Writing the Statement of Purpose Dr. Bettina Casad Psi Chi Advisor Thanks to Alian Kasabian (President, ) and Ariana Robinson (Vice-President, ) for compiling much of this advice

Be Ready to Write  This is your most important and possibly only communication you’ll have with the review committee  This is not something to do the night before  Edit, Edit, Edit  Have others proofread  Visit the writing center  Prepare

Things to consider before writing:  What makes you unique, different, interesting?  What made you choose your field?  What do you want to do with your degree when you’re done?  What experience do you have?  Why do you want to go to that school?  What faculty are you interested in?  Have you gone to conferences or presented research?  Are there any gaps or inconsistencies?  What shows that you will succeed in their program?  What makes you passionate about the subject?

General Format  2-3 pages  Opening paragraph needs to capture reader’s interest. Why did you choose psychology? Do you have a personal story? –However, be short and to the point.  For PhD programs, talk about RESEARCH first! Show your excitement for research, your current interests (be specific), and future plans (be flexible)

General Format  Include 1-3 paragraphs on your past research experience  Include 1-3 paragraphs on your current/future interests and how they fit with the school’s faculty  Describe why you are a top candidate, how you are a good fit, and what you’ll contribute to their program

 #1- Follow the Directions! Answer the questions asked Pay attention to the stated limitations Is there a word count? Page limit? Is a certain format required?  Ex: U of Virginia: Why are you going to grad school? What are you particular interests? Why UVa?  Ex: Northwestern: Research Interests? Why Northwestern? Awards and Honors? 5,000 characters, max.

 #2- Do not Write it at the Last Minute! Ideally, start in the summer You need time to tailor your responses to the program. (special emphases particular to a school) Rough draft, edit, draft, edit, draft… Again, get everyone and anyone you know to read it! Feedback, feedback, feedback!

 #3- Stay Positive! Explain, do not complain Don’t make excuses for weaknesses, this is very transparent Show what an asset you are Be clear and confident Turn negatives in your favor  You can be as neurotic as you need to be once you are in the program, but they should not be able to tell on your S.O.P.

 #4- Use Critical Thinking Support your claims with evidence Link personal info to your research experiences/ interests Evaluate the substance  Be concise  Stay connected to purpose Use language applicable to your field of study

 #5- Name Dropping Faculty you’ve worked with here Faculty at the target program (~3) Thinkers and Theorists in the field Mentors from your past (attitude of gratitude!)

The Kiss of Death from Kisses of Death in the Graduate School Application Process by Drew and Karen Appleby, in Teaching Psychology, Vol. 33, No.1  5 Major Categories from study Damaging personal statements  Do NOT talk about your mental health, or be excessively personal  Avoid being cutesy, clever- this is a formal process Harmful Letters of Recommendation  Make sure they know you well, in relation to your studies: STRONG recommendations Lack of Program Information  Should represent your research of program  You fit should have evidence to support Poor Writing Skills Misfired Attempts to Impress  Do not insult your audience’s intelligence

General Tips  Be clear  State both general and specific interests (e.g. Org. Psych and inequality in the work place)  Include activities from 10 month time period in between application deadline and beginning of program. (e.g. classes, research involved in)  Don’t be afraid to take risks  Write your opening line last  Point out your GPA (if high)  Use unusual circumstances to your advantage  Address deficiencies  Make a draft for all of your reference writers!  BE CLEAR!

General Tips  Be concise  Be confident  Proof read  Show your knowledge  Every paragraph should be related to research  Note attraction of the program  Turn negatives to positives  Tailor to the department  Read it aloud  Make a good impression  Play up what makes you unique  Avoid “#1 choice” Kissing Up “My only goal is…” The sympathy vote Grammatical errors Contractions Skipping over deficiencies in your record  This might be the only time you get to brag about yourself: Take advantage!

References Not in APA format  Barbara K. Ige, PhD, UCLA- “Writing a Winning Statement of Purpose” Presented at the 2007 Southern California Forum for Diversity in Graduate UC Santa Barbara, April 21, 2007  “Applying to Graduate School: Tips, Timeline, and Tools of the Trade”. Committee on Institutional Cooperation  Donald Asher Workshop, June 26, 2007, as transcribed by Ariana Robinson  “Factors Affecting Graduate Admissions” Workshop at WPA Conference 2006, April 29, 2006, as transcribed by Alian Kasabian