![statement of purpose research Status.net](https://status.net/articles/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/logo.png)
![](http://rss3.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
9 Examples: How to Write a Purpose Statement
By Status.net Editorial Team on September 30, 2023 — 15 minutes to read
- Key Elements of a Purpose Statement Part 1
- How to Write a Purpose Statement Step-by-Step Part 2
- Identifying Your Goals Part 3
- Defining Your Audience Part 4
- Outlining Your Methods Part 5
- Stating the Expected Outcomes Part 6
- Purpose Statement Example for a Research Paper Part 7
- Purpose Statement Example For Personal Goals Part 8
- Purpose Statement Example For Business Objectives Part 9
- Purpose Statement Example For an Essay Part 10
- Purpose Statement Example For a Proposal Part 11
- Purpose Statement Example For a Report Part 12
- Purpose Statement Example For a Project Part 13
- Purpose Statement Templates Part 14
A purpose statement is a vital component of any project, as it sets the tone for the entire piece of work. It tells the reader what the project is about, why it’s important, and what the writer hopes to achieve.
Part 1 Key Elements of a Purpose Statement
When writing a purpose statement, there are several key elements that you should keep in mind. These elements will help you to create a clear, concise, and effective statement that accurately reflects your goals and objectives.
1. The Problem or Opportunity
The first element of a purpose statement is the problem or opportunity that you are addressing. This should be a clear and specific description of the issue that you are trying to solve or the opportunity that you are pursuing.
2. The Target Audience
The second element is the target audience for your purpose statement. This should be a clear and specific description of the group of people who will benefit from your work.
3. The Solution
The third element is the solution that you are proposing. This should be a clear and specific description of the action that you will take to address the problem or pursue the opportunity.
4. The Benefits
The fourth element is the benefits that your solution will provide. This should be a clear and specific description of the positive outcomes that your work will achieve.
5. The Action Plan
The fifth element is the action plan that you will follow to implement your solution. This should be a clear and specific description of the steps that you will take to achieve your goals.
Part 2 How to Write a Purpose Statement Step-by-Step
Writing a purpose statement is an essential part of any research project. It helps to clarify the purpose of your study and provides direction for your research. Here are some steps to follow when writing a purpose statement:
- Start with a clear research question: The first step in writing a purpose statement is to have a clear research question. This question should be specific and focused on the topic you want to research.
- Identify the scope of your study: Once you have a clear research question, you need to identify the scope of your study. This involves determining what you will and will not include in your research.
- Define your research objectives: Your research objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be aligned with your research question and the scope of your study.
- Determine your research design: Your research design will depend on the nature of your research question and the scope of your study. You may choose to use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach.
- Write your purpose statement: Your purpose statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes the purpose of your study. It should include your research question, the scope of your study, your research objectives, and your research design.
Research question: What are the effects of social media on teenage mental health?
Scope of study: This study will focus on teenagers aged 13-18 in the United States.
Research objectives: To determine the prevalence of social media use among teenagers, to identify the types of social media used by teenagers, to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health, and to provide recommendations for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
Research design: This study will use a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews with teenagers and mental health professionals.
Purpose statement: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social media on teenage mental health among teenagers aged 13-18 in the United States. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and interviews with teenagers and mental health professionals. The research objectives are to determine the prevalence of social media use among teenagers, to identify the types of social media used by teenagers, to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health, and to provide recommendations for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
Part 3 Section 1: Identifying Your Goals
Before you start writing your purpose statement, it’s important to identify your goals. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I want to achieve?
- What problem do I want to solve?
- What impact do I want to make?
Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can start crafting your purpose statement. Your purpose statement should be a clear and concise statement that outlines the purpose of your work.
For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a business, your statement might look something like this:
“Our purpose is to provide high-quality products and services that improve the lives of our customers and contribute to the growth and success of our company.”
If you’re writing a purpose statement for a non-profit organization, your statement might look something like this:
“Our purpose is to improve the lives of underserved communities by providing access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.”
Remember, your purpose statement should be specific, measurable, and achievable. It should also be aligned with your values and goals, and it should inspire and motivate you to take action.
Part 4 Section 2: Defining Your Audience
Once you have established the purpose of your statement, it’s important to consider who your audience is. The audience for your purpose statement will depend on the context in which it will be used. For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a research paper, your audience will likely be your professor or academic peers. If you’re writing a purpose statement for a business proposal, your audience may be potential investors or clients.
Defining your audience is important because it will help you tailor your purpose statement to the specific needs and interests of your readers. You want to make sure that your statement is clear, concise, and relevant to your audience.
To define your audience, consider the following questions:
- Who will be reading your purpose statement?
- What is their level of knowledge or expertise on the topic?
- What are their needs and interests?
- What do they hope to gain from reading your purpose statement?
Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can begin to craft your purpose statement with their needs and interests in mind. This will help ensure that your statement is effective in communicating your goals and objectives to your readers.
For example, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a research paper on the effects of climate change on agriculture, your audience may be fellow researchers in the field of environmental science. In this case, you would want to make sure that your purpose statement is written in a way that is clear and concise, using technical language that is familiar to your audience.
Or, if you’re writing a purpose statement for a business proposal to potential investors, your audience may be less familiar with the technical aspects of your project. In this case, you would want to make sure that your purpose statement is written in a way that is easy to understand, using clear and concise language that highlights the benefits of your proposal.
The key to defining your audience is to put yourself in their shoes and consider what they need and want from your purpose statement.
Part 5 Section 3: Outlining Your Methods
After you have identified the purpose of your statement, it is time to outline your methods. This section should describe how you plan to achieve your goal and the steps you will take to get there. Here are a few tips to help you outline your methods effectively:
- Start with a general overview: Begin by providing a brief overview of the methods you plan to use. This will give your readers a sense of what to expect in the following paragraphs.
- Break down your methods: Break your methods down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it easier for you to stay organized and for your readers to follow along.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points can help you organize your ideas and make your methods easier to read. Use them to list the steps you will take to achieve your goal.
- Be specific: Make sure you are specific about the methods you plan to use. This will help your readers understand exactly what you are doing and why.
- Provide examples: Use examples to illustrate your methods. This will make it easier for your readers to understand what you are trying to accomplish.
Part 6 Section 4: Stating the Expected Outcomes
After defining the problem and the purpose of your research, it’s time to state the expected outcomes. This is where you describe what you hope to achieve by conducting your research. The expected outcomes should be specific and measurable, so you can determine if you have achieved your goals.
It’s important to be realistic when stating your expected outcomes. Don’t make exaggerated or false claims, and don’t promise something that you can’t deliver. Your expected outcomes should be based on your research question and the purpose of your study.
Here are some examples of expected outcomes:
- To identify the factors that contribute to employee turnover in the company.
- To develop a new marketing strategy that will increase sales by 20% within the next year.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a new training program for improving customer service.
- To determine the impact of social media on consumer behavior.
When stating your expected outcomes, make sure they align with your research question and purpose statement. This will help you stay focused on your goals and ensure that your research is relevant and meaningful.
In addition to stating your expected outcomes, you should also describe how you will measure them. This could involve collecting data through surveys, interviews, or experiments, or analyzing existing data from sources such as government reports or industry publications.
Part 7 Purpose Statement Example for a Research Paper
If you are writing a research paper, your purpose statement should clearly state the objective of your study. Here is an example of a purpose statement for a research paper:
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of social media on the mental health of teenagers in the United States.
This purpose statement clearly states the objective of the study and provides a specific focus for the research.
Part 8 Purpose Statement Example For Personal Goals
When writing a purpose statement for your personal goals, it’s important to clearly define what you want to achieve and why. Here’s a template that can help you get started:
“I want to [goal] so that [reason]. I will achieve this by [action].”
Example: “I want to lose 10 pounds so that I can feel more confident in my body. I will achieve this by going to the gym three times a week and cutting out sugary snacks.”
