Writing a Statement of Purpose By Dawn Nielsen and Paul Kirsch October 12, 2011 Edited by Matt Roe on July 2 nd 2014

A Personal Statement is not a Statement of Purpose O In a personal statement, the applicant writes an autobiographical narrative discussing his or her life, specific experiences, and goals. (

What is a Statement of Purpose? O In a statement of purpose the applicant describes: O his or her specific interests in psychology O particular strengths and skills O career goals and aspirations O provides the reasons why the applicant is applying to a particular program. ( psych-schools)

The Statement of Purpose provides an opportunity for the applicant to… O Talk directly to the admissions committee. O Stand out from among a multitude of similarly qualified candidates. O Convince the committee that the applicant has the spark, the thirst for knowledge that could add value to their program. (

Your Statement of Purpose O Determines your fit for the program O Demonstrates your writing skills Photo:

Graduate schools are interested in the following: O Your purpose in graduate study O The area of study in which you wish to specialize O Your future use of your graduate study O Your special preparation for study in the field O Any problems or inconsistencies in your records or scores O Any special conditions that are not revealed elsewhere in the application

Writing Your Statement of Purpose O Your statement should include: O An introduction – a brief synopsis of the letter O A body – describes your goals, why you chose the program, faculty members you would want to work with, and other assets or accomplishments you have O A conclusion – states that you are competent, motivated, open for an interview, etc. (

Writing Your Statement of Purpose O When describing how you came to have an interest in psychology: O focus on education and occupational experiences O NOT personal experiences. O When discussing your goals and ambitions: O try to be as specific as possible. (

A Statement of Purpose Should O Be tailored to a specific school/program. O Tell why you are applying to that particular school and what in their program specifically interests you O Be objective, yet self-revelatory O Avoid “academese” or jargon O Use specific instances or draw your conclusions as a result of individual experience. O Be an example of careful, persuasive writing O Be clear and concise (

A Statement of Purpose Should Not O Be an essay about: O Your life story O What you have always wanted to be O Psychological disturbances of your own or of someone else you know O Be a generic statement O Exceed the page limit O Have typographical errors (

Words to Avoid Without Explanation significantinvaluableappealing to me interestingpeopleappealing aspect challengingI like itenjoyable, enjoy satisfyingfascinatingit’s important rewardingvaluableI can contribute appreciatehelpfulmeant a lot to me meaningfulusefulhelping people incrediblefeel goodI like to help stimulatingremarkableexciting, excited gratifying