Statement of Purpose notes: 1

 

Mission of program: 

- we seek to understand human diversity, distinctiveness, and universality through time and across the world

- bringing an interdisciplinary vitality to research and teaching on some of the most important issues facing humanity today: conflict and violence, human rights, power struggles, migration, environmental change, cultural identity, political and economic life, food, and understanding the ways that cultural meaning, history, and power have shaped the human experience.

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"The statement of purpose gives an applicant the opportunity to express non-quantifiable characteristics for consideration to an admissions committee,” Maxwell notes. “This may include the applicant's personal or professional strengths and goals or passion for career fields related the academic program.” She goes on to explain that, for the admission committee, the statement provides great benefit. “Graduate school is rigorous, and admission is often competitive,” she says. “They want to select students who are not only academically qualified, but also show commitment to achieving success in the program from start to finish.”

Statement of purpose: personal 

Letter of intent: objective

Structure:

1) A “hook” that demonstrates your passion for the field

2) Segue (transition) to your background in the field

3) Description of your academic background in the field

4) Specific classes you have taken, given by name

5) Specific professors you have had, especially if well-known

6) Extracurricular activities in the field

7) Publications and other professional accomplishments in the field

8) Explanations about problems in your background (if applicable)

9) Explanation of why you have chosen the specific grad school

10) Mention one or two professors whose work you appreciate

11) Specific features of the grad program which attract you

12) A brief conclusion repeating your purpose for applying to this program

Paragraph 1: Introduction/Hook	Your first paragraph should clearly state your intentions for  applying and capture the reader with a hook.
Paragraph 2: Background, Interests, and Motivations (“segue”)	Include a lot of details about your background, including what classes you have taken and what additional related work you have done.
Paragraph 3: Elaborate on your academic background	If you do not have many academic experiences to draw on, be more specific about what you learned from these courses/professors. If you have extensive experience, focus on those most relevant to your graduate program.
Paragraph 4: Extracurricular Activities	Extracurricular activities not only show dedication to a specific field or  interest but also can convey qualities such as leadership  and time management.
Paragraphs 5-6: Publications and More Recent Activity	If you have been involved in additional research, writing, or any related  activities recently, be sure to include these in your SOP letter.
Paragraph 7: Why are you and the school a good match?	Many applicants to graduate school overlook the importance of discussing the graduate program to which they are applying itself. Be sure to name the school, program, and some resources it offers.
Paragraph 8: Conclusion/Commitment Statement	Include a brief “statement of intent” at the end of the letter to remind the admissions officers that you are intent on entering their program.

Important questions to answer:

Paragraph 1:

 

What are your short-term and long-term goals? 

• What do you hope to accomplish academically?
• What sort of research or professional work do you want to do in the future with your graduate degree or Ph.D.?

Do you have any weaknesses or missing elements you need to explain?

• Do you have any semesters of low grades that you may need to account for?
• Any inconsistencies or big changes in your academic or professional direction?

Paragraph 2:

Academic/Professional Interests and Motivations

• What most interests you about this area of study?
• Why are you interested in this area and topic?
• When did you first start to show an interest? How did you exhibit this interest?

Paragraph 3

Academic Background

• What majors, classes, or other academic experiences have you had in this field?
• Which of your work, research, and/or extracurricular experiences are related to this field

Paragraph 4:

Why are you interested in this university and graduate program?

• What does this university/program offer you that other schools don’t?
• Which courses and professors most interest you?
• What makes you a “good fit” for this institution?
• What will you bring to this program?
• THIS IS WHERE YOU BRING OUT MISSION STATEMENT

What makes you stand out as a graduate school candidate?

• What other information about you should the school know that will attract them to you?
• Do you have any unique abilities or circumstances?

Hook possibilities:

- Anthropology is the science which tells us that people are the same the whole world over - except when they are different. Nancy Banks Smith

- The purpose of anthropology is to make the world safe for human differences. Ruth Benedict

- Anthropology was the science that gave her the platform from which she surveyed, scolded and beamed at the world. Jane Howard

-“I wondered why she craved this knowledge and found myself remembering that she was, after all, an anthropologist.” Elizabeth Kostova, The Historian.

- Anthropology holds up a great mirror to man and lets him look at himself in his infinite variety.”. Clyde Kluckhohn.