chaff. Is there anything in your letter that is not absolutely necessary, or
doesn't tie well to the other parts? If you can't revise it so that it fits, cut it. Remember
that whoever reads your letter has a lot of SoPs to get through, and only has time for
the information that matters.

 Remember that your first paragraph should be no longer than four or five
sentences, but it should give a summary of the entire Statement of Purpose. Many
graduate committees will read your first paragraph to decide if the rest of your
application is worth reading as well.

 Presentation is very important. Use a legible font (such as Times New Roman)

and respect term paper-style margin standards (1" - 1.25") and font sizes (11-12 pt). If
you cite sources, be consistent with your style sheet (Chicago, APA, etc.). Do not mail
in an SoP with wrinkles and/or coffee stains or it might end up in the trash where it
belongs.
 Don't be overly specific about your research goals if you are actually somewhat
flexible. If there are no faculty in a particular department working in your described area
who are taking students in a given year, you might be rejected even though you are
considered "above bar". At the same time, there's no point pretending to be interested
in a broader range of topics than you are.
 Avoid sending the exact same Statement of Purpose to all the universities to
which you're applying. The admissions committee will easily spot a cookie-cutter essay
and more than likely reject you. Admissions committees also notice whether or not you
include specific references to people, labs,groups etc., within their departments.

 Don't tell the admissions committee how amazing you are. Avoid empty phrases
like "I'm talented", "I'm very intelligent," "I'm a great writer/engineer/artist" or "I had the
highest GPA in my department as an undergrad." Show them through your professional
Statement of Purpose and application portfolio and let them decide if you are amazing
enough to attend their institution.

 Should you attempt to explain how "amazing" you are, make sure that you justify
it. Yet, you must remain humble. For example: "I believe that I have the confidence in
myself to strive for the furthest goal."

 Don't be too technical, i.e., using words or jargon-style expressions within your
field that are unfamiliar to you or that you have picked up while skimming literature
relevant to your studies; if you use a term blatantly incorrectly it may deter your
acceptance.

 Avoid being too poetic in applying for creative writing graduate programs.
Address the questions without too much extraneous material. Your writing portfolio is
more than enough writing to show your talent.

 Focus on your previous and future research experiences. Many students make
the mistake of summarizing their CVs. Committees that bother to read your application
know already that you're a good student; they now want to see whether you'll make the
transition to a more unstructured and self-directed form of learning in graduate school.
They look for evidence of this by seeing how you describe your past research
experiences and your future plans. The key is not particularly the topic you propose--the
committee will expect that to change, as your awareness of graduate school increases.
Instead, they will look to see whether you have a realistic and well-informed sense of
what a graduate student would expect to do in a degree.

 Keep it clear and concise, yet detailed and specific when it comes to faculty and
areas of potential research.

 Apply to as many schools as you can afford to pay their application fees. Four
distinct Statements of Purpose for four different universities should be your minimum.
 Use short anecdotes to highlight your strengths. After committee members have
read a few dozen statements, they all start looking alike; some specific and interesting
details can help a candidate to stick out. Of course, it helps if these anecdotes are
related to the broad point you're making in your statement.

 Remember that a Statement of Purpose is only one, albeit an extremely

important, part of your graduate school admission portfolio. Carefully examine all the
requirements on the university's admissions Web page before you submit an
application.
 Don't use superfluous descriptions or poetic phrases. The best SOP is well-
organized, but also concise. Get to the point as you would in a cover letter for
employment.

