How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose (with samples) ?

Students who are seeking admission into schools need to write a statement of purpose. This statement of purpose shows your level of experience and the level of interest you have in the admissions board. 

In this article, we will show you how to write a winning statement of purpose and provide samples. 

What is a Statement Of Purpose?

A statement of purpose refers to a written document that shows your motivations, goals, level of experience, and qualifications for pursuing an academic or career path. Note that you need the document because it is part of your application process for graduate programs. Seeking help with writing papers can be a valuable step in crafting this crucial document, as it can provide you with expert guidance on structure, content, and tone.

To structure your statement of opinion, you must have the following: 

• Introduction:
• Background and Inspiration:
• Motivation and Goals:
• Relevant Skills and Experiences:
• Fit with the Program:
• Future Contribution
• Conclusion:

Note that your statement of purpose must be: 

• authentic, 
• concise 
• and passionate.

Read Also: How to Write a Study Plan for Your Canadian Student Visa

Why is a statement of Purpose Important?

Most statements of purpose require academic credentials, a good grade, and results from examinations. They are written to portray a better version of yourself to the admissions boards. 

Furthermore, the statement of purpose is written to show and provide the admissions committee with your background and why you have chosen their institution as your place of study. Additionally, it gives them a reason why they should consider you the perfect candidate for the position. Therefore, it gives them a preview of how well you are prepared to handle the rigors of a college education. 

Overall, a statement of purpose helps to express your record before the admissions committee. 

Steps to Writing a Statement of Purpose

Here are the five steps to creating an impressive and successful statement of purpose:

#1: Do your research. 

• Go through the website of the school and read about the department and program you wish to undertake. 
• Get and read brochures and booklets that pertain to that course carefully. 
• Understand the parts of that program that appease you. 
• Go through the research projects that relate to that program. 
• Go through the articles to understand the challenges that come with the program of your choice.  

#2: Reflect on your choice: 

• Reflect on the events of your life that led you to make such academic choices. 
• Who influenced your choice? 
• What influenced your choice? 
• Why did you choose your degree as an undergraduate? 
• What are your career goals, and where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

#3: Outline your Statement of Purpose

• Use the answers from step 2 to reflect on a central theme or topic. 
• Make use of bullet points to create and organize your ideas. 
• Your outline should answer questions like: 

1. What parts of the program do you like more?
2. What interests do you have in your research?
3. How did you become interested in that research topic?
4. How do you prepare to address the issues in this research topic?
5. What plans do you have for the program?
6. What are your career goals?
7. What features of the program can help you reach your goals?
8. What contributions do you bring to the program?

#4: Draft out Your Statement of Purpose

When you begin to write your statement of purpose:

• Always refer to yourself using positive language.
• Always give details and concise examples.
• Make use of transition words, sentences, and paragraphs so that your statement can flow smoothly.
• Never start different paragraphs the same way.
• Avoid using complex vocabulary or phrases.
• Try not to repeat yourself.
• Make sure to use a strong opening and closing paragraph.
• Stay within the 2-3 page limit!
• Do not forget to thank the admissions committee for considering your statement of purpose.

#5: Revise and Edit the Statement of purpose

After you are done drafting, you should read it aloud to yourself and make any necessary corrections where due. Additionally, you can ask friends or your tutors to read and edit it for you. 

What Do Universities Want To See In Your Statement Of Purpose?

1. Your writing ability:

Your statement of purpose, or SOP, needs to be expressed in an engaging manner. You should be able to build and write in a story-telling manner. Additionally, the writing should be: 

• Well organized
• Thoughtful
• Written in an active voice. 

However, the tone and buildup of your statement of purpose should depend on you. 

2. They want to see why you are unique. 

For your SOP to be unique, you must create a story that the readers can visualize. This is so that the admissions committee can see and understand you from your statement of purpose. 

3. What you bring to the program: 

Since most institutions are built like communities, the admissions committee wants to know what you have to offer to the growth of the community. Therefore, you should write down what you hope to contribute to your statement of purpose. 

