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Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Basics

What is a statement of purpose (sop).

An SOP is a formal document required for graduate school applications. It’s where you describe your academic journey. You highlight why you’re interested in a particular program. It’s your chance to showcase your passion for the subject. The SOP should reflect your research interests. It also shows how you can contribute to the program.

Role in Graduate Program Applications: The SOP is vital in grad school applications. It helps the admissions committee understand you better. They learn about your academic interests and goals. It’s more than just your grades and scores. The SOP paints a picture of you as a prospective student.

Emphasis on Academic Background and Research Interests: In the SOP, your academic history is crucial. You talk about key research projects you’ve been part of. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your career goals. The SOP should connect your past studies to your future plans.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a professional letter used in job applications. It complements your resume. The cover letter gives a personal touch to your application. It’s where you connect your skills to the job requirements.

Usage in Job Applications: In job searches, a cover letter is often required. It’s your first direct communication with a potential employer. The cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It’s a chance to show why you’re a good fit for the job.

Focus on Past Experiences and Relevance to the Specific Job Opening: In your cover letter, highlight your work experience. Link your skills to the job description. Show how your past roles have prepared you for this new position. It’s about making a clear connection between your abilities and the employer’s needs.

Key Differences between Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter

Purpose and Audience: Firstly, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) specifically targets admission committees. Students use it for graduate school applications. It’s a tool to showcase academic potential and research aspirations. On the other hand, a cover letter addresses potential employers or hiring managers. Its goal is to connect the applicant with a job opportunity.

Content and Structure: Furthermore, the SOP involves a detailed discussion. It delves into your academic and research projects, along with future plans. This document allows you to elaborate on your educational journey and aspirations. Conversely, the cover letter aligns your professional experience with the job’s requirements. It relates your past roles and skills to what the employer seeks.

Tone and Style: Additionally, the tone of an SOP is notably academic. It focuses on intellectual pursuits and academic achievements. This style suits the purpose of impressing an admissions committee. In contrast, a cover letter adopts a professional tone. It’s tailored to demonstrate how you’re a good fit for the company. The style is direct and geared towards convincing an employer of your suitability for the job.

Importance in Application Processes

Statement of Purpose (SOP): The Gatekeeper for Graduate School Applications Primarily, the SOP serves as a gatekeeper in the graduate school application process. It plays a crucial role in determining your admission. This document allows you to showcase your academic strengths and research interests. Importantly, it gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your potential as a graduate student. Essentially, the SOP can make or break your application. Therefore, crafting an impactful SOP is critical for aspiring graduate students.

Cover Letter: Essential for a Strong First Impression in Job Searches Similarly, in the realm of job searches, the cover letter holds immense importance. It acts as your first point of contact with a potential employer. The cover letter provides a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression. It enables you to highlight how your experiences align with the job requirements. Effectively, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. As such, dedicating time to personalize and polish your cover letter is key to a successful job application.

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose

Discussing Career Goals, Motivation, and Relevant Experiences First and foremost, clearly articulate your career goals in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). Explain why you are passionate about the specific degree program. Additionally, connect these goals to your motivation for pursuing higher education. Moreover, don’t forget to include relevant experiences. These could be academic projects, internships, or relevant work experience. These details provide a solid foundation for your SOP.

Tips for Highlighting Particular Interests and Connections Furthermore, it’s beneficial to highlight your specific research interests. This approach shows the admissions committee that you have a clear direction. Also, if applicable, mention any connection with specific professors or schools. For instance, you might be interested in a particular professor’s research. Or, you might find a school’s program aligns perfectly with your interests. Importantly, such details make your SOP stand out. They demonstrate your commitment and thorough research about the program.

Personalizing Your SOP Lastly, personalize your SOP. It should reflect your unique journey and aspirations. Avoid generic statements. Instead, offer a compelling narrative about your academic pursuits. This personal touch can greatly enhance the impact of your SOP.

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

Matching Skills and Experiences with the Job Description Firstly, when crafting a cover letter, it’s crucial to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Carefully analyze the job posting. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, reflect these in your cover letter. For example, if the job emphasizes teamwork, include a relevant experience where you excelled in a team setting.

Addressing the Letter and Including Contact Information Moreover, the way you address your cover letter sets the tone. Use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” This approach is respectful and universally appropriate. Also, ensure your contact information is clearly visible. Typically, include this at the top of the letter. This makes it easy for potential employers to reach out to you.

Enhancing Your Cover Letter with Professional Help Additionally, for those seeking an extra edge, Simply Great Resumes offers an invaluable resource. Their all-in-one bundle includes four professional resume and matching cover letter templates. These templates provide a unified and polished look. Notably, they are ATS optimized. This means they are designed for maximum compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems. Moreover, the templates offer user-friendly customization. This allows you to easily adapt them to showcase your unique skills and experiences. For a one-time purchase of $29.99, you gain immediate, lifetime access to all these templates. This is an excellent value for those looking to streamline their application process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Overlaps in Content between SOP and Cover Letter Firstly, a common mistake is overlapping content between your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and cover letter. Although they may seem similar, it’s crucial to differentiate the two. The SOP should focus on your academic interests and research goals. In contrast, your cover letter should align your professional experiences with the job you’re applying for. Therefore, tailor each document to its specific purpose to avoid redundancy.

Steering Clear of Generic Statements Moreover, generic statements are a pitfall in both SOPs and cover letters. They lack personalization and fail to engage the reader. Instead, customize your content to the specific position or graduate program. For a cover letter, relate directly to the job description and company culture. For an SOP, discuss specific aspects of the graduate program that excite you. This approach shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.

Emphasizing Unique Personal and Professional Qualities Furthermore, it’s important to highlight what makes you unique. In your SOP, share personal stories or experiences that led you to your academic interests. In your cover letter, mention specific professional achievements that make you stand out. This personal touch can make a significant difference in catching the reader’s attention.

Additional Considerations

Incorporating Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Activities, and Relevant Skills Firstly, when crafting your Statement of Purpose or cover letter, consider including volunteer work and extracurricular activities. These experiences often demonstrate skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. Additionally, they can showcase your character and personal values. Moreover, don’t forget to highlight other relevant skills that may not be directly related to your field of study or work but still add value to your profile.

The Importance of Tailoring Each Document Furthermore, tailoring each document to a specific company, school, or program is crucial. For the SOP, research the particular school or program. Then, mention aspects of it that align with your academic goals. Also, show how you can contribute to their academic community. Similarly, for the cover letter, study the company and the job description. Subsequently, align your experiences and skills with what the company seeks. Tailoring documents in this way not only demonstrates your interest but also shows that you have put thought and effort into your application.

Reflecting a Well-Rounded Personality Lastly, it’s important to present a well-rounded image of yourself. Both in the SOP and the cover letter, balancing professional achievements with personal qualities is key. This holistic approach can significantly enhance the appeal of your application, making you more memorable to the committee or potential employer.

Final Thoughts: Sealing Your Academic and Professional Journey

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a cover letter is crucial for your success, whether in academia or the job market. The SOP, targeting admissions committees, emphasizes your academic journey and research aspirations. It’s your platform to showcase intellectual curiosity and suitability for a graduate program. Conversely, the cover letter, aimed at potential employers, highlights how your experiences and skills align with a specific job’s requirements. It’s your chance to demonstrate professional fit and interest in a particular role.

The key differences in purpose, audience, content, structure, tone, and style between these two documents cannot be overstated. A well-crafted SOP can open doors to academic opportunities, while an effective cover letter can pave the way to your dream job. Therefore, investing time and effort into personalizing these documents is essential. Tailoring them to specific programs or job descriptions, and ensuring they reflect your unique skills and experiences, will significantly enhance your applications.

Remember, these documents are more than just formalities; they are opportunities to make a meaningful impression. So, take the time to craft them thoughtfully, making sure they authentically represent your ambitions and abilities. With the right approach, your SOP and cover letter can become powerful tools for achieving your academic and professional goals.

Additional Resources

Here are links to resources for further reading on crafting excellent Statements of Purpose:

Purdue OWL’s Guide on Drafting Your Statement of Purpose : A comprehensive guide from Purdue University offering detailed advice on writing Statements of Purpose for graduate school applications. Access it here: Purdue OWL – Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement .
Northeastern University’s Guide on Writing a Statement of Purpose : This article from Northeastern University breaks down the SOP writing process into manageable steps, providing insights on how to impress admissions committees. You can find it here: Northeastern University – How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School .
Scribbr’s Example and Guide for Statement of Purpose : Scribbr offers a detailed example of a successful Statement of Purpose for a Classical Archaeology program, highlighting key aspects to include in your SOP. Explore it here: Scribbr – How to Write a Statement of Purpose .

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

Statement of Purpose vs. Cover Letter: Understanding the Differences and How to Write Them Effectively

This blog post highlights the differences between a Statement of Purpose and a Cover Letter, two crucial documents for international students aspiring to study abroad. It provides valuable insights on how to write them effectively, including tips, dos and don'ts, and examples, to help you create compelling and persuasive application documents. Whether you're a first-time applicant or seeking to improve your application package, this blog post is an essential guide to enhance your chances of acceptance.

Express Content

Jun 29, 2023

Table of Contents

Understanding the Differences

Statement of purpose: defining your academic journey, crafting a compelling cover letter for study abroad applications, introduction and personalization, highlighting relevant experiences and skills, demonstrating passion and fit, professional tone and clarity, closing with gratitude and contact information, final thoughts, writing tips for an effective cover letter, dos and don'ts for both documents, dos for statement of purpose, don'ts for statement of purpose, dos for cover letter, don'ts for cover letter, tips and examples for writing, using clear and concise language, showcasing achievements and impact, demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability, including specific examples and anecdotes, seeking feedback and proofreading, other important considerations, understanding the university's specific requirements, meeting the application deadlines, seeking assistance from study abroad consultants or mentors, utilizing online resources and samples.

Tailor the cover letter for each university and program: Customize your Cover Letter to align with the university's values, program offerings, and specific requirements. Highlight why you are interested in that particular institution and how it fits into your academic and career aspirations.
Showcase relevant skills and experiences: Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the program. Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.
Express enthusiasm and passion for the chosen program: Use your Cover Letter to express your genuine excitement about the program and convey your motivation to contribute to the academic community. Share specific aspects of the curriculum or faculty members that attracted you to the program.
Address any potential red flags or gaps in academic history: If you have any gaps in your academic history or lower grades in certain subjects, use the Cover Letter to explain the circumstances and show how you have grown or overcome those challenges.
Keep the tone professional and concise: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and avoid using overly casual language. Be concise and focused, highlighting the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications and potential.
Do conduct thorough research on the university and program you are applying to.
Do showcase your academic and research goals clearly.
Do personalize your statement and tailor it to each university.
Do highlight your relevant experiences and achievements.
Do proofread and edit your statement carefully before submission.
Don't use generic statements or clichés.
Don't exceed the recommended word limit.
Don't focus solely on your past achievements; instead, emphasize your future aspirations.
Don't neglect to show your enthusiasm for the program and the field of study.
Don't forget to seek feedback from mentors or study abroad consultants.
Do customize your Cover Letter for each university and program.
Do showcase your relevant skills and experiences.
Do express enthusiasm and passion for the chosen program.
Do address any potential red flags or gaps in academic history.
Do keep the tone professional and concise.
Don't use a generic template for all your cover letters.
Don't repeat information already provided in your Statement of Purpose.
Don't make the letter too lengthy or overly detailed.
Don't forget to proofread and edit your Cover Letter carefully.
Don't underestimate the importance of a well-written and personalized Cover Letter.
Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.
Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.
Write in a straightforward manner, ensuring your message is easily understood.
Provide specific examples of your achievements, such as research projects, publications, or leadership roles.
Highlight the impact of your work and how it relates to your future goals.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your skills and abilities.
Showcase your cultural awareness and ability to adapt to new environments.
Discuss experiences where you have engaged with diverse communities or demonstrated cross-cultural understanding.
Emphasize your openness to learning from different perspectives and embracing new challenges.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your experiences and skills.
Paint a vivid picture for the reader, allowing them to understand your journey and motivations.
Connect these examples to your future aspirations and how they align with the program you are applying to.
Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or study abroad consultants.
Ask for their input on your Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter.
Proofread your documents multiple times to eliminate any errors or typos.
Consider using online proofreading tools to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines of each university and program you are applying to.
Pay attention to word limits, formatting instructions, and any additional documents or forms required.
Be aware of the application deadlines for each university and program.
Give yourself enough time to complete and review your documents before submission.
Submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Consider reaching out to study abroad consultants or mentors who can provide valuable guidance throughout the application process.
They can offer insights, review your documents, and help you present yourself in the best possible way.
Take advantage of online resources, such as university websites, writing guides, and sample Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter templates.
These resources can provide inspiration and help you understand the expected format and tone.

Inspiring Words, Expertly Crafted!

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference

If you’re applying to graduate school, then you might remember the headaches of that application process that you encountered many years ago. Maybe you struggled to decide on a topic for the personal statement, maybe you debated which extracurriculars were worth listing, or maybe you were torn between taking the ACT or SAT. But for all the anxieties induced by college applications, at least those applications (especially, if you remember, those sent through the Common App) spoke the same language: that is, most schools needed the same essential materials, asked the same kinds of questions, and expected the same kinds of answers.

Graduate school applications, by contrast, are far less universal. Since many programs are highly specialized, you may be applying to several programs that each require their own unique statements and supporting materials. Even if you are applying to seemingly identical programs, one school may ask for a one-page statement while another asks for three pages, one school may ask for five recommendations while another asks for three; the variations are endless! Just wrapping your head around the different application requirements can be tiring.

In this post, I want to de-mystify one difference that I found particularly disorienting when I applied to graduate school: the distinction between the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement.” Most graduate schools will ask for a statement of purpose, and only some will ask for a personal statement, so in the majority of cases, the statement of purpose is considerably more important. But pointing out the difference between the two statements also emphasizes what exactly a statement of purpose is (and what it is not!).

