Preparing for Graduate School
Once you decide to pursue a graduate degree, you will need to begin researching programs and planning for the application process.
A personal statement or statement of purpose is a key part of your grad school application. It’s your opportunity to explain why you’re pursuing that specific program, what drives your academic and professional goals, and how your background prepares you for this next step.
- Personal Statement: This is more about you as a person, your motivations, personal experiences, and the challenges you’ve overcome. It’s a way to show who you are beyond your academic credentials, offering insight into your character, interests, and the personal factors influencing your decision to pursue grad school.
- Statement of Purpose: These focus more on your academic and professional aspirations. It addresses why you want to pursue the specific field or program, what your research interests are, and how you plan to contribute to the field. It’s typically more focused on your academic journey and career goals.