Sample Statement of Purpose

I must admit that it is somewhat by accident that I find myself driven towards the
field of Assistive Technology. I have always enjoyed interacting with and helping
people. When I was young, I started babysitting children in my neighbourhood, which
fostered a growing interest in childcare and child development. As my knowledge of that
field grew, so did my curiosity about the effects of cultures, communities, and personal
relationships on children. I pursued a degree in Child and Family Studies, an arena that
looks at children not just from the view of biological and psychological growth but also in
terms of how their environments affect their development. The idea that a child's familial
and social support so directly impact his outcomes is one that is both obvious and eye-
opening. Children are not blank slates, but what they do and love does depend so much
on the environment and people around them, and most importantly on the opportunities
and support given to them.
It was with this new ecological perspective that I began working with children
with disabilities, first in an inclusion preschool setting and then as a behaviour
interventionist in home and school-based sessions with children and teenagers with
autism and other special needs. While my love of working with children brought me into
this field, seeing the differences it makes in people's lives is what has kept me there. I
have worked with clients using a wide variety of assistive technology, from iPads and
AAC devices to wheelchairs and gait trainers to adaptive school supplies and utensils.
Being a part of the team that helped a child go from having hour-long tantrums because
of her inability to express her wants and needs to being able to pick up her iPad,
communicate, and be understood was a marvelous feeling. Watching a boy with limited
fine motor skills beam with pride as he presented his mom with a construction paper
crown he made using adaptive scissors was just as rewarding.
While these success stories stick out in my mind, there are still plenty of hurdles
to be overcome. Individuals with disabilities are all too often unaware of the options
available to them—or are painfully aware but unable to access them because of
financial, cultural, or societal restraints. Even individuals with extensive support systems
often do not realize the services and technologies available that could help them be
independent, understood, and empowered. Families who advocate tirelessly for all sorts
of special education therapies for their children often do not realize that there is a range
of environmental supports and assistive equipment that could make a world of
difference to them, too. My main area of interest in this field lies in improving access
and education about AT options for individuals with disabilities, as well as for those in
their support networks. I would like to become an informed advocate, whether
continuing in one-on-one client-focused intervention or working at the legal and political
level.
I know I have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning about
the use, benefits, and development of Assistive Technology. However, if the tip of the
iceberg holds this much promise for how people's lives can be transformed, then I am
eager to deepen my understanding of the high- and low-technology options available to
children and adults with disabilities. This arena is only going to become more and more
important as our elderly population grows, and we are all going to be faced with the
question of how to provide support to individuals with disabilities in our own lives. As my
time studying and working with children has taught me, our passions and abilities are
driven by the environment and options around us, and helping individuals with
disabilities access and interact with the world around them benefits not only them, but
all of us. Technologies that give people a voice, a skill, or an ability in an area with
which they would otherwise struggle not only opens up their world but also brings them
into ours, building more inclusive schools, work environments, and social circles. This is
a change that benefits us all—and a change in which I want to be involved.

How to Write a Personal Statement What is a personal statement?

http://writingcenter.appstate.edu/sites/writingcenter.appstate.edu/files/Personal%20Statement
%2010-11_1.pdf

A personal statement is the portion of your graduate school application in which you get the
opportunity to give a voice to your application. This writing is where you show the university who you
are as a person, what achievements you’ve made, and why you’d be a valuable asset to their program.
Before You Write Review the prompt and instructions of the personal statement so that you know what
is expected of you. Reflect on what makes you stand out from other applicants. Take account of
significant events in your life that are unique to you. Use these to express your personality as well as
your goals in life. Utilize your friends, family, and colleagues. You can ask them for help in
brainstorming ideas as well as getting a fresh perspective on your personal statement. Writing your
Personal Statement: Content* As you are writing your statement, reflect on the uniqueness of your
work. You want this to be something that no one else could write, so make sure your ideas and words
are personal. Use your writing to demonstrate your personality. The school wants to know what you
are like as a person. Don’t be a robot! Never make your personal statement a narrative of your resume;
the rest of your application will involve this information. Get creative! Your opening sentences should
get the readers interested in your essay, and the language you use in your paper should keep them
captivated with your work. If you are asked about your background or experience, make sure to discuss
it in relation to who you are as a person. How did this experience shape your ideas, personality, etc.
Although not everyone considers themselves to be particularly unique, many schools will ask how you
will contribute to their campus’s diversity. If you’re stumped, think about an interesting family member,
teacher, event, or anything that affected your life somehow. Writing your Personal Statement: Style and
Format There are some things about turning in your personal statement that are easy to remember:
Always proofread carefully to avoid typos, and make sure you send the right personal statement to the
right school (if you’re applying to multiple schools). *Information taken from: Stewart, Mark Alan. How
to Write the Perfect Personal Statement. New Jersey: Peterson’s, 2009. Print. Created October 10, 2011
Because they are so short, it is not completely necessary to include an introduction and conclusion in
your personal statement. Avoid saying things like “Hi, my name is…” or “Thank you for reading”. It is
also smart to avoid using an unconventional writing style; this may come across as inappropriate. This
can include things like referring to yourself in the third person or writing in the style of a poem or song,
which is almost never appropriate. Except for performing arts school, most schools will ask you to
resubmit applications that are submitted in audio or visual format. Don’t veer too far from the norm
with your font. Keep it around size 11 or 12, and use a readable font. Page and word limits are there
for a reason, so be sure to follow them. Excess material is likely to go unread. If there aren’t strict
guidelines for this from the school, keep your format simple and traditional to sustain readability. While
it’s perfectly acceptable to have someone edit your essay for grammar and style, never allow someone
to rewrite your paper for you.

