Sunday, August 19, 2007

Tips on the Statement of Purpose

Samara wrote:

How about approaches to the statement of purpose? I know you shouldn't talk about your childhood love of books, but I'm having a hard time coming up with concrete things to say. One of my mentors said think about your influences, think about formative events, think about what you want to accomplish, but I think I'm seriously psyching myself out on this one. Any other tips?


Hi Samara,

Tom addresses the statement of purpose in the MFA Handbook, and if you read the section that deals with that, you'll find he has a lot of suggestions re: things to address... in fact so many it'll be impossible to address them in 500 words, but it's worth a look if you're short on ideas. And I'm sure many others on this blog would be able to provide you with good advice.

As for my own advice--I've written a couple of successful personal statements that got me the creative writing fellowships I was asking for, and here's what has always been my approach. Once, when I attended a statement of purpose workshop, the big secret given to participants was this: a statement of purpose is not a resume in narrative form; it is a plan that outlines the relationship between the candidate's past, present, and future.

You have to convey two things: (1) How the past has brought you to where you are now; i.e. what literary influences and formative events have led you to decide, "Yeah, I want to get an MFA!"; what prior qualifications (academic, professional, extracurricular, voluntary, etc.) are going to serve you well in the program. (2) How your experience in the program is going to help you accomplish what you want to accomplish in the future; i.e. how will the MFA experience impact your career as a writer, and what do you expect to learn or gain from the program that will help you in whatever you choose to pursue after the MFA? Remember to consider both your short- and long-term goals.

In a nutshell, you've got to show how the past helped you to grow into someone ready, at present, for an MFA, and you've also got to show how you think the MFA experience will help you in your plans for the future. Hope this isn't too formulaic, but it's always worked wonders for me. Just make that your answers to the above questions are specific and concrete.

59 comments:

Vince EstrogenSociety said...

Wait...so is it okay to talk about your childhood love of books, or whatever?

Bolivia Red said...

Talk about your love of books and/or writing only if you can get particular about it--that is, if you have a moment that illustrates what started that love, or if a particular experience with a book or story set you on fire (either literally or figuratively, the literal fire story would be unique and interesting). Don't mention a generalised love of reading/writing because almost all of us had that.

If that moment you decided you had to write came a little later in life for you, then focus on that instead. Maybe you could include half a line like, "Though I've always been a big reader, I decided I must be a writer when...." (That stinks, but you get the idea.)

Babelle said...

Hey, thanks! This is valuable advice.

Anne Haines said...

it is a plan that outlines the relationship between the candidate's past, present, and future.

This is a fabulous summary of what a statement should do (or at least, of one way it can be written). Thank you!

Emily said...

Is there a big difference between a Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement? I've heard many different answers to this question.

Unknown said...

If you are applying to a Ph.D. or Masters or Bachelors degree in Arts & Science, Dentistry, Doctorate, Research, Education, Engineering, Hospitality Management, Law, MBA, Medical, Music, Nursing, Psychology or Teaching, here is a resource for sop writing: http://essaylabb.com/sop-personal-statement-essay-writing-service-under-graduate.htm

Unknown said...

nice blog indeed.

check out http://graduatestudiesinusa.blogspot.com/2008/05/free-gre-downloads.html for gre downloads.. i found it really useful

Unknown said...

Wonderful article, thanks for putting this together! "This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable information and insights you have so provided here. Keep it up!"
--------------------------------
Dissertation Help

Melany Flemmings said...

Interesting Article. If possible, as you gain expertise, It is extremely helpful for me. Many thanks for sharing so helpful information!

hotels los angeles

Unknown said...

One of my mentors said think about your influences, think about formative events, think about what you want to accomplish,
research paper samples

mapmystudy said...

Thank you for the informations. mapmystudy.com provides assistance in reviewing statement of purpose (SOP) and Editing SOP for Study Abroad university applications

Unknown said...

These are really some interesting tips about writing Phd personal statements and will sure help in preparing an impressive personal statement if followed properly but you have to make sure that you add your own experiences in a positive way.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the information.

Unknown said...

Thank you for these far-fetched tips, now I have enough guidance for writing mba statement of purpose but still I would appreciate if anyone suggest me highly experience consultant for a detailed assistance.

Unknown said...

