Statement Of Purpose Guidelines (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Statement Of Purpose Guidelines Page 2

• How did you prepare or are preparing to address the issues in this research area/topic

(i.e. research experiences, courses, etc.)?

• What are your future goals for graduate school (i.e. Ph.D.)?

• What are your career goals (i.e. professorship)?

• What characteristics of the school/department/program can help you accomplish

your goals?

• What positive aspects do you bring to the school/department/program?

Stage IV: Write Draft of Statement of Purpose

When writing your statement of purpose:

• Always use positive language when referring to yourself.

• Give detailed, but concise examples.

• Use transition words, sentences and paragraphs. Your statement must read smoothly.

• Skip a line after each paragraph.

• Refrain from starting neighboring paragraphs the same way.

• Avoid using vocabulary that you do not know.

• Refrain from repeating yourself.

• Have strong opening and closing paragraph.

• Stay within the 2 – 3 page limit!

• Thank the admissions committee for their time at the end of your statement of purpose.

Stage V: Ask for Critique, Revise and Edit

1. When you are finished with your draft statement of purpose, read it out loud to yourself and

make corrections.

2. Ask friends, colleagues and professors to read your edited draft. Taking their comments into

consideration, revise and edit your draft.

Created by Anthony O. Okobi using:

Statement Of Purpose Guidelines Page 2