SOP Tips Part 4

STRATEGY: Admissions boards read hundreds of statements. You want
yours to be distinctive, to capture the attention of the reader, but
not be overdone. The best way to illustrate your individuality is to
define your goals in specific terms.

1. Familiarize yourself with the program to which you are applying.
Do some research. Read the catalogue. Check the library for books
and articles published by faculty members. Then mention details in
your statement; describe how the courses, the field work, the
facilities, etc., meet your goals. The following is an example of a
specific opening: "While pursuing my studies in American Literature
at the CUNY Graduate Center, I will seek a position teaching within
the CUNY system. I feel the diverse student population at a public
college provides an environment which is academically inspiring as
well as politically enlightening. I look forward to studying under
the professors of the English Department who have shown a
commitment to multi-culturalism." Avoid using general opening
statements such as: "I have always wanted to help others, and I
feel teaching is right for me."

2. In addition to stating your goals in specific terms, describe
your values and talents which recommend you to the program. To
illustrate your best traits without seeming to boast, you can
relate a short anecdote. Rather than say you are industrious,
describe an incident that shows this quality. Note: It may not be
necessary to label this particular characteristic as applicable to
your field of study. The reader, a specialist, is aware of the
demands of his/her field.

[INLINE] Your statement is an essay with an implicit thesis: that you
would be a successful graduate student (and/or a worthy scholarship
recipient) and that the program to which you are applying fits your
academic needs and professional goals. The body of the essay should
illustrate and validate your thesis.

CONTENT: Most institutions provide guidelines for writing the
statement. These will appear at the top of the statement form or
within the application booklet. Some institutions may be more
interested in specifics as to what you plan to do with your degree
professionally, and others might encourage you to be honest if your
plans are tentative. Read the guidelines carefully. Some applications
ask a number of questions requiring a series of short written
responses. In such cases, keep your thesis in mind and remember to be
as specific as you can in the space allowed.
[INLINE] Generally you will be asked to complete your statement in one
to two pages. Therefore, do not duplicate the list of qualifications
if this appears on your application. However, you may need to
highlight or explain sections of your record, noting, for example, how
many research-related courses appear on your transcript, your grade
point average in your major, a gap or hiatus in your college career.
Utilize the statement to inform the college of your presentation
skills and philosophical commitment behind your goals. While the
statement of purpose illustrates your personality, it is not personal
writing--you should not mention family matters or hobbies that do not
directly relate to your studies.

STRUCTURE: Your first paragraph should state your goal. You may want
to begin with an anecdote in order to capture the attention of the
reader. Your body paragraphs could list the events and experiences in
chronological order or in order of importance or relevance to the
program. The final paragraph should end on a positive note and restate
your goal in terms of its anticipated fulfillment at the institution
to which you are applying. These are only suggestions. Individual
personal statements should be as varied as the individuals described.

IMPORTANT: Each application requires an individual statement. No
generic essay can provide an adequate response to every--or
any--application question.

REVISION: This is perhaps one of the most important essays you will
ever write, so do not send in a first draft. Read it over, judge its
effectiveness, then revise it. When you are satisfied with your
statement, proofread it carefully. It should be sent on time, so it
arrives on or before the due date. Therefore, do not delay getting
started.