4. Your knowledge of the course and university: 

The admissions committee will mostly like to know that you have done your homework and are familiar with the chosen course and the university of your choice. 

5. Your goals: 

At the conclusion of your statement of purpose, you must add the short-term and long-term goals that you hope to achieve. 

Sample of Statements of Purpose

Here are some of the best statement of purpose samples: 

1. Economics (PhD)

When I was introduced to economics in high school, I realized that it interestingly qualified as a subject of both the arts and sciences. It was an area defined by precise rules, principles, and axioms, yet there was tremendous scope for self-expression in the form of interpretation and analysis. This facet of economics intrigued me very much, and I decided to pursue further studies in Economics.

During my Master’s program, I equipped myself as best I could with various tools used in economic analysis. I obtained rigorous training in mathematics, econometrics, and game theory. After completing the Master’s program, I joined the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, as I was very eager to see how one might use economics to tackle real-life problems, where simplified models and assuming a way of solving problems may offer no respite. I did some very interesting work here, which is described in my resume. I want to delve deeper into the subject to be able to carry out independent research and analysis, hence my decision to join the Ph.D. program at UCLA.

International Economics is an area I would really like to explore. I am fascinated by game-theoretic modeling of issues pertaining to International Economics. I believe that the game-theoretic model can be effectively used in international economics as many policy issues, such as negotiations over mutual reductions in tariffs, the formation and preservation of customs unions, and the establishment of cartels in the case of internationally traded goods, all have some game theoretic character.

The current “Regionalism versus Multilateralism” debate holds its own attraction. It should be interesting to analyze the trade diversion effects of Preferential Trading Agreements and their impact on multilateral institutions like GATT. The strategic trading that takes place in foreign exchange markets and the variety of auction-like mechanisms that have been used for foreign exchange trade, especially in developing countries, are intriguing.

During my graduate studies, I aim to equip myself with some advanced tools and develop my analytical and research capabilities. I want to get an excellent command of building econometrics to be able to confront stochastic statistical data with exact models of economic theories and also for empirical verification of other models, which might otherwise be set in a partial equilibrium framework. I expect to emerge as an economic engineer and an expert in model building. Econometrics per se also interests me as a subject of economics, and I might like to research econometric methodology. I want to be an academic economist. I have cleared the National Eligibility Test conducted by the University Grants Commission of India, which makes me eligible to teach an undergraduate course in economics at any Indian university.

Furthermore, I want to study at UCLA, as it emphasizes the rigor and analytical tools that are necessary for academic research. I have well-developed analytical and mathematical skills, and I want to exploit these skills to the greatest extent. Additionally, I feel the help and guidance that can be provided to me by the distinguished faculty of your university will be invaluable. I am sure if I am given the opportunity to study at your university, which attracts some of the best students from all over the world, it will provide an environment competitive enough to bring out the best in me.

[Original source: https://admission-writer.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-examples]

2. Psychology (PhD)

When I went to college, I wanted to be a doctor. I was going to study biology, pick up a second major along the way, and go to medical school to become a rural practitioner. I soon realized that I was suffering from my own version of “Med. Student Syndrome.” I did not think that I was sick, but I did realize that I was obviously delusional. I realized that I did not have the burning desire to become a medical doctor. The profession did not interest me; it was my perception of the profession that caught my fancy. Luckily, by then I had begun to study psychology, so I understood what a good delusion was like.

As I studied psychology more and more, I found that what excites me most of all is the investigation, dissection, and understanding of problems that I saw around me in the world. I found psychology courses stimulated me to think and explore my world as I took courses in development, psychopathology, personality, and behavior analysis. Dr. XXXX’s behavior analysis classes gave me good critical and analytic skills through our repeated analyses, discussion, and practice of both basic and complex behavioral principles.