Write a Successful Motivation Letter for Your Master's

http://www.mastersportal.eu/articles/406/write-a-successful-motivation-letter-for-your-masters.html

By Alexandru Giurca - 27 May 2013

  

 inShare3

Related items
Articles

 What Can I Become with a Master's in International Business?

 What Can I Do with a Bachelor or Master Degree in Hospitality?
 How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter
 Late Registrations – Start Your Master's Degree in September!

Countries

 United Kingdom

It is very common nowadays that European universities that offer different international Masters degree
programs, ask applicants to send a number of important documents like: C.V, transcript of records,
Bachelor's degree diploma, language certificate etc. but one of the key documents required that might make
the difference and assure you a place in your desired Masters program is the motivation letter.

The motivation letter (or cover letter) is probably the most personalized document of your application considering that
you actually get the chance to write a presentation about yourself accompanying your CV. By requiring a motivation
letter, the Master's recruiting committee offers you the chance to prove yourself in a short document shaped as a
letter in which you are supposed to give some relevant and interesting insights about yourself, prove that you are the
right and most motivated person to be chosen for participating in the program.

Writing such a letter can prove to be sometimes tricky and challenging for some applicants who often find themselves
wondering how the letter should look like, what it should contain and how to convince coordinators that they are the
right ones to be chosen for the program.

The internet is packed with different websites that offer tips and tricks on such letters. By simply typing motivation
letter on any of the consecrated search engines you will find a vast number of examples of different motivation letters
with structural and content details.

View 2,466 Master programmes without tuition fees worldwide

This article will focus on a few key points drawn from personal experiences that proved effective in my case and will
hopefully be useful in helping you write a good cover letter:

Do your homework
 Before starting on your motivation letter it is best you find out
as much as possible about the university that is offering the Masters programme and about the program itself.
Usually the universities' website is pretty clear and informative about their requirements, expectations and about what
qualifications and qualities they hope their candidates have.

Knowing a little bit about their requirements, about their main projects, activities personal philosophy and interests
will help you get an idea on what your letter should contain. Relating with the main activities and interests of the
university will definitely help start a positive cooperation.

Ideas and main points

Start with writing down some of the main ideas , important points you would like to approach in your letter and later
build around them, enrich their content; an example would be :

1. Make your goal clear; provide a short preview of the rest of the letter;
2. Why do you think that the university and the Masters program are interesting and suitable for you? ;
3. Focus on some of your strongest qualifications, past experiences (international experiences are always
relevant) and qualities; organize the middle paragraphs in terms of the qualifications most relevant for the
program, you can also refer to your CV for more details;
4. Conclude by restating your interest and show appreciation for the chance to prove yourself in the letter (in
some cases you can ask for a personal interview).

Personal & original

Give your readers some insight into you as an individual. Remember this is a very personal document in which you
are expected to prove that you are different from the rest of the applicants and that your qualities, skills and
qualifications make you suitable for participating in the program. Although it might be sometimes helpful to have other
examples, do not copy other letters you have seen and try to be original, it will help a lot! Also avoid bragging too
much about yourself. You are not expected to present yourself as a superhero but rather be objective and realistic.

Apply for the StudyPortals Scholarship

 First impression
Whether it is the way your letter looks, the way it is organized and structured in paragraphs, the font size, the length
of the letter or even the first paragraph, first impression always counts!