Remember to be specific and realistic when setting your goals and actions, and to regularly review and adjust your purpose statement as needed.
Part 9 Purpose Statement Example For Business Objectives
If you’re writing a purpose statement for a business objective, this template can help you get started:
[Objective] [Action verb] [Target audience] [Outcome or benefit]
Here’s an example using this template:
Increase online sales by creating a more user-friendly website for millennial shoppers.
This purpose statement is clear and concise. It identifies the objective (increase online sales), the action verb (creating), the target audience (millennial shoppers), and the outcome or benefit (a more user-friendly website).
Part 10 Purpose Statement Example For an Essay
“The purpose of this essay is to examine the causes and consequences of climate change, with a focus on the role of human activities, and to propose solutions that can mitigate its impact on the environment and future generations.”
This purpose statement clearly states the subject of the essay (climate change), what aspects will be explored (causes, consequences, human activities), and the intended outcome (proposing solutions). It provides a clear roadmap for the reader and sets the direction for the essay.
Part 11 Purpose Statement Example For a Proposal
“The purpose of this proposal is to secure funding and support for the establishment of a community garden in [Location], aimed at promoting sustainable urban agriculture, fostering community engagement, and improving local access to fresh, healthy produce.”
Why this purpose statement is effective:
- The subject of the proposal is clear: the establishment of a community garden.
- The specific goals of the project are outlined: promoting sustainable urban agriculture, fostering community engagement, and improving local access to fresh produce.
- The overall objective of the proposal is evident: securing funding and support.
Part 12 Purpose Statement Example For a Report
“The purpose of this report is to analyze current market trends in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, assess consumer preferences and buying behaviors, and provide strategic recommendations to guide [Company Name] in entering this growing market segment.”
- The subject of the report is provided: market trends in the electric vehicle industry.
- The specific goals of the report are analysis of market trends, assessment of consumer preferences, and strategic recommendations.
- The overall objective of the report is clear: providing guidance for the company’s entry into the EV market.
Part 13 Purpose Statement Example For a Project
“The purpose of this project is to design and implement a new employee wellness program that promotes physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace.”
This purpose statement clearly outlines the objective of the project, which is to create a new employee wellness program. The program is designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the workplace, which is a key concern for many employers. By implementing this program, the company aims to improve employee health, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity. The purpose statement is concise and specific, providing a clear direction for the project team to follow. It highlights the importance of the project and its potential benefits for the company and its employees.
Part 14 Purpose Statement Templates
When writing a purpose statement, it can be helpful to use a template to ensure that you cover all the necessary components:
Template 1: To [action] [target audience] in order to [outcome]
This template is a straightforward way to outline your purpose statement. Simply fill in the blanks with the appropriate information:
- The purpose of […] is
- To [action]: What action do you want to take?
- [Target audience]: Who is your target audience?
- In order to [outcome]: What outcome do you hope to achieve?
For example:
- The purpose of our marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness among young adults in urban areas, in order to drive sales and revenue growth.
- The purpose of our employee training program is to improve customer service skills among our frontline staff, in order to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- The purpose of our new product launch is to expand our market share in the healthcare industry, by offering a unique solution to the needs of elderly patients with chronic conditions.
Template 2: This [project/product] is designed to [action] [target audience] by [method] in order to [outcome].
This template is useful for purpose statements that involve a specific project or product. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate information:
- This [project/product]: What is your project or product?
- Is designed to [action]: What action do you want to take?
- By [method]: What method will you use to achieve your goal?
- This app is designed to provide personalized nutrition advice to athletes by analyzing their training data in order to optimize performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key elements of a purpose statement.
A purpose statement should clearly communicate the main goal or objective of your writing. It should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your work. The key elements of a purpose statement include the topic or subject matter, the intended audience, and the overall goal or objective of your writing.
How can a purpose statement benefit your writing?
A purpose statement can help you stay focused and on track when writing. It can also help you to avoid going off-topic or getting bogged down in unnecessary details. By clearly identifying the main goal or objective of your writing, a purpose statement can help you to stay organized and ensure that your writing is effective and impactful.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a purpose statement?
One common mistake is being too vague or general in your purpose statement. Another mistake is making your purpose statement too long or complex, which can make it difficult to understand. Additionally, it’s important to avoid including unnecessary information or details that are not directly relevant to your main goal or objective.
How can you tailor your purpose statement to your audience?
When writing a purpose statement, it’s important to consider your audience and their needs. You should tailor your purpose statement to your audience by using language and terminology that they will understand. You should also consider their level of knowledge or expertise on the subject matter and adjust your purpose statement accordingly.
What are some effective templates for writing a purpose statement?
There are many effective templates for writing a purpose statement, but one common approach is to use the following structure: “The purpose of this writing is to [insert goal or objective] for [insert audience] regarding [insert topic or subject matter].”
Can you provide examples of successful purpose statements?
- “The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the current market trends and make recommendations for future growth strategies for our company.”
- “The purpose of this essay is to explore the impact of social media on modern communication and its implications for society.”
- “The purpose of this proposal is to secure funding for a new community center that will provide educational and recreational opportunities for local residents.”
- 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
- 5 Examples: How to Write a Letter of Employment
- 6 Example Emails: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
- 2 Templates and Examples: Individual Development Plan
- 5 Effective Examples: How to Write a Two-Week Notice
- 3 Examples: Job Application Email (with Tips)
Have a language expert improve your writing
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
- 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
Table of contents
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.
You're on the way to a successful application. To maximize your chances of getting accepted, a Scribbr editor can help you improve your language, style, and structure.
If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.
College essays
- College essay examples
- College essay format
- College essay style
- College essay length
- Diversity essays
- Scholarship essays
Academic writing
- Writing process
- Avoiding repetition
- Literature review
- Conceptual framework
- Dissertation outline
- Thesis acknowledgements
- Burned or burnt
- Canceled or cancelled
- Dreamt or dreamed
- Gray or grey
- Theater vs theatre
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, June 01). How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/statement-of-purpose/
Is this article helpful?
Shona McCombes
Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
![statement of purpose research AD Center Site Banner](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/4266/images/NU_AppliedDoctoral.png)
- Section 1: Home
- Narrowing Your Topic
- Problem Statement
Purpose Statement Overview
Writing an effective purpose statement, best practices for writing your purpose statement, sample purpose statements.
- Conceptual Framework
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Synthesis and Analysis in Writing Support This link opens in a new window
- Qualitative Research Questions This link opens in a new window
- Quantitative Research Questions This link opens in a new window
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research Support with the ASC This link opens in a new window
- Library Research Consultations This link opens in a new window
- Library Guide: Research Process This link opens in a new window
- ASC Guide: Outlining and Annotating This link opens in a new window
- Library Guide: Organizing Research & Citations This link opens in a new window
- Library Guide: RefWorks This link opens in a new window
- Library Guide: Copyright Information This link opens in a new window
Purpose Statement
The purpose statement succinctly explains the objectives of the doctoral project or dissertation-in-practice. These objectives must directly address the problem. The purpose statement also identifies the project methodology and design.
A problem and a missing piece in combination can lead to different objectives, and hence, different purpose statements.
The purpose of the applied doctoral project or dissertation-in-practice must not only align with the problem and address a missing piece; it must also align with the chosen project method. In fact, the template requires you to name the research method at the very beginning of the purpose statement. In general, quantitative studies involve “closed-ended” research verbs such as determine, measure, correlate, explain, compare, validate, identify, or examine; whereas qualitative studies involve “open-ended” research verbs such as explore, understand, narrate, articulate [meanings], discover, or develop.
