• Business School
    • Admissions Help
    • MBA Essay Tips
    • Executive MBA Essay Tips
    • Admissions Calendar
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
  • Medical School
    • Admissions Help
    • Med School Admissions 101
    • Secondary Essay Tips (by School)
    • Student Interviews
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
    • Selectivity Index
  • Law School
    • Admissions Help
    • Law School Admissions 101
    • Selectivity Index
    • Free Guides
    • Podcast
    • Video Tips
  • Graduate School
    • Admissions Help
    • Grad School Admissions 101
    • Free Guides
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
  • College
    • Admissions Help
    • Free Guides
    • Supplemental Essay Tips
    • Video Tips
    • Podcast
Accepted

1 (310) 815-9553

Blog HomePodcastShopping CartContact Us

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

August 8, 2018

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Statement of Purpose Must-Haves: 4 Tips to Get You Started

FacebookTweetPinEmail

4 Statement of Purpose Must Haves - Download our free guide on how to start your grad school application here!

You’re ready to sit down and write your statement of purpose. You’ve got a cup of coffee and a chunk of time to think and write. Now, how do you get started? Here are 4 things you need to write a great statement of purpose:

  1. A clearly thought out goal

    This is the most important thing. Your statement of purpose, whether for a Master’s or PhD, is a forward-looking statement – you must have a clear sense of what you want to study in grad school and why. For PhD programs in particular, you will spend a significant part of your SOP describing your specific future research interests and goals.

  2. A reason you’re studying this topic and pursuing this degree

    Hint: loving your field is necessary but not sufficient. You should also think about your post-grad school goals. For example, if you’re applying for your MA in English, loving literature is a reason, but won’t sound compelling enough to an admissions committee; they’ll be more interested in why you want to get the degree and how you intend to use it.

  3. An understanding of your field

    Presumably, if you’re proposing advanced study in a particular field, you’ve done some careful research and preparation. If not, you need to do that now. Your SOP is not a good place to sound naïve or ill-informed.

  4. Careful research on each program you plan to apply to

    How is each program a good fit for your needs? Is there a professor in the department who you see as a potential mentor, or whose research excites you?

If you start your SOP prepared – with a clear sense of why you’re going to grad school – it’ll be easier to write and it will be infinitely more effective.

Need help planning for and executing a winning statement of purpose? Work one-on-one with an expert admissions advisor who will walk you through the entire process – from brainstorming and outlining to writing and editing to getting ACCEPTED! View our Graduate School Admissions Services for more information.

Download Free: 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Grad School Personal Statement!

Rebecca BlusteinBy Dr. Rebecca Blustein, Fellowship Advisor at UCLA and former Accepted admissions consultant. Want one of our admissions experts to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

 

Related Resources:

• From Example to Exemplary, a free guide to writing outstanding admissions essays
• 4 Pillars of a Splendid Statement of Purpose, a short video
• What Should I Write About? Making a Difference

Last updated on August 8, 2018.

FacebookTweetPinEmail

Article by Accepted / Grad School Admissions / grad application essays, PhD Leave a Comment

Get Accepted!

Choose your desired degree and then the service that best meets your needs.

Which program are you applying to?

What do you need help with?

Join the informed applicants who read Accepted's blog!

8 Popular Posts

1. Approaching the Diversity Essay Question

2. How to Write About Your Research Interests

3. 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future

4. Writing Your Physician Assistant (PA) Personal Statement

5. Top 10 LSAT Study Tips

6. Sample Essay from Admitted HBS Student

7. Walk Me Through Your Resume [MBA Interview Questions Series]

8. Boost Your GPA for Medical School Acceptance

Join the Conversation

Recent Posts

  • 7 Ways to Distinguish Between Similar MBA Programs
  • Toronto Rotman MBA: The Spike Factor [Episode 299]
  • International Application Volume Drops At U.S. Grad Schools
  • What Do You Need to Know to Get Accepted to a Medical School?
  • Strengthen Your Med School Application in One Hour
The Economist Preferred Admissions Consultant

This Site is Featured on GMATClub

Home Page Services and Prices MBA Med School Law School Grad School College

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog
Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553
© 2018 Accepted

BBB A+ RatingStamp of AIGAC Excellence

Copyright © 2019 · Education Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Share this Article

Email sent!