Be professional and consistent

Present your letter in a professional format, style and grammar. Have it checked for spelling mistakes and be
consistent (e.g. use the same font, the same abbreviations throughout the letter etc.).

Other opinions and advice

It is always a good idea to ask your friends, a teacher or someone who has already done such an application for
advice. Usually you can get in touch with students who are already doing the Master's programme you are applying
for and they can give good advice not only on what to include in your motivation letter. However, as already stated
before remember to be original and avoid copying other letters!

All these presented key points can prove effective and help you write successful motivation letters but in the end
your personal touch and knowledge is what matters and makes the difference. A good motivation letter will always be
successful if the applicant is really interested and willing to get the desired place in the Masters program of his/her
choice. What you really need is to trust in yourself and try it and if you are not successful the first time keep on trying
because you will for sure make it

Good luck with your applications!

 Home
 Blog

 Letter of Reference: Why, What and How

 Saturday, April 25, 2015

Are you planning to go abroad to study? Almost everywhere you can find information that
would provide information on the universities that you can apply for, the subjects you can study,
and the scholarships you can apply for. However, there are many small things that often go
overlooked. However, these are the things that determine your smooth sailing overseas. One
such thing is the letter of reference. It is basically a recommendation or reference letter that
needs to be provided to the university a student is applying for. It is a very important document
and has a great significance for overseas applicants. It is mainly submitted to the university
because the university often has no chance to know the overseas students face-to-face. As a
university faculty cannot take a face-to-face interview of all the students applying from abroad, a
letter of reference can help the university to understand who it is taking in as students.

Who should provide a letter of reference and what needs to be there?

Generally, all universities accept letter of reference from a person from the academic
background or professional capacity. Given below is a list of the persons who can issue a LOR
and what needs to be written in the document:

o Professor/teacher: A letter of reference from a teacher or professor who has known the
student since an academic year or for some time. If you are applying for a letter of reference, it is
suggested that you select a professor or teacher who teaches a similar subject that you have applied
for in the university.
o Employer or manager: If you are a working professional and want to apply for an
educational course abroad, you can ask for a letter of reference from your manager or employer.
However, this will be considered as a second reference to the one that’s provided by your teacher or
professor. You need to have at least one year working experience to get a valid letter of reference
from an employer.
o Clients or customers: If you are into your own business, you can ask for reference letter
from your clients or customers. Such letters are considered valid by most universities across the
globe.
What should a letter of reference contain?
Given below is a list of things that your LOR should contain:

1. How long has the person referring you knows you and in what capacity?

2. It must contain a realistic assessment of your intellectual capacity by the person referring you.
3. The letter should mention your strengths, weaknesses and abilities.

4. Your suitability and motivation for the course you’ve applied for must be there.

5. Your capability to talk in English must be mentioned.

6. If the person referring you notices any special traits and capabilities in you, that should be
mentioned.

7. If you have the capability to work independently, that should be mentioned in the letter.

8. In addition to these, if there are any more comments that would make your admission to a
college abroad smooth sailing, it would be better to put that information in the letter.

How many LORs are needed?

Most of the reputed universities across the globe ask for at least two letters of references. So, if
you are applying for a course abroad, you must collect two letters from two persons who can
refer you realistically. Ideally, it should be obtained on the admission form that’s provided by
the university you are applying for. However, if that’s not possible, you can also take letters on
the official letterheads of the school or the college where you studied. The letter should contain
valid seals and stamps of the referee.

Now you know quite a lot of information about letter of reference. Do not forget to obtain that if
you are planning to opt for a course abroad.

The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important documents that need to be submitted
alongside the application at universities across the world. At the same time, it is among the most
difficult tasks faced by students during the application process.

The majority of students treat the statement of purpose as just another essay. Such statements
generally end up becoming monotonous which in turn decreases their chances of acceptance.
Universities tend to put a lot of importance on the statement of purpose. This statement shows how
interested the students are in studying at the universities.

Writing a Strong Statement of Purpose

One must follow a  well thought out strategy while drafting the statement of purpose. While most
students tend to write almost anything they feel like, their statements do not garner the same
attention that a powerfully constructed and unique statement can.  The statement needs to be
original and brilliant.