Qualitative Purpose Statement
A qualitative purpose statement following the color-coded problem statement (assumed here to be low well-being among financial sector employees) + missing piece (lack of research on followers of mid-level managers), might start like this:
In response to declining levels of employee well-being, the purpose of the qualitative phenomenology was to explore and understand the lived experiences related to the well-being of the followers of novice mid-level managers in the financial services industry. The levels of follower well-being have been shown to correlate to employee morale, turnover intention, and customer orientation (Eren et al., 2013). A combined framework of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory and the employee well-being concept informed the research questions and supported the inquiry, analysis, and interpretation of the findings to be applied in the financial services industry.
Quantitative Purpose Statement
A quantitative purpose statement for the same problem and gap might start like this:
In response to declining levels of employee well-being, the purpose of the quantitative correlational study was to determine which leadership factors predict employee well-being of the followers of novice mid-level managers to be applied in the financial services industry. Leadership factors were measured by the Leader Member Exchange (LMX) assessment framework by Mantlekow (2015), and employee well-being was conceptualized as a compound variable consisting of self-reported turnover-intent and psychological test scores from the Mental Health Survey (MHS) developed by Johns Hopkins University researchers.
Both of these purpose statements reflect viable research strategies and both align with the problem and gap so it’s up to the practitioner to design a doctoral project or dissertation-in-practice in a manner that reflects personal preferences and desired study outcomes. Note that the quantitative research purpose incorporates operationalized concepts, or variables; that reflect the way the practitioner intends to measure the key concepts under study; whereas the qualitative purpose statement isn’t about translating the concepts under study as variables but instead aim to explore and understand the core research phenomenon.
An important step in the successful completion of an Applied Doctoral Project/Dissertation in Practice is starting off with an accurate and precise purpose statement. Read through the information below to get some general ideas or guidelines related to effective purpose statements and how to compose them. All this information comes from faculty who want you to succeed in the process.
General Guidelines
Keep these in mind as you begin to compose your purpose statement
Good purpose statements:
- Flow from the problem statement and actually address the proposed problem
- Are concise and clear
- Answer the question ‘Why are you doing this project?’
- Match the methodology to your questions
- Have a ‘hook’ to get the reader’s attention
- Set the stage by clearly stating, “The purpose of this (qualitative or quantitative) study is to ...”
Writing your Purpose Statement:
- The Problem Statement is why I am doing the project or dissertation-in-practice
- The Purpose Statement is what type of project or study I am doing to fit or address the problem
The Purpose Statement includes:
- Design and Method of Study
- Specific Population
Creswell (2002) suggested that purpose statements in qualitative projects or studies include deliberate phrasing to alert the reader to the purpose statement. Verbs are key to indicate what will take place in the project or study research and the use of non-directional language that does not suggest an outcome. A purpose statement should focus on a single idea or concept with a broad definition of that idea or concept. How the concept will be investigated should also be included, as well as participants in the study and study locations to give the reader a sense of with whom and where the project or study will occur.
Creswell (2003) advised the following script for purpose statements in qualitative methodology:
“The purpose of this qualitative_________________ (strategy of inquiry, such as ethnography, case study, or other type) study is (was? will be?) to ________________ (understand? describe? develop? discover?) the _________________(central phenomenon being studied) for ______________ (the participants, such as the individual, groups, organization) at __________(site). At this stage in the project, the __________ (central phenomenon being studied) will be generally defined as ___________________ (provide a general definition)” (pg. 90).
Quantitative Purpose Statement
Creswell (2003) offers vast differences between the purpose statements written for qualitative methodology and those written for quantitative methodology, particularly with respect to language and the inclusion of variables. The comparison of variables is often a focus of quantitative methodology with the variables distinguishable by either the temporal order or how they are measured. As with qualitative purpose statements, Creswell (2003) recommends the use of deliberate language to alert the reader to the purpose of the project or study, though quantitative purpose statements also include the theory or conceptual framework guiding the project or study, the variables that are being studied, and how those variables are related.
Creswell (2003) suggests the following script for drafting purpose statements in quantitative projects:
“The purpose of this _____________________ (experiment? survey?) project is (was? will be?) to test the theory of _________________that _________________ (compares? relates?) the ___________(independent variable) to _________________________(dependent variable), controlling for _______________________ (control variables) for ___________________ (participants) at _________________________ (site). The independent variable(s) _____________________ will be generally defined as _______________________ (provide a general definition). The dependent variable(s) will be generally defined as _____________________ (provide a general definition), and the control and intervening variables(s), _________________ (identify the control and intervening variables) will be statistically controlled in this project” (pg. 97).
Creswell, J. (2002). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Merrill Prentice Hall. 7. Creswell, J. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Always keep in mind that the process is iterative, and your writing, over time, will be refined as clarity is gradually achieved. Most of the time, greater clarity for the purpose statement and other components is the result of a growing understanding of the literature in the field. As you increasingly master the literature you will also increasingly clarify the purpose of your project or study.
The purpose statement should flow directly from the problem statement. There should be clear and obvious alignment between the two, and that alignment will get tighter and more pronounced as your work progresses.
The purpose statement should specifically address the reason for conducting the project or study, with emphasis on the word specifically. There should not be any doubt in your readers’ minds as to the purpose of your project or study. To achieve this level of clarity, you will need to also ensure there is no doubt in your mind as to the purpose of your project or study.
You may benefit from stopping your work during the process when insight strikes you in order to write about that insight while it is still fresh in your mind. This pause can help you clarify all aspects of the project or study, including clarifying its purpose.
Your Chair and your committee members can help you to clarify the purpose of your project or dissertation-in-practice, so carefully attend to any feedback they offer.
The purpose statement should reflect the questions proposed and vice versa. The chain of alignment that began with the problem description and continues on to the purpose, questions, and methodology must be respected at all times during development. You are to succinctly describe the overarching goal of the project or dissertation-in-practice that reflects the questions. Each question narrows and focuses the purpose statement. Conversely, the purpose statement encompasses all of the questions.
Identify in the purpose statement the methodology as quantitative, qualitative or mixed (i.e., “The purpose of this [qualitative/quantitative/mixed] study is to ...)
Follow the initial declaration of purpose with a brief overview of how the project or study will be conducted, including instruments, data, with whom (sample), and where (as applicable). Identify variables/constructs and/or phenomenon/concept/idea. Since this section is to be a concise paragraph, emphasis must be placed on the word brief. However, adding these details will give your readers a very clear picture of the purpose of your project or dissertation-in-practice.
Developing the purpose section is usually not achieved in a single flash of insight. The process involves a great deal of reading to find out what other practitioners have done to address the problem you have identified. The purpose section could well be the most important paragraph you write during your academic career, and every word should be carefully selected. Think of it as the DNA of your project or study. Everything else you write should emerge directly and clearly from your purpose statement. In turn, your purpose statement should emerge directly and clearly from your problem description. It is good practice to print out your problem statement and purpose statement and keep them in front of you as you work on each part of your project or dissertation-in-practice in order to ensure alignment.
It is helpful to collect several project or dissertation-in-practice reports or literature similar to the one you envision creating. Extract the problem descriptions and purpose statements of other authors and compare them in order to sharpen your thinking about your own work. Comparing how other authors have handled the many challenges you are facing can be an invaluable exercise. Keep in mind that individual universities use their own tailored protocols for presenting key components, so your review of these purpose statements should focus on content rather than form.
Once your purpose statement is set, it must be consistently presented throughout the project or dissertation-in-practice. This consistency may require some recursive editing because the way you articulate your purpose may evolve as you work on various aspects of your project or dissertation-in-practice. Whenever you make an adjustment to your purpose statement, you should carefully follow up on the editing and conceptual ramifications throughout the entire document.
In establishing your purpose, you should NOT advocate for a particular outcome. Your review of the literature should be done to answer questions, not to prove a point. As a scholar-practitioner, you are to inquire with an open mind, and even when you come to the work with clear assumptions, your job is to support the validity of the conclusions reached. For example, you would not say the purpose of your project or study is to demonstrate that there is a relationship between two variables. Such a statement presupposes you know the answer before your review of the literature conducted and promotes or supports (advocates on behalf of) a particular outcome. A more appropriate purpose statement would be to examine or explore the relationship between two variables.
