How to Write a Successful Grad School Statement of Purpose–A Guide
Your statement of purpose for graduate school is much like a first date. It’s your chance to put your best foot forward, showcasing your unique personality and dedication to academic excellence. Craft it with intent and creativity, finding ways to highlight what makes you the ideal candidate, and you’ll capture the attention of the admissions committee.
What is a Statement of Purpose? Why is it Important for Grad School?
A statement of purpose is just one piece of your graduate school application, but it is an incredibly important one. This concise personal essay is a persuasive piece of writing that showcases who you are as an applicant and why you are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in your field.
Students who apply to graduate programs already have a narrow area of interest and a desire to earn a degree that will facilitate their career in the field. The statement of purpose aims to illustrate for the admissions committee your interest in the degree, your drive to succeed and your alignment with the goals of the program and the university as a whole.
How Do I Begin Writing a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School?
While most graduate schools will follow the same general format for their statement of purpose, the first step is to check each specific school’s application guidelines for a writing prompt or instructions. A statement of purpose generally covers basic questions like who you are, why you are interested in this particular field or degree, how you will add value to this graduate program and how you anticipate using your degree in the future.
After reviewing the prompt, you should reflect on how you want to answer the questions. You can jot down general responses and keep notes as you reflect on these questions over the next couple of weeks. This is also a great time to ask your family, colleagues or undergraduate professors for some feedback — they may be able to offer you some valuable insights about your personality and best qualities, and how to effectively present yourself to the admissions officers.
Before you sit down to write, check out these quick tips from the graduate admissions professionals at Sacred Heart University.
Tips on Writing a Graduate School Statement of Purpose
1. Tell us a story.
It’s easy to say: “I’m hard-working, dedicated and passionate about what I do” (Hint: we get a lot of students who tell us those things). It’s way more compelling to demonstrate through an anecdote how you embody those attributes. Also, not only is a great story more convincing, it’s more memorable. We read dozens of statements a day. You’ll have a better chance if your statement stands out.
2. Share your “elevator pitch” on why you want to join this program.
During your years of graduate study, you’ll write a lot. The statement of purpose is one opportunity to showcase your ability to communicate your thoughts concisely and effectively. You only have 1,000 words (give or take), so every word and sentence counts. The most effective essays are creative and compelling, while still trim and persuasive. Make sure every sentence in your statement has a purpose and adds value.
3. Help us get to know you.
We are always looking for the right people to join our community of passionate, dedicated learners. The statement of purpose is your chance to demonstrate your character, values and unique interests, and to paint a full picture of who you are, in and out of the classroom. It’s important to strike a balance in your personal statement, so introduce us to your hobby for cooking global cuisine while tying it to your research interests in public health.
4. Remember: It’s still a formal piece of writing.
While we want you to be free to share who you are, we encourage you to remember this is an application for a graduate program of study, so formal academic writing is encouraged. This shouldn’t hold you back from sharing your personality or passion, but rather should guide your tone and grammar as you write.
5. Ask for feedback and a second pair of eyes.
It goes without saying that proofreading your work is an essential part of writing, but having a second set of eyes on your statement will help you catch every last grammatical error and awkward sentence, and it will also help you identify areas that need clarity, improvement or a little more power. Ask the person who is proofreading your personal statement if they were honestly moved by your writing — and if not, where you can improve.
6. If there’s an issue, share the details with us.
If you got below-average grades during your undergraduate studies, now is a good time to explain your situation. This doesn’t mean making excuses or making up stories (please, do not fabricate any portion of your statement!), but if there was a factor that contributed to your less-than-desirable GPA score, you can let us know. Be upfront and show us how you overcame that experience and how it led you to where you are today.
7. Customize each statement of purpose.
You are probably applying to several graduate schools, and that’s a good thing. That said, make sure your essay reads like we’re the only school on your list. Include specifics about why you want to attend our school for your degree. While some sections of your statement can remain the same, avoid the temptation to rinse and repeat—it will come off as disinterested and possibly disingenuous.
Want to know more about graduate programs at Sacred Heart University?
Talk to our team of graduate admissions counselors, each of whom specializes in specific programs. Have a one-on-one conversation with one of our counselors to get all your questions answered either virtually or in person. Email gradstudies@sacredheart.edu, call 203-365-7619 or schedule an appointment today.