All schools will ask you to supply a Personal Statement which is also sometimes referred to as a Statement of Purpose. In addition to this, some institutions will also ask for an Academic Statement of Purpose. While this differs slightly from a Personal Statement, there are a few features the two have in common:
- An explanation of why you are the perfect fit for the program/department/institution.
- An elaboration of your qualifications and skills tied in with past and future research and professional goals.
- A display of enthusiasm and passion without resorting to over-the-top declarations. Remember, everyone who applies to graduate programs in English loves to read, so be as specific as you can about what motivates you.
- A tone that is personal and not generic.
Academic Statement of Purpose
This is a statement that outlines your academic, intellectual and professional goals.
- It is important to communicate what areas of literature have caught your interest and why. Admission committees will be looking to see how sincere your interest in the expressed areas is, so it is not enough to simply state that you find seventeenth-century literature intriguing. You can show your established interest by commenting on scholars whose work has informed your thinking and explaining how those scholarly dialogues will help you further your own research goals.
- It is also important to outline a few areas of research you would like to explore. This is not a commitment but merely a way to communicate that you have given your area of interest and future research possibilities some serious thought.
- Explain how a career in academia will benefit your plans for teaching and research.
Personal Statement
If a Personal Statement is the only document the institution requires of you, then it should include everything that is needed in an Academic Statement of Purpose. However, it will also require a slightly more personal angle in approaching these topics.
- A Personal Statement will invite you to explain why you want to pursue a graduate degree and how it may help you achieve your future intellectual and professional goals. For example, you could include how you first became interested in English Literature or describe your experience with a particular text that drew you to the subject.
- You will also have to explain what attracts you to the particular institution and most importantly the specific department or program to which you are applying.
- Explain why you would be a good fit for the program with reference to the resources, faculty, and academic and social atmosphere. This is also an opportunity to bring in your academic experience as well as any other skills and qualifications, explaining how these might help you contribute to the department and the institution at large.
No matter what type of statement you end up submitting, it is vital to write several drafts. The first draft is the hardest and, because there is no set structure to a personal statement, you will want plenty of time to write, revise and revise it again. Having several people (friends, professors, etc.) read your drafts and provide feedback is strongly encouraged.
Questions to think about when writing your personal statement:
- Who will read it? Who is the audience?
- What is the point? What purpose does it serve?
- How do these audiences differ from the professors who grade your work?
- What is the goal(s) of the audience who will read your personal statement? In other words, what are your readers’ need(s)?
(from Kathy Evertz, Director, Academic Support Center)
You can also take your personal statement(s) to the Writing Center and consult with the Writing Assistants. For more information on how to make an appointment with them visit the Writing Center website.