Your purpose statement should not imply that you are going to prove something. You may be surprised to learn that we cannot prove anything in scholarly review of the literature for two reasons. First, in quantitative analyses, statistical tests calculate the probability that something is true rather than establishing it as true. Second, in qualitative methodology, the study can only purport to describe what is occurring from the perspective of the participants. Whether or not the phenomenon they are describing is true in a larger context is not knowable. We cannot observe the phenomenon in all settings and in all circumstances.
Here are some example purpose statements for your consideration.
Purpose Statement 1
The purpose of this qualitative project was to determine how participation in service-learning in an alternative school impacted students academically, civically, and personally. There is ample evidence demonstrating the failure of schools for students at-risk; however, there is still a need to demonstrate why these students are successful in non-traditional educational programs like the service-learning model used at TDS. This study was unique in that it examined one alternative school’s approach to service-learning in a setting where students not only serve, but faculty serve as volunteer teachers. The use of a constructivist approach in service-learning in an alternative school setting was examined in an effort to determine whether service-learning participation contributes positively to academic, personal, and civic gain for students, and to examine student and teacher views regarding the overall outcomes of service-learning. This study was completed using an ethnographic approach that included observations, content analysis, and interviews with teachers at The David School.
Purpose Statement 2
The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional linear, multiple regression design study was to investigate the relationship among early childhood teachers’ self-reported assessment of multicultural awareness as measured by responses from the Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS) and supervisors’ observed assessment of teachers’ multicultural competency skills as measured by the Multicultural Teaching Competency Scale (MTCS) survey. Demographic data such as number of multicultural training hours, years teaching in Dubai, curriculum program at current school, and age were also examined and their relationship to multicultural teaching competency. The study took place in the emirate of Dubai where there were 14,333 expatriate teachers employed in private schools (KHDA, 2013b).
Purpose Statement 3
The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental project is to examine the degree to which stages of change, gender, acculturation level and trauma types predicts the reluctance of Arab refugees, aged 18 and over, in the Dearborn, MI area, to seek professional help for their mental health needs. This study will utilize four instruments to measure these variables: University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA: DiClemente & Hughes, 1990); Cumulative Trauma Scale (Kira, 2012); Acculturation Rating Scale for Arabic Americans-II Arabic and English (ARSAA-IIA, ARSAA-IIE: Jadalla & Lee, 2013), and a demographic survey. This study will examine 1) the relationship between stages of change, gender, acculturation levels, and trauma types and Arab refugees’ help-seeking behavior, 2) the degree to which any of these variables can predict Arab refugee help-seeking behavior. Additionally, the outcome of this study could provide researchers and clinicians with a stage-based model, TTM, for measuring Arab refugees’ help-seeking behavior and lay a foundation for how TTM can help target the clinical needs of Arab refugees. Lastly, this attempt to apply the TTM model to Arab refugees’ condition could lay the foundation for future research to investigate the application of TTM to clinical work among refugee populations.
Purpose Statement 4
The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological project is to describe the lived experiences of LLM for 10 EFL learners in rural Guatemala and to utilize that data to determine how it conforms to, or possibly challenges, current theoretical conceptions of LLM. In accordance with Morse’s (1994) suggestion that a phenomenological study should utilize at least six participants, this study utilized semi-structured interviews with 10 EFL learners to explore why and how they have experienced the motivation to learn English throughout their lives. The methodology of horizontalization was used to break the interview protocols into individual units of meaning before analyzing these units to extract the overarching themes (Moustakas, 1994). These themes were then interpreted into a detailed description of LLM as experienced by EFL students in this context. Finally, the resulting description was analyzed to discover how these learners’ lived experiences with LLM conformed with and/or diverged from current theories of LLM.
Purpose Statement 5
The purpose of this qualitative, embedded, multiple case project was to examine how both parent-child attachment relationships are impacted by the quality of the paternal and maternal caregiver-child interactions that occur throughout a maternal deployment, within the context of dual-military couples. In order to examine this phenomenon, an embedded, multiple case study was conducted, utilizing an attachment systems metatheory perspective. The study included four dual-military couples who experienced a maternal deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) when they had at least one child between 8 weeks-old to 5 years-old. Each member of the couple participated in an individual, semi-structured interview with the researcher and completed the Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (PRQ). “The PRQ is designed to capture a parent’s perspective on the parent-child relationship” (Pearson, 2012, para. 1) and was used within the proposed study for this purpose. The PRQ was utilized to triangulate the data (Bekhet & Zauszniewski, 2012) as well as to provide some additional information on the parents’ perspective of the quality of the parent-child attachment relationship in regards to communication, discipline, parenting confidence, relationship satisfaction, and time spent together (Pearson, 2012). The researcher utilized the semi-structured interview to collect information regarding the parents' perspectives of the quality of their parental caregiver behaviors during the deployment cycle, the mother's parent-child interactions while deployed, the behavior of the child or children at time of reunification, and the strategies or behaviors the parents believe may have contributed to their child's behavior at the time of reunification. The results of this project may be utilized by the military, and by civilian providers, to develop proactive and preventive measures that both providers and parents can implement, to address any potential adverse effects on the parent-child attachment relationship, identified through the proposed study. The results of this project may also be utilized to further refine and understand the integration of attachment theory and systems theory, in both clinical and research settings, within the field of marriage and family therapy.
Compiled by Dr. Darren Adamson, Department Chair, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- << Previous: Problem Statement
- Next: Alignment >>
- Last Updated: Apr 24, 2024 2:48 PM
- URL: https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=1013602
![statement of purpose research National University](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/3778/images/NU_Logo_White_Horizontal_RGB-crop.png)
© Copyright 2024 National University. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Consumer Information
Testimonials
Free Resources
PrepScholar GRE Prep
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?
![statement of purpose research puzzle-1020426_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/puzzle-1020426_640-300x300.jpg)
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.
Quick side note: we've created the world's leading online GRE prep program that adapts to you and your strengths and weaknesses. Not sure what to study? Confused by how to improve your score? We give you minute by minute guide.
You don't NEED a prep program to get a great GRE score. But we believe PrepScholar is the best GRE prep program available right now , especially if you find it hard to organize your study schedule and don't know what to study .
Click here to learn how you can improve your GRE score by 7 points, guaranteed .
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!
![statement of purpose research snake-947367_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/snake-947367_640-300x224.jpg)
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.
![statement of purpose research swan-2107052_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/swan-2107052_640-300x172.jpg)
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
![statement of purpose research Screen Shot 2017-03-13 at 7.31.42 PM](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-13-at-7.31.42-PM-300x32.png)
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
![statement of purpose research Screen Shot 2017-03-13 at 7.32.01 PM](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-13-at-7.32.01-PM-300x29.png)
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 research keyboard-instrument-436488_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/keyboard-instrument-436488_640-300x200.jpg)
- Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD
![statement of purpose research Screen Shot 2017-03-13 at 7.32.25 PM](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-13-at-7.32.25-PM-300x30.png)
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
![statement of purpose research Screen Shot 2017-03-13 at 7.32.39 PM](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-13-at-7.32.39-PM-300x29.png)
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.
![statement of purpose research books-2006000_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/books-2006000_640-300x189.png)
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)
Want to improve your GRE score by 7 points? We have the industry's leading GRE prep program. Built by world-class instructors with 99th percentile GRE scores , the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through machine learning data science, then customizes your prep program to you so you get the most effective prep possible.
Try our 5-day full access trial for free:
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.
![statement of purpose research frog-1446239_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/frog-1446239_640-300x138.jpg)
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.