As I mentioned earlier, the confusing lack of common terms across graduate school applications means that the following distinction might not even hold for all applications. You may, for example, come across a program that asks for a “personal statement,” but the actual essay prompt essentially describes the more standard “statement of purpose.” Or you might encounter a request for a very specific kind of personal statement--one that, for example, only focuses on your ethnic background. Be sure to fully read each application and any accompanying resources so that you address exactly what each application requires. With that important caveat aside, here are the distinctions for what are most commonly called the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement:”

Statement of Purpose

Think of the statement of purpose like a cover letter. You might start off with something autobiographical or anecdotal, but most of the essay should be about your relevant training and technical career goals.

A strong statement of purpose should:

Focus on your specific research interests within a particular field
Detail how your academic and professional experiences have developed those research interests and prepared you to pursue them at a higher academic level
Explain how those research interests can be pursued at this particular institution in this particular program

Here are some tips for writing an effective statement of purpose:

Spend at least a paragraph discussing your interest in the specific program to which you’re applying. List specific professors whose work aligns with your own academic experience or research interests (and explain that connection). List specific institutions, programs, and opportunities associated with the program and explain how you would utilize them.
Be as specific as possible about your research interests. This doesn’t mean you should know exactly what your dissertation topic will be in five years, but you should be able to identify a specific field within the department and professors who work in that field. Often admissions decisions are based on specialties (an English department probably doesn’t want an entire class studying Victorian literature and a biology department probably doesn’t want an entire class researching genetics), so narrowing your field can be essential.
Anecdotes and autobiography can be effective in your introduction, but make sure the bulk of your statement is technical and academic. Only include extra-curriculars if they directly relate to your research interests. In all likelihood, your personal history has shaped your research interests, and your statement of purpose shouldn’t sound like a generic, lifeless script. But you primarily want to prove to the committee that you can succeed in coursework, excel in lab, finish a dissertation, or teach an undergraduate class.

Personal Statement

Think of the personal statement, by contrast, as more of a bio. You still want to mention your research interests and the specific program you’re applying to, but you also have an opportunity to flesh out your personal history.

A strong personal statement should:

Focus on the intersection of your personal, academic, and professional lives
Detail various life experiences that have developed your character, work-ethic, and perspective
Explain how your background particularly suits your for this program and/or will allow you to contribute a unique perspective to the community

Some tips for writing an effective personal statement:

Some institutions use the personal statement to assign various fellowships based on students’ backgrounds. If you’ve overcome or still face any barriers to education, this is an opportunity to explain those experiences.
If you haven’t overcome any significant barriers, don’t stretch the truth. Instead, you might talk about how certain experiences have shaped your perspective or widened your understanding of the barriers that others face. Maybe you haven’t experienced any significant hardships but are still driven to help others who do, and you can discuss how this program will help you to achieve that goal. Or you might explain how you look forward to learning from a diverse and dynamic academic community.
Though the personal statement is an opportunity to share information about yourself that might not directly map onto your academic career, you should still explain how your personal experiences ultimately make you a stronger student, colleague, and/or teacher.

Hopefully these distinctions have helped to clarify some key terms you’ll encounter while applying to graduate school. While these essays are usually the hardest part of applications, they can also be the most rewarding. If you think carefully about why exactly you want to apply to a program, what exactly you would study while there, and how that experience fits into your larger personal history, you’ll be both a stronger candidate and graduate student.

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Knowledge Base
Applying to graduate school

How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example

Published on February 13, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate programs or scholarships, the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of grades. The statement of purpose (also known as a statement of intent or motivation letter) is your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your motivation, skills and potential. It should:

Outline your academic or professional interests and goals
Discuss relevant skills, experience and achievements
Demonstrate why you’d be a good fit for the program

Successful statement of purpose example, requirements and prompts, personal introduction, experience and achievements, goals and motivations, fit with the program, tips for an effective statement of purpose, other interesting articles.

The torment of the Founding Fathers is responsible for my interest in Classics. My desire to learn Latin stemmed from reading American Revolutionary-era history during junior high and high school, and particularly from the countless Latin quotations I found in John Adams’ writings. Always eager for a challenge, I was intrigued by the American founders’ accounts of the torture of learning such a difficult language. In my first semester at university, I started learning Latin and thoroughly loved it. As I learned more and more about classical civilization through the language, I realized that I was passionately interested in many aspects of the field of Classics. I have since taken courses on mythology, art and archaeology, and religion, on ancient history, and on the classical tradition. I have also learned Greek, of course, starting with an intensive two-semester course at the university’s summer school. My experience studying abroad in Florence and traveling through Italy and Greece intensified my zeal for the field and, in particular, fueled my ambition to specialize in classical archaeology.

My personal philosophy of life is that everything is connected, and this conviction drives my desire to study Classics. The most rewarding moments for me are discovering and investigating connections – both broad ones, between fields and disciplines, and more specific ones, like the relationship between a piece of literature and an object of material culture. My liberal arts education has equipped me with a broad base of knowledge in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, and in the honors program I pursued independent projects exploring academic and personal connections, including a paper on ancient Mayan astronomy, a self-observation study on the effects of nutrition and hydration on exercise performance, and a paper on the influence of political context on the changing artistic representations of John Adams. By seeking out connections between seemingly unrelated areas of academia, I have acquired a well-rounded outlook which helps me approach new ideas with both a range of prior experiences and a mind always open to different interpretations.

In accordance with my personal philosophy, I have also continued to explore connections within Classics and between Classics and other fields. In 2007, I published an article in my university’s undergraduate humanities journal; inspired by my studies in Florence, I compared representations of the birth of Venus in ancient and Renaissance literature and art. My major academic achievement to date, however, has been my senior honor thesis on John Adams’ connection to the Classics. Funded by a Hilldale Research Fellowship, I conducted research in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society and in John Adams’ personal library at the Boston Public Library on the influence of the classical tradition on Adams’ worldview and how he consciously modeled himself on classical ideals. It was particularly fulfilling to connect historical and classical research in writing about the figure most responsible for instigating my study of the Classics.

As well as my research skills, I have demonstrated proficiency in the classical languages, winning prizes for both Latin and Greek translation from the Classics Department, as well as receiving an enthusiastic nomination from the department for the Pearson Fellowship from the American Philological Association. I am also the president of the undergraduate Classics Society, which allows me to share my enthusiasm for Classics with other students and the larger community.

One of the most appealing aspects of studying Classics is the vast range of topics encompassed by the field. Because my interests are broad and I value an interdisciplinary approach, I would like to pursue graduate study ultimately leading to a PhD in Classical Archaeology. Archaeology in itself is, of course, a multi-faceted field, requiring knowledge of history, language, anthropology, and various scientific and technological methods. I have already started building my skills in this area: I participated in a microartifact analysis from the excavation of a Maya site in Belize as part of an honors project, and this summer I will take part in two archaeological projects in Turkey after working as a research assistant on related material in the spring semester. This PhD program includes many other opportunities I am eager to explore, such as palaeography and papyrology courses, and especially the variety of fieldwork and museum experiences available. I believe that my strong background in the classical languages and wide range of courses on classical civilization and archaeological methods have prepared me well for this program, and I am convinced that, guided by my philosophy of interconnectedness, I will flourish in this program.

The first step is to read the application instructions. These should include the length of the document (usually 1-2 pages), any formatting requirements, and often a question or prompt that indicates what you should focus on.

In some cases, you might also be asked to submit a personal statement . Similar advice applies to both of these documents—both should give a sense of who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to do. But a statement of purpose is often more formal, tightly focused on your academic background and your suitability for the program.

If you are working on multiple applications, don’t try to write a one-size-fits-all text—tailor your statement of purpose to each program. Make sure to respond to the prompt and include all the information you’re asked for. A typical statement of purpose prompt looks like this:

Your focus will be slightly different depending on whether you’re applying for research-based academic programs (such as a PhD ) or professional qualifications (such as an MBA). But all statements of purpose should contain the following elements.

This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and let them hear your voice. The statement of purpose shouldn’t tell your life story, but it should give a glimpse into who you are.

Academic and personal background

Give an overview of your academic background, and show what drives your interest in this field or profession. You might want to include some personal background too—your family history, social circumstances, personal relationships and life experiences have all shaped your trajectory and perspective. What unique insights will you bring with you?

Characteristics and personality

Think about aspects of your character that make you well-suited for graduate school. Don’t just list generic adjectives—give examples that demonstrate your strengths and show why they’re relevant.

Are you organized enough to handle a high-pressure workload?
Do you have the creativity needed to develop original ideas, or a systematic mindset perfect for problem-solving?
Do you have strong leadership skills, or are you great at working collaboratively?

Avoid including irrelevant autobiographical detail in the statement of purpose. Everything you include should be aimed at showing why you’d be a strong candidate for the program.

Your experience shows that you have the necessary skills to succeed in graduate school. Don’t just summarize everything you’ve done—pick out some highlights to build a clear picture of your strengths and priorities, illustrating how you’ve learned and developed along the way.

Academic experience

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, such as a PhD, show your knowledge of the field and outline your research experience. This might include:

A brief summary of your thesis or final project
Courses that you found particularly valuable
Projects you contributed to
Publications
Presentations
Extracurriculars that gave you relevant skills or experience

Professional experience

If you’re applying for a professional program, such as an MBA, outline your experience so far and show how it relates to your career plans. This might include:

Past or current job roles
Projects you led or participated in
Internships
Voluntary work
Training courses

In all cases, give specific examples with details of what you worked on, what you achieved, and what you got out of the experience.

As well as showing that you’re prepared for the program, explain what you expect to get out of it. What are your motivations for applying? How do you plan to make the most of its opportunities, and how will it help you achieve your goals?

Academic motivations

For academic programs, indicate your research interests, showing how they follow from and build upon what you have studied so far. This might include:

A subfield that you want to strengthen your expertise in
A specific problem or question that you’d like to address
An initial idea for a research project
A theoretical or methodological approach that you want to develop

This isn’t the place for an in-depth research plan, but it’s a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of your field.

Professional motivations

For professional programs, outline your career aspirations and show how your experience informs your goals. This might include:

The next step you want to take in your career. What position are you aiming for and how will the program help you achieve it?
Your motivations for a career change. Can you make a link between your previous experience and your new direction?
Your long-term goals. Where do you want to be in five or ten years, and how do you see yourself getting there?

The admissions committee wants to know that you’re genuinely motivated to complete the program, and the clearer your plans, the more convincing your commitment.

It’s important to show not only why you want to study this subject, but also why you want to do it in this particular institution and department.

Do your research, and mention particular classes, specialisms or faculty that attracted you.
Show why you’re a good fit. Do your priorities align with the values and culture of the institution? What will you contribute to the department?
Discuss the specific skills, knowledge and experience you expect to get from the program.

The statement of purpose isn’t only about selling yourself—it’s about illustrating an ideal match between you and the program.

Once you’ve made sure to cover all the key elements, you can work on strengthening and polishing the text. Follow these tips to make your application the best it can be.

Stay focused

It can be tempting to try to cram in everything you’ve done, but a good statement of purpose requires careful selection to craft a focused narrative. One way to do this is by building your text around a central theme—for example, a character trait, an intellectual interest, or a career goal.

This strategy helps structure your text and puts your priorities centre stage. Link each paragraph back to the central idea, making it clear how everything fits together.

Think about your structure

The structure of a statement of purpose is somewhat flexible, as long as you include all the relevant information in an order that makes sense.

For example, you might start with a chronological story of where your interests began, or you might open with your goals and then select a series of examples that show your capacity to achieve them. If you’re desperate to study in this specific program, you could lead with a summary of why it’s your ideal choice, and then elaborate on each aspect to show why you’re a perfect fit.

The important thing is that the text showcases your strengths and motivations in a compelling, coherent way. As in any other piece of academic writing, make sure each paragraph communicates one main idea, and that each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the last. Use transition words and topic sentences to move between paragraphs.

Add meaning to your resume

The bare facts of your achievements—grades, prizes, work experience—are already included in your graduate school resume and transcripts. Use the statement of purpose not to repeat yourself, but to add personal meaning and texture to these facts.

If you got top marks for your thesis, describe the research process and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. If you completed an internship or participated in a project, explain what new skills you learned and which aspects you found most valuable. If you already have lots of experience in the field, show how each step developed your skills and shaped your current plans.

Revise, edit, proofread

Your statement of purpose isn’t only about the content—it’s also a chance to show that you can express yourself fluently, confidently and coherently in writing. Spend plenty of time revising, editing and proofreading your text before you submit.

Make sure you stay within the recommended length, and check if there are any specific formatting requirements. If not, use a standard 12pt font, 1-inch margins and 1.5 line spacing.

When you have a final draft, our professional statement of purpose proofreading service can offer an extra pair of eyes to make sure every sentence is perfect.

Proofread my statement of purpose

Checklist: Statement of purpose

My statement of purpose clearly responds to the prompt.

I have introduced my academic, professional and/or personal background.

I have described any relevant experience and shown my development over time.

I have highlighted key achievements that demonstrate my talents.

There is a clear connection between my previous experience and my future plans.

I have explained how the program will help me achieve my goals.

I have mentioned specific aspects of the program, department and institution that appeal to me.

Every paragraph focuses on one central idea.

The paragraphs are organized in a logical order and tell a clear, coherent story.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even wrote a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is, the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be?

“A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11- or 12-pt) and leave enough whitespace in the margins to make the statement easy-to-read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key questions:

Why do I want this degree?
What are my expectations for this degree?
What courses or program features excite me the most?
Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing.

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

An attention-grabbing hook
A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school
Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying to
Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well-organized and concise.

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants.

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a Lasting Impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related Grad School Success articles .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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Writing the Statement of Purpose

Writing the Statement of Purpose: General Advice

Excerpts from an article on statement of purpose writing by Dr. Steven Olswang, University of Washington Provost, written for the Fulbright Commission:

Applying to Graduate Schools in the US: The Statement of Purpose

Steven G Olswang, JD, PhD Vice Provost and Professor, University of Washington; Fulbright Academic Administrative Fellow

"Perhaps the most difficult part of the application process for admission to graduate school...is the composition of a Statement of Purpose. It may be helpful first to understand a little about graduate education...before undertaking to write this Statement.

