Writing an effective Statement requires a bit of soul-searching and reflection. Before we delve more deeply into them, I want you to brainstorm and generate ideas for what you could include in your statement.
The following exercise asks you six general questions to help you brainstorm. As you brainstorm, it’s fine to start with more general statements and ideas and then hone in on more specific examples to include in your statement. But thinking of specific examples in advance will make writing the actual statement of purpose much easier!
Deliverable
Write down your answers to the following six questions. There are many brainstorming methods you could consider. Some people like making lists while others prefer to just free-write paragraphs. Some would rather draw a mind map or even make voice memos. Just so long as it helps you record the information and get your brain going, any method is fine.
Here are some things to consider in your brainstorming session, with brainstorming questions for each:
1. Your research/professional interests in the field
What interests you most in your field? Consider what you’ve researched/done before, and how closely you want your future interests to hew to what you’ve done in the past.
Are there particular issues, tasks, projects, themes, methods, theories, etc. that interest you?
What problems are you hoping to solve or address through your work/future career?
2. Your research/professional background and qualifications
What major projects have you worked on? For example, Did you write a thesis? Do an amazing internship? Work on a research project? Build an app? Have clinical experience?
If you have work experience, how is it relevant to your program, internship, or job? What competencies and skills did you build there that carry over to your planned research/work?
3. Your major accomplishments
Any major accomplishments not covered in your background/qualifications? Try to tie them back to your ability to succeed in graduate school, internship, and/o your specific professional endeavors.
4. What’s appealing about the specific program/job/internship you’re applying to
What about them made them attractive to you?
How can they help you grow professionally and/or educationally?
How will your work fit there?
5. Why you’re passionate about the field
What made you initially interested?
What goals are you passionate about accomplishing?
What do you find particularly fascinating or intriguing in your field?
6. Weaknesses to address
Are there any weaknesses in your application you need to address? If you have a semester with very low grades or another “hole” in your application, you can address it directly in your statement of purpose.Don’t offer excuses, but it’s fine to provide some kind of explanation: were you dealing with a family emergency or chronic illness? Did you need to work full-time and go to school full-time?
Whatever you write, try to frame it in positive terms, to emphasize your ultimate success in the face of setbacks.
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Oct 28th, 2022
