PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

It’s almost time to submit Fall applications for programs next year 😬

I’ve been chatting with a good friend who’s been working on his Statement of Purpose and stressing out no doubt, when a few questions came up that I thought best to answer here! 

  • What to include

    • First talk about yourself a little, your background, your culture, and how it’s influenced your interests. The school wants to know about YOU, what sets you apart, and how your experiences have led you to this next step. Next, include relevant professional experience you’ve had in the field. Something like, “The work I have completed in assessments, program evaluation, and most recently program management, has provided me with the background knowledge needed to pursue a degree at this level. My purpose for pursuing a Ph.D. is to further dedicate myself to fostering an equitable public education system by learning from accomplished faculty who make meaningful contributions to education...” State your purpose clearly, don’t make it hard to find, say what you would like to learn, and later what you plan to do with your degree upon completion. Talk about your previous graduate school experience, what did you do, and what would you like to build on in a Ph.D. program? Next, list the professors you would like to work with and what you like to learn from them. For example, “The professor whose interests particularly coincide with mine is Dr. _________. I am particularly interested in their work on school reform stages and systematic change that improves equitable outcomes for students historically underserved by public school systems…” Lastly, you can end with a short paragraph explaining what you’d like to do with your degree. Where do you envision yourself working, or what would you like to teach? Be specific, you want to know if they believe the program can help you reach your ultimate goal.

    • The biggest things to remember are to be clear, concise, and passionate. Answer questions directly and convey your genuine interest and excitement. Use your personal experience and perspective to express what sets you apart and makes you an ideal candidate for this program.

  • How to talk about yourself

    • I started my statement of purpose off by stating, “As an African American woman and education professional, I am aware of the issues that many minority students face in public education…” I got right to stating who I am and how my identity is connected to my focus area as a researcher and potential Ph.D. student. Your identity may not be as closely related to your Ph.D. work but you still want to make yourself known, and know that your identity is always an asset regardless of what industry you’re in. It shapes how you see the world, and your individual perspective is what matters here. You are tasked with answering the question, what are you bringing to the table that is different than your peers? Of course we are more than our culture, race, color of our skin, etc, but we should feel empowered to express how those things have attributed to who we are.

  • How to talk about professors you’d like to work with

    • Mention them specifically, say what about their work interests you. Mention no more than 3 professors, it shows that you’ve put some thought into it and that you’re paying close attention to whose work closely aligns with your own. Odds are not many professors will align to exactly what you want to do, and if you’re writing more than 3 names down it may look as though you’re unfocused or lacking a clear vision for your Ph.D. work.

  • Who should read it?

    • Lastly, do NOT let more than 2 (3 tops) people read your statement of purpose. You’re going to be getting revisions and if you let too many people give you feedback it can get overwhelming very fast. Remember quality over quantity! I suggest you ask one former or current professor who has read statement’s of purpose and evaluated potential students for admission before, and a colleague whose writing skills you trust and/or admire. The colleague will be able to give you feedback about grammar and flow, while the professor will be able to give you feedback on the substance of your writing. Both are important, and you really don’t need much more than that. I certainly wouldn’t have more than 3 readers tops!

You are going to want to sweat over every word or sentence until the very end, but know that at some point it will be done and you will submit! 

Make sure at the end of the day it’s a piece of writing you feel good about and something that represents you well! 

Feel free to share any thoughts or questions.

Happy Writing! ⌨️

Erica M.