I received research training with XXX, Ph.D., while working on an autism and social behaviors study, and with XXX, Ph.D., while writing an honors thesis and subsequent poster presentation. My work with Dr. XXX helped me develop my observational skills and learn to classify and define abstract descriptors into concrete variables. In my honors research, I started with a broad question, wondering whether young adults’ substance use behaviors were related to both sensation seeking and their friendships, and if so, how. Once I narrowed my ideas and collected and analyzed the data, I had to deal with the frustration of getting results that did not support the hypotheses.

Furthermore, I did more data collection and analysis for a poster presentation at the Society for Prevention Research annual conference, and in posthoc analyses, I found that while I had studied the sample as a whole, males and females had different predictors of alcohol use. Even though I hadn’t supported my original hypotheses, this gave me ideas as to why. One of my favorite biology professors used to say that advances in science are often made by proving something does not exist, something I learned well through my research.

I am currently volunteering for a year in Fairbanks, Alaska, through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at a parenting resource center. I work in Family Preservation Services with families whose children have been in state custody, trying to keep the families together. It’s difficult work; I see kids every day who are very young but who have already had pretty tough lives. Many of these children could be case studies of multiple risk factors. As some here have put it, they are “damaged.” My work here has really driven my thinking about how abuse, divorce, and familial discord interact to affect children in their social interactions, their view of themselves and the world, and the future predicted for them.

Through my undergraduate research, including my honors thesis, I was introduced to the issues surrounding adolescent substance use. I found myself very interested in both the specific issues of adolescent substance use and the ideas of how an adolescent’s context, whether it is familial, environmental, pathological, or peer, could affect the adolescent’s life. I would like to find ways to help kids like those I work with have more promising lives. Additionally, I am interested in studying child and adolescent mental health, particularly issues of substance use, risk and resilience, pathology, and aggression, and how social and family context affects each of these issues. Essentially, I am interested in ways in which we can make growing up less difficult, particularly for high-risk kids.

I see myself spending my career primarily in research and teaching. Additionally, I see it as crucial to have research that is well-informed by clinical practice and clinical practice that is well-grounded in research. I also see it as necessary to ensure that research is properly disseminated and that underserved areas gain increased attention as targets of study and clinical practice assistance. For example, most of Alaska does not have a strong university presence, and I believe that the social service programs here suffer from not being up to speed on the latest clinical developments. I’d like to develop prevention programs and interventions to help address what I choose to specialize in, and a position as a university professor would be the ideal way to achieve this goal. Further, I am very attracted by the prospect of teaching and mentoring college students about what I love.

I decided to apply to XXX University for several reasons. I am attracted to XXX University by its strong emphasis on research and methodology. Particularly, the strong preventive focus of the Child Clinical Area of Emphasis is what I seeking for in a program. In researching XXX University, the work of Drs. XXX and XXX particularly piqued my interest. I worked with XXX at XXX University, who exposed me to much of Dr. XXX’s work on children of alcoholics.

Furthermore, I would be interested in further pursuing work on risk factors for substance abuse, particularly looking at how familial and social context affect risk behaviors. Dr. XXX’s research in risk and resilience and her prevention work with high-risk adolescents are very much what I am interested in doing, as I not only have research experience but also clinical work with similar populations to what Dr. XXX’ is working with.

The Clinical Psychology program at XXX University has everything I am looking for in a program, just as I feel I have what XXX University should be looking for in an incoming student. I would be very excited to join the incoming class at XXX University in 2000. I feel I am well prepared to enter graduate study, and my strong motivation and career goals are a good match for what XXX has to offer.

[Original source: https://admission-writer.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-examples]

3. History (PhD)

One of the proudest accomplishments of my life was earning my college degree, despite the fact that my early adulthood pointed in the opposite direction, beginning with my marriage at the age of 19. Throughout the 1990s, I lived as one of the “working poor,” someone who slipped through the cracks of supposedly historic prosperity. By the age of 25, I was divorced and frustrated with menial, low-paying jobs: clerk, receptionist, and housecleaner. There is nothing like scrubbing someone else’s toilet to inspire determination toward obtaining an education. Because of my absolute commitment to earning my degree, I got a flexible shift at a retail warehouse, which enabled me to acquire my degree while supporting myself financially.

