Sop Tips Part 6

C. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (sample format)
- 1st sentence: I want to do research in ...
- 1st paragraph: What you want to do research in and why this interests
you.
- 2nd paragraph: Your background:
- where you did your undergrad
- courses you enjoyed most
- title of your undergraduate thesis (if applicable)
- anything personal that shows determination,
like supporting yourself financially through
school
- any teaching experience
- 3rd paragraph: Previous research experience. Tie this in to 1st
paragraph.
- talk about 199 project (see D) or summer
research experience, or relevant job experience.
- 4th paragraph: Why you want to go to this school.
- example: I've heard talks about the NOW project
at Berkeley and I would like to be involved in it.
- example: I've read some papers of the AI faculty
and they take a formal approach to AI, which
I like because it ties in with my theoretical
background.
I highly recommend looking up the school on the
WEB for ideas on what to write here.
- Note: You aren't bound to what you write in your statement of
purpose. You're allowed to change your mind repeatedly!
- Your Statement of Purpose should subliminally convey the
following messages:
You enjoy research and can create your own direction.
You can work independently, i.e., you have your own ideas
and don't need help.
- Have at least one person proofread your statement of purpose.