![statement of purpose research deserted-1838313_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/deserted-1838313_640-300x225.jpg)
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.
![statement of purpose research water-1789461_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/water-1789461_640-300x200.jpg)
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.
Want to improve your GRE score by 7+ points?
Check out our best-in-class online GRE prep program . We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your GRE score by 7 points or more.
PrepScholar GRE is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses . We also feature 2,000 practice questions , official practice tests, 150 hours of interactive lessons, and 1-on-1 scoring and feedback on your AWA essays.
Check out our 5-day free trial now:
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.
![statement of purpose research rose-window-536376_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/rose-window-536376_640-300x300.jpg)
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.
![statement of purpose research cat-1950632_640](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/cat-1950632_640-300x225.jpg)
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
![statement of purpose research statement of purpose research](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/02/feature_cash-e1488250605610.png)
![statement of purpose research Galvanize Global Education](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Galvanize-logo-High-Res-1.png)
- Bachelor’s
- GRE Voucher Code
- TOEFL Discount Code
- Education Loan
- Forex & Air-Ticketing
- International Accommodation
- Pursuing an MBA in the United States [Ebook]
- Master’s Degree In New Zealand [Ebook]
- Biomedical Engineering
- Data science
- Masters in Computer Science
- Engineering Management in US & Canada
- Masters in Business Analytics
- MS in Computer Engineering
- Business Management in Europe Ebook
- Studying Business Management in Australia
- Comprehensive Guide to STEM Masters in Germany
- STEM Master’s in Australia
- STEM Master’s in UK
- STEM Masters in Ireland | Study in Ireland (Ebook)
- Test Preparation Resources
- Vocabulary App
- Testimonials
- Why Galvanize
- Press Release
Statement of Purpose | Format with Samples, Examples & templates(2023 Update)
![statement of purpose research Statement of Purpose 1 scaled](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Statement-of-Purpose-1-scaled.jpg)
The statement of purpose (SoP) is a short admission essay written as a part of your graduate school application. A well-written SoP increases your chances of admission to the program you desire. Simply, an SoP is a showcase of your qualities telling the admission committee why you deserve to get the admission.
The typical length of a Statement of Purpose is 1.5 pages and this aims to provides you the best opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. The universities abroad often ask for an SOP to understand the student in all aspects.
The statement of purpose, on the other hand, is an opportunity for you to –
Describe or talk about your general story, your narrative, why you’re here today, what choices did you have to make and in that way, set yourself apart from other applicants.
You have to make sure that your statement of purpose includes why you’re choosing this particular course or specialization and how your background or education, your internships, projects or experience backs up or further validates your case to specialize in this particular field.
FREE Profile Evaluation from Alumna of University of New Mexico, USA!
You also have to talk about what you plan to do once you get this Master’s from the University of your choice to what you want to do in your career afterward and how you plan on applying your knowledge and experience to further your career.
This is a gist of what you’re expected to talk about.
It’s also an opportunity for you to briefly explain any unique or weird looking stuff in your profile. For example, if your GPA is low, then you might want to explain that in your statement of purpose.
![statement of purpose research How to write a winning statement of pupose SOP](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/How-to-write-a-winning-statement-of-pupose-SOP-.jpg)
How do you do this?
You can do this by saying that you are the kind of person who can focus and work very well on topics that you’re passionate about, and it’s hard for you to focus on something that you aren’t fundamentally committed to.
You can explain that your GPA is low but in all the subjects related to your target area of specialization, you’ve done extremely well and that’s the kind of person you are.
So whatever exam you might have given i.e., GRE or TOEFL or IELTS , your Statement of purpose will make you stand out from other applicants.
![statement of purpose research Get the Top School Admits Now 3](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Get-the-Top-School-Admits-Now-3.png)
Difference between Statement of Purpose for Masters and Ph.D:
Generally, the main difference in writing a statement of purpose for MS and Ph.D. is in the way you present yourself especially with regards to research.
In an SOP for a Ph.D application, you need to talk more about your research, your research group and your contribution to the group. Here you can talk about the professor who inspired you and your experience with him. The reader of your statement of purpose will be more interested to know about the analytical skills you acquired which are critical for research in Ph.D programs. Talk about your thesis and the work that went into it.
Whereas in the statement of purpose for a Masters, your focus is on developing your skills through said Master’s program, not necessarily in creating new things/developing new knowledge through research. Talk about situations that highlight your good leadership and communication skills. Focus on writing about your goals, programs that will help in your career while writing an SOP for Masters.
Kick-start Your Admissions the right way. Start Now!
What is the importance of statement of purpose.
The statement of purpose is the only essay where you get the chance to write about yourself and make a difference from other applicants. The admission counselling can get an analysis of your background and how passionate you are to get an admit to the university. With a well-written statement of purpose, you can underplay your weaknesses and convince the committee to get the admission. This becomes easier when you understand the audience of your statement of purpose (admissions committee). An SOP is also a place where you can highlight your strengths and skills necessary for your academic and career excellence. It is very important for you to put your heart and passion for the program while writing a statement of purpose.
Components of a successful SOP
What are the contents of a successful Statement of Purpose for Graduate School?
Let’s look at it in a little more detail. For somebody who is in their undergrad, when you’re applying to universities, this is a template that we might recommend for you.
We’re not necessarily saying that everybody should stick to this template but unless you have very specific reasons or a strong narrative that you want to weave indifferently, this is a good tried and tested statement of purpose template to follow.
Achieve High GRE scores with the Best practice test!
First, you give a brief introduction of yourself and talk about your high school and undergraduate work and how they prepared you .
Next, the middle paragraph is important and this is where we’ll discuss your specialization and then you can further describe any other projects that you did in the specialization that you would like to target.
Finally, you talk about why you chose this particular university and why this particular program in that university and what you plan to do after you graduate from there.
This is a good, safe way to organize your statement of purpose.
Keep in mind to keep it tight as you will realize writing these things down takes time because it requires you to think deeply and to introspect so we recommend starting early.
Don’t wait until the last minute and start writing your statement of purpose in November.
Start well in advance so you have a first draft, a second draft, and additional edits if needed. These are the things you want to start thinking about right away.
The Introduction Paragraph
How To Write A Statement Of Purpose for Grad School?
Starting with the introduction, you have to be clear and state what specialization you want to pursue. Make sure that you tell the truth, do not makeup stories, and avoid being sentimental.
Get ideas on how to write an SOP with the following statement of purpose format outlined below.
Let us take a look at a bad introduction paragraph next so you know what we’re talking about and what to avoid.
Sample SOP -Bad Introduction Paragraph
Statement of purpose sample for a bad introduction paragraph.
Look the following statement of purpose format for the introduction paragraph and continue with suggestions mentioned below for writing a better introduction.
“Growing up, I always loved math and sciences. I was that weird kid that liked calculus and algebra, and I thought that chemistry was fun. And because I excelled in those things, my parents always told me: “Anita, the best way to use those interests and apply them to a career is to become an engineer.” After three years of undergraduate Computer Science Engineering, I realized that my parents were wrong in shaping my calling. Suddenly one day after seeing blue cabbage turning red in lemon sauce, I realized that it was Chemistry rather than Coding that was my calling and life-long desire.”
“Growing up, I always loved math and sciences” – fine, fair enough. “I was that weird kid that liked calculus and algebra” – the usage of the words “weird kid” makes this unnecessarily sentimental.
It goes on to say “because I excelled in those things, my parents always told me: “Anita, the best way to use those interests and apply them to a career, is to become an engineer.”
Well, this sounds like a made-up anecdote, even if it’s true, it might very well be true. But it’s unnecessarily sentimental in the statement of purpose and it also shows that you’re influenced by what your parents say that you haven’t really thought about how to use these interests.
This person then goes on to say, “After three years of undergraduate Computer Science Engineering, I realized that my parents were wrong in shaping my calling.”
