The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to convey personal information that cannot be found in other parts of your application. It should be written in your unique voice and describe in greater depth and detail your accomplishments, personal background, program fit, and future goals.
Start early.
Give yourself enough time to contemplate, outline, draft and revise your statement. If you rush the writing process, this will reflect in the quality of your statement. Writing takes time.
Show, don't tell.
Provide examples for every statement that you make. For instance, if you tell the reader that you are adaptable and flexible, you should share a story that illustrates your adaptability and flexibility to convince the reader of your claim.
Be specific.
Refer to specific activities, awards, events, accomplishments, and/or experiences that demonstrate your readiness and interest in the program. Use clear, concrete examples to support your points. Details give your statement its uniqueness and helps readers absorb what you write.
Be personal.
The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to paint a portrait of who you are as a person to the admissions committee. It should convey personalized information about you that is not already found elsewhere in your application. Write about anything that will help us better understand your background, mindset, personality, activities, achievements, interests, goals, or anything else that makes you stand out.
Understand the program.
Do not write your statement without understanding the program you are applying for and how it is a good match for you. The admissions committee wants to admit students who are sincerely interested in and aligned with the program. Outline what attracts you to the program and how completing it can help you achieve your goals.
Sell yourself.
The primary purpose of your statement is to convey information that reflects positively on you and your future. Overall, your statement should focus on attributes and accomplishments that qualify you for admission. You should also address any anomalies in your application toward the end of your statement, such as an unusual detail in your background, but do not make this the focus of your writing.
Proofread before submitting.
Proofread your writing to make sure it comes across professionally. Grammatical and spelling errors can be distracting, reflect poorly on you, and make your message more difficult to understand. Your writing is one of the main ways you present yourself.