Personal Statement: How to Write an Excellent Statement of Purpose
Graduate school admissions offices require a personal statement essay that displays highly polished writing skills and a firm grasp of future goals.
When applying to graduate school, many students struggle with writing a personal statement. Although the graduate school personal statement is similar to the undergraduate essay, applicants are expected to show personal experience in their field and goals for graduate study.
Personal Statement Format
The personal statement format is generally an essay, and graduate admissions usually require around 500 words or one page. Although one page seems short, with concise writing and tight editing, graduate school candidates can communicate a lot in this short space. The introductory opening paragraph should be engaging and informative. Avoid “I am so-and-so, and I have done this and that” and instead, begin with a quote or short anecdote. This technique not only creates curiosity but also engages the reader, much like the high-quality essays produced by professional writers when one opts to pay to write essay. Remember, while the brevity of a personal statement may resemble the conciseness required in essays, it's the authenticity of your voice and experiences that will set you apart in a graduate school application.
The Middle Paragraphs
The middle paragraphs are the development section, where specific experiences are shared. In this section, it is easy to be too verbose, so brainstorm what experiences fit with the mission of the school and the interests of their faculty, and write to those particulars. The maxim “show, don’t tell” is particularly important in this section. For example, in an education essay, sharing a profound classroom experience is far more powerful than saying “I am a good teacher.” Showing instead of telling gives evidence for the claim.
Instead of sharing every great accomplishment, select two or three experiences that highlight multiple strengths and do not repeat information shared elsewhere in the application. Better writers use tone, word choice, sentence structure, and other devices to create memorable, interesting accounts of their qualifications for graduate school. Use these tools to make professional and educational experiences compelling to the reader.
Summary Paragraph
The final, summary paragraph is a good area for the applicant to share his goals for the graduate experience. Unlike the more exploratory undergraduate programs, the graduate program is shorter and more intense, requiring a higher level of focus. Sharing specific goals that relate to undergraduate or professional experiences communicates a strong vision to the admissions office.
Writing Tips for an Excellent Statement of Purpose
Be Authentic: One of the most crucial aspects of writing an excellent Statement of Purpose (SOP) is authenticity. Admission committees look for applicants who are genuine and show a real passion for their chosen field. Present your true motivations, interests, and experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue this particular course or field. Sharing your unique story will help you stand out from the crowd.
Be Specific: Avoid generic statements and cliches. Instead, provide specific examples that support your claims. If you are claiming to have a particular skill or experience, back it up with a concrete instance where you demonstrated that skill or gained that experience. Detailed examples will make your SOP more credible and engaging.
Be Concise: While it's important to be thorough, it's equally important to be concise. Adhere to the word limit provided by the school and ensure your SOP is focused and coherent. Every sentence should serve a purpose and contribute to your overall narrative.
Be Professional: Maintain a formal yet conversational tone throughout your SOP. Remember, you are communicating with academic professionals, so avoid using jargon, slang, or overly complex language. The goal is to be clear, respectful, and professional.
Editing the Statement of Purpose
Once the personal statement is written, it will be edited several times, and likely have several incarnations before its completion. Editing is critical because students only have one page to share years of experience. Use editing skills and read every sentence aloud. Does each sentence flow? How does each sentence fit with the sentence that it precedes or follows? Does every sentence have an impact? Make sure that sentences communicate in a way that is both concise and powerful.
Review grammar, usage, and mechanics with each draft of the statement. Ask others to review the content of the personal statement for grammar, flow, and polish. Edit work mercilessly and let others do the same. Although it feels uncomfortable or downright painful to have personal work torn apart, discomfort may just be rewarded with an acceptance letter into the school of one's choice.
Getting Feedback on Your SOP
After you've written your SOP, it's important to get feedback. Having others review your SOP can provide valuable insights and help you spot areas that need improvement.
Consider asking trusted individuals who know you well and can provide honest and constructive feedback. This could include professors, academic advisors, professional mentors, or even peers who have successfully navigated the graduate school application process.
Remember, writing an excellent SOP is a process that requires time, effort, and revision. Don't be discouraged by initial feedback; use it as a tool to refine your SOP and make it the best reflection of your academic and professional journey.
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