Graduate Education Overview " ...Faculty at institutions of higher education in the United States take their work with graduate students very seriously. Faculty take strong personal interest in their graduate students (after all, they will work with those students for many years), and expect their students to complete their programs once admitted. Faculty expect their students to go on after graduation to important positions in academia, industry, or government. Therefore, the work of graduate students affects the reputation of the Faculty. As a result, the selection of the right graduate students is very important to both the faculty and the long term reputation of the department and university.

Why the Statement of Purpose? " Faculty want to know as much as they possibly can about all applicants. This is especially true today because most graduate programs have only a limited number of admission slots available. Test scores, grades and degrees, institutions of previous study and personal recommendations are all important indicators of an applicant's future success. However, these data do not reveal much about the individual, his/her motivation, why the applicant is interested in that particular program, or whether the applicant is the kind of student the Faculty want around the department. The Statement of Purpose exists to allow applicants to convey something personal about themselves and to convince the Faculty making the admissions selection that the applicant is an especially attractive candidate.

" The Statement of Purpose should not relate a life story or flatter either the applicant or intended readers. It provides applicants the opportunity to present information that is not conveyed through objective data, in a clear, direct, and concise way, to explain their interests, motivations, goals and special talents. It must be honest.

Writing the Statement of Purpose " So with this broad understanding of the Statement of Purpose and its function, how should it be written? " The first thing to remember is that each application process for each university is different. That means that the questions asked in the application MUST be the questions answered, and answered directly. An effusive, evasive, or non-responsive answer will inevitably result in rejection. Be absolutely clear what the application instructions ask of you and tailor your statement accordingly. That may mean that each application requires that you write a somewhat, if not entirely, different Statement of Purpose, since each Statement must answer a particular question.

"As a general rule, the two generic questions that need answering, at least inferentially, in most Statements of Purpose are: "Why are you interested in this program?", and "What makes you special?". This allows applicants the opportunity to provide Faculty substantive information about themselves. This is where applicants can demonstrate that they did their homework about the program and that they thought seriously about the strengths and weaknesses they bring to graduate study.

Answer the Question! " The following are some questions that Faculty ask themselves when they read a Statement of Purpose:

Why are you interested in graduate study? " There is some personal reason that made you decide to continue your education beyond the bachelor's degree. Tell them directly why. This may be something that you have always wanted to do, or for which your parents or others were role models, or perhaps you have recently been excited by new possibilities of learning. All the Faculty had their own reasons for going on to get their graduate degrees and they will want to know that you are truly interested for a legitimate reason. Do not try to write what you think Faculty want to hear ("to advance the field"); they have heard it all already.

Why are you applying to this particular graduate program? " Is the program noted for a particular emphasis, speciality, or orientation? Is it in the same city where your sister lives, and you could get free housing that would allow you to go to graduate school? Are there particular professors with whom you want to study because of their area of expertise? Whatever the reason, explain it. This is where the Faculty evaluating your application will be able to tell if you have thought seriously about their particular program. It will indicate your interest in them and show that you did your homework, a good early sign of a serious student.

What is it about you that is special? " It is important that you explain your motivations and your goals This is what will distinguish you from all other applicants and make you memorable to the Faculty...Explain your academic background and your performance in the bachelor's degree program. If you wrote a bachelor's thesis, briefly explain its importance and what you learned from writing it. Be sure to mention any prizes you may have won. If you worked while in school, tell why, especially if it was for a Faculty member. If you had any special experiences outside the formal learning environment that directly relate to the field of study you are interested in pursuing (e.g. travel or study abroad; employment in the field) tell about those. Describe any experience that demonstrates your creativity, dependability, and independence - these are important personal characteristics that Faculty desire in their students.

Are there items that need special explanation? " Faculty will first look at the empirical data in your application: your grades, transcripts, test scores, even the recommendations, before reading the Statement of Purpose. They will spot peculiarities they want explained. Is there a gap in your years of study; did it take you more than the traditional time to finish your degree; did you leave to work to support your family, or to care for an ill family member; did you change fields; do you have related work experience? All these are questions that need to be answered. Unexplained voids in your record make you a less attractive candidate. On the other hand, honest explanations make you human and the kind of person with whom others will want to work.

Do you add diversity to the program? " American institutions of higher education are very interested in diversifying their student body, particularly at the graduate level. If you are a woman, a member of a minority group, disabled, or have another distinguishing characteristic that may be relevant, let the Faculty know in your Statement in an appropriate way. It may relate to your motivation to pursue a graduate degree. Understand that under American law, Faculty cannot ask questions about many personal topics. Since it is unlikely that many international students will interview in person at all the graduate schools where they submit applications, the Faculty will know you only by what you write in your Statement.

What to Avoid " While there are some things that a Statement of Purpose must address, there are some matters that generally also should be avoided.

Do not be overly informal. " The written Statement of Purpose for many applicants is the way they first introduce themselves to their prospective professors. The Statement should be formal, direct, and appropriately respectful in tone. Undue informality or attempts at irrelevant humour should be avoided.

Do not include irrelevant information. " Try to keep to the topics that directly relate to your qualifications and desire for admission to the graduate program. Information about hobbies, outside interests, academic pursuits that do not have any real connection to your credentials for success in your chosen field only take up valuable space and divert the Faculty's attention from what is really important in your Statement.

Do not write your life story. " If the application instructions give a specific -or maximum - length for the Statement of Purpose, do not exceed it. If there is no stated length, remember that Faculty on admissions committees may be reading hundreds of such Statements. Be brief, yet complete. Do not talk about anything in your life before you began your baccalaureate program, unless it's absolutely relevant. A suggested maximum length is four pages, three is even better.

Style & Presentation " A guide of this kind would be incomplete if it did not mention something about the presentation of the Statement. We live in an era of word processors and personal computers. Unless the directions specifically require that the Statement of Purpose be hand-written - and I doubt that any still say that - it should be typed or printed, double spaced, with absolutely no spelling or grammatical errors. It does not matter if you are applying for a graduate program in English Literature or Physics, Art or Physical Education, you are expected to be literate and to be able to communicate well. A spelling error on your application will make the Faculty evaluating your application view you as careless and not really interested enough in their program to consider you further. Many will stop reading the Statement at that point, regardless of how good your other records are. They will react similarly to errors of grammar, pronoun errors, using plural verbs with singular subjects, and the like. Proof-read your statement many times. Have someone else read your Statement critically. Run it through 'spellcheck' and 'grammarcheck' on your computer. " ...In sum, the Statement of Purpose is your way to introduce yourself personally to a group of intelligent people . In this document you are asking strangers to allow you to enter their working homes for an extended length of time to learn from them. This presents them with a major decision. In this statement you must present yourself in a favourable light, show who you are, express your interest in them and the subject they teach and tell them why you are special enough to be admitted. It must be honest in conception, accurate in detail, and direct in address. And it must look good and be error-free.

"If you are satisfied that you have given a fair and accurate picture of yourself, as seen in your best light, Faculty will be equally pleased."

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How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose

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Review this Claremont Colleges presentation to better understand this graduate application component.

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Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement

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The statement of purpose is perhaps the most important, and most challenging, element of your application packet. This letter needs to reflect who you are and why you would be an asset to the program you are applying to. It needs to make you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants and yet stay within the genre-based expectations for a statement of purpose. This resource provides information on writing statements of purpose specifically for graduate school applications.

Write one essay for each program. Although they may sound similar, each program’s statement prompts asks for slightly different pieces of information about who you are. You may be fortunate to have two or three similar prompts for a few programs, but even then, remember that you must meld your own interests with the opportunities available at each particular program--so, no two statements should read exactly alike. In essence, be prepared to draft (and continuously revise) dedicated statements for each program application. Don’t send out a boilerplate essay.

Attempt to create one unifying theme in your narrative. Some applications ask you to include the answers to broad prompts in your statement. For instance, the only instructions you get may be: describe your goals and preparation to pursue graduate study in no more than 1500 words. Conversely, others may ask you to answer a series of very specific questions such as your reasons for applying to their program in particular, how your background fits into your professional goals, how your past achievements would aid you during your time in graduate school, and what you have learned from your prior professional experience. Regardless of the particular kind of writing situation, attempt to fit your narrative into one unifying theme. For example, if your essay focuses on how family has played an important role in your decision to go to graduate school, do not throw in an experience from your trip to a foreign country as another factor in your decision making process unless it is strongly tied with the overall theme of family. Also, be sure to stick to the word limits.

Strong statements of purpose answer four important questions that inform admissions committees of who you are professionally and personally.

Professionally, statements of purpose answer two questions for the committee.

First: what kind of work are you interested in doing in graduate school?

Be specific, don’t make the mistake of thinking that being vague in your focus will reach a wider audience. For instance, if you mainly want to study business ethics with two prominent faculty members who focus on that topic, write that in your statement. Do not worry that you are pigeonholing yourself by being specific and instead list several other areas that you could be interested in. There will not be enough time to go into all of these areas and it will make your statement sound aimless and disconnected.

Second: why is the program you are applying to a good fit for you?

This is where your online research on each program comes into play. Be specific about what makes the program that you are applying to your ideal choice. Avoid general statements such as “your program is one of the best in the country.” Focus more on the specific things that you think make it great—for you and your research in particular. If it has a good instructor to student ratio, how will that benefit you? If what separates the program from the rest is that it provides excellent field training before you graduate, how will you take advantage of this? Be specific. You may also talk about your goals after grad school. Where do you see yourself? Does the program have a good history in helping other students get there? You don’t have to be one hundred percent certain about your future plans; no one will pull your application essay before you graduate and express shock and disappointment if your interests happen to change. But generally, going to graduate school is a huge commitment. Admission committees want to know that you understand this and that you envision some type of gain for your dedication.

A word of caution: Avoid changing your statement just to get into a program if it is a bad fit for you. You’ll save yourself time and money down the line.

Be aware that while it is generally a good idea to be as honest about your intentions as possible, avoid being too candid about your reasons for applying to a certain school if they are less than scholarly. For instance, admission committees do not want to hear that you are applying to their program primarily because of the school’s proximity to significant others, family, friends; because it is located in a place with a great college town feeling; or, because it offers a variety of funding opportunities (however, you could probably mention this last one in passing if their funding is outstanding among other programs, signaling a dedication to its students’ goals).

Personally, statements of purpose also answer two questions for the committee.

First: What matters to you—and why?

The committee will receive a lot of data about you. The statement of purpose allows you to give that data meaning. It is important that you not just rephrase whatever is on your CV or resume because this won’t get at the meaning behind your experiences. A job or a class may have lasted only a few months, but it may have been the impetus for you to go to graduate school because of a unique experience that occurred there. The statement of purpose should give the committee a sense of who you are and how you have personally interpreted events in your life.

Second: How are you unique from the other candidates?

Above all, avoid playing it safe with bland language. It can be tempting to resist making yourself stand out in your statement because you don’t want to ruin your chances by “sounding weird.” Ironically, this type of information may be what makes you the most compelling candidate. Graduate program committees receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of applications each year. Make your voice stand out among the rest by showing that you are not only professional but that there’s a person behind the important decisions you have made. What was the human element that motivated you to get you to where you are?

Many people wonder whether they should mention their minority status. Generally, you should mention your minority status only if it pertains to your studies. For instance, did working with a minority group (that you belong to) motivate you to go to graduate school? How so? Are you interested in undertaking minority issues once you have earned your degree—and, if so, in what capacity? For example, once you earn your Masters in Social Work, are you hoping to help Hispanic individuals who suffer from serious and persistent mental illness? Tie this with your background to give this goal some context.

Remember to switch over between other graduate application tasks such as asking for letters of recommendation, ordering your transcripts, filling out the questionnaire for each school, and so forth. This will break up the writing task and help to re-energize you.

Works Consulted

Getting In: A Step-By-Step Plan for Gaining Admission to Graduate School in Psychology . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 1997. Print.

Kaplan, Inc. Get into Graduate School: A Strategic Approach . New York: Simon & Schuster. 2003. Print.

Stelzer, Richard J. How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School . 3rd. ed. Lawrenceville, NJ: Peterson’s Publishing, 2002. Print.

Stewart, Mark Allen. Peterson's How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement . Lawrenceville, NJ: Peterson’s Publishing, 2009. Print.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 7 successful statement of purpose examples.

Not sure what graduate schools are looking for in a statement of purpose? Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help! In this guide, we’ll orient you to what makes a great statement of purpose or letter of intent for graduate school. Then we’ll provide you with four successful statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. We’ll also provide analysis of what makes them successful. Finally, we’ll direct you to even more helpful examples that you can find online!

The Graduate School Statement of Purpose: An Overview

A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master’s degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally-focused graduate programs, your statement of purpose will primarily discuss how your pursuit of this professional program relates to your past experiences, and how you will use the skills from the program in your future career.

A statement of purpose for grad school is also where you sell the admissions committee on why you belong in their program specifically. Why do you fit there, and how does what they offer fit your interests?

What’s in a Great Grad School Statement of Purpose?

Here are the essential elements of a strong graduate school statement of purpose:

Clear Articulation of Goals and Interests

A strong statement of purpose will clearly and specifically lay out your goals in undertaking the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Again, for a research-focused program, this will focus primarily on the research project(s) you want to undertake while you are there. For a more professional program, discuss what interests you within the professional field and what skills/knowledge you hope to gain through the program.

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You should be as specific as possible in discussing what interests you. Use examples of particular phenomena, tools, or situations that you find exciting. If you are vague or say that everything in the field interests you, you run the risk of seeming unfocused or not actually that passionate.

Don’t worry that being too specific will box you into a particular research area or subfield during your entire tenure in graduate school. Your program understands that interests change—they won’t be pulling out your research statement to cross-reference with your dissertation proposal!

Evidence of Past Experience and Success

A great graduate school statement of purpose will also show programs that you have already been successful. They want applicants that will be able to follow through on their research/professional plans!