![statement of purpose research Admision Email Series Blog Banner 1](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Admision-Email-Series-Blog-Banner-1.jpg)
This is also unnecessary because it seems like you’re dissing your parents. It’s important to just be professional and talk about yourself, your decisions to make a perfect statement of purpose.
Moving further, we see this reads “ Suddenly one day after seeing blue cabbage turning red in lemon sauce, I realized that it was Chemistry rather than Coding that was my calling and life-long desire.”
The issue with this is it just doesn’t sound believable – it might actually be true. But that this one moment just changed your life seems a little hard to believe. You would have had multiple opportunities in chemistry lab in high school to see compounds change color & producing colorful spangles – how come your passion for chemistry wasn’t kick-started then?
It just doesn’t sound believable – you want to make sure that what you write sounds credible, that it sounds professional and that is how you know your writing is going to be believed. Put yourself in their shoes, imagine you are reading this – what will you think about the person who’s writing this?
Get the FREE Profile Evaluation Now. Secure that admit!
We hope this gives you some concrete ideas about what to do and what to avoid so make sure that you’re honest. Are the professors likely to believe in this sudden serendipitous moment?
You want to talk about your wishes in your career, how your decisions were shaped because once you do your Master’s, it’s all about you.
It’s nice to respect your parents but professors want to know what you are going to because you’re the one who’s going to sit there, take the classes with them and answer the tests – not your parents.
A good reference for a personal statement we think is called “Matters of Form” – they talk about how to begin a nice introductory paragraph for those of you that are interested.
Grab the Plethora of GRE Free Resources!!
Sop sample : the middle paragraph.
Let’s move on to the middle part of your statement of purpose – you have to talk about how you evolved as an undergraduate student, what courses you took, which ones you really liked, based on that which electives you decided to take.
You can further strengthen your knowledge in that direction. Your project work, your thesis, any paper presentations you may have done, what research you did etc and how you would like to extend this work in the future.
Make sure that you are writing not for a lay-person. You’re writing it for a technical audience, somebody who’s already an expert in this field. So you can use technical terms in your personal statement but don’t drop them unnecessarily. Identify and use them in relevant places.
Sample SOP -Good Middle Paragraph
Statement of purpose example for a good middle paragraph.
Let’s now see an SOP format with a good ‘middle paragraph’ – this is from a mechanical engineering undergrad student who also wants to specialize in mechanical engineering, particularly in energy.
You can see it’s very clear that the student understands what the project is and why they chose this. “G iven the growing realization of the need for low-emission power sources and alternatives for fossil fuels.”
It’s clear that the person who’s writing this cares about the environment, they care about renewable energy and that’s why they have chosen a project that is relevant.
“In lieu of a formal introduction of my academic interests, I would like to offer a summary of the design project I did for the award of my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.”
Note how beautifully the student has weaved in the fact that their project was chosen as an award-winning project in design in their class.
They then move on to talk more about the project – “Often brushed aside as an obsolete model, the Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that saw little application after the advent of high-efficiency Internal Combustion engines. However, considering the advances in material sciences that has led to significant weight reduction in machines, and the prospect of exploiting abundantly available energy sources, I found that there were several benefits to be reaped by revisiting this apparently outdated technology.”
So the student is explaining certain recent advances as well as the importance of exploiting whatever energy sources that you have a good way in the statement of purpose. The student is saying, ‘let me revisit this apparently outdated technology’.
Admissions Counselling
Sahil secured his dream admit @ eth zurich. know how he crafted his perfect sop..
The student is also giving the reader an inside look into their thought process. Do they just go by what people say or do they put two and two together and say ‘I think this is worth revisiting’? The student here also demonstrated that they believe in taking risks.
They’re saying ‘look, I know it was considered obsolete but things have changed in a couple of areas and I do think it’s worth revisiting so I’m going to put my time and energy into this’.
They’re not just diving in, it’s a carefully weighted risk, they’ve explained their rationale and thought process so you can already get a feel for how this person thinks, what they’re passionate about and how they will take decisions.
Started your GRE Prep?
Looking for gre practice questions to kick-start your prep.
This is the kind of information that somebody will glean after reading a paragraph like this.
Continuing, “While not as efficient as the Internal Combustion engine, the LTD Stirling engines nevertheless have a potential to be used in auxiliary small-scale applications that can derive input energy from the heat that is otherwise unused”
You can see that this person is clearly writing for a technical expert on and also demonstrating knowledge of this product . So yes, ‘I know the pros and cons but I am going to limit my work within its scope and I know I think that there can be some value to be gained from exploring more in this area.’
“This project not only shed light on a less explored area of design, but also taught me valuable lessons on high-efficiency, compact designing and the nuances in material selection, keeping in mind the value of the end product. It also earned me an internship at the R&D section of Ashok Leyland Automobile Company, Bengaluru, where I had an opportunity to witness the extensive research done in emission control.”
![statement of purpose research Narrate the journey in the Statement Of Purpose | SOP guide with samples and templates](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Craft-an-SOP-1.png)
You can see how the narrative he’s laying out takes you on a journey from step one to two step to step three and it’s building that sequence so he can drive his story in.
Let’s read further – ‘Having developed an interest in renewable energy sources very early in my academic career, I would like to continue exploring avenues for further research following the positive results I gained from my project, focusing on improving the efficiency of the engine and expanding its scope of application’.
So the student is very clear about their interests, they’re saying ‘hey look I’m interested in renewable energy sources and would like to continue exploring this for further research, this is what I want to work on to go about about improving its efficiency, expanding its scope of application.
Like we mentioned earlier today, talking about the next steps that you would like to take is important and that’s what he has done here. That’s also addressed here.
One step closer
Right from university shortlisting, sop, lor, application reviews till visa counselling. galvanize has your back..
“I would also like to extend my research to other viable options of low-emission, green energy-driven engines that can provide a solution to the problems currently faced on a global level.”
So again the story is driving home the point that they are keen on a particular area of research, that this is the problem they would like to further research and solve and these are the reasons why.
It’s so important for you to be clear about what it is that you want to do, what motivates you, what are you passionate about and weave it with all of the actual practical decisions you have taken – your projects, your lessons, your internships. That’s what a really good statement of purpose is all about. Choose the ideal statement of interest sample that fits with your situation, but do not duplicate it. Take it as a reference and write your own.
Work experience/ Internship Paragraph
You have to talk about the internships that you did, being very clear and specific about them. The exact responsibilities you were given need to be laid out clearly , especially for those of you who are working professionals.
It’s very important that you abstract out the actual lessons that you’ve learned. How your work experience has made you a better applicant. Talk about any unique skills that might have picked up. during your internships, especially for those of you still studying.
So you have to really think about and answer this question. These answers won’t just come to you out of the blue, they don’t come on a platter.
You can also see how all of these will be very different from one individual to another, making a statement of purpose, a very unique write-up.
This is how and where you can distinguish yourself from others. Every single applicant’s statement of purpose is going to be different because their life journey has been different.
Their decisions are different, what they have learned, what they picked up, what they’ve chosen to do, what they’re passionate about. All of those are going to change and that’s how you can bring out the best in you.
Get the help to craft your professional Statement of Purpose Now!!
There are some differences in writing an SoP for UG, MS, and Ph.D. For a UG application, a student is required to write about their childhood, interests and hobbies in their SOP, whereas in a Master’s SOP you should concentrate on passion, the field of interest and goals.
While writing a statement of purpose for Ph.D. you need to talk more about the area of research and your knowledge of it.
Let us now look at an SOP example of a bad internship paragraph.
SOP Sample -Internship Paragraph
“I consider my in-plant training at the Central Electrical Repair Shop of Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited to have been of significant value to my growth as a student. It was there that I understood the construction, winding and working of motors and transformers.”
At the very outset, we need to point out that implant training lasts typically for a very short period – two to three weeks and it’s very observational in nature.