Stories Are Better Than Statements

A story allows the reader to have an emotional connection, which a simple statement is unable to
create. You should present the facts of your life and decisions in a manner reminiscent of story. The
people overseeing the admissions are more likely to remember and recall finely crafted statements
of purpose that made them feel as if they are reading a story.

The stories should cover all the major points required in a statement of purpose. That includes the
reasons why you have chosen the particular subject, the university and so on. Impressing the
admissions committee through the statement of purpose can help in getting into the university.
Quantify Information
The statement of purpose is meant to serve as an authentic source of information of the student.
Numbers are crucial when presenting information. Apart from the quality of the statement, it is
important to be quantities as well. Facts and details should be coupled with numbers wherever
possible. This allows the admission committee to understand the depth of the facts.

Numbers can add a new perspective to facts. The story seems to be more authentic and carries
authority with it. The results of any decisions you have made are best represented in numbers. It
can increase the respect given by the committee.

Specificity
In a statement of purpose, it is important to be specific. Vague descriptions will not gain any favour
with the committee. Details must be included alongside any remarks or assertions made in the
statement. When talking about yourself, you need to be introspective and provide all relevant
additional information. Being straightforward can be a good quality.

Conversational yet Formal Tone

The majority of statements are either too formal or too casual. Such approaches should be avoided.
Instead, a mixture of the two should be used. The tone should be similar to the one used while
conversing with a senior teacher. Humour can be used but sparingly. A sense of humour has no
place in a statement of purpose. The admission committee should not feel that you are taking the
application process too casually.

Redressing Problems
The statement of purpose is the perfect opportunity to address problems. There may be gaps and
problems in the academic background. In the statement, it is possible to address these issues so
that the concerns of the admissions committee can be removed. It is important to be honest during
this process. Instead of defending the actions, reasons should provide that resulted in such
situations. It is also important to showcase in a matured manner, that you have overcome the
problems that had once beset you.

The statement of purpose should be a carefully drafted document that speaks volumes about you in
a professional and interesting manner. Be sure that you have not left out any important details or
made mistakes in the statement.

What is Statement of Purpose? How

to Write Statement of Purpose?
by 
admin
Published on 01-01-2014 12:43 AM
0 Comments 
What is Statement of Purpose? How to write Statement of Purpose?
What to write on SOP and What not to write on SOP? How
important is SOP in US University admissions.

Statement of Purpose

 Statement of Interest
 Essay
 Personal Essay
 Academic Essay
 Personal Statement
 Academic Statement
 Professional Statement

What is an SoP?
An SOP is a Statement of Purpose. Basically, purpose means the
reason for which something exists. To be precise, it describes you,
your goals and intentions which the admission committee will
evaluate. An SOP is a document which shows your passion, clarity
of thoughts, dedication, inspiration, and most importantly,
uniqueness.

How important is the SoP?

The evaluator has never seen you or heard of you. Yes, the SOP
serves the purpose of telling the admission committee why they
should choose you. It is “the” most important document. They want
to know a student in and out and not just by his transcripts and
final year project. An SOP carries a lot of weightage. A well written
SOP particularly to the top universities can tilt the scales in your
favour.

How should I write an SoP?

An SoP is basically an essay and a major chunk of it will be boring.
However, it is the most important document which means it will
take a lot of your time. Start working on it from around the 1st
week of October (if you’re applying for Fall). It’s not an essay on a
political leader which will get over in a day. You have to make
several rough drafts, keep on editing, get it proof-read by your
seniors and then you will have your final copy ready.
Following are the points you should write in your SOP:

1. Start off with a saying or a quote and justify that you

are highly inspired by that quote and the person who
wrote it. (in like 2 lines)
2. First Para : Describe your childhood interests in an
innocent way (don’t drag it for long) and how that
interest is still in you. (ex. A computer or a telephone)
3. Second Para : Highlight your marks in the entrance
exam of engg. or your undergrad percentage (make
sure the achievement is big, else don’t). Also, write
about your current subjects that inspired you towards
the course and express it as one more element
towards your interest.
4. Third Para : Give an idea of your BE project and
explain what you are learning from it rather than
boasting about your project. Explain your
publications, internships in the same way as your
projects.
5. Fourth Para : VERY IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH. Why
you decided to choose USA (NEVER MENTION
MONEY, EVENTHOUGH YOU ARE GOING FOR THAT)
as your post graduate country and why you opted for
 this course/university. Express your liking towards the
university. Don’t bore the reader by praising them
irrelevantly. Express your liking of the university in
terms of Research work, Labs, Faculty, and current
Projects.
6. Fifth Para : Explain your goals-short term and long
term, where you see yourself some years down the
line. Express the content in this paragraph extremely
well (one of the crucial factors that decide if you get
your admit.)
7. Conclusion paragraph in 2-3 lines saying that you will
serve really well in the respective university.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You have to make as many rough drafts as the