Enrolled at the local community college, I experienced a different world opening up to me. Excited by a new, encouraging environment, I excelled academically. I learned that if I tried hard, I could succeed; if I wanted something badly enough, I possessed the ability to take advantage of these opportunities. Additionally, I worked a minimum 35-hour workweek for five years to put myself through school without succumbing to the temptation of a student loan. I paid tuition up front with the money I earned. It was the example of my mother, a Puerto Rican immigrant working diligently to provide for her family, who instilled a work ethic in me that has stood me in good stead.

With a lifelong passion for history, I have developed an interest in the cultural history of early modern and modern Europeans, especially women’s history. The experiences of ordinary women fascinate me: how they constitute their world through popular folktales and literature; how the seemingly irrational paradoxes of the past to modern eyes are completely rational when taken within the historical context; and finally, how these historical changes and transformations in culture constitute the present.

I enjoy studying the early modern period of English history, especially the Tudor-Stuart period, because of the tensions that existed between medieval philosophies and the rising Enlightenment intellectualism. My influences have been diverse. I read the popular historian Barbara Tuchman, not for her technical accuracy but for her beautiful prose. Natalie Zemon Davis’s research inspires me in the way that she cleverly picks out fresh life from tired sources. And finally, Michel Foucault’s philosophies have profoundly influenced the way I write. For now, I have a philosophical grounding that makes me highly sensitive to my own biases. 

In fact, Foucault’s post-structuralist matrix has been instrumental in shaping my current project, which focuses on the 17th-century midwife Elizabeth Cellier. In this project, I am reexamining the current histories of English midwifery using Cellier as a case study, detecting a decided bias embedded within them. The underlying assumption of these histories is that pre-industrial professional women—and Cellier in particular—struggled against patriarchy and oppression from the male medical community, when in fact Cellier’s literature shows that she utilized the accepted discourses of patriarchy available to her in her writing and turned them into useful tools of political and religious power.

As a student, I feel that my success lies in the fact that I approached my studies as if I were a professional (a historian, not a student, that is). I always enrolled in the most challenging courses and worked with professors I felt were the most qualified in my areas of interest. Never did I settle for an A- or B+. If I got one, I would ask what I could do to improve, and ultimately, I would utilize the advice to strengthen my work. My personal academic milestone occurred while I was completing a research seminar on historical methods. This required course was taught by an Americanist—Dr. W., director of the [school withheld] history department—so our research topics were limited to American sources.

I was able to work within my main interest, which is marginalized women, while using the primary sources of The New York Times. The resulting paper, “Biologically Unsound: Women, Murder, and the Insanity Plea in the Progressive Era,” examined the preponderant use of the insanity plea for women who went outside their “innate nature” and murdered, regardless of the circumstances that drove them to kill. Although the topic was outside my focus, which is European history, this paper was selected for publication in the Phi Alpha Theta journal, The Historian.

My focus as an undergraduate has always been on a career as a professional historian. Aware of the rigors of graduate study, I have not only completed an undergraduate language requirement in Spanish, but I am also currently enrolled in an accelerated French course. In addition, I have become active in the historical honor society, Phi Alpha Theta, including serving as chapter president. During my tenure, our chapter hosted the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference, the largest regional conference in the nation. With the help of faculty adviser Dr. G., I created the conference sessions, chose appropriate student commentators for those sessions, and gave a keynote speech. The experience taught me that I have a flair for organization as well as mediation. Under my leadership, our chapter also published its first journal and hosted a variety of campus activities. 

This year I am working with the Computer Society in order to establish a Website for students who need help succeeding in history courses; we are going to call it the Clio homepage. My position as an authority figure both in classroom work and within these various organizations has awakened a desire to embrace teaching, for I enjoy sharing the excitement of education with my peers as well as helping them achieve their own academic success.