It doesn’t typically give you a lot of opportunity to work directly with relevant stuff and that’s something that you want to look for in good internships.
Moving further, “Considering that the plant was located in a remote area, I was forced to live in relative squalor, away from home. The experience served as an eye-opener as to the role science played in my life and taught me that work was uplifting and enervating, irrespective of environment.”
The issue here again is this person is becoming unnecessarily sentimental – the fact that you lived in relative squalor away from home has no relevance in a technical statement of purpose.
If you are exploring a Masters in philosophy or something like that where you want to experience how other people live or are talking about a Master’s in social work then, sure you can talk about how you were forced to live in relative squalor.
Help me with my SOP
You only need to ask. get your profile evaluated by our global admissions expert and you'll be on your way.
But for somebody who wants to do a Masters in engineering, it is absolutely irrelevant. It’s not even that you started in impoverished circumstances and somehow made the right decisions and are now working hard – you’re actually very comfortable and well to do but for your internship you had to live in relative squalor – it doesn’t speak well at all for you.
Your Statement of Purpose for Masters is to be personalized in a way that it connects with the Admission Committee members.
Reading further, “ The experience served as an eye-opener as to the role science played in my life and taught me that work was uplifting and enervating, irrespective of environment.”
Again this is not needed for a Master’s in engineering, remember to focus on your work, only on the technical stuff. That is what you want to talk about. So that was an example of passages you don’t want to emulate.
Concluding Paragraph of SOP
Coming to the final paragraph – why this particular university . Focus on the kind of research there, make sure you’ve shortlisted professors, read some articles and that you can demonstrate knowledge of current research at this department.
Questions to ask before shortlisting universities
When writing the final paragraph, here are a few questions that you want to answer:
- Which part of subfield X particularly interests you?
- What fresh perspectives do you have to offer on ongoing research conversations?
- What line of enquiry do you wish to pursue, and why?
- How does this fit the ongoing research concerns of the faculty?
- Why should the department care about you?
You have to demonstrate confidence in your ability, in your passion for following this area of interest and confidence that this particular university has the infrastructure, the labs and so on to support you in this area of research.
You want to make clear that you will add value as well. That is what you’re hoping to convey in the final paragraph.
Do's and don'ts of a Statement of Purpose
To summarize a few ‘do’s and don’ts of a grad school Statement of Purpose:
- Start early , statement of purpose writing calls for self- introspection which takes time. You have to answer questions about yourself, questions you may not have thought about earlier.
- Clearly state what field and specialization you intend to pursue.
- Be honest. Only offer information that’s relevant to your field.
- Use formal English. Make sure you proofread your statement of purpose. Follow any specific instructions the university gives about word-count or questions.
- Do not make up an anecdote
- Avoid sentimentality
- Avoid controversial statements as it relates to politics or religion
- It’s not a must to include quotes in the statement of purpose
- Do not sound too critical about your country
Start writing your statement of interest with the tips provided and make you dream come true. Read more to know How to Shortlist Universities and get the ultimate guide to Letters of Recommendation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SOP
- The length of the SoP does not determine its success. Even a 500 word well-written to the point SoP will be a better submission than a 3-page laborious essay. This is very true for undergraduate and graduate school SoPs. ( PS- Some Ph.D. applications/ MS with Research programs may expect more content and accordingly, students who apply to such programs will have sufficient prior work that requires a lengthier SoP. )
- It is very important to ensure the SoP must not be a chronological retelling of the resume/CV . Repeating each and every point of the resume in the SoP would make it dull and repetitive. The SoP should display the main highlights of your profile and connect them to your readiness for undertaking a master’s/undergraduate program.
- Refined vocabulary will make the SoP standout. Such an essay would make an interesting and enlightening read. But at the same time, the essay must not be filled to its brim with every alternate word needing a doubletake and a thesaurus. Such an SoP would be tedious to read.
- The SoP can include information on the applicant’s extracurricular interests and preferences. Extracurricular involvement can accentuate the applicant’s leadership, team working, communication adroitness. But the SoP must not delve extensively on that, thereby wasting a lot of ink on the same leaving little space for other vital information.
- The student must not forget to customize the SoP to each university he/she might be targeting. A university-specific SoP will go the extra mile and include information on prospective coursework the applicant wishes to take at the university, including allied content on professors whose classes and research work the applicant is eager to be a part of.
Key Notes for Drafting a Scholarship SOP
- An SoP targeting scholarships must start with a focus on the applicant’s previous academic achievements . Bring out the highlights of the student’s scholarly achievements in their undergraduate study and school. This includes information on awards/ recognition/ appreciation for distinguished academic performance and acing national/international level talent examinations.
- A scholarship SoP will consider all the points in the scholarship program checklist and elucidate how the applicant fulfills the criteria. Many scholarships/fellowships will have a wide set of conditions not just academic, but also social/extracurricular thereby expecting a well-rounded experience from the candidates.
- The scholarship SoP must emphasize the exceptional abilities in the student’s work and tie it to valid reasons for the applicant’s suitability for the said grant. A scholarship will attract quite a number of applications, hence to compete the scholarship SoP must bring out the positives and holistic aptness of the student.
- Moreover, the scholarships SoP must stress the applicant’s prior research work or industry exposure in the said subject-matter. This will show the student’s proclivity to the domain and why such a scholarship will benefit him. The specialized academic interest of the applicant will depict to the scholarship committee the student’s prospects in the said industry.
- Most importantly, the future career objectives the student hopes to achieve with the help of the scholarship should be highlighted. Any SoP will talk about the future plans of the candidate. But the scholarships SoP should spotlight how receiving the scholarship will make a remarkable difference in empowering this deserving applicant to accomplish his goals and make a difference in his field, thereby contributing to the greater good.
Galvanize Your SoP : How we formulate the SoPs at Galvanize
Through a well-researched and thoroughly-formulated questionnaire, student’s will be expected to put in their inputs.
- Sop full form : Statement of purpose
- Statement of purpose is an admission essay written to showcase your qualities convincing the admission committee why you deserve to get admissions
- Length of SOP : Typically 1.5 pages
- Content of SOP : Talk about your story, narrative, the difficult life choices, your future plans, explain bad GPAs if any, why you chose this university and program specifically
- SOP let’s you stand out of the crowd.
- SOP for PHD : Talk about the research, research group, the thesis, and the situations where you displayed analytical, communication n leadership skills
- Start writing the SOP well in advance with 2-3 drafts and with additional edits!
- Avoid being sentimental in writing your SOPs
- Don’t drop technical terms unnecessarily
- Introduction para : Introduce yourself, Talk about high school n UG work and how they prepared you : State specialization you want.
- Middle para : specialization, courses and other projects : How all these evolved you and how you’d like to continue that work
- Work experience/Internship para : Be specific and clear about the roles you played there and how it prepared you for the course.
- Final para : Reason behind choosing university n program specifically and what are your plans after graduation
- SOP for UG : Talk about childhood, interests and hobbies
- SOP for PG : concentrate on passion, interests and goals
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the typical length of an sop.
Statement of purpose typically is around 1.5 pages
Do I need to sign my statement of purpose (SOP)?
No, you need not sign your statement of purpose since it’s an online essay and doesn’t require any sort of signatures
How important is Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
Statement of purpose is one of the most important step of your admission process as they get to dig into your story, the whole narrative behind the applicant. A property crafted SOP can secure your admission in your dream college
now it's your turn
I'd like to hear from you.
Which strategy from today’s guide do you think will work best for you?
Are you going to work on your SoP right away?
Or maybe you’re ready to start introspecting.
Either way, leave a comment below right now.
