Final Checklist & Conclusion

Once you’ve drafted, redrafted, written, rewritten, revised, edited, and polished your statement, take a few days away from it. You’ll return clear-eyed and can take a fresh look at your essay. Then read your statement one last time--strategically, with this checklist in mind:

• Does your statement make an unstated claim that you are prepared to succeed in this particular graduate program?

• Does all of the information in your statement serve as evidence in support of that implicit claim?

• Do you demonstrate why you want to attend graduate school and how have you prepared for graduate school by detailing your experience in the field?

• Do you describe in detail experiences that highlight key academic skills as well as your scholarly temperament?

• Do you explain why you want to attend this particular graduate program, focusing on the program itself and the faculty? Do you vary that paragraph for each program?

• Have you shown your statement to and sought feedback from at least one faculty member in your area of interest? (Ideally you should share your statement with those writing your letters of recommendation.)

• Do you concisely and tactfully address any concerns that might arise when a faculty member looks at your transcript or CV?

• Do you sound like an aspiring scholar and professional without being pretentious? 

• Have you read your statement aloud to check for infelicities in wording?

• Have you proofread your statement?

• Is your statement between 750 and 1,000 words?
  

I hope this advice helps you, no matter what degree you seek, as you craft your statement of purpose. It’s a unique genre of essay, to be sure, especially because its thesis (“I’m an excellent applicant”) is implied, not stated outright. My advice here is meant to save you hours of fruitless searching online and ensure that your statement makes a compelling argument about your suitability for graduate study.  

Alas, there are no secrets, no quick fixes, no tips or tricks that will unlock the ivory tower. Instead, writing the statement of purpose requires introspection, reflection, analysis, and argumentation--just as all academic writing does. But here’s the thing: The time spent crafting a persuasive, convincing statement of purpose will pay off. It’s a first step in starting to shape your scholarly and professional identity. Soon enough you’ll be writing grant proposals, fellowship applications, and cover letters touting your newly acquired expertise!

I’d say good luck, but having worked through this advice you don’t need luck because you have skills. So instead I’ll wish you well on your path to and through graduate school.