I feel that my life experiences as well as my commitment to education would be an asset to Cornell’s doctoral program in History. Cornell has an exciting interdisciplinary program that is exceptionally impressive. In particular, Dr. W.’s specialty in Tudor-Stuart social and cultural history complements my own interest in studying the experiences of English pre-industrial women. This combination will provide the strong background I desire in order to shape my future research interests. I feel that Cornell is a premier institution for aspiring Ph.D. candidates and, as such, has a very competitive program. But I know I have the tools and the determination to excel in such a stimulating and challenging environment.

[Original source: https://admission-writer.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-examples]

4. Economics (MA)

In this essay, I am going to concentrate mostly on the incentives that stimulate me to pursue further study, reflect on the motives for my choice of Princeton University, and state my future career objectives.

I have chosen to work in the area of international macroeconomics because it has such a demand for new ideas. At the same time, it requires a good mathematical background and has obvious implications in real life.

My education suits this field very well; I have a Master of Science with Honors in the field of applied mathematics and physics and a Master of Arts in economics with a specialization in international economics. I already have extensive research experience both in applied sciences and economics, know basic economic models, and have a strong background in both abstract modeling and data manipulation. All this probably makes me an economist, but my objective is to become a good one.

I have been taught by very good lecturers. After the course I took with Professor Branson, I decided that there is nothing more interesting than international economics. Professor A made issues of monetary economics and government policy fascinating. Lectures delivered by Professor B attracted me to labor market problems. I enjoyed listening to them and want to teach my mind to operate in a similar manner: attention is paid to every individual fact, and each formal problem solved reflects a real economic situation.

While writing my master’s thesis, I had a chance to see that a simple look at a graph can be more useful than the application of sophisticated economic techniques. One of the reasons I want to study further is to reach at least the same level of intuitiveness and panoramic view of the subject as my teachers have.

My Master of Arts degree was in the field of Health Economics, which I am very interested in. It was mostly an empirical dissertation. My dissertation was titled “..” and I worked under the guidance of Professor C. The greatest part of my work was devoted to macroeconomic cross-country econometric (panel data) analysis. The task was complicated by the necessity to work with omitted variables and low-quality data, as well as the low reliability of data for developing countries and countries in transition.

We also made efforts to build a model that explains the impact of macroeconomic parameters on health deterioration and the probability of death. My master’s thesis has been presented at the “Russian Economic And Political Institutions In Transition” conference, and currently we are preparing it for publication.

At this time, I am also doing empirical research devoted to inflation and monetary policy. I feel cautious about specifying which area of economics interests me most for further study, but I do not think that this is a drawback. Additionally, I find economics particularly attractive for the fact that it is broad and has not yet been split into a set of narrow sub-branches; economists all speak almost the same language. I also think that in the face of the complexity we face in this discipline, it would be ineffective to specialize too narrowly.

This year I realized, as I had not before, that I wish to continue my studies. Being a teaching assistant in Professor A’s Macroeconomics and Advanced Macroeconomics classes, I understood that a lot of effort must be applied for a good student to turn into a good teacher. I feel that a similar gap exists between a good student and a good researcher.

Furthermore, I am a hardworking and determined person, and I am ready for a new leap in my economics career. I will work hard in the hope that the quantity of effort I put in will result in high-quality knowledge. The fact is that the best possible supervisors and a highly competitive atmosphere are necessary for this quality. The only reasonable decision for me was to aim for such a place. All this gives me the motivation to apply to Princeton University.

[Original source: https://admission-writer.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-examples]

5. Physics (PhD)

My goal is to combine my background in physics and mathematics with experimental neuroscience to build quantitative models of how brains work. As a child, I fell in love with mathematical problem-solving, but it was not until college that I knew what to do with that love. I considered several majors in my first few semesters at USC, but my persistent question, “Yes, but how does that work?” eventually led me to the physics department and an electricity and magnetism course with Dr. P. Z. Using the mathematical problem-solving that I reveled in, we explored the physical mechanisms behind magnets, sunsets, and a wealth of fascinating natural phenomena. The uncompromising inquisitiveness of physics resonated with my own curiosity, and I was hooked.