To this end, you’ll need to provide evidence of how your background qualifies you to pursue this program and your specific interests in the field. You’ll probably discuss your undergraduate studies and any professional experience you have. But be sure to draw on specific, vivid examples. You might draw on your thesis, major projects you’ve worked on, papers you have written/published, presentations you’ve given, mentors you’ve worked with, and so on. This gives admissions committees concrete evidence that you are qualified to undertake graduate study!

Interest and Fit With the Program

The third essential ingredient to a great statement of purpose is to clearly lay out why you and the program are a good fit. You should be able to identify both specific reasons why your work fits with the program and why the program suits your work/interests! Are there particular professors you’d like to work with? Does the department have a strong tradition in a certain methodology or theory you’re interested in? Is there a particular facet to the curriculum that you’d like to experience?

Showing that you and the program are a match shows that you chose the program thoughtfully and have genuine interest in it. Programs want to admit students who aren’t just passionate about the field. They want students who are genuinely enthused about their specific program and positioned to get the most out of what they have to offer.

Strong Writing

The final essential piece of a strong statement of purpose or letter of intent is strong writing. Writing skills are important for all graduate programs. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can clearly and effectively communicate your ideas in a way that flows logically. Additionally, you should show that you know how to write in a way that is descriptive but concise. A statement of purpose shouldn’t ever be longer than two pages, even without a hard word limit.

Admissions committees for humanities programs may be a little more focused on writing style than admissions officers for STEM programs. But even in quantitative and science-focused fields, written communication skills are an essential part of graduate school. So a strong statement of purpose will always be effectively written. You’ll see this in our statement of purpose for graduate school samples.

Real, Successful Statement of Purpose Samples

In this section, we’ll present four successful graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts, along with a brief commentary on each statement. These statements come from a diverse selection of program types to show you how the core essentials of a statement of purpose can be implemented differently for different fields.

Note: identifying information for these statements have been changed—except for example four, which is my statement.

Statement of Purpose Sample One: Japanese Studies MA

This statement of purpose is notable for its great use of space and its vivid descriptions. The author is able to cram a lot into about a page. She discusses how she came to her two primary research interests (and how they are connected). She integrates this discussion of her interests with information on her past experiences and qualifications for pursuing the course of study. Finally, she includes details on her goals in pursuing the program and components of the program that interest her. Her examples are specific and fleshed-out. There’s a lot very cleverly included in a small amount of page space!

Additionally, the language is very vivid. Phrases like “evocative and visceral” and “steadily unraveling,” are eye-catching and intriguing. They demonstrate that she has the writing skills necessary to pursue both graduate study and her interest in translation.

Statement of Purpose Sample Two: Music MM

This sample is fairly long, although at 12 point Times New Roman it’s under two pages single-spaced. The length of this statement is partially due to the somewhat expansive nature of the prompt, which asks what role music has played in the applicant’s life “to date.” This invites applicants to speak more about experiences further in the past (in the childhood and teen years) than is typical for a statement of purpose. Given that this is for a master’s degree in music, this is logical; musical study is typically something that is undertaken at a fairly young age.

This statement does an excellent job describing the student’s past experiences with music in great detail. The descriptions of the student’s past compositions and experiences performing new music are particularly vivid and intriguing.

This statement also lays out and elaborates on specific goals the student hopes to pursue through the program, as well as features particular to the program that interest the student (like particular professors).

Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD

One of the first things you’ll likely notice about this statement is that it’s a little on the longer side. However, at 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced, it still comes in under 2 pages (excluding references). It makes sense for a PhD statement of purpose sample to be longer than a master’s degree statement of purpose—there’s more to lay out in terms of research interests!

The writing style is fairly straightforward—there’s definitely a stronger focus on delivering content than flashy writing style. As Economics is a more quantitative-focused field, this is fine. But the writing is still well-organized, clear, and error-free.

The writer also gives numerous examples of their past work and experience, and shows off their knowledge of the field through references, which is a nice touch.

Statement of Purpose Sample Four: History of the Book MA

This is actually my statement of purpose. It was for a program that I got accepted to but did not end up attending, for a Master’s in the History of the Book. You’ll notice that the two essay prompts essentially asked us to split our statement of purpose into two parts: the first prompt asked about our research interests and goals, and the second prompt asked about our relevant experience and qualifications.

I’ll keep my comments on this graduate school statement of purpose sample brief because I’ll do a deep dive on it in the next section. But looking back at my statement of purpose, I do a good job outlining what within the field interests me and clearly laying out how my past experiences have qualified me for the program.

Obviously this statement did its job, since I was accepted to the program. However, if I were to improve this statement, I’d change the cliche beginning (“since I was a child”) and provide more specificity in what about the program interested me.

Deep Dive Analysis of a Sample Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Next, we’ll do a paragraph by paragraph analysis of my statement, statement of purpose sample four. I’ll analyze its strengths and suggest ways I could shore up any weaknesses to make it even stronger.

Essay 1: Academic Interests

To refresh, here’s the first prompt: Please give a short statement that describes your academic interests, purpose, objectives and motivation in undertaking this postgraduate study. (max 3500 chars – approx. 500 words)

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Paragraph 1

Since I was a child, my favorite thing has always been a book. Not just for the stories and information they contain, although that is a large part of it. Mostly, I have been fascinated by the concept of book as object—a tangible item whose purpose is to relate intangible ideas and images. Bookbindings and jackets, different editions, the marginalia in a used book—all of these things become part of the individual book and its significance, and are worth study and consideration. Books and their equivalent forms—perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus—have long been an essential part of material culture and are also one of our most significant sources of information about the human historical past. Through both the literal object of the book, the words contained thereon, and its relationship to other books—forms of context, text and intertext—we are able to learn and hopefully manage layers of information with which we would otherwise have no familiarity.

First, the good: this paragraph does a good job introducing my academic interest in the book-as-object, and shows off pre-existing knowledge both of the study of material culture and literary theory. Additionally, the language is engaging: the juxtaposition of “tangible” and “intangible” in the beginning and phrases like “perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus” lend life to the writing and keep the reader engaged.

If I were to go back and improve this paragraph, first, I would absolutely change the first sentence to something less cliche than talking about my childhood. I might try something like “My love of books is a multifaceted thing. I don’t only love them for the stories and….” Second, I would chill out on the em dashes a little bit. Three sets in one paragraph is a little excessive. Finally, I might actually cut this paragraph down slightly to make more room word-wise later in the statement to discuss what specific things about the program interest me.

Paragraph 2

Furthermore, blogs, webcomics, digital archives, e-readers, and even social media sites like tumblr and Facebook have revolutionized the concept of the book by changing how we share and transmit ideas and information, just as the Gutenberg printing press revolutionized the book all those years ago in the fifteenth century. Once again there has been an explosion both in who can send out information and who can receive it.

This paragraph briefly and effectively introduces my other main academic interest: how new technology has changed the concept of the book-as-object. The tie-back to the printing press is a nice touch; it’s a vivid example that shows that I’m aware of important historical moments in book history.

Paragraph 3

I am deeply interested in the preservation of the physical book, as I think it is an important part of human history (not to mention a satisfying sensory experience for the reader). However I am also very concerned with the digitization and organization of information for the modern world such that the book, in all of its forms, stays relevant and easy to access and use. Collections of books, archives, and information as stored in the world’s servers, libraries and museums are essential resources that need to be properly organized and administered to be fully taken advantage of by their audiences. My purpose in applying to the University of Edinburgh’s Material Culture and History of the Book is to gain the skills necessary to keep all forms of the book relevant and functional in an age when information can move more radically than ever before.

This paragraph actually has a focus problem. Since it covers two topics, I should split it into two paragraphs: one on the integration of my two interests, and one on my goals and interests in the program. I could also stand to expand on what features the program has that interest me: professors I’d like to work with, particular aspects of the curriculum, etc.

In spite of these things, however, this paragraph does a good job clearly integrating the two academic interests related to the book I introduced in the first two paragraphs. And the language is still strong —“satisfying sensory experience” is a great phrase. However, I’ve been using the word “information,” a lot; I might try to replace with appropriate synonyms (like “knowledge”) in a couple of places.

Paragraph 4

Additionally, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Sciences upon completion of my master’s and I feel that this program while make me uniquely suited to approach library science from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective.

This final paragraph offers just quick touch on my future goals beyond the program. It’s typically fine for this to be relatively brief, as it is here, just so long as you can clearly identify some future goals.

Essay 2: Relevant Experience

The second prompt just asked me to describe my relevant knowledge, training, and skills.

As a folklore and mythology student, I have gained a robust understanding of material culture and how it relates to culture as a whole. I have also learned about the transmission of ideas, information, stories and pieces of lore among and between populations, which is an important component of book history. Folklore is also deeply concerned with questions of the literary vs. oral lore and the tendency for text to “canonize” folklore, and yet text can also question or invert canonized versions; along with this my studies in my focus field of religion and storytelling have been deeply concerned with intertextuality. One of my courses was specifically concerned with the Heian-period Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and questions of translation and representation in post-Heian picture scrolls and also modern translations and manga. In addition to broader cultural questions concerned with gender and spirituality both in historical Japan and now, we considered the relationships between different Genji texts and images.

This is a strong, focused paragraph. I relate my academic background in Folklore and Mythology to my interests in studying the book, as well as showing off some of my knowledge in the area. I also chose and elaborated on a strong example (my class on the Tale of Genji ) of my relevant coursework.

I also have work experience that lends itself to the study of the book. After my freshman year of college I interned at the Chicago History Museum. Though I was in the visitor services department I was exposed to the preservation and archival departments of the museum and worked closely with the education department, which sparked my interest in archival collections and how museums present collection information to the public. After my sophomore year of college and into my junior year, I worked at Harvard’s rare books library, Houghton. At Houghton I prepared curated collections for archival storage. These collections were mostly comprised of the personal papers of noteworthy individuals, categorized into alphabetical folders. This experience made me very process-oriented and helped me to understand how collections come together on a holistic basis.

This paragraph also has a clear focus: my past, relevant work experience. Discussing archival collections and presenting information to the public links the interests discussed in my first statement with my qualifications in my second statement. However, if I were to revise this paragraph, I would add some specific examples of the amazing things I worked on and handled at Houghton Library. In that job, I got to touch Oliver Cromwell’s death mask! An interesting example would make this paragraph really pop even more.

Finally, in my current capacity as an education mentor in Allston, a suburb of Boston, I have learned the value of book history and material culture from an educational perspective. As a mentor who designs curriculum for individual students and small groups, I have learned to highly value clearly organized and useful educational resources such as websites, iPad apps, and books as tools for learning. By managing and organizing collections in a way that makes sense we are making information accessible to those who need it.

This final paragraph discusses my current (at the time) work experience in education and how that ties into my interest in the history of the book. It’s an intriguing connection and also harkens back to my discussion of information availability in the paragraph three of the first statement. Again, if I were to amp up this statement even more, I might include a specific example of a book-based (or book technology-based) project I did with one of my students. I worked on things like bookbinding and making “illuminated manuscripts” with some of my students; those would be interesting examples here.

This statement is split into two parts by virtue of the two-prompt format. However, if I were to integrate all of this information into one unified statement of purpose, I would probably briefly introduce my research interests, go in-depth on my background, then circle back around to speak more about my personal interests and goals and what intrigues me about the program. There’s not really one correct way to structure a statement of purpose just so long as it flows well and paragraphs are structured in a logical way: one topic per paragraph, with a clear topic and concluding sentence.

More Statement of Purpose Examples

We’ve provided you with four great graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. However, if you’re looking for more, there are other sample letters of intent and statements of purpose for graduate school online. We’ve rounded up the best ones here, along with some strengths and weaknesses about each example.

Majortests Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a fairly straightforward, clearly written statement of purpose sample for a biology program. It includes useful commentary after each paragraph about what this statement of purpose is accomplishing.

This statement of purpose sample is well-organized, with clear topic sentences and points made in each paragraph.
The student clearly identifies what interests her about the program.
The student proactively addresses questions about why she hasn’t gone directly to graduate school, and frames her professional research experience as a positive thing.
She gives a tiny bit of color about her personality in a relevant way by discussing her involvement with the Natural History Society.
In general, discussing high school interests is too far back in time unless the anecdote is very interesting or unusual. The detail about The Theory of Evolution is intriguing; the information about the high school teacher seems irrelevant. The student should have condensed this paragraph into a sentence or two.
While this statement is cogently written and makes the candidate sound competent and well-qualified, it’s not exactly the most scintillating piece of writing out there. Some of the constructions are a little awkward or cliche. For example, the “many people have asked me” sentence followed by “the answer is” is a little bit clunky. This is probably fine for a STEM program. But just be aware that this statement is not a paragon of writing style.

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UC Berkeley History Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a graduate school statement of purpose example from the UC Berkeley History department’s PhD program, with annotations from a professor as to why it’s a successful statement.

The author is able to very clearly and articulately lay out her research interests and link them to past work she has successfully completed, namely, her thesis.
She is able to identify several things about the program and Berkeley that indicate why it is a good fit for her research interests.
She addresses the time she spent away from school and frames it as a positive, emphasizing that her use of time was well-considered and productive.
Her writing is very vivid, with excellent word choice and great imagery.

While very well-written and engaging, this sample statement of purpose for graduate school is a little bit on the long side! It’s a little over two single-spaced pages, which is definitely pushing the limits of acceptable length. Try to keep yours at 2 pages or less. Some of the information on the thesis (which comprises over half of the statement of purpose) could be condensed to bring it down to two pages.

Pharmacy Residency Letter of Intent Sample

This is not technically a sample letter of intent for graduate school because it’s actually for a pharmacy residency program. However, this example still provides illumination as to what makes a decent graduate school letter of intent sample.

This is a serviceable letter of intent: the writer clearly lays out their own goals within the field of pharmacy, what qualifications they have and how they’ve arrived at their interests, and how the program fits their needs.
The writing is clearly structured and well-organized.
The main weakness is that some of the writer’s statements come across as fairly generic. For example, “The PGY-1 Residency Program at UO Hospitals will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teaching, research, and leadership skills” is a generic statement that could apply to any residency program. A punchier, more program-specific conclusion would have amped up this letter.
While the writer does a decent job providing examples of their activities, like working as a tutor and attending the APhA conference, more specificity and detail in these examples would make the statement more memorable.
There’s a typo in the last paragraph —a “to” that doesn’t belong! This is an unprofessional blip in an otherwise solid letter. Read you own letter of intent aloud to avoid this!