number of universities you are applying to. All the content will
remain the same except the paragraph where you describe the
specific university. So finish the common parts as early as possible
and then start searching for particular university as mentioned in
point no. 4.

What NOT to write in an SoP?

1. Don’t boast about your achievements, especially

marks. Put it in a subtle way. Write more on how that
particular achievement helped you and spurred you
on.
2. Language is an important parameter so you should
avoid using slangs (Yeah!!, Chuck, etc.). Also avoid
using short form for words like you, are, etc. Keep
your vocabulary in control though. Don’t refrain
yourself from using nice GRE words. Make sure that
the usage of the word makes sense.
 3. We love copy-pasting but, this is not the place. You
can take an idea, but it would be appreciative that
you make it as unique as possible.
4. Your SOP shouldn’t highlight your interest in working
in an MNC or earning heavily inDollarzz. It should hit
your goals and targets. It should be inclined towards
your interest in the course and the respective
university.
5. Never mention any company’s name and job
prospects.
6. Don’t make it too long and boring on a particular
topic. Understand that a reader is a man and not a
computer.
7. Make sure you keep your SOP in a safe locker. Don’t
share your SOP or the idea of it with anyone. The
people reading your SOPs are experts and will surely
be able to identify copied SOPs.

*Just make sure that you title it exactly whats written in respective
University's requirements....

Explain your reasons for wanting to study the course

What motivates you to take this course at a university-level? Mention how your interest
developed, what you have done to pursue it or how you’ve drawn inspiration from your
current studies. Or, just demonstrate your enthusiasm for it.
“Be specific from line one” (English admissions tutor)

More useful advice:

 Subject-specific personal statement advice
 

2. Explain how you’re right for the course

Provide evidence that you fit the bill – not only that you meet the selection criteria but
also that you’ve researched the course or profession and understand what studying
the subject at university level will imply, and that you are prepared for this.
“Keep on topic and show that you’ve really done your research and know why you want
to do the course.” (Sport admissions tutor)
 More useful advice:
 How to 'sell yourself' in your personal statement
 

3. Say what you’ve done outside the classroom…

If possible, outline how you’ve pursued your interest in your chosen subject beyond
your current syllabus.
For example, talk about any further reading you’ve done around the subject and give
your critical views or reflective opinions about it. This could be from books, quality
newspapers, websites, periodicals or scientific journals or from films, documentaries,
blogs, radio programmes, podcasts, attending public lectures and so on.
But try to avoid mentioning the wider reading that everyone else is doing.
“If I have to read about Freakonomics once more, I’ll scream!” (Economics admissions
tutor)

More useful advice:

 Make your personal statement stand out
 

4. …Why it’s relevant to your course

Reflect on your experiences, explaining what you’ve learned from them or how they’ve
helped develop your interest in the subject – it could be work experience, volunteering, a
university taster session or outreach programme, summer schools, museum,  gallery or
theatre visits, archaeological digs, visits to the local courts, travel, competitions or a
maths challenge.
“It doesn’t have to be anything fancy!” (Archaeology admissions tutor)
 

5. …And relevant to your chosen career

If you’re applying for a vocational course that leads directly to a specific profession, it’s
really important to reflect on what you’ve gained from your experience and how it
relates to your chosen career path.
For example, what skills did you observe or pick up during your work experience and
what did you learn from this? How has it increased your understanding of the profession
or your enthusiasm for going into it?
“Reflect on your experience, don’t just describe it. Talk about the skills the profession
needs, how you’ve noticed this and how you’ve developed those skills yourself.”
(Occupational Therapy admissions tutor)

More useful advice:

 How to make your work experience count in your personal statement
 
 6. Can you demonstrate transferable skills..?
Yes you can – and admissions tutors will want to hear about them. It could be your
ability for working independently, teamwork, good time management, problem-solving,
leadership, listening or organisational skills.
 