It's really very interesting post. All the comments are very helpful and very good. Thanks for sharing.
statement services

Unknown said...

Magnificent post. I appreciate this. Your composing capability and tips are so high. It is useful data, I wish so. Carry on. Have a nice day
personal statement for doctoral program

Unknown said...


Thank you for presenting your points and providing this information. I have learned something about this topic. baju profesi anak , baju pilot anak , baju profesi anak

Unknown said...

There are various companies available which offered Recommendation Letter for MBA, writing services like essay writing, research paper writing and many more. These companies write research paper and this will be very advantageous for you.

Unknown said...

Great tips to write SOP for MBA admission in higher ranked universities. I this will also help me to get admission with funding. So, I'm going to prepare a statement of purpose for project management now.

Unknown said...

It is great to see you are writing about how to write great SOP for masters courses. I hope your tips will help me to get admitted. I will try to use your tips to prepare a statement of purpose for ms in electrical engineering shortly.

saikot said...

I've read your article. It is obviously informative. Our psychology personal statement also may help anyone to understand what's required, and we customize it so that one can gain an ideal result from our providers.

Unknown said...

If you're going to study abroad but your academic results are not very high, you can multiply your chances for success due to excellent statement of purpose. You can order qualitative statement of purpose here: Essayservice.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to advise one reliable essay writing service, which can help you with your motivation letter. This service would be excellent for students because their prices are moderate while the quality is high. Here is their website: http://professional-essay-writing.com.

Unknown said...

As a graduating student, I think that the statement of purpose is the hardest thing I will ever write.
Statement of Purpose

Inderpreet said...

Hi!

I got my statement of purpose written by http://www.dissertationdesire.com/ They do produce a good quality work but then they are from India. I got the SOP well written but then I told them to get it proofread by someone from England or USA. They got it done. I had planned for this extra service to make sure that their English is of top university level. The charged me for this extra service but then the work was absolutely good. I liked it and of course the university liked it too because I got admitted in a top university! However, I think that they should have got it proofread on their own instead of me telling them. I don’t say that the earlier SOP produced by them was bad but yes it did have some grammatical mistakes which then needed a proofreader. They are not cheap but yes they are legit. This was just my experience and the experience of my boyfriend with them. Hope it was helpful!

Abhi K said...

Best packers and movers in Meerut, household shifting service in Meerut, home relocation in Meerut, car carriers service in Meerut, car transport in Meerut. packers and movers Meerut

Devine Bloggers said...

ANZAC DAY IMAGES
BOSTON MARATHON 2016
EARTH DAY IMAGES PICTURES
GREETING CARD MOTHER'S DAY
THE VOICE SEASON 10

Unknown said...

You article is describe in a good manners with best possible way and now I am follow your site on daily basis and I like a very much your blog, so keep posting with such a nice article and we are also write something about Indian festival if anyone interested them, so checkout link all

Eid Mubarak Images
Eid Mubarak 2016
Happy Eid Mubarak 2016 Images Pictures Pics Latest Photos
Friendship Day Images
Friendship Day 2016
Happy Dussehra Images
Happy Dussehra 2016
Happy Navratri Images
Happy Navratri 2016
Independence Day Images
Independence Day 2016
Raksha Bandhan Images
Raksha Bandhan 2016
Happy Diwali Images
Happy Diwali 2016
Happy Teachers Day 2016
Happy Teachers Day Quotes Wishes
Happy 4th of July Images Quotes
Happy Fathers Day 2016
Happy Fathers Day

Unknown said...

Finally I have found something which helped me. Appreciate it!
sop writing service

Rachel Good said...

Hi, Anna! Thanks for your post! This was a very useful post. I would like to share you one team I learn from this website about statement of purpose. It tells to write a story not just a statement of purpose. I think it is a great advice!

John Lewis said...

It was nice reading your post.thanks for sharing!May be you'd find this one useful based on
psychology personal statements
.

Anonymous said...

Nice... Thanks Admin

paperpk Jobs
daily paperpk
daily paperpk jobs

Unknown said...

How to buy Bitcoin in Pakistan

How to buy IOTA in Pakistan

How to buy Litecoin in Pakistan

How to buy Verge in Pakistan

How to buy Dash in Pakistan

How to buy Etherum in Pakistan

How to buy Ripple in Pakistan

How to buy Monero in Pakistan

Ocean of Games said...

dwgamez

ver-novela-online said...

