How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
Why articulating your fit with the program is so key
It is that time of year again when students come to me for help with writing their graduate school statements of purpose. Since I frequently give the same advice to each one, I’ve decided to compile some major recommendations here and share them with my dear readers, who may also be working with students applying to grad school.
Please keep in mind that my experience has been primarily at a research-focused institution that offers both MA and PhD programs, and my advice is geared toward research programs rather than professional programs.
We now turn our attention to you, dear prospective MA or PhD students applying to research-focused graduate programs. Let’s walk you through writing a standout statement of purpose for graduate school.
Fit Is Queen Supreme
First and foremost, your statement should revolve around your research interests and how well you align with the program you're applying to. While many applicants are well-prepared for advanced academic work, the key is to demonstrate a strong fit with the specific program you're targeting.
For instance, in my department, we focus on media, but that doesn’t mean every project on media is right for us. We are a humanistic program and don't use quantitative methods in our work. So, if your statement says you want to conduct statistical analysis of National Football League (NFL) viewers' opinions on game broadcasts, regardless of your qualifications, we will likely consider your application incompatible with our program. Just because I study sports media doesn’t mean I can support a student wanting to do all types of sports media analysis.
If you demonstrate an interest in examining the cultural politics of the NFL using a critical/cultural studies approach, your application will more likely receive special attention in my program. To clarify, "critical/cultural studies" refers to a specific intellectual tradition. Therefore, it's essential for you to be well-versed in this tradition to develop a project that aligns with us academically. Even if no one in the department specializes in sports media, the admissions committee might still find your project compelling due to its alignment with how we study media.
A topical fit is insufficient. You must show an academic fit with the theoretical traditions and methodologies we employ in our work. It is critical to conduct extensive research on the programs to which you are applying, ensuring that your fit is not only topical but also academic, making your application more competitive.
Secondly, I often come across statements, particularly at the MA level, that provide a chronological history of educational experiences and interests, leaving their current interests and trajectory until a short paragraph at the end. Admissions committees are more interested in your current research interests and how well they align with the program's.
Sadly, we don’t actually care that you’ve loved films ever since you were five, unless your research happens to be about young children’s consumption of film.
Recommended Organizational Structure
I generally recommend a two-page statement of purpose with the organizational structure I suggest below. There are other ways to structure this that might also find favor with admissions committees, so consider this a guideline rather than the only way you might approach it.
Introduction (one paragraph): In the opening paragraph, begin by expressing your enthusiasm for your chosen academic field and research interests. Explain why you are applying to this particular graduate program, emphasizing that fit with the program is crucial. You want to distinguish yourself from other prepared applicants and make it clear that this program aligns with your academic goals.
Research Interests (two paragraphs):
Prospective MA students: Discuss any relevant research projects you conducted as an undergraduate that fueled your current research interests. You can also include any relevant professional experience that may relate. For example, if you want to study media industries, then you might discuss your time as a PA in Hollywood.
Prospective PhD students: Describe your MA research by articulating the topic and focus, methodology, major argument or findings, and significance. Then bridge into where you see your PhD studies going.
Both MAs and PhDs: In the second paragraph, provide more specific details about what you plan to study. Delve into the particular concepts, theories, or methodologies you wish to investigate. Additionally, mention influential scholars whose work resonates with your research interests. Explain how your research contributes to the broader field and its potential impact.
Background and preparation (one to two paragraphs): In this section, talk about your academic background. You might include information about your undergraduate degree, relevant coursework, relevant awards and distinctions, and any research or projects that have prepared you for advanced academic work. If you have any unique experiences, internships, or publications that are relevant, mention them to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level research.
Faculty of interest (one paragraph): Identify the specific faculty members in the program whose research aligns with your interests. Explain why you are drawn to working with these particular professors. Mention any shared research themes, projects, or methodologies that you find appealing and that make their mentorship particularly valuable to you.
Conclusion (one paragraph): Conclude your statement of purpose by summarizing your academic and career aspirations. State your long-term career goals, such as pursuing a Ph.D., securing a faculty position, or applying your expertise in a non-academic setting. Tie together your research interests, academic preparation, and fit with the program, reinforcing why you are the ideal candidate for this program. Express your enthusiasm for joining the program and contributing to the academic community.
In Sum:
Often times, prospective students think they need to be really thorough with the description of their degrees and qualifications and their perfect academic record to get into a graduate program. While these things all matter, we judge your ability to be successful in our program by how well you understand what we do, how we do it, and why you fit. Use the language we use to describe our work and classes, and that will go a long way toward demonstrating that you are prepared for advanced study with us.
This is so helpful. Thank you.