7. Expand on the most relevant ones

But don’t simply list off the skills you think you have – think about which ones relate
most readily to the course you’re applying to, then demonstrate how you’ve developed,
used and improved these. Again, admissions tutors want to hear
about specific examples:
 projects and assignments (what role did you play, what went well, what did you learn?)
 positions of responsibility (what did it entail, what did you organise?)
 sport, music or drama (what did you learn from your role, how did you work as a team?)
 Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh award (what were the biggest challenges and
why, how did you overcome them?)
 Volunteering or your Saturday job (what do you do, what have you observed, what extra
responsibilities have you taken on?)

More useful advice:

 Writing a personal statement: your checklist

 

8. Show that you’re a critical thinker

University is all about being able to think independently and analytically so being able to
demonstrate that you’re working like this already is a big plus point. Briefly
explaining how one of your A-level subjects, a BTEC assignment or placement, or
additional studies such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has made you think
more critically could be a way of doing this.
“If you’re taking the EPQ, do talk about it, as it’s the kind of studying you’ll be doing at
uni” (Modern languages admissions tutor)
 

9. What’s the long term plan?

Mention what your longer term goals are if you can do it in an interesting way and
you’ve got a specific path in mind but, if you do, then try and show a spark of
individuality or imagination.
“Just saying you want to be a journalist isn’t exactly going to stand you out from the
crowd.” (History admissions tutor)
If you’re not sure yet, just talk about what you’re looking forward to at uni and what you
want to gain from it.
If you’re applying for deferred entry, do mention your gap year plans if you’ve made a
firm decision to take a year out. Most universities arehappy for you to take a gap year – but
will want to know how you plan to spend it.
 
 10. Keep it positive
It can be difficult to get going with your personal statement, but don’t panic. Start with
your strengths, focus on your enthusiasm for the course and talk positively about
yourself.
 

Next:
 Here are 10 MORE things to include in your personal statement...
 Use our personal statement checklists - get started and then get writing
 

The Best and Worst

Topics for a College
Application Essay
Dr. Katherine Cohen • Apr 22, 2015
Tweet Share Share  Pin It

 3 Upvote
Students prepare for applying to selective colleges
by taking rigorous courses, participating
in extracurricular activities, studying
for standardized tests, and more. All of this
preparation, however, can distract attention from
one of the most notorious sections of the college
application: theessays.

The essay is both the most and the least visible part of the
competitiveadmissions process. Everyone knows that the essay
is critical, but few actually get to see what “successful” essays
look like. Some online resources, like The College Board, post
examples of college application essays, but they often lack the
necessary context for a reader to truly assess how accurately that
essay conveys a student’s personality and interests.

When choosing a topic for an essay, students need to consider

what the essay prompt is asking, the universities to which they’re
applying, their goals, and, ultimately, what the essay says about
them as a student and as a person.

Why the Essay Matters

Before you can choose a compelling essay topic, you first need to
understand why there’s an essay in the first place.
When evaluating college applications, most colleges use a
“reading rubric” to evaluate the different components of each
application. Aside from the “hard factors,” like grades, GPA, and
test scores, colleges also look at the “soft factors,” such as
extracurriculars,recommendation letters, demonstrated interests,
and essays. The point of evaluating all these factors is to enable
colleges to holistically build a well-rounded class of specialists.
The essay (or essays) is a great way to learn more about an
applicant, her motivations, life experiences, and how she can
contribute to the campus community.

According to NACAC, 83 percent of colleges assign some level of

importance to the application essay, and it’s usually the most
important “soft factor” that colleges consider. The essay is
important because it gives students the chance to showcase their
writing and tell the college something new. It also allows
admissions officers to learn more about students and gain insight
into their experiences that other parts of the application do not
provide. Just like any other admissions factor, a stellar essay isn’t
going to guarantee admission, but students do need to craft
compelling and thoughtful essays in order to avoid the “no” pile.