NIU Bad Statement of Purpose Example

This is an ineffective graduate school statement of purpose example, with annotations on why it doesn’t work.

As you might imagine, the main strength in this document is as an example of what not to do. Otherwise, there is little to recommend it.

The annotations quite clearly detail the weaknesses of this statement. So I won’t address them exhaustively except to point out that this statement of purpose fails at both content and style. The author includes irrelevant anecdotes and lists without offering a decisive picture of interests or any particular insight into the field. Additionally, the statement is riddled with grammatical mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and strange acronyms.
You’ll note that the commentary advises you to “never start with a quote.” I agree that you should never start with a freestanding quote as in this example. However, I do think starting with a quote is acceptable in cases like the Berkeley history example above, where the quote is brief and then directly linked to the research interest.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples: 4 Key Points

Graduate programs ask for statement of purpose to hear about your interests and goals and why you think you and the program would be a good fit.

There are four key elements to a successful statement of purpose:

A clear articulation of your goals and interests
Evidence of past experiences and success
Interest and fit with the program
Strong writing

We’ve provided you with four successful statement of purpose samples from our graduate school experts!

We also provided additional statement of purpose samples (and a sample letter of intent) for graduate school from other sources on the internet. Now you have all kinds of guidance!

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for more information on graduate school , see our guide to what makes a good GPA for grad school .

Not sure if you need to take the GRE ? See if you can get into graduate school without GRE scores .

Want more information about the GRE? We can help you figure out when to take the GRE , how to make a GRE study plan , and how to improve your GRE score .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

More From Forbes

Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples

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Embarking on a career change is a pivotal moment, fraught with uncertainty but brimming with potential. And especially in cases where your resume might not directly align with the job at hand, your cover letter becomes the narrative that connects the dots. A well-crafted cover can illuminate your strengths, align your past experiences with your future aspirations, and persuade potential employers to see the value you bring.

The Importance Of A Cover Letter In Career Changes

In career transitions, your cover letter is your storyteller. It explains the why and the how of your career change, showcasing your enthusiasm and demonstrating how your background equips you with unique perspectives and transferable skills. It addresses potential concerns about your career shift head-on, presenting your transition as an asset rather than a liability.

Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter

1. Personalize Your Approach : Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible. Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position. You want to show that you’re not conducting a generic job search, but that you’ve done your research. You’ve perused (not skimmed) the company website and you read that 20-page yearly report from the CEO. You’ve even read their blog and can quote freely from it. You’ve educated yourself.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills : Highlight the skills and experiences from your previous roles that are relevant to the new position. Be specific and quantify achievements where possible.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Commitment : Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in the new field. Express your passion for the career change and your eagerness to contribute.

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4. Tailor Your Narrative : Connect your past experiences to the job you're applying for, demonstrating how your unique background can bring a fresh perspective to the role.

5. Address Potential Concerns : Be upfront about your career change, framing it as a positive decision guided by clear motivation and a strong understanding of the new field.

6. End with a Strong Call to Action : Conclude by expressing your desire to discuss your application further in an interview, showing proactivity and determination.

7. Use Strategic Language : Avoid clichéd adjectives. Opt for vivid, specific language that paints a clear picture of your capabilities and achievements.

Example: General Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company], transitioning from a career in [Current Industry] to [New Industry]. My experience in [Current Industry] has equipped me with valuable skills that I am eager to apply in [New Industry]. For instance, while working as [Previous Position], I developed a keen ability to [transferable skill], resulting in [specific achievement].

In [Current Industry], I honed my skills in [relevant skill] and demonstrated my ability to [relevant achievement], directly benefiting my team by [specific outcome]. I am particularly drawn to [New Industry] because [reason for interest], and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill] and [another skill] to the [Position] at [Company].

[Your Name]

Tweaks For Various Career Stages

Whether you are making a change early in your career or transitioning later, your cover letter should reflect your rationale and excitement for this new path.

Example: Early Career Cover Letter

As someone at the early stages of my career, I am eager to leverage the foundational skills I gained in [Initial Field], such as [specific skill], in [New Field]. My recent role as [Previous Position] allowed me to develop [relevant skills or experiences], which align closely with the requirements of the [Position] at [Company].

Example: Late Career Cover Letter

Transitioning into [New Field] at this point in my career is a deliberate and enthusiastic choice, driven by my deep-seated interest in [aspect of New Field]. With extensive experience in [Previous Field], I bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that can contribute to innovative solutions and strategies at [Company].

Tweaks For White And Blue-Collar Roles

Transitioning between white and blue-collar roles offers a unique opportunity to highlight diverse skills and experiences.

Example: White To Blue Collar Cover Letter

I am eager to apply the strategic and managerial skills honed in my white-collar career to the hands-on, dynamic environment of [Blue Collar Field]. My experience in [White Collar Role], where I developed [specific skills], aligns well with the challenges and responsibilities of the [Blue Collar Position] at [Company].

Example: Blue To White Collar Cover Letter

Transitioning from [Blue Collar Field] to [White Collar Field], I bring practical, on-the-ground experience that can inform and enhance the strategic decisions in [White Collar Role]. My background in [Blue Collar Role], where I mastered [specific skills], equips me with a unique perspective beneficial for the [White Collar Position] at [Company].

Including A Career Change Statement On Your Resume/CV

While your cover letter is the ideal place to elaborate on your career change, your resume/CV should also reflect this transition. A brief career change statement, positioned at the beginning of your resume, can effectively set the context for your career narrative. This statement should succinctly convey your transition, emphasizing your commitment to the new field and highlighting any transferable skills or relevant experiences.

How To Craft A Career Change Statement For Your Resume

1. Objective Statement : Begin with a clear, concise objective that outlines your career goals and demonstrates your enthusiasm for your new field.

2. Summary of Qualifications : Follow your objective with a brief summary of your most relevant qualifications, focusing on skills and experiences that transition well into your new career.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills : Clearly identify and emphasize any skills from your previous career that are pertinent to your new path. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your proactive approach in aligning your skill set with the new role's requirements.

4. Tailor Your Experience : Adjust the descriptions of your past positions to highlight the responsibilities and achievements most relevant to your desired career path. Use quantifiable achievements to underscore your adaptability and impact.

5. Education and Training : If you have pursued any education or training relevant to your new field, highlight this prominently on your resume to illustrate your dedication and commitment to your career change.

Make Your Language Unique

To avoid sounding like everyone else, remember to use distinctive and precise adjectives in your cover letter and resume. For instance:

Instead of "experienced," try "seasoned" or "accomplished," providing specific examples that demonstrate this experience, like spearheading a successful project or leading a team to exceed its targets.
Replace "passionate" with "enthused" or "committed," detailing a project or initiative you pursued with zeal, which can resonate more authentically with hiring managers.
Substitute "results-driven" with "outcome-focused," illustrating this with a particular scenario where your focus on results led to tangible success for your organization.

Your cover letter and resume are your advocates, narrating your professional journey and articulating why you are not just seeking a new job, but embarking on a new career with purpose and passion. By carefully crafting these documents to reflect your individual story, you position yourself as a memorable and compelling candidate, someone who stands out from the crowd.

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SOP (Statement of Purpose): Format, Samples, and Tips

Updated on
Feb 17, 2024

To aesthetically present a movie on the screen, great actors are the requisites. Similar is the case when one is carving their own career path. From choosing the right course to getting into your dream university, you need to take each step carefully. As a crucial part of the eligibility criteria, the universities often demand LOR s, SOPs or entrance test scores to assess the candidates and their suitability for the chosen course. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one such element that beholds great value in the admission process of those aspiring to study abroad. Creating an alluring SOP is essential to help the assessment committee understand your willingness for the program you have applied for. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on drafting a statement of purpose that can help you sail smoothly through the assessment process and get entry into your dream academic institution.

This Blog Includes:

What is a statement of purpose (sop), why is sop important, sop format, 2. formulate, 3. revise and modify, what do colleges look for in an sop, how to write a perfect statement of purpose (sop / admissions essay), introduction, academic background and professional experience, career goals, why this course, why this university, how long should an sop be, what to include in an sop, what not to include in an sop, 10 tips to write a successful statement of purpose, sop sample for business analytics, sample statement of purpose for mba , sample statement of purpose for masters, sop formats for usa, canada, uk, and australia, top 5 mistakes to avoid while writing an sop, how can you reduce your chances of rejection from your chosen university, can sops help with scholarships, sop vs letter of motivation, sop vs personal statement.

A Statement of Purpose can be referred to as an informative document, containing personal statements, and is essentially required as part of the admission procedure of study abroad programs. Also referred to as an application essay, it comprises the basic details of a candidate along with their professional and personal interests, academic highlights as well as future aspirations. An SOP plays an integral role in the application process of a study abroad program as it provides the admission board with the key information about the candidate and why they want to study a particular course at their institution. It not only describes who you are as an individual but also gives an idea about your writing skills and proficiency in the English language.

A well-written SOP is an extremely significant element during your admission process. While the academic record and other exam scorecards, academic transcripts and backlog certificates are essentially objective in nature, an SOP is the only truly subjective aspect of your application. It is the only document in your application that allows you to prove that you have something unique which makes you stand out from the crowd. As such, it is the document of your application docket that can hugely determine your admission.

Also Read: Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement

As such, there is no particular or proper format for writing a statement of purpose or an SOP. Students have to write an SOP just like an elaborative and descriptive English essay dividing the whole context into different paragraphs. Each paragraph must be having distinctive features describing different scenarios, features or characteristics about yourself. You can take the help of the below-provided structure and get started with writing an SOP for the university you want to study in.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose?

As a pivotal document for any study abroad application, an SOP needs to be precisely well-written. To help you understand the different elements of this document, we have curated a step-by-step procedure that you can follow to curate an impressive statement of purpose.

The first step of the process of drafting a statement of purpose is to think about the varied aspects of your candidature that you should mention in it. The mandatory inclusions of an SOP are academic achievements (especially at the undergraduate level), prior work exposure or volunteering experiences. Start with framing an outline for the document and ask yourself the following questions:

Which field of study excites me the most?
Why do I want to pursue this degree?
What are my expectations from this degree?
What outgrowth can this degree offer me?
Where can this degree take me, personally and professionally?
Through my pre-requisites, what values can I add to this program?

Once you have made key pointers for most of the questions mentioned above, you can begin jotting them down in a thorough and comprehensive manner.

Now that you know what you want to mention in your SOP, it’s time to curate a rough outline for the document. Here is a list of some essential tips you need to keep in mind while formulating your statement of purpose:

Since the admission committee strives to understand your candidature through the SOP, you need to be honest in describing your career aspirations and objectives. Focus centrally on maintaining the authenticity of your mentioned details. Duly elaborate on your advantageous perception of the chosen course.
Creatively cite your personal and professional interests. Mention what you are passionate about and what excites you. Then, sensibly connect it with your chosen program and how it will assist you in grooming your skills. For instance, you can state that you are aspiring to gain experiential learning or training in your desired industry through the course.
What brought you here should be a sure-shot mention in your SOP. You can begin with stating those features of your chosen course that convinced you to opt for it. Then, write down the objectives you want to fulfil by studying the program. It can be personal growth or professional upliftment or even both. Try to be unique and precise when listing your reasons.

Once you have jotted down your SOP as per the above-mentioned necessary tips, the final and concluding step is to revise and make changes accordingly. Go through the list that you created in the beginning and ensure that you have added all of them.

The word limit for a statement of purpose is between 500-1000.
Do not miss out the predefined sizes for spacing, margins and font size.
Try getting a second opinion but getting your SOP read from a friend or an experienced professional.

Many foreign and even national universities ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) from candidates wanting to enrol in suitable courses that the university has to offer. They ask for the SOP from candidates in order to check and look at the following things:

The writing capabilities of the writer or the candidate
The X factor that makes their writing stand out from the crowd
Choice of thoughts and ideas that has been explained in the SOP
The unique personality of the candidate
Candidate’s talent, previous experiences, interests and potential
How and what can the candidate contribute to the department of the college/university
Candidate’s motivation or inspiration to study a selected course must be evident and justified
The reason behind to choose a particular university/college and a particular course of study
Academic and extracurricular achievements and recognitions (if any)
Originality and clarity of the SOP as a whole.

To know more, read our blog on – How to Write an SOP?

Check out the video on the same below!

How to Write a Powerful and Convincing SOP?

Whether applying for undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programmes, the strategy of writing a powerful statement of purpose should be sound focused throughout. Starting from your academic and professional background to your career aspirations, you need to carefully connect all the dots between reaching your goals through your choice of school and course. The essay should always go in a flow covering your past experience, present involvements, and future plans. An important point to remember while writing your SOP would be to divide it into paragraphs that cover all the pointers. Here is a look at how you may write the SOP presenting your profile strongly:

This paragraph is often confused with self-introduction. It should not introduce you but should discuss what you are about to discuss in your SOP. There are multiple approaches you may adopt to go about this paragraph:

Discuss your long-term goal and connect it with your idea of pursuing the course you are applying to
Present your understanding of the chosen field and write how you want to contribute to that field
Explain your background in 2-3 lines and connect it with your future goals
Write about an anecdote that helped you realise your professional interest in the chosen field

This comprises of your academic background: what you have done so far, what you are currently pursuing, your academic strengths and projects, and the industrial exposure you have attained.

This is the most important paragraph, where you should discuss your short and long-term goals. Your immediate goal would be where you would want to work right after completing this course. You should be able to name some companies within India along with the designation you see yourself working at. This should explain the kind of job profile you would be working on.

Then comes your long-term goal, wherein you should mention where you see yourself from 10-12 or 15 years down the line. This may include your desire of working at the CEO/CFO/CTO level or maybe establish a firm that you own. It may also include your dream of expanding your existing family business overseas. You may also be interested in further studies like a PhD which can be included here.