![statement of purpose research undraw wall post 83ul](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/undraw_wall_post_83ul.jpg)
![](http://rss3.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Related Blogs
- The How-to Guide : Letter Of Recommendation
- One Stop Shop : Scholarships for Indian Students
- Canada Express Entry Ultimate Guide
- MS in STEM | STEM course list, universities and career prospects
![statement of purpose research Masters in Business Analytics in USA](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Masters-in-Business-Analytics-in-USA-120x120.jpg)
Recommended For You
![statement of purpose research pexels edgar colomba 2240293 1](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pexels-edgar-colomba-2240293-1-600x403.jpg)
Foreign Education Loans | Educational Loan for Study Abroad (2024)
![statement of purpose research vasily koloda 620886 unsplash 1](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vasily-koloda-620886-unsplash-1-600x403.jpg)
Under the brand name, Galvanize Global Education, we focus on delivering the world's best learning solutions for Standardized tests and Competitive exams, as well as Global Admissions Counselling.
Top Destinations
- Study in USA
- Study in UK
- Study in Europe
- Study in Australia
- Study in Canada
- Master’s
© 2024 Galvanize Global Education. © 2024 Tejate Education Private Limited | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
![statement of purpose research close slider](https://galvanizetestprep.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-contact-slider/img/delete-sign.png)
Writing a Statement of Purpose
Ask these questions:
What is it?
Why do I need to do it?
- It saves you valuable time and effort.
When and How to do it:
For example: One person was very concerned about air pollution and wanted to know if the government is doing anything to stop it. Her Statement of Purpose was this: I want to learn about what is being done by our government to stop air pollution. This Statement of Purpose will lead her to eventually write a Thesis Statement in which she will be able to make an assertion (a statement she can defend) and support it with the evidence she has gathered in her research. Her Thesis Statement may sound something like this: "In the United States, government regulation plays an important role in the fight against air pollution." Or, conversely, "United States government regulation has little effect in the fight against air pollution." Whichever the case, she will use the evidence she has gathered in her research to prove her Thesis Statement.
Make sure your Statement of Purpose is specific enough.
"I want to learn about the Dalai Lama." | "I want to know what role the Dalai Lama plays as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people." |
"I want to learn about 50 cent." | "I want to learn about what has influenced the music of 50 cent." |
"I want to find out about teen gangs." | "I want to find out some ways to stop teen gang activity." |
"I want to learn about AIDS." | "I want to know how close we are to a cure for AIDS." |
"I want to know about pro basketball." | "I want to know what it takes to be a professional basketball player." |
"I want to find out about the Marshall Plan" | "I want to know if the Marshall Plan still has any effect on the world's economy." |
"I want to find out about Porsches and Trans Ams." | "I want to compare the performance of a Porsche 911 and a Pontiac Trans Am and see which I will buy when I have the money." |
"I want to learn about teen pregnancy." | "I want to know how teenage pregnancy affects young fathers and young mothers differently." |
"I want to find out about the juvenile criminal justice system." | "I want to know what juveniles experience when they get put in legal detention for committing a serious crime." |
"I want to learn about the Crusades." | "I want to know why Christians and Muslims fought so hard with each other during the middle ages." |
I think you probably get the idea by now. It may take a while to write your statement. If you are having trouble, ask a teacher or librarian for help.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
A purpose statement clearly defines the objective of your qualitative or quantitative research. Learn how to create one through unique and real-world examples.
You may choose to use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approach. Write your purpose statement: Your purpose statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes the purpose of your study. It should include your research question, the scope of your study, your research objectives, and your research design.
Learn how to write a clear and concise purpose statement for your research paper or project with examples and tips from the LibGuides at National University.
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 ...
This guide explains how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, then offers 7 examples of successful statements of purpose, with in-depth analysis from experts.
Learn how to write an effective purpose statement for your research project with this guide from Northcentral University Library.
Objectives What is a Statement of Purpose? Review structure and guidelines for writing Begin formulating your own statement Statement of Purpose Focus on your specific research interests within a particular field
Looking for graduate school statement of purpose examples? Our guide includes a range of examples plus analysis of a successful statement of purpose sample.
Chapter 6 The Purpose Statement The last section of an introduction, as mentioned in Chapter 5, is to present a purpose statement that establishes the intent of the entire research study. It is the most important statement in the entire study, and it needs to be clear, specific, and informative.
Articulate a clear, realistic research purpose. Set you apart from other applicants. Demonstrate evidence of relevant experience and preparation. Convince committee of your fit and suitability to the specific program to which you are applying. Convey your collegiality.
Here's the guide to writing a winning Statement of Purpose (sop) with format, template, samples, and examples with detailed explanations.
A Statement of Purpose is a sentence that you write, which states, in some detail, what you want to learn about in your research project. The statement guides you as you work so that you will read and take notes only on what's needed for your project.
Use the guidelines below to learn the differences between thesis and purpose statements In the first stages of writing, thesis or purpose statements are usually rough or ill-formed and are useful primarily as planning tools. A thesis statement or purpose statement will emerge as you think and write about a topic. The statement can be…
Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose Second only to the Personal Statement, is your Research/Project Proposal or Purpose Statement, which you can also expect to include in nearly every national scholarship or fellowship application.
The statement of purpose is very important to programs when deciding whether to admit a candidate. Your statement should be focused, informative, and convey your research interests and qualifications.
A strong statement of purpose is critical to your graduate school application. Here's a step-by-step guide to impressing the admissions team.
A statement of purpose is a key part of graduate school applications. Our guide explains how to write one that aligns your goals with your program's expectations.
Of all the different types of text you will have to write in the academic world, the statement of purpose is one of the most difficult, not least because it is about you. We spend our time trying to eliminate ourselves from other academic writing, from research proposals or from term papers. Now you have to write a paper about yourself. Like any other academic genre, a statement of purpose has ...
The statement of purpose should convince readers-- the faculty on the selection committee-- that you have solid achievements behind you that show promise for your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four different parts.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement forms a crucial element of the graduate school application process. For the uninitiated, a Statement of Purpose is an essay that introduces YOU to the Admissions Review Committee (AdCom). It contains your accomplishments, career plans, and reasoning of why you think a particular graduate program is the 'right fit' for you.
The purpose statement is made up of three major components: (1) the motivation driving your dissertation; (2) the significance of the research you plan to carry out; and (3) the research questions you are going to address. Starting the first major chapter of your dissertation (usually Chapter One: Introduction ), the purpose statement ...
A research statement is a one to three page document that may be required to apply for an academic job or (less frequently) graduate school. The purpose of a research statement is to describe the trajectory of your research to a selection/search committee.
Learn what a Statement of Purpose (SOP) is and study abroad! Know about tips to write a good SOP and mistakes to avoid while writing an SOP.
The student title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation, course number and name for which the paper is being submitted, instructor name, assignment due date, and page number, as shown in this example.
The purpose of this American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP) forum is to introduce the Framework for RigOr aNd Transparency In REseaRch on Swallowing (FRONTIERS), a critical appraisal tool in the form of a checklist, intended to support oropharyngeal dysphagia researchers to optimize study design and results reporting. The ...
Purpose . Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a communication deficit that impacts a child's overall quality of life, including their academic and social interactions, yet few studies have investigated the impact from the child's perspective. ... Data availability statement. Deidentified data, data analysis code, and supplemental ...
The purpose of this paper is to discuss using WindTunneling to document emergent knowledge to explore common perceptions of well-being. WindTunneling is a systemic research methodology to help groups navigate complex issues.
The research is the first public and in-depth analysis of the TErrestrial Trunked RAdio (TETRA) standard in the more than 20 years the standard has existed. Not all users of TETRA-powered radios ...
A dose of MDMA. The drug has been studied as a treatment for PTSD and FDA has declined to approve it so far, asking for further research. Travis Dove for The Washington Post/Getty Images hide caption
Our mission is protecting the public from deceptive or unfair business practices and from unfair methods of competition through law enforcement, advocacy, research, and education. Learn more about the FTC