Related: How a Great College Essay Can Make You Stand Out

Types of Essays
Let’s talk about the different types of essays that a college may
require applicants to submit. Over 500 colleges and universities
use the Common Application, which has one required essay,
called the personal statement. There are five new prompts to
choose from, and this essay can be used for multiple colleges.

Related: Why I Love the New Common Application Essay

Prompts

Beyond the Common Application essay, many colleges also have

supplements that ask additional, university-specific questions
which applicants must respond to with shorter-form essays. While
topics vary from supplement to supplement, there are a few
standard essay formats that many colleges use:
Personal Statement
This is the most common essay and is used for the main
Common Application essay. In this essay, the applicant talks
about a meaningful life experience that helped shape who she is
today. The book “Admission Matters: What Students and Parents
Need to Know About Getting into College” has a great section on
the personal statement and how students can craft effective
essays.

“Why This College?” Essay

Many colleges, including Columbia University and Duke
University, use the supplement to ask applicants to explain why
they have chosen to apply to this particular college. In this essay,
students need to be detailed and offer specific examples for
wanting to attend this school. Not only does it help students
reiterate their passions, it also serves as a gauge for
demonstrated interest and a vehicle for students to better
articulate how they will contribute to the campus environment.

Activity Essay
In this essay, students write about an extracurricular activity or
community service project that was especially meaningful to
them. This essay was previously on the standard Common
Application, but was removed starting in the 2014–15 application
season. Instead, some colleges, like Georgetown University,
choose to include a variation of this essay among their
supplements by asking students to discuss an activity and its
significance to their life or course of study. In this essay, students
should choose an activity they’re most passionate about and
include details about how they expect to continue this activity at
the particular college.

Related: Using Your High School Internship as Inspiration for

Your College Essay

Quick Takes
In an effort to challenge students to think creatively, some
colleges include short, “quick take” prompts that require only a
few words or sentences for the response. Some examples
include University of Southern California’s “What’s the greatest
invention of all time?” and University of Maryland’s sentence
completion prompts like “My favorite thing about last
Wednesday…”

What NOT to Write About

In order to stand out, it’s important to realize that there are a
number of essay topics that are cliché and overused. Avoid
writing about things like scoring the winning goal, topics of public
consciousness like natural disasters, or something that happened
to you in middle school. Also, avoid gimmicks like writing in a
different language, presenting your essay as a poem, or anything
else that is stylistically “out of the box.” Your focus should be on
the message rather than the presentation.

It’s also important to avoid inappropriate or uncomfortable topics.

Some students choose to write about things like sex or romantic
relationships in order to stand out; yet, these topics fail to add
substance or depth to an application. There’s a fine line between
interesting and trite — don’t stand out for the wrong reasons.

Successful Essay Topics

A successful essay will reveal something about you that the
admissions reader may not have already known, and will show
how you interact with family and friends and demonstrate your
beliefs or explore your passions. This doesn’t mean you have to
regurgitate your resume — in fact, you definitely shouldn’t.

For example, a student whose number one extracurricular activity

is swimming should not write an essay about “the big meet.”
Instead, she could explore a more personal topic, such as
something she is learning in class that conflicts with her religious
beliefs. She can discuss the intersection of religion and education
in her life and how she reconciled the differences — or didn’t.

A great essay also provides readers with a vivid picture. When

crafting an essay, think of it as offering admissions readers a
window into a certain event or story. Focus on the most
meaningful moments, not the irrelevant background details.

For example, a student once wrote an essay about feeling out of

place culturally during an internship. Instead of giving a general
description of the internship and his conflicts, he opened the
essay with a vivid description of what he saw when he first
arrived, and used this scene to frame the feelings of alienation he
underwent — giving the reader a striking image of his experience
in great detail.

Remember, your college application essay is about you. There’s

a lot of pressure to be “unique” and “interesting,” but at the end of
the day, the key to standing out is to just be yourself. Admissions
officers can tell when students are embellishing or being insincere
in their essays, so it’s best to keep it simple and tell a story about
you and the person you are today. In the end, with careful
planning, research, and a thoughtful essay, you’ll get into the
best-fit college for you!

For further guidance and examples, check out Noodle's collection

of expert advice about college essays.