Apart from test scores, a very important part of the application packet is a ‘statement of purpose’. This essay is used by the selection committee to get signals about you being a good fit for the program. Hence you should use this essay to convey how your strengths align with the program. It’s very easy to falter here and doing so renders those hard-earned test scores useless. Here are ten important things to help you stay on track when preparing your statement of purpose.

1. Remember, it is an essay

The committee evaluates dozens of applications each day. You do not want them to forget you the moment they finish reviewing your application. Research proves that articles with a well laid out train of thought and smooth transitions build an emotional connection with the reader. Strike that chord, instead of bullet pointing ideas, write a coherent essay that makes your application stick.

2. Be succinct

Being substantive is much more important than being flashy. Be cognizant that the reviewers are not looking for boastful vocabulary or fancy proverbs. Simple and easy to understand sentences that surface your strengths serve the purpose. Reviewers wear out with every extra word they read. Each word is expensive, make it count.

3. Stand out

‘What do you bring to the table that gets you an edge above the other applicants?’. Be sure your essay screams this out loud. List out how your past experiences have motivated you for this course. How your strengths will help you add value to the class and what will you do differently in the future. Share if you have novel research ideas, it is not very common and attracts immediate attention.

4. Be passionate

Mention how the program will help you learn and achieve what you aspire. Research about the professors at the departments that you are interested in. Dig deeper into their on-going projects and see what excites you. Mentioning this information will not only identify the program as a good fit for you but will also be an excellent indicator of your diligence and passion.

5. Demonstrate by example

Supporting your claims with examples is of utmost importance. Saying that you are interested in an area does not help until you mention specifics of some previous work that sparked your interest. Adding references to your published work or links to past projects is a bonus.

6. Outline, then detail

Prepare a paragraph-based outline of the essay before you start filling in the details. This essay is a reflection of your personality. Weed out the unnecessary details by ruthlessly prioritizing the information you share.

7. No plagiarism

Liked a line you read on your friend’s essay? Do not copy it. Plagiarism is unethical and rightly looked down upon by all universities. Universities heavily invest in plagiarism detectors that run matches on your essay against text corpuses from around the web. If found unhealthy, your application is rejected without a second thought. Getting influenced by ideas is not a crime, but ultimately it should be your words describing your thoughts.

8. Grammar and Punctuation

Poor grammar or punctuation errors in this essay portray your lacking attention to detail and your incapability of excelling as a graduate student. Using a simple grammar check on any text editor will help you avoid this blunder.

9. Don’t miss out on the guidelines

Some universities have specific guidelines for the Statement of Purpose. Make sure you investigate and adhere to the same. Examples range from word limits to mandatory questions that the essay should answer.

10. Proofread and get it reviewed

Running the essay by a second pair of eyes often brings out important points you might have missed. Reaching out to teachers who you worked with in the past or professionals and having them review the essay is always a good idea.

 

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