Writing sop

You must think of yourself as a scientist.
•Every paragraph should somehow be related to your research area, interest, experience, and future.

Make what is negative positive.

Content
•What is the purpose of your graduate study?
•Specializedareas of interest?Who did you work with, what did you do: internships, projects, employment, research and publications?
•What skillsdo you have: using, testing, designing or researching equipment?
•Future goals?
•Tailor to Dept: What makes you uniquely suited for this particular department, this specific institution?

•Including faculty with whom you want to work, this shows you have done your homework.
•Contact faculty before you apply to build a relationship.
•Mention a few fields/areas that you are interested in.
•Write specifically for a department: you do not want an overly a general statement.

•Fill out forms completelybefore giving them to your professors, provide them with stamped envelope.
•Do not exceed the word limit.
•Single space is fine.
•2 pages should be your target length.

Pretend you are writing about a friend.
•Email your SP to a friend.

Present a package that reflects you: The Professional.

http://mascle.usc.edu/member.html

http://cathyday.com/2011/11/sop-dos-and-donts/