Statement of Purpose Samples

[esimanon]

I am struggling with my Statement of Purpose. Does anyone know where I can find samples? I think it would really help me to structure mine if I could read someone else's work.

 

Thanks all!

[daisydukes]

google sop samples

[esp.msw]

I am struggling with my Statement of Purpose. Does anyone know where I can find samples? I think it would really help me to structure mine if I could read someone else's work.

 

Thanks all!

I've learned that reading other's personal statements has helped very little. I've read about 6 different ones (all were accepted to their programs and all different programs across the nation) and they all differed from one another. Some were very personal and witty others were more straightforward and calculated. 

 

I've learned that only I can convey what I want without having influence of others or adapting someone else's style. Remember this is also a writing sample of sorts. 

 

I think your best bet is to match your interests with each individual programs', really showcase your skills and experience and tie them in to the questions they ask, and somehow, someway make yourself stand out. 

 

I'm trying to find a balance between being personable, but showing professionalism as well. It's difficult, not gunna lie.

[monochrome]

You can try asking co-workers who have applied to grad school if they are willing to share their statements. If they don't want to share it with you or if they don't have a copy, you can ask for suggestions on how they wrote their essays. Asking previous professors for advice is also helpful.

Edited October 25, 2014 by monochrome

[Lifesaver]

What is your prompt? Mine were all very generic. I'm sure someone can help you brain storm.

[paige_elizabeth10]

I'm happy to try and read statements. Just message me 

[Read_books]

I'm happy to try and read statements. Just message me 

 

I have a question, (also thanks for being so helpful!) if the eassy prompt has the topics listed in a certain order- does that mean I should follow that order specifically in my essay? Or is it ok to write the essay how it flows, being diligent to make sure every topic is covered and is clear? 

 

Example:

A. Rationale 

Discuss the primary reasons for your desire to pursue your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. 

B. Attributes and Liabilities 

Please identify your strengths, and briefly discuss any knowledge and/or skills that you might need to improve in order to successfully complete the requirements of GSSW’s MSW program. 

C. Employment and Volunteer Experience 

Please Identify and briefly discuss the relationship between your previous employment and/or volunteer experiences and your decision to pursue an MSW. 

Note: If you are a current BSW student, please also provide a detailed description of your internship assignments and responsibilities including approximate number of hours working directly with clients, and whether those clients were individuals, families, groups and/or communities. 

D. Education 

Please discuss the relationship between your undergraduate education and your preparedness to complete GSSW’s MSW program. 

E. Life Experiences 

Discuss how your personal experiences have led you to a career in social work. Many people enter this field because of life experiences that have resulted in a desire to help others. Often these experiences can be transformed into passions and strengths that fuel one’s career or can impede one’s ability to develop professionally. Please include any relevant life experiences and the way in which you have dealt with them. Be advised that we are a strengths-based profession, and our interest is in seeing how people have coped with their life challenges. 

F. Social Work Values and Ethics 

Discuss how your personal values and experiences have prepared you to meet the ethical obligation of social workers to practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation. How do your personal values relate to this ethical obligation? What are some experiences that you have had that demonstrate your willingness to fulfill this ethical obligation?

Should my essay follow this order?

[paige_elizabeth10]

I have a question, (also thanks for being so helpful!) if the eassy prompt has the topics listed in a certain order- does that mean I should follow that order specifically in my essay? Or is it ok to write the essay how it flows, being diligent to make sure every topic is covered and is clear? 

 

Example:

A. Rationale 

Discuss the primary reasons for your desire to pursue your Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. 

B. Attributes and Liabilities 

Please identify your strengths, and briefly discuss any knowledge