Barbara P
Barbara P

How to Write a Successful Statement of Purpose

6 min read

Published on: Mar 2, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 3, 2023

Statement of Purpose

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Writing a statement of purpose is important for students during the graduate program. It requires the writer to focus on certain aspects of his life. That is why the admission committee members read the statement very carefully to see if you are the right fit for the college.

This blog will discuss the key elements for writing a perfect statement that can get you to your dream school. Refer to the below-given guidelines and samples to learn writing a statement of purpose for graduate school now.

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What is a Statement of Purpose?

A statement of purpose is an important part of a graduate study application. It is also known as a college application essay. It tells the admission committee members who you are and what are your academic and professional interests. This statement also discusses how you will add value to the degree program you are applying to.

Similarly, this statement of purpose aims to convince the admission committee members that you have relevant experience, solid background, and the required potential to be a successful candidate. You should also visit the appropriate school website to understand what specific information should be included while writing a statement.

How Long Should a Statement of Purpose Be?

The statement of purpose should be one page long, but you can increase the length to one and a half pages. The main reason behind the short-length statement is that admission committee members read dozens of applications in a day. They don’t have enough time to read lengthy statements.

Also, an application of more than 1-1.5 pages will show a lack of focus and clarity. Thus, ensure to write a clear, concise, and to-the-point statement because the committee already has your high school transcripts, test scores, and letter of recommendation.

Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

Check out the following table to understand the main differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose.

Statement of PurposePersonal Statement
General Content
Academic and professional background, skills, accomplishments, research interests, academic/career goals; why this program is a good fit for youPersonal motivation for applying, how you developed your research interests, any relevant experiences, challenges, or accomplishments
Level of Formality
FormalLess Formal
Length
Varies, but typically 1-2 double-spaced pages

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Statement of Purpose Format

The format of the statement of purpose is almost the same as other academic writings. It will make your statement easier for the committee members to read and understand. Here we have discussed it in detail.

  • The standard font size is Times New Roman 12pt.
  • Add a one-inch margin on all sides of the paper.
  • 1.5 line spacing is required.
  • Add the selected program and the candidate’s full name at the start of the page.
  • A positive and focused language and tone must be used in the statement throughout.

Refer to the following template of the graduate school statement of purpose to get an idea.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School?

Here are the steps for you to write an engaging graduate school statement of purpose.

  • 1. Who Are You and What Do You Want to Do?

    You should introduce yourself in the first step by stating your academic background and current career goals. This section must be relevant to the degree program you are applying to. Keep in mind the information you are providing must be relevant to the specific aspects of the program.

  • 2. Why Do You Want to Do It?

    The second step should explain why and how you came to be interested in this particular area. After explaining the relevance of your background and professional goals to the program, elaborate on your interests and motivations.

  • 3. Why are You the Right Candidate for the Program?

    Here, you must briefly describe any experiences that you already have in this field of study. State any jobs, internships, and projects that you have done related to it. You can also discuss with your friends and family to help you think of some relevant experiences that you may have.

  • 4. What Do You Want to Do in the Future?

    In the final closing step of the application process, the graduate student should briefly describe the long-term future career goals. Try to be very clear and specific when you write this section. Also, discuss how it is different from your current goal.

Statement of Purpose Examples

Below are some statement of purpose samples for you to write your own. You can also find some more college application essay examples by referring to our blog.

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Tips for Writing a Convincing Statement of Purpose

The following are the expert tips that you should keep in mind while writing a convincing statement.

  • Make sure to customize your statement of purpose to every school, project, or program you are applying to.
  • The statement should not be lengthy unless a specific word count is mentioned.
  • Always write in an active, not a passive voice.
  • Do not tell your life story in your statement of purpose.
  • Make sure to link everything with focus and continuity.
  • Follow all the instructions specified in the program you are applying to.
  • Avoid using repetitive language and cliches.
  • Show clear and concisely that you are the perfect fit for the graduate degree.
  • Proofread the statement twice or thrice after finishing writing to make sure it is free from any mistakes
  • You can also ask a professional in the field area to help you with the statement from a different perspective.

This detailed guide and samples will help you understand the complete writing procedure of a statement of purpose (sop). If you are still unsure, the professional writers at CollegeEssay.org can provide you with the necessary help.

We understand that it is quite challenging for you to write a college essay or personal statement. Thus, it is better for you to get expert essay writing help from our writers. Just provide us with the specifications and leave the rest to us.

Reach out to us now and get a high-quality and strong statement in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a statement of purpose?

The statement of purpose is between 500 to 1000 words. 

How do you end a statement of purpose?

When you end the statement of purpose, you should mention these points: 

  • Summary of the main points. 
  • Highlight your main purpose. 
Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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