By Sasha Warren, UChicagoGRAD Career Advising Intern
Application deadlines for many PhD programs in the United States are coming up in December. So, whether you’re an aspiring cancer biologist or an up-and-coming theologian, now is a great time to make sure your application materials are in the works.
One document you’ll need to apply to almost any U.S. PhD program is a Statement of Purpose (SoP), and I’ll be honest – when I started my Planetary Science PhD applications, I had no idea what this meant. The SoP is essentially a description of the research you intend to do: it should draw from the research and learning experiences you’ve had so far, with an eye toward what you hope to do in the future.
Most SoPs follow the same “three act structure”:
Act 1: Who are you, and what research do you want to do? You might address what questions you want to ask, how you intend to pursue them, and why they are important in your field of study.
Act 2: What experiences have prepared you to do this research? Be sure to include how you want to build on your experiences through the research plans outlined in Act 1.
Act 3: Why are this particular program and its faculty a fit for you and your work?
You’ll only have a few pages for all of this, so taking the time to refine and polish your SoP is worth the effort. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to read the prompt carefully for each program. Schools may ask for different lengths, content, and formatting, so you need to tailor your SoP to each one.
- The balance of each “act” in your SoP depends on your field of study.
- For STEM PhD applications: The main focus of the SoP is Act 2 – aim to make about 70% of the SoP about the methods and subject areas you’re most thoroughly versed in (and excited by) through giving concrete examples of research projects and related experiences.
- For Humanities & Social Sciences: Acts 1 and 2 should each make up about equal portions of your SoP, with more of a focus on defining the research you want to do during your PhD rather than your past experience.
- The Statement of Purpose is also a writing sample. Writing clearly and concisely is an important skill for all PhD students, so be intentional and specific with your sentences and word choices.
- First impressions count. Check and re-check your spelling and grammar, then have a friend proofread your SoP for you.
UChicagoGRAD offers a variety of PhD application support resources. For feedback on your SoP or CV, consider making an appointment with one of the UChicagoGRAD career advisors (including me, if you’re a STEM Masters student). If you’re looking for help with writing samples, you can set up a Graduate Writing Consultation. For feedback on diversity, equity, and inclusion statements, consider meeting with our Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dana Bozeman. It’s also a good idea to work with your faculty advisor on content and norms specific to your field.
For more information on PhD applications, you may refer to:
- UChicagoGRAD’s PhD Application Guide
- The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Gentle Guide for Applying to Graduate School
About Sasha:
Sasha is a 4th-year PhD candidate in Geophysical Sciences researching the evolution of rocky planet atmospheres over geological time. At UChicagoGRAD, they help STEM masters students explore their academic and professional goals, and prepare documents for PhD program applications.