Sample Statement of Purpose Template

Opening Paragraph Here, you want to introduce yourself and give your general reasons for pursuing graduate study. Because the selection committee members will read many applications, make your statement relevant by stating your particular talents and individuality.

Body Paragraphs/Qualifications In this section, the aim is to build a foundation for your forthcoming work. You should discuss your experiences in the following:

Explain why you chose this field. What motivated you. Your expertise and accomplishments in your major field. If applying to the research program, include any research you’ve performed, mentioning the project and the name of the professor who you worked for or under the direction of. If applying to the professional program, include any experiences (internship, job, and/or class work) that you learned from and influenced your goals.

Your undergraduate studies in general and how they relate to what you intend to do in graduate school.

Your specific experiences that demonstrate your motivation and inspiration for continued study.

Other relevant experiences (i.e., jobs, community activities, leadership in school organizations, awards, honors, etc.). Be sure to include names of person/s, names of organizations, and other important details.

Explain (briefly) any discrepancies on your transcript which would include having a lower GPA in a particular semester or year. No details are necessary.

If applying to the research program, mention specific faculty you are interested in working with. If applying to the professional program, describe your career goals.

Your background. Tell us about yourself. Also, describe your family and your community (or a community in which you once lived).

You could include whether your family, a family member in particular, or someone in your community influenced your chosen field of interest.

Also, you want to give examples of personal attributes or qualities that you know will help you successfully complete graduate study. For instance, describe your determination to achieve your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and your capacity to work through problems independently.

Closing Paragraph Finally, leave the reader with a strong sense that you are qualified and will be successful in graduate school.

The statement should only be 1 to 2 pages long so you need to be concise.