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Statement of Purpose

Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose

Five Easy Steps for Writing Statement of Purpose

The most important thing to remember is to submit your own work! Don't make the mistake of googling "Sample SOP for Computer Science" and copying what you find, changing only minor details. This is a sure way to get denied admission.

A word of caution to students who use agents/consultants: be certain that the agents do not submit a generic SOP for you. Our office has received packets from agents containing the materials for several students, only to find that all the SOPs/LORs are identical. These applicants are denied immediately, since they have submitted fraudulent documents.* (submitting someone else's work as their own)

While writing your SOP remember that you're trying to convince the admission committee that you'd be an asset to their program and that you have the potential to succeed as their graduate student. When possible, use actual examples to highlight your best qualities. Don't just say, "I have good problem-solving skills," give a specific example that shows the committee how you used those skills.

Sample SOP Outline

    1. Introduction/ state your goals:
      1. Why do you find this field of study interesting/what influenced you to choose this field
      2. The emphasis here is on scholarship and your research interests. Focus on those aspects of your personality that relate to your intellectual and academic interests and goals.
    2. Explain your background to prove that you are academically prepared for this program:
      1. Where and what studied
      2. Past research/diploma project
      3. If applying to a program in a different field of study, explain how skills learned in earning your degree can be applied to the new field.
      4. Any related experience/research after university
    3. Why this particular program:
      1. Why this particular university -- courses, faculty, research projects/facilities
      2. What your specific interests are in your field
      3. Which faculty share your research interests
    4. Description of professional goals and future plans after receiving degree:
      1. Why this program is needed for your professional development
      2. What will you go on to do after earning the degree
    5. Conclusion:
      1. Summing up the main points
      2. What you can contribute to the program
      3. How excited you are to face the challenge

More Details:

Step One: Briefly tell a little bit about yourself and why you want to pursue graduate study. Use proper writing and grammar; this is not the place for taking shortcuts like "i wanna go 2 ur school." Instead of telling them your hobbies, tell them instead about an idea you had that sparked your desire to pursue graduate study.

Step Two: Let the committee know about your previous coursework, projects, presentations, publications, relevant work experience, etc. Remember, you want them...to want YOU! This section should convince them that you have the necessary background and foundation to excel in the program. Avoid excuses for low grades/poor performance. Do not make any negative statements.

Step Three: You'll be competing with many other applicants for a spot in the program, so do your research on the program and professors. See which professors share your common research interests and mention this in your SOP. That will show them that you did your homework and truly researched the university. Indicate your area of academic interest and how being accepted into this program will help you achieve those goals.

Step Four: Tell the committee your future plans. What will you do once you have the degree? Go on to a PhD program? Go into industry?

Step Five: Close on a positive note; let the committee know that you are the right choice for their program, and that you're ready for the challenges ahead.

*The submission of documents in support of applications for admission and fellowships such as transcripts, diplomas, test scores, references, essays, or the applications themselves, that are forged, fraudulent, altered from the original, plagiarized, materially incomplete, obtained under false pretenses, or otherwise deceptive (collectively referred to as fraudulent documents) is prohibited by The University of Texas at Tyler and may be punishable by: a bar on applying for admission, fellowships, suspension, and/or expulsion. Students who submit fraudulent documents are not eligible to reapply.

Adapted from http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~natalia/studyinus/guide/statement/link4.htm