I became especially interested in the physical basis of information processing and joined Dr. Z’s Quantum Information Theory group in Torino. Through calculations and simulations, we sought to define an appropriate concept of thermal equilibrium in quantum mechanics. I learned a great deal about milking mathematical models and simulations for physical results, but most importantly, the excitement of constructing a new theory convinced me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing science. Combined with a desire to inspire other students as Dr. Z. had done for me, I knew then I wanted to become a professor.

It struck me that while I and other researchers grappled with the fundamental limits of computation, we still lacked a deep understanding of the very information processor that enabled us to do so—the human brain. When I thought about math, which neurons fired? How were the things I learned embodied in my brain? Was it possible to understand the physical basis of the human mind just as we understand a magnet or a sunset?

I searched for a neuroscience group at USC that might have a need for a physicist and soon found Dr. B.’s group, which was having an issue with their simulations of neural synapses. Their numerical integration algorithm was having trouble with the multiple timescales present in biological dynamics, and I discovered the source of this difficulty and proposed an adaptive algorithm to significantly speed up simulations. I also assisted a graduate student in building compartmental models of hippocampal neurons, gaining valuable experience in using the simulation package NEURON.

Since then, I have pursued neuroscience and physics in parallel—neuroscience for the questions that drive me and physics to better understand the physical basis of information processing and hone my ability to build and analyze mathematical models. I spent the first half of summer 2010 at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) in Waterloo, Ontario, working with Dr. A. C. on the proof of a mathematical theorem that we felt might lead to new algorithms for quantum computers.

Over six weeks, Dr. C. and I iterated between provisional theorems and test cases generated by a computer program I had written, converged on a candidate for the theorem, and found our proof. I gave an IQC colloquium on our findings, and Dr. C. and I are currently working on a generalization of our results for publication. Beyond offering new tools of analysis, my physics research has also influenced my neuroscience by giving me a visceral understanding of the play between theory, simulation, and experiment and how to iterate between them.

Currently, I am working with USC Professor B. to understand how brains rapidly and robustly encode information presented only once. In particular, we are investigating the optimal dendrite morphology for memory capacity during one-shot learning tasks and studying how the optimal morphology varies with input features such as noise and density of activation. We hypothesize that dendrite morphology is optimized to shift response variability to a regime efficient for memory capacity. We are also exploring various definitions of memory capacity and the connections between them.

One of Dr. M.’s students amassed a collection of simulation data, and my role is to build mathematical models that help explain his results, enable analytic calculations of memory capacity, and suggest new simulations to further refine our hypotheses. We hope that the optimal biophysical variables we identify will correspond with experimental values in the brain. Our approach is characteristic of what I believe is a unique and important contribution that physics and mathematics may offer biology: explanations for the functional role of biological mechanisms rooted in arguments for their optimality.

My strategy of pursuing research in both physics and neuroscience has provided me with unique insights into the brain, valuable experience with interdisciplinary collaborations, and clarity on my career goals. I would like to pursue a Ph.D. followed by a professorship to continue my research and share my passion for discovery with eager young minds. Through collaborations with experimentalists and my training in physics and mathematics, I want to explore the links between biophysical mechanisms and their functional roles in neural computation.

In addition to my research, I have pursued and excelled in several graduate courses in physics and mathematics and even picked up new analytic tools from other graduate departments, such as information theory and mathematical optimization. Concurrently, I have attained significant knowledge of modern neuroscience through extracurricular study and research. Thus, I am confident in my choice of graduate research and in my preparation for pursuing it.

Furthermore, I am confident that the University of Washington’s Physics program would be a great place for me to do so. I am attracted by the large community of faculty and students interested in biophysics and particularly interested in working with Drs. A., F. R., and E. S., each of whom I have contacted. As I prefer theoretical work closely coupled with ongoing experiments, I am especially interested in a project co-advised by Dr. R. and either Dr. F. or Dr. S. Another potential focus of our collaboration could be the modulatory effect of persistent network activity on single-neuron responses and the role of this modulation in neural computation. Though research is my main attraction to UW, I would be remiss if I did not mention that I do my best thinking in the outdoors and welcome the opportunity to spend weekends hiking and mountaineering in the environs of Seattle. 

