English WritingPart 8:

Statement of Purpose, part 1

John E. Clayton

Nanjing University, Spring, 2005

Please Turn In Your Homework

Don’t forget to turn-in your cover letter

Resume Homework Grade

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Syllabus

03/02 Introduction; Overview; Writing a good paragraph03/09 Information Form; Essays – structure, thesis 03/16 Thesis Focus; Movie: Johnny Lingo Journal 103/23 Essay Introduction and Conclusion 03/30 Movie: Dave Journal 204/06 Review for mid-term exam; Overcoming Fear04/13 Mid-term exam Journal 104/20 Resume - 104/27 Resume - 2 Journal 205/04 Holiday 05/11 Business Letters Journal 105/18 Statement of Purpose05/25 Statement of Purpose Journal 206/01 Review for final exam06/08 Final exam

What is a Statement of Purpose?

The “SOP” is typically a key part

of your application for graduate school.

What is a Statement of Purpose?

The “SOP” tells the admissions committee:

• who you are,

• what has influenced your career path so far,

• your professional interests,

• where you plan to go from here.

The Admissions Officer Will…

… look through thousands of applications for a mix of students who are interesting, confident and enthusiastic, who will make the class a stimulating place.

Scores Are Not Everything

Academic achievements and good test scores are important, but the majority of applicants will have good academic records.

The SOP is a tool to help distinguish between individuals and decide who is accepted. 

Some Valued Characteristics

• Creativity

• Curiosity

• Pride in your work

• Enthusiasm for learning

• Capacity for teamwork

• Ability to think independently

Self-Knowledge

The examiners want to be convinced that you have thought long and hard about…

• who you are • what things you appreciate • what inspires you • what you want out of life • where you are going from here

You needn’t have all the answers – but you should be able to show that you have thought about these things.

Classroom Exercise

Why am I in university now?

• Why am I studying my major?

• What kind of job do I hope to get?

Do I want to go to graduate school?

Why? Where? Why not?

What will I be doing in 10 years?

Family, Career

Write a one-page essay describing…

Homework

Think about the essay you have written.

Think about your life.

Where are you going?