More in this section may include your desire of becoming a professor or researcher. In any case, it is suggested that you discuss your business aim, principles, and core values or how you would influence the young aspirants of this industry. You should be able to portray ‘how you wish to make a difference in the industry keeping in mind the current industrial scenarios and emerging trends.

In this paragraph, you should discuss why you want to join a course and what modules would you tap during this course. It should also cover the skills you would acquire in this duration along with the exposure that would help in developing the skills desired to realise your goals.

This is a specific paragraph wherein you can convince a university as in how they are suitable for your profile and you are an ideal candidate for their university. You should discuss the course curriculum, research work, faculty names, as well as the university-specific activities that would help you in enhancing your profile.

Also Read: How to Write a Best Statement of Purpose?

Ideally, if considering an internationally renowned university, then the statement of purpose should be at least 1-2 pages long. In terms of word count, then the same should be around 1000 words. Having said that, the word limit and the length may also sometimes depend on the university that the candidate is targeting and also on the level of degree. Like for example, a candidate who is writing an SOP for an undergraduate program may not exceed 800 to 1000 words whereas a candidate who is writing an SOP for a PhD or M.Phil degree course has to write it in around 1200 words and sometimes even more. Some universities even have a fixed length and word count which is uniform for all the programs and courses.

There are many elements to an SOP. Universities could ask question-based essays or simply a general statement of purpose. Until and unless categorically asked, an SOP must include your goals and the career path you have taken up so far as well as your academic progress. Other elements that are further important to the SOP are also the personal motivations that lead you to choose the university/course you have applied to as well as how you intend to use that experience to achieve that goal.

Following are a few things that you must do in order to make your SOP application strong:

Your Statement of Purpose should have a unique and engaging beginning as well as an end. It must be original, a reflection of you.
Explain your academic background, present and future aspirations. Through this, you must justify your choice of a particular course for masters or doctorate courses.
Upon reading your SOP, the admission officer should be able to understand how you can contribute to the university in terms of research and further scope in your chosen area.
Always write your SOP in an active voice and ensure you provide information in a manner that is a reflection of your passion and optimism. If you have any statements or references, try quoting them with relevant examples rather than being direct.

Often universities come across a lengthy statement of purpose and yet they reject it. Even when you cannot find one grammatical error, the seemingly excellent SOP would be rejected. And the primary reason is – too much unnecessary information. For instance, just because you might want to talk about your family, does not mean you go on and on to talk about only your family. While your SOP should be a brag sheet, it should be a brag sheet with a substance. You need to pick and choose what to include. Pick a theme and mention the accomplishments that make the most sense to your candidacy.

Weave your career path into a story, not statements.
Do not write what you think should be written. Personalise the SOP and make it your own.
Do not stress over it. Although it is an important part of your application, the SOP should be a direct reflection of you.
Find the deeper meaning behind the events of your life and pen them down.
Give a strong reason as to why you chose the particular school and course.
Be specific in the timeline of events.
Use a formal but conversational tone.
Accept your mistakes and explain how you are willing to act on improving. Use action items.
Give yourself enough time to write the SOP and edit it constantly.
Proofread, edit, re-edit and then edit it again! There is always room for improvement, remember that.

Statement of Purpose Samples

Here are some good examples of well structured SOPs that you can refer to while writing your own.

“ A successful career in Business Management requires adequate knowledge to utilise the strengths and weaknesses of an individual. In my undergraduate degree, I majored in economics and psychology because I believe that understanding these two fields is important for leading a successful business. I want to increase my experiences and knowledge further by pursuing an Executive MBA, which will equip me with advanced skills that are necessary to achieve my career goals.

As I have carried out various leadership positions, I have learned how to efficiently work in teams and pursue the specified goals. In my previous company, ABC, I successfully implemented the strength-cum-weakness finder software which helped us assign projects to the groups based on the mapped data. As employees got allotted tasks as per their efficiency, it resulted in a 30% net gain for the company over the following year. I believe that a successful business leader understands the importance of strategically utilizing a company’s resources to ensure the maximum potential and development of the company. Further, the pivotal thing I learned about myself by taking up leadership roles is that teamwork is a crucial element of successfully achieving an organisation’s objectives. An Executive MBA will help me furnish my leadership skills imparting me with the knowledge of hierarchical structures and how to work with other leaders of different domains in an effective manner.

Studying for an Executive MBA, I plan to take charge of multiple team projects throughout the duration of the degree so that I can polish my teamwork skills. I aspire to work under industry leaders and attain global exposure. Pursuing this degree from your institution, I aim to gain professional as well as personal skills that can help me soar through my career journey. ”

I had a keen interest in Biology since childhood. I was eager to learn about the living organisms around my surroundings and how they function. I took this interest forward and decided to pursue my higher education in biology. When I was first introduced to the field of biotechnology, I was mesmerized by what technology can do to improve the life of any living organism. This inspired me to look at various research programmes in biotechnology and how we are moving towards a phase where technology can alter even the basic fragments of any living organism and change the course of life an organism goes through. I observed the various research patterns that have been taking place in the agricultural industry with the advent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) giving birth to the Green Revolution. This was only one potential achievement in the extensive list of achievements that biotechnology was progressing towards. I worked with a reputed biotech firm which gave me an insight into how fast-paced the research in biotechnology is. The firm gave me the necessary exposure leading me to decide that I want to pursue MS in Biotechnology. My ambition to work in this field lies essentially in bringing changes in the lifestyle of people in a way that I can research and extensively study the required positive steps towards climate change. My goal is to achieve a sustainable lifestyle for every individual. The exposure that your esteemed institution will give me in the field of research will help me achieve this goal by working at a reputed platform

Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa
SOP for MIM
SOP Samples for MS
SOP for MS in Data Science
SOP for Business Analytics
Sample SOP for MS in CS
SOP for PG Diploma in Canada
SOP for MBA: Essentials to Mention & Samples
SOP for Australia

Here is the basic format for USA, Canada, UK and Australia:

If you are planning to study abroad and want to write a good and outstanding statement of purpose for the university that you are targeting, then here are some of the common mistakes that you can avoid from the very beginning while writing an SOP:

Writing the SOP at the last moment without any plan of action or a roadmap
Writing a weak and vague introduction and conclusion
Using informal language, slangs, short forms in your SOP
Exceeding the word limit and not reaching the correct word limit at all
Making your SOP excessively flashy and flattery

If you are eligible for any college-specific scholarships, then during the application process you will be required to write a separate essay/SOP. Either you will be given an essay prompt/question along with a word limit or they would simply ask for an SOP stating the reasons why you think you deserve this scholarship and/or what makes you unique from the rest of the candidates? Thus, a generic SOP is different from a scholarship SOP.

Must Read: LOR: Types, Format, Sample and Tip s

A Letter of Motivation is a letter directly addressed to the admission committee/department faculty explaining your objectives, motivation and goals related to the course. The SOP is not addressed to any specific person or department, it is drafted in an essay format, whereas, the motivational letter is always addressed to a professor or department under whose guidance you will be studying.

Also Read: How to Write a Motivation Letter?

Very much similar to an SOP, Personal Statements are an on-page essay where you write about your motivation, inspiration, goals, and achievements. Personal Statements usually have a more intimate tone than SOP as it talks about the highlighted incidents of your life. Another crucial difference between an SOP and a Personal Statement is that an SOP is addressed to no one in particular, while a Personal Statement is addressed to a professor or department under who you choose to study.

Relevant Reads:

Only your LORs need to be attested by your college or company. An SOP need not be attested/self-attested until and unless specified by the university. If you take a LOR from your college professor/school teacher or a Principal/Dean, then that LOR needs to be signed by the recommender along with the college/school stamp and letterhead. Similarly, for professional LORs, they need to be signed by their respective recommenders on the company’s letterhead and company stamp.

Once you have finalised your SOP draft, give it a double-check for grammatical and formatting mistakes. Your next step should be to analyse and critique your essay. Look at your SOP through the eyes of the Adcom and see what you find lacking. For more effective inputs, you can show your drafts to your friends and family and see how they react to them. Accordingly, you can make some changes but do not overdo it or deviate from the format. Lastly, check for spacing errors and save the final SOP which you will be using for the application process.

You should avoid mentioning any low marks or shortcomings about yourself in any of the application documents, including SOP. There are very few universities that ask you about your gap year. For them, you can mention the reason for the gap between your studies. Generally, no university asks about low grades during your study period as your selection depends on various criteria like exam scores, student profile, financials, and so on. Thus, it is advised against mentioning any flaws or low marks.

Hence, we hope that now you are geared up with all the quintessential tips to start carving out your SOP. If you still have doubts or need further professional guidance, you can always reach out to our Leverage Edu experts and we’ll assist you throughout the admission process, be it selecting a suitable course and university or drafting impressive SOPs and LORs. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session. Further, also follow us on Instagram , Youtube , LinkedIn , Quora and Facebook for more educational content.

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Statement of Purpose (SOP) with Samples, & Format

What is SOP
SOP Writing Tips
Statement of Purpose for Masters
SOP for MBA
Statement of Purpose for Phd

Updated on 18 March, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert.

A chance to get into your dream university is bound to be a euphoric moment. But the complex documentation process may dampen some of your spirits. For students planning to study abroad , writing an SOP is a crucial part of their admission application process. Thus, one should have a clear idea about the usage, function, format, and importance of the SOP (statement of purpose). So, if you want to write an impressive SOP, read this blog post till the end.

Sops for ms, sops for mba, other course-wise sops, country-wise sops, statement of purpose (sop) format, why is sop so important, introduction, why this course.

Career Goals

Why this University

1st paragraph: introduction, 2nd paragraph: academic background, 3rd paragraph: professional experience, 4th paragraph: reasons to pursue the particular course, 5th paragraph: career goals, 6th paragraph: why did you choose the particular university, concluding paragraph:, personality traits:.

Do's and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose

Is there any Need to Write my Name on SOP?

Tips to write an sop.

Bonus Tips to Write a Unique Statement of Purpose

5 Mistakes to Avoid While Writing SOP

Statement of purpose format example/sample, statement of purpose vs personal statement, popular guides to simplify your study abroad journey, frequently asked questions, what is an sop.

The SOP (statement of purpose) is an essay cum application that needs to be written by students who want to take admission to courses at international universities. The main aim of the SOP is to introduce yourself, your academic background, career goals, and qualities that make you a meritorious candidate for the selected course. It is important to have a readable statement of purpose format.

The admission committee and supervisors go through the statement of purpose to check your thought process and how good you are at expressing yourself. It allows them to know more about you via your SOP. It also tells the supervisors about your maturity level and your plans for the future.

The candidates need to express their strengths and achievements to impress the faculty members and admission officers. This is an important step to get admission at overseas universities.

The SOP comprises various elements – starting from academic qualifications to personal experiences. You should check the university’s official website to see the format they accept, as it might vary per the institute.

Learn More about SOPs:

Difference Between SOP and Personal Statement | SOP Writing Tips Course-Wise SOPs

SOP for MS in Electrical Engineering
SOP for MS in Mechanical Engineering
SOP for MS in MIS
SOP for MS in Biotechnology
SOP for MS in Civil Engineering
SOP for MS in Information Technology
SOP for an MBA with an Engineering Background
SOP for MBA in International Business
SOP for MBA in Marketing
SOP for MBA Finance
SOP for Undergraduate
SOP for PhD
SOP for Data Science
SOP for Business Analytics
SOP for Engineering Management
SOP for Project Management
SOP for Construction Management
SOP for Logistics and Supply Chain Management
SOP for Business Management
SOP for Hospitality Management
SOP for MIS with Work Experience
SOP for Civil Engineering
SOP for Mechanical Engineering
SOP for Australia
SOP for Australian Student Visa
SOP for France visa

Here are some points that you need to keep in your SOP review checklist:

1. The SOP should be written in precise paragraphs like an essay. You can use bullet points but you need to limit them to a bare minimum.

2. Usually, an SOP is two pages long, written in 12-point fonts, and double-spaced. Depending upon the size and type of font used, you can write 800-1000 words.

3. The complete SOP lies between 5-7 paragraphs of 150-250 words each.

4. You should keep your SOP simple and avoid using colorful text and images. If you are using pen and paper, use black ink.

The adage, the first impression is the last impression, holds when you talk about presenting yourselves in front of the admissions committee via SOP.

The SOP has to be written by all students applying for graduate and undergraduate courses. It is, in a way, a direct connection with the selection committee of the university. Your application and resume majorly answer all the questions of panel members but it is the SOP that will let the panel know about you as a person and your plans.

A well-written SOP can downplay your weaknesses and convince the admission committee to accept your application. It is the best way to stand out among applicants who, like you, also want to study the same course. It also highlights your extracurricular achievements and enthusiasm for new opportunities and challenges. Most importantly, it can get your application selected or rejected.

Writing an SOP can be a daunting task but do not worry, as we are here to help you.

This is not self-introduction
Introduce the academic field of interest
An anecdote that motivated you to pursue the field
Jist of what you aspire to do in the domain

1. Academic Background

For a bachelor's degree, mention academic information of X and XII
For a master's degree, delve into your college academic information and projects
For a PhD degree, emphasis on your published research papers
Must include extracurriculars in MBA and UG SOPs 2.Professional Background
Highlight the professional experience related to the applied degree
Specify why you desire to pursue this particular degree
Mention the modules that interest you
Elucidate the skills you want to enhance during the term

Career Goals

Short-term Goals: Clearly specify your goal upon completing the degree
Long-term Goals: Mention your long-term plans (10-15 years down the line)
Ensure not to mention that you desire to stay back upon completing the degree
Specify what made you choose the particular university
Mention the modules/research themes/research labs that intrigue your interest
Mention the professor(s) you would like to learn under
Write, in a nutshell, the reason that makes you the right fit for the university

How to Write an SOP?

A simple SOP format will help you string together various pieces of information in a steady flow. It is divided into different paragraphs for better understanding.