This is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
Video watch online

Unknown said...

Earth Day Celebrations Ideas At Home Office And Schools
Short Speech On Earth Day For Students And Children’s 2018
Save Tree Images, Earth Day Posters, Poster on Earth Day
Go Green Images and Pictures of Earth Day Poster

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sophie Grace said...

Written simply and tastefully. It’s pleasant to read. Thank u. picbear

Unknown said...

i have seen your site, its really fantastic website
https://chserialkey.com/wondershare-filmora-crack-keygen-2020/

Unknown said...

wow, amazing website
https://cracksmad.com/vyprvpn-crack/

Unknown said...

goood work bro. i love this one.
https://letcracks.com/any-video-converter-ultimate-cracked/

Unknown said...

im fully happy with this artilce. its amazing
https://shehrozpc.com/ccleaner-pro-crack/

Unknown said...

i love this site. its awesome
https://zsactivationkey.com/adobe-photoshop-cc-crack/

Unknown said...

The Sims 3 Free Download Full Highly Compressed Game For Pc The Sims 3 Free Download Full For Pc: is a life simulation role-playing pc game.
gta 4 highly compressed pc

freecricketbettingtips by Aerek Sir said...

Visit Free Cricket Betting Tips | Cricket Betting Tips from Expert Aerek Sir
Visit Free Online Cricket Betting Tips and Prediction| Online Betting Sites
Visit IPL Winner 2021
Visit free IPL betting tips| BBL betting tips | T20 World Cup betting tips|

upmypc said...

I really enjoy reading your post about this Posting. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys, thanks for sharing https://newcracksoft.com/mixpad-crack/

Cracked Software said...

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information with us. It seems like you have done a lot of hard work to collect such great information.
Virtual DJ Pro 2021 Crack
Nuclear Coffee VideoGet 7.0.5.100 Crack
VueScan Pro 9.7.61 Crack
Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Crack

fsgfxg said...

Are you searching for a good and high quality free highly compressed pc games download in one link.
you are on the right place now because i will guide you through a very high quality website which is perfect for you.

gajendra said...

best sop writing services<a href="https://prowriterz.com/sop-writing-services/"https://prowriterz.com/sop-writing-services/</a

Diamondexch said...

A tie is nearly invariably the result of a match played on a flat surface. These pitches help to keep the world777 games going for a long period.

Sony Pitter said...

Your efforts are admirable, and I thank you for them. Thank you for sharing this information.
When I install this software on my computer, it works.https://cracksys.com/xsplit-vcam-crack/

CrackedSoft said...

proDAD VitaScene Crack For PC Download is an amazing transition and filter software program for video editing. This tool comes with powerful effects for attractive broadcast quality. It supports some attractive plug-ins for different video editing programs like Corel VideoStudio, Adobe After Effects, Avid, Canopus, and Magix Vegas Pro.

Mudassara said...

I appreciate this post.
https://crackzips.com/4k-video-downloader-crack/

hubert said...

The blog is nice. Good Work! Thanks for the recommendation.
https://crackgive.com/nitro-pro-crack/

Malik Aqib said...

Wow, amazing block structure! How long
Have you written a blog before? Working on a blog seems easy.
The overview of your website is pretty good, not to mention what it does.
In the content!
vstpatch.net
VyprVPN Crack
ObjectDock Crack
AnyToISO Professional Crack
GOM Player Plus Crack
CyberGhost VPN Crack

Hashim said...



I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us Amazing info. Fantastic post.
Thanks For Sharing such an informative article, Im taking your feed also, Thanks.video converter ultimate key

Maccrack said...

Thanks for supporting us. Using the Parallels Desktop, if
you need to shut down the entire PC just choose the hibernate
or sleep option. And start the computer again in the same position.
With this software, converting a virtual machine from Boot Camp is much
easier and more intuitive than ever.
https://maccrack.net/

Maccrack said...

Your blog is very supporting us. We have regularly reading your blog.
It is a useful tool, and it can be used in all types of visualization,
numeric computation, and analysis in the variety of systems, like as robotics,
communications, security systems, aerospace, automotive, financial computing and much more.
https://softactivators.com/

Trending News said...

Reaper Crack Plus Serial Key
Free Download 2023