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.

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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