A simple yet expressive SOP looks like this:

This section is often confused with self-introduction. However, you should only introduce your chosen academic field. You need to express your future expectations from this course. Once you have selected a course, you are expected to gain some knowledge about that particular field. You need to express your interest in the selected program.

Alternatively, you can discuss your long-term goals, connect your goals with the course of your choice and describe your understanding of the course. You also need to mention your interest in your post-study work or study opportunities. For instance, some candidates prefer to start working after the completion of the course while some prefer to pursue higher education and research.

You need to provide information about your school or college. In case, you do not have work experience, try to emphasize your published reports or achievements in any project or assignment.

Students interested in study abroad generally have some kind of work experience. It may be a part-time job, training projects, internships, freelancing work, or a full-time job. Share your work experience along with your skills.

Specify the reasons why you want to pursue the particular course. Mention the syllabus of the course and explain the skills you want to improve. Explain how it will help you achieve your goals and benefit your plans.

This is the most important section where you should explain the job profile you will be working on. Try to explain your long-term career goals and plans. Do not mention anything which might make the supervisors feel that you want to study abroad so that you can settle in a foreign country.

You may speak about your desire to work in a top company or if you want to start your own business. You can also discuss your business ideas, aims, ethics, and what impact they will have on the industry.

This is the paragraph where you need to tell the academic committee why you are an ideal candidate for the university. You should also mention faculty names, course curriculum, research work, as well as university-specific activities that will help you to enhance your profile.

In the final paragraph, you need to seem focused and prepared for the challenges that can come in your way of studying abroad. You should also show the panel that you are confident enough to succeed in the field of your interest and will bring a tangible difference in the industry from a global point of view.

You also need to highlight the personality traits and qualities that make you a unique applicant. Avoid using adjectives like interested, dedicated, etc. Explain why you chose the particular university. Your suitability for the program does not depend only on your achievements.

Do's and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose

Make your SOP engaging
Elaborate on your motivation to pursue the course
Highlight your core strengths
Draw attention to your basic understanding of the course
Mention experience related to the choice of degree
Articulate goals and interests well
Proofread your SOP

Don’ts

No plagiarized content
Do not mention your stay-back plans
Avoid grammatical issues
SOP should not be too long or boring

Usually, you are not required to mention your name while writing an SOP. However, in the case of Visa SOPs, one needs to mention their name. To get a better understanding, you should visit the university’s official website.

Our list of useful tips will put an end to your struggle of writing an SOP that sounds original and help your SOP stand out.

Ensure to start too early and invest time in introspection.
It is paramount to brainstorm ideas and life events.
Use a formal-yet-conversational tone.
Emphasis on self-motivation, competence, and potential factors should be made.
Write persuasively.
Adhere to an active voice.

Moreover, asking yourself these questions will help you to finalize your SOP and enhance your chance of securing admission.

Why do you want to get this degree?
Why do you want to choose a particular university or college? Why did you choose us?
Why did you choose a particular country? What is it that attracted you? (while drafting SOP for an undergraduate degree)
Do you have any experience related to the choice of degree?
How much job experience (part-time/full-time) do you have?
If you already have job experience in a particular course, what additional skills do you want to learn from this course?
What are your plans after completion of the course?
Would you continue your studies or prefer to take up a job after the course?
What are your expectations from the course and the university?
Do you want to study or do research with a particular professor? If yes, why only that professor?
What specific skills make you a perfect candidate for the particular course?
In addition to academics, what are your other interests, hobbies, and habits that make you an ideal candidate?
What is your unique characteristic that should be known by the admission committee and other fellow students?

Try to build a story the admissions committee will be impressed with reading. For the graduation program, you might need not go for a personal interview. So, the only way to impress the panel is by telling your true story via your SOP. In a nutshell, if your SOP is interesting enough, you will get admission to a particular university and a decent scholarship.

Note: Some universities might also ask for your financial information. Ensure to write your SOP as per the university’s needs.

Bonus Tips to Write a Unique Statement of Purpose

For a winning SOP, making a perfect strategy before drafting is important. Though most people write whatever comes to their minds, you should not follow in their footsteps. You should write an original and eye-catching SOP to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some bonus tips

Highlight Your Personality Traits

You need to highlight the personality traits and qualities that make you a unique applicant. Avoid using adjectives like interested, dedicated, and more. Ensure to exude your leadership qualities or social skills via your SOP. Your suitability for the program does not depend only on your achievements.

Frame Original Stories

If you have a choice to read a novel or a report. You are likely to choose the novel. Because a report provides insights about a topic, whereas a novel will tell you a well-written story with which you will feel emotionally connected. Your anecdote of what motivated you to pursue the course will connect you to the committee. Moreover, it will give them a comprehensive idea of why you chose the course and your strengths.

It is needless to say that your story should have relevant and true experiences of your life. It should not be seen as a thesis. Instead, it should act as a genuine source of information about yourself. Your stories should contain measurable experiences. Suppose you have worked with an NGO teaching math to primary kids. You can write, “During my college days, I worked with an NGO and taught math to needy children. I also taught basic English concepts. This helped me to enhance my social skills and management skills.” This statement sounds good and makes an academic committee think about your valuable impact on children/society.

Be Specific

Your SOP should contain specific information. Whatever you write needs to be backed up with proper details. Don’t just write things like, “I chose this degree/course because I love it.” Elaborate on the reasons why you love this field and what made you choose it.

Try to pick relevant answers that can help you in getting admission to the university of your choice.

Write and Re-write

So, if you think your first draft should be your final SOP, put that thought on hold. Ensure to write, then rewrite, to create an impressive SOP.

Now that you know the secret sauce to write an impressive SOP, let’s further increase your chances of application acceptance. How? We have enlisted the key pointers that cannot be considered nugatory while drafting your SOP.

Dull Introduction The intro paragraph of your SOP can make or break your chances to be a part of the university. The member of the admission committee must have read a slew of applications. So, to hook their attention, you should start with an impressive line that surfaces your academics, confidence, and intentions. Moreover, do not fixate on self-introduction; it should mirror your academic field of interest and your inclination toward the university.
Last-minute Writing Hassle There is abundant information about how to write a Statement of Purpose over the internet. So, if you think that copying those cliche statements will get you through the admission process, then it’s time to rethink it! Rather, you should start your SOP writing process months before your admission process. Moreover, check the university’s official website not to exceed the desirable word limit.
Informal Writing Style You might have come across many Statement of Purpose Samples with informal writing styles. So, if you thought it would make it easier to draft one with an informal tone, you are mistaken over here. It is suggested to keep your SOP crisp and adhere to a formal tone. In tandem with this, avoid the usage of slang.
Not Proofreading Why lose a chance to secure a seat due to a misspelling or a grammatical issue in your SOP? Correct? Thus, to write a unique-and-flawless SOP, it is paramount to proofread it. You can also ask your friends or family members to do so. Moreover, ensure to read it after a few days after completing it. This will curtail the chances of a blind spot while eliminating any errors.
Incorrect or Plagiarized Information Finding an impressive Statement of Purpose Sample on the internet and tweaking the same won’t help you to be noticed by the admission panel. Your SOP should be unique to ensure that you avoid plagiarism.

The world of technology has always fascinated me. And being an Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering graduate further intensified this enchantment. While studying programming languages and machine learning, I realized that data is the ultimate source of information and power that will soon drive us into a better world. I am ambitious and geared towards contributing to this dynamic realm through the lens of effective leadership and management. For this reason, I am seeking to pursue (the program name).

During my time pursuing BE in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, I developed proficiency in the concepts of data structure, image processing, and programming languages, including C, C++, and the basics of Java. I also gained comprehensive knowledge of using software like MATLAB for machine learning and Keil to solve the complex problems facing embedded software developers. My third-year project, the AAA, aimed to make something that could benefit everyone, as the intention was to create something cost-effective and simple enough to be made at home. For my fourth-year project, however, I wanted to do something different, and that's when I came across a new subject, YYY, that piqued my interest. I have published my research paper on 'MMM’.

Working at NNN for more than seven months has given me the confidence to work in a fast-paced business environment. However, I've faced various roadblocks and unexpected problems throughout my time. Owing to the voids that I had noticed in my prospects, I felt a need to upgrade my knowledge and skills through an advanced training program that furnishes me with the nuances of business analytics at a global scale while nourishing my overall understanding of intricacies in the corporate world and hone my managerial skills.

After extensive deliberation to find the best coursework and modules that fit my expected learning outcomes, I narrowed it down to AAA from the esteemed KKK University. The curriculum of this program has been curated, specifically keeping in mind the persisting industry trends and foreseeing the potential practices the global marketplace might adapt to. On the one hand, the PGP certification in LLL will gear me to form a solid grounding in statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and text mining, whereas the MBA. On the other hand, it will allow me to prosper in a complex business setting. The latter will imbue the ability to ascertain the current market economy and how my technical knowledge will help me, as a leader, to solve complex business challenges in the future.

The concepts I grab from the well-structured curriculum of the program at KKK University will enable me to lay the foundation for a thriving career in leading multinational conglomerates as a crucial part of the core decision-making body. After completing my master's, I plan to engage in IT as a business analyst and integrate the knowledge gained into real-time practice to solve complex problems. Years later, I look forward to embarking on an entrepreneurial journey and establishing a consultancy business, rendering quality services to clients worldwide.

I am incredibly excited at the prospect of studying at an esteemed institution like KKK University, which is acclaimed among the top-rated universities globally in Canada for student experience. The mentorships from the award-winning renowned faculty base at KKK University, along with multiple skill-enhancing programs and workshops, are some of the significant factors that enthralled me. I am also highly impressed by the intellectual diversity of the institution, with professors and students from over 100 countries bringing their combined perspectives to one place. This will be a thrilling experience as I will build a strong network of professionals and industry leaders to exchange our ideologies, knowledge, and experiences.

The opportunity to pursue a master's program at KKK University would elevate my skills. My academic training will prepare me to pursue a challenging and fulfilling career in the field of my interest. I hope the University will consider my application favorably.

SOP encapsulates the applicant’s strengths, career goals, academics, and research interests; in contrast, a Personal Statement details the applicant’s personal motivation for choosing the program. Both SOP and Personal Statements have their own goals. As an applicant, you need to ensure to impress the admission committee with an SOP or Personal Statement.

To comprehend the in-depth difference between both statements, read here .

In conclusion, an effective SOP format is a crucial element in crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose. It serves as the blueprint that guides the narrative flow, ensuring that the content is not only well-structured and coherent but also engaging and impactful. A well-formatted SOP helps to present the applicant's story, qualifications, and aspirations in a clear, concise manner, making a strong impression on the admissions committee. As applicants prepare their SOPs, adhering to a thoughtful format is key to successfully conveying their unique voice, experiences, and motivations. It's this strategic combination of content and format that transforms an SOP from a mere application requirement into a persuasive and memorable introduction to the candidate’s potential and fit for the program.

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How to give a final polish to my SOP?

Once you have written down your SOP, double-check the document for grammatical and careless mistakes. Your next step should be finding someone who can analyze your essay and spot errors. Check your SOP through the eyes of the admission panel and look for what you are lacking. For more corrections, you can ask your friends and family members to read and react to the SOP. Accordingly, make some changes and modify your format. In the end, you can look out for spacing errors and save the final application.

How to write a perfect SOP that could win the heart of an academic committee?

Making your SOP stand out from the heaps of applications is not an easy task. Ensure to write a compelling introduction of your SOP, including the anecdote that motivated you to pursue the course. Moreover, mention what motivated you to pursue the course and choose the university. Apart from these key elements, do not miss out on mentioning your projects/research work in tandem with your professional and academic background.

What is the difference between SOP and motivational letters?

The Statement of Purpose is almost the same as a Motivation Letter. Both are often referred to as the same thing, but there is a thin line of difference. The letter of motivation is written specifically to help the admission department understand your objectives and career goals related to the course and your future plans. It is generally short and factual. On the other hand, the SOP can include personal details about your past learning experiences, anecdotes, and how they connect with your current plans. It can be more detailed and longer than the letter of motivation.

Can an impressive SOP help to avail scholarships?

Students seeking to avail of merit or need-based scholarships need to write a different SOP. To be selected for the scholarship, their SOP will make a difference. For need-based scholarships, they need to focus on their financial condition and the zeal to pursue the course. Whereas, in the case of merit-based scholarships, they need to structure their SOP around their academic achievements and what makes them the right fit for the university.

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself.

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission.

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important!

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do.

Ryan Nouis, Trupath

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Important Dates

Application Opens: April 15, 2024
Application Deadline: June 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET
HILS Preview Weekend: September 26-28, 2024

Please read the program description, eligibility criteria, and application instructions before beginning your application.

Program Description

The goal of the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) Preview Weekend is to provide an in-person academic professional development and community building experience for prospective HILS PhD program applicants who have not previously had the opportunity to visit Harvard and become familiar with its programs and resources. Core to the mission of the HILS Preview Weekend is the promotion of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in STEM.

At the HILS Preview Weekend, participants will:

connect and network with HILS PhD program students, staff, and faculty
gain insights into the application process and how to prepare a strong application for HILS PhD programs
learn about resources, support, and the life sciences research environment at Harvard
explore the city of Boston.

Lodging, airfare, and all meals are covered for HILS Preview Weekend participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

US citizens, permanent residents, or non-US citizens with DACA
individuals who will be applying to PhD programs in the life sciences in 2024
must be available to attend the entire in-person program.

Individuals ineligible for the HILS Preview Weekend include those:

who have participated in summer research, postbaccalaureate, or other outreach programs at Harvard, its affiliated hospitals and/or institutes
who are current or former research assistants or master's students at Harvard or its affiliated institutes.

Please note that applications that do not meet these eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Who Should Apply?

college seniors, postbaccalaureate students, research assistants, master's students, and STEM professionals

Individuals with:

a demonstrated interest in pursuing a PhD in the life sciences
a strong interest in HILS PhD programs
prior hands-on research experience in a wet lab or dry lab environment.

We especially encourage applications from students who are from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds (see also NOT-OD-20-031 ). Applications are open to all, and HILS does not consider race, ethnicity, or national origin in reviewing applications.

