What is a Statement of Purpose?
It is typically a two to three page essay demonstrating how your undergraduate studies have prepared you for graduate level work, and how your personal, volunteer, and/or work experiences give you a mature and realistic view of how your future goals fit into this particular program.

What is the structure of a Statement of Purpose?
Be sure to read the application section carefully for an outline of what needs to be addressed in your essay. Typically, the structure will consist of the following categories:

• Introduction (Statement of Your Immediate and Long Term Goals)
• Examples of Coursework (Illustrate your general skills and knowledge of subject matter, including any research or honors projects you’ve had)
• Examples of Volunteer, Internship, or Work Experiences (Explain how your responsibilities relate to your ability to teach, research, manage, prioritize, and your commitment to service and excellence)
• Conclusion (Details about the program that link to your background and goals)

How do I Get Started?
Review the statement of purpose notebooks on file at CLAS, Building 300, or in books in the Career Resources Room, such as Graduate Admission Essays—What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why. ( K.25) Request to see an example of your TA’s statement of purpose if you decide to choose a program in your particular discipline. If writing for a professional school, conduct several information meetings with those you admire that have completed this educational training for examples and advice.

What should I avoid in writing my statement of purpose?

• Little White Lies: “This program is my first choice…”
• Flattery: “This program is the finest in the country…”
• Overgeneralizations
• Philosophical: “Life in the universe is ever-changing…”
• One-Dimensional: “My greatest desire is…my only goal in life is…”
• Juvenile: “I have always wanted to be a doctor…”
• Painfully Obvious: “I believe my undergraduate education has prepared me for…”
• Autobiographical: “…and when I was twelve my family moved to…”
• Hard Luck Stories: “I am the first in my family to receive a college degree.”

Examples:

Too general: “My work as a teacher’s aide was challenging.”
Better: “My work as a teacher’s aide in bilingual third grade classroom included planning and implementing lessons in English and Spanish, organizing recess activities, and working individually with students who needed extra help with reading and writing skills."

Too General: “I think I can contribute a great deal to the program.”
Better: “I also plan to use the analytic skills developed in my undergraduate studies in Philosophy and the critical reading and writing skills developed in my studies of Literature to contribute to the law school’s journal, and to teach legal writing in the undergraduate pre-law program.”

How do I revise my first draft?
Check the following before seeking further feedback:

• CONTENT: Evidence for detail and accuracy
• STRUCTURE: Paragraph order, breaks, and transitions
• STYLE & PRESENTATION: Clarity, conciseness, grammar, spelling

Where do I get feedback on my revised draft?
Start with CLAS for basic grammar, structure, and style suggestions. Next, consider making an appointment with a Career Counselor by calling 893-4412 to discuss content.

Need help getting started? Here are some resources:

Purdue University Writing Lab
General advice, questions to ask before you write, sample essays, advice from admissions representatives.

Essayedge.com
Excellent and comprehensive essay guidance categories into lessons. Start here.