Source: https://admission-writer.com/blog/statement-of-purpose-examples]

6. Law Master’s statement

During high school, I was inspired to pursue a career in law after taking part in a debate in a history lesson. My classmates and I argued whether Julius Caesar was a good or bad leader for the Roman Empire, and we all had to provide compelling closing arguments after examining the evidence. I was fully involved in the task, and I relished the challenge of debating my classmates and putting forward my case. 

This curiosity and determination to make the right decisions and to form arguments based on evidence inspired me to complete an undergraduate course in History in 2017. I demonstrated strong analytical skills in essay writing throughout this course. I also took an interest in the diverse subject matter. For example, I completed modules on European art history where I used evidence shown in paintings from the early modern period to show how social inequalities took place. But, in another module, I examined how effectively the Nazis controlled the press during World War 2. These experiences show how I can take a variety of subject matter and form a compelling argument based on the facts provided.

However, my main passion in my undergraduate course was social history. I took a keen interest in hearing first-hand accounts from everyday people about their experiences during the Great Depression, and I wrote my thesis on this subject. Moreover, I used the evidence given by people during the Great Depression to argue how the actions of the masses to migrate en masse had more impact compared to government intervention. I also completed a presentation on my findings, answered questions from doctorate-level tutors on the subject, and received a distinction for my research.

I thoroughly enjoyed this part of my undergraduate degree. The process of gathering important and impactful evidence and using it to create a solid argument was completely engaging. This inspired me to start getting more experience in law. After graduating, I secured a position working for a local solicitor. In this role, I spoke to clients and supported them with queries. Also, I helped the lawyers organize their files and prepare for court days. Part of this role involved shadowing attorneys in the office and court. During this experience, I learned from colleagues about legal language and how to make cases for clients based on their needs and requirements. Occasionally, I also helped lawyers when they went to court, and seeing the lawyers perform their arguments in a court setting was another huge motivation for me to progress with my law career.

Since a young age, I have been an advocate for justice and fairness in all areas of life. I am determined to combine this core philosophy with my skills and understanding of evidence to become a qualified lawyer. Additionally, I am a hard-working individual who is always looking to improve her skills and knowledge. I would bring this and a passion for the law to this course in the hope of taking the next step toward my dream career. 

Best Regards,

James Jones

[Original source: https://edvoy.com/articles/3-winning-statement-of-purpose-samples/]

7. Medicine statement

I remember when I was six, I was playing out on the street with my school friends. It was the first time I tried to do a wheelie on my bike, but I failed. I fell backward onto the concrete floor and hit my shoulder hard. The next few hours went by like a flash, but my main memory of this event is seeing the pediatrician who diagnosed my broken shoulder. The doctor was incredibly kind, funny, and sincere, and their easygoing nature relaxed both me and my concerned mother about the severity of my injury. During my recovery period, I wanted to learn more about what exactly had happened to my shoulder, so I asked my parents and teachers about the body and how it is all interconnected like one complex circuit board.

After this experience, the sciences quickly became my favorite subject in school. But biology was always my favorite. I couldn’t wait to get into the class and learn more about the human body, how it functions, what harms it, and what improves it. Even though I loved my biology lessons at school, I wanted to learn more, so I joined the after-school science club. Through this experience, I demonstrated excellent subject knowledge, organization, and communication skills by taking the lead in the biology section of a school exhibition. Here, my team and I created real-life dioramas and infographics about the organs in the body and how they function. We received an award for the most scientifically accurate display and earned praise from our headteacher, parents, and peers. 

Determined to continue my learning and to develop my experience to eventually become a medical doctor, I completed my degree in Biology in 2021. As part of the course, we often visited local hospitals and medical centers. Seeing the help and excellent level of care inspired me to volunteer at a local emergency department as an orderly while I completed my degree. Here, I witnessed the realism of being a doctor, with long hours, tough patients, and dealing with emotional situations.