Application Components

The HILS Preview Weekend application consists of the following components:

personal, academic, and research background
unofficial transcripts
statement of purpose – see instructions below
personal statement – see instructions below
a letter of recommendation (from a faculty member in whose laboratory you have performed research) – see instructions below
resume – see instructions below
Note: There is no application fee for the HILS Preview Weekend.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Stay tuned for the launch of the application!

Statement of Purpose (750 words max)

Your statement of purpose should be clear, concise, and coherent, including all of the following components.

Describe your reasons and motivations for participating in the HILS Preview Weekend and pursuing a PhD in your chosen field(s), including how you will benefit from the HILS Preview Weekend.
Briefly indicate your career objectives.
the central question and/or hypothesis driving each of your research projects or research experiences
key methods, results, and conclusions
your specific experimental and intellectual contributions to the work.

Your statement should be free from spelling or grammatical errors, well structured with transitions, labeled with your first and last name, and comprehensible for someone who is not an expert in your field. Please upload your statement of purpose as a PDF.

Personal Statement (500 words max)

A core part of the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community. We are committed to training individuals who reflect the growing diversity of society today and who will contribute to our commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. Please briefly describe your personal journey to graduate education and how your experiences have impacted your decision to pursue graduate study. In addition, please describe any personal experiences in your education or upbringing—including opportunities, hardships, or obstacles—that you believe to be pertinent to your application.

Letter of Recommendation

Please have a faculty member in whose lab you have conducted research submit a letter of recommendation for you, describing and discussing (1) your work in their laboratory, (2) academic performance, (3) intellectual potential, (4) motivation for graduate study, (5) creativity and originality, and (6) other qualities that make you a strong candidate for PhD programs in the life sciences.

Note: You are responsible for ensuring that the faculty member writing your letter of recommendation submits it by the application deadline. Applications without a letter of recommendation will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Resume (1-2 pages)

Your resume should include a brief overview of the following elements, as applicable: your relevant education, research experience, laboratory skills, teaching experience, presentations, publications, honors and awards, and relevant leadership, outreach, and extracurricular activities. Resumes that are longer than two pages will not be reviewed.

Create your Europass CV

The Europass CV builder makes it easy to create your CV online. You can use it to apply for a job, education or training opportunities as well as volunteering.

The best-known CV format in Europe

The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions.

You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few clicks. Just select which information you want to include, pick your favourite design and Europass will do the rest.

You can create, store and share CVs in 31 languages . You can download your Europass CV, store it in your Europass Library share it with employers, with EURES or other job boards.

How to create a good CV

Remember that your CV is your first opportunity to communicate your skills and experiences to a future employer. It is a snapshot of who you are, your skills, your educational background, work experiences and other achievements.

Present your experience clearly

Highlight examples of your skills and experiences matching the job you are applying for. Pay close attention to the details published in the vacancy notice.

Tailor your CV

Make sure you update the ‘About Me’ section to highlight why you are the best person for the job. Do not include a full detailed history. Focus on facts and main points that match the job you have in mind.

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Medicare plans can now cover Wegovy for patients at risk of heart disease

Yuki Noguchi

Carmel Wroth

Wegovy, a semaglutide medication, will be covered by Medicare. George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images hide caption

Wegovy, a semaglutide medication, will be covered by Medicare.

For the first time, Medicare will allow coverage of one of the new blockbuster weight-loss drugs for enrollees in Part D plans.

The plans may now cover Wegovy when prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, according to a new policy issued this week from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist, a class of obesity drugs promising a sea change in weight loss. They act on hormones and the brain to drastically reduce appetite, among other things.

But Medicare is prohibited from paying for weight-loss treatments so seniors have had to pay out of pocket for the drugs or use supplemental insurance. In early March, the Food and Drug Administration expanded the approval of Wegovy to say the drug can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease and either overweight or obesity.

In clinical trials, Wegovy was found to reduce risks of cardiovascular events by 20% in higher weight patients.

That finding prompted CMS to change its Medicare Part D drug program to cover Wegovy, although it noted that this applies only for those patients struggling with both weight and heart disease. In other words, the injections, which can cost well over $1,000 a month out of pocket, will not be covered for enrollees only seeking to lose weight.

The new guidance also applies to state Medicaid plans, which also would be required to cover Wegovy for patients with both higher weight and heart disease risk.

Obesity doctor Angela Fitch says that the move to cover it even for a limited subset of patients is still significant. She's president of the Obesity Medicine Association, a group that advocates for treatment.

"It's certainly a big step forward, compared to no coverage at all," she says. "At least now we'll have coverage for those people who have a known history of heart disease," she says. "So hopefully that will trickle down into covering it for everybody with overweight and obesity."

And, Fitch notes, Medicare sets the standard for coverage in insurance generally, so this move could ultimately affect more patients. "My hope would be that commercial insurance would follow."

In a statement, a CMS spokesperson said: "CMS is committed to ensuring that people have access to treatments and treatment options that improve health outcomes."

The Medicare guidance could also expand the use of other similar medicines. It states that anti-obesity medications that receive FDA approval for an additional condition other than weight-management alone, can be considered a Part D drug for that specific use. For example, if one of the drugs receives FDA approval to treat diabetes or prevent cardiovascular disease, Medicare part D plans may cover it for that use.

However CMS specified they may also require prior authorizations to ensure that is being used only for the approved use.

In a statement, Wegovy's maker Novo Nordisk said it was "encouraged" by the new guidance from CMS but said it hopes to see Part D coverage expanded for "obesity medicines when used for chronic weight management."

The drug maker is among those pushing for Congress to expand coverage of treatments for obesity.

semaglutide
heart disease

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NTSB investigators work on the cargo vessel Dali, which struck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Baltimore

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CARGO SHIP DALI AND ITS STRANDED CREW

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HOW WILL THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IMPACT THE BALTIMORE PORT?

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Writing by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Steve Gorman, Daniel Wallis and Bill Berkrot

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Thomson Reuters

Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

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Operation by IBAMA against illegal mining in Yanomami Indigenous land

IMAGES

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50 Statement Of Purpose Examples (Graduate School, MBA, PhD) ᐅ
Amazing Cover Letter Sample For Master Degree Template Cv Creative Word
2018 Professional Cover Letter Templates

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COMMENTS

Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What's the Difference?
The statement of purpose is your ticket to showcasing academic prowess and research aspirations to admissions committees. In contrast, the cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate to a potential employer how your past experiences and skills make you the ideal candidate for a specific job opening.
Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]
Differences. The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and ...
How To Write a Statement of Purpose
Include experience and professional achievement. Discuss your professional goals and interests and how they relate to the college. 1. Introduce yourself. Begin your college statement of purpose by introducing yourself. Include a brief description of who you are including your academic and professional background.
Cover Letters & Personal Statements
Sample Cover Letter; Cover Letter Tips; Other Sample Correspondence- references, thank-notes, letters of inquiry, etc. Personal statements. Graduate and professional schools often require some sort of written statement as a part of the application. The terminology differs but may include "statement of purpose," "personal statement," "letter of ...
Statement of Purpose vs. Cover Letter: Understanding the Differences
A Cover Letter, unlike a Statement of Purpose, is a concise document that accompanies your application and introduces you to the admissions committee. While the SOP focuses on your academic journey, the Cover Letter provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and suitability for the program.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document that typically forms a key part of a successful job application, and candidates use it to introduce themselves to an employer. This introductory letter should influence a hiring manager to learn more about the applicant through their other documents. Key components in the cover letter include a statement of interest ...
Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference
With that important caveat aside, here are the distinctions for what are most commonly called the "statement of purpose" and the "personal statement:" Statement of Purpose. Think of the statement of purpose like a cover letter. You might start off with something autobiographical or anecdotal, but most of the essay should be about your ...
How to Write a Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose (also known as a statement of intent or motivation letter) is your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your motivation, skills and potential. It should: Outline your academic or professional interests and goals. Discuss relevant skills, experience and achievements. Demonstrate why you'd be a good fit for ...
How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
1. Brainstorm your ideas. First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains: "Throughout the application process, you're afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them.
Writing the Statement of Purpose: General Advice
The Statement of Purpose exists to allow applicants to convey something personal about themselves and to convince the Faculty making the admissions selection that the applicant is an especially attractive candidate. " The Statement of Purpose should not relate a life story or flatter either the applicant or intended readers.
20 Statement of Purpose Examples & Templates (Word
Statement of Purpose Outline Template. Introduction. 1.1 Briefly introduce yourself: [Your Name, Your Profession or Current Status] 1.2 Indicate why you are writing this statement of purpose: [Specific Purpose, e.g. applying for a job, graduate program, research grant, etc.]
What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?
The main purpose of a cover letter is to fill in the gaps in your resume, and give hiring managers a deeper insight into your professional background. The best cover letters act as an effective marketing tool, and the product being marketed is you. According to a recent Resume Genius survey, 68% of hiring managers view cover letters as ...
5 Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples (And Tips)
5 Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples (And Tips) Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD. Updated March 27, 2023. If you're planning on attending a graduate program to increase your knowledge or stay competitive within your industry, it's beneficial to understand the documents that graduate school applications may require.
How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose
Create a Resume and Cover Letter; Prepare for Interviews and Career Fairs; Get Experience and Get Hired. Join a Student Club; Work On-Campus; ... Share This: Share How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose on Facebook Share How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose on LinkedIn Share How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose on X; Copy Link;
Cover Letter vs. Personal Statement
A cover letter essentially needs to do two things. The first is that it needs to establish your qualifications for the position. The second is that it needs to explain why you would be an asset to the company. One of the biggest mistakes that people often make with a cover letter is regarding the second point.
Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement
The statement of purpose is perhaps the most important, and most challenging, element of your application packet. This letter needs to reflect who you are and why you would be an asset to the program you are applying to. It needs to make you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants and yet stay within the genre-based expectations for a ...
Difference Between Statement Of Purpose & Cover Letter
A Statement of Purpose is a type of cover letter for all of the documents needed to be relevant for graduate school. It requires to be written concisely and competitive. A cover letter associates your resume with the job you are applying for. A Statement of Purpose is a concise essay, normally about 2500 words in length. In this essay, you get ...
7 Successful Statement of Purpose Examples • PrepScholar GRE
A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master's degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally ...
How to Write a Purpose Statement in 8 Steps (With Examples)
This statement describes the company's purpose and intentions. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you write an effective purpose statement: 1. Establish a committee. You can benefit from developing a team of individuals from various company departments. This ensures the company's purpose statement encompasses the perspectives of many ...
Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples
Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter. 1. Personalize Your Approach: Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible. Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine ...
SOP (Statement of Purpose): Format, Samples, and Tips
1. Ponder. The first step of the process of drafting a statement of purpose is to think about the varied aspects of your candidature that you should mention in it. The mandatory inclusions of an SOP are academic achievements (especially at the undergraduate level), prior work exposure or volunteering experiences.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Usually, an SOP is two pages long, written in 12-point fonts, and double-spaced. Depending upon the size and type of font used, you can write 800-1000 words. 3. The complete SOP lies between 5-7 paragraphs of 150-250 words each. 4. You should keep your SOP simple and avoid using colorful text and images.
How To Write a Cover Letter with Examples
Tell Your Story. A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet.
Is cover letter another name for the statement of purpose for a PhD
Instead, most of the times they ask for a cover letter. I've been told that cover letters should describe what you have done, what you are currently doing and your future plans. They should also be personalized to the university you are applying to. The description looks similar to the statement of purpose. Are they both the same thing?
HILS Preview Weekend
Statement of Purpose (750 words max) Your statement of purpose should be clear, concise, and coherent, including all of the following components. Describe your reasons and motivations for participating in the HILS Preview Weekend and pursuing a PhD in your chosen field(s), including how you will benefit from the HILS Preview Weekend.
Create your Europass CV
The best-known CV format in Europe. The Europass CV is one of the best-known CV formats in Europe. It is easy-to-use and familiar to employers and education institutions. You will first have to create your Europass profile with information on your education, training, work experience and skills. After you complete your Europass profile, you can create as many CVs as you want with just a few ...
2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline (Updated March 14
We would like to provide you with an important update regarding the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®) process. This Electronic Announcement provides further details regarding aid eligibility and the post-processing experience for students, institutions, state higher education agencies, and scholarship organizations.
Medicare Part D can cover Wegovy now for preventing heart disease
The plans may now cover Wegovy when prescribed to prevent heart attacks and strokes, according to a new policy issued this week from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Wegovy is a GLP ...
Baltimore bridge collapse: What happened and what is the death toll
After the bridge collapse in 2007 in Minnesota, Congress allocated $250 million. Initial estimates put the cost of rebuilding the bridge at $600 million, according to economic analysis company ...

Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Basics

What is a Cover Letter?

Key Differences between Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter

Importance in Application Processes

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Additional Considerations

Final Thoughts: Sealing Your Academic and Professional Journey

Additional Resources

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

What is a Personal Statement?

What is a Cover Letter?

When is Each Used?

Similarities

Differences

Cover Letter Examples

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Personal Statement Examples

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Statement of Purpose vs. Cover Letter: Understanding the Differences and How to Write Them Effectively

Understanding the Differences

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference

Statement of Purpose

A strong statement of purpose should:

Here are some tips for writing an effective statement of purpose:

Personal Statement

A strong personal statement should:

Some tips for writing an effective personal statement:

Have a language expert improve your writing

How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example

Table of contents

Academic and personal background

Characteristics and personality

Academic experience

Professional experience

Academic motivations

Professional motivations

Stay focused

Think about your structure

Add meaning to your resume

Revise, edit, proofread

Checklist: Statement of purpose

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

What is a statement of purpose?

How long should a statement of purpose be?

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

2. Develop an outline.

3. Write the first draft.

4. Edit and refine your work.

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Writing the Statement of Purpose: General Advice

Applying to Graduate Schools in the US: The Statement of Purpose

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Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

Professionally, statements of purpose answer two questions for the committee.

Personally, statements of purpose also answer two questions for the committee.