What academic studies, research and/or training methodologies caught your attention and inspired you to apply to that particular graduate program? In 3-4 sentences, describe how your academic, research interests, and goals are compatible with the graduate program mentioned in point one.

Statement of Purpose

What academic studies, research and/or training methodologies caught your attention and inspired you to apply to that particular graduate program?

In 3-4 sentences, describe how your academic, research interests, and goals are compatible with the graduate program mentioned in point one.

Specifically mention faculty members and research you find interesting and explain how your experience, attributes, and passion can contribute to their work.

Supporting the “Fit”
Do you have experience outside the classroom? If so, describe how those experiences prepared you for graduate study.

What have you learned? Explain academic challenges you have encountered and how those challenges have contributed to your overall success in a sentence or two.

Showcase your abilities. Be specific and support your strengths. For example, a strong work ethic can be supported by mentioning jobs held or organizations supported while earning a high GPA.

Build upon your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) to tell your story. For example, “As you will note in my enclosed CV, I have received several academic honors, which include the Young Investigator award at Institution X. Receiving this award was a shining moment for me as it served as recognition for long nights in the lab researching tomato viral strains.” After this sentence you should describe your research.