One evening, two surgeons came out of a long-term procedure, and we spoke about the details of the surgery they had just completed. Even though they were tired, they were both joyful and excited about what they had achieved, and they were glad they had made a difference in the patient’s life. Seeing these responses highlighted to me how important it is to see the patient first in any scenario. The long, demanding hours of being a doctor may be tough, but it is all worth it to provide expert patient care.

My experiences so far in hospital environments have only strengthened my determination to become a medical doctor. I want to be a thorough professional who provides the best services available. Understanding and sensitivity are key to becoming a top doctor, and these are some of the key attributes in my professional and personal lives. Combined with my knowledge of Biology, I feel ready to pursue the next step toward becoming a fully qualified doctor through the Doctor of Medicine course.

Best Regards,

[Name of the person]

[Original source: https://edvoy.com/articles/3-winning-statement-of-purpose-samples/]

8. Business Master’s statement

From a young age, I went to work with my Dad in his hardware shop. Here, I saw firsthand how he interacted with customers, dealt with queries and complaints, and provided excellent services. But he also showed me that running a business is more than being a people person. After the shop closed, he worked on budgets and finances, talked with suppliers, and checked stock items regularly. As I got older, my Dad helped me become more involved in the business. First, he trusted me to work the tills, process orders, and print receipts for customers before I was promoted to shop floor assistant. 

Overall, I learned from this experience that business is many things rolled into one. A successful businessperson is not just a salesman; they are also a leader, a mathematician, a communicator, and an organizer.

Even though I had experience running a business, I was not immediately inspired to start my own shop or enterprise. Instead, I completed my school education and studied for a degree in English Literature. Here, I regularly demonstrated excellent communication skills. I completed my thesis on the themes of ‘War and Peace and went on to present my findings to a group of 30 first-year students. But I also showed great skill in teamwork and leadership when I formed a research group in the second year of my studies.

I realized that I was not achieving as well as I could, and I demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to help support my studies. I first organized an online study forum for my peers, and then we decided to meet in person to discuss themes and approaches to the book. The group continued to run until we graduated, and I felt proud to start an active group that supported others and myself to complete our degrees.

Towards the end of my studies, I started working as a freelance writer, submitting fiction stories and non-fiction articles to local and national magazines. Over time, I grew my online presence and profiles to attract customers and showcase my work. Shortly after finishing my degree, I went full-time in this line of work as I attracted more clients. In many ways, this was similar to my early experience working in my dad’s shop. Although my role as a writer is different from that of a shop owner, I still use many of the same business-related skills. I create budgets, talk to clients regularly, speak with potential customers, and create invoices each month. All of these skills and tasks are equally important as my writing to keep my business working.  

Something about this entrepreneurial adventure inspired me to apply for a master’s in Business. Someday, it is my ambition to scale up my writing business and to help and inspire younger writers and entrepreneurs to follow a similar path. However, I want to learn more about the business side of running my enterprise. Ultimately, I want to improve my management and communication skills and learn how to expand from being a sole entrepreneur to a business with multiple employees and staff. In my studies and career so far, I have shown the necessary determination, hard work, and initiative that have helped me succeed. I would bring these skills and my experience to this course and demonstrate my passion to learn and understand more about this subject to help myself and others in the future.

Best Regards,

[Name of the person]

[Original source: https://edvoy.com/articles/3-winning-statement-of-purpose-samples/]

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For international students looking to get a quality education, it can be financially demanding. At AfterSchoolAfrica, we understand that education should be based on the potential for value creation to build an inclusive global economy. 

Furthermore, we can help make this dream a reality by offering scholarships, loans, and work-study programs for financial assistance. Therefore, by exploring these avenues, you can focus on your studies without worrying about financial burdens.

Additionally, through our global education lending partners, we now help and support African students to fund their graduate education in the US, Canada, or the UK. You don’t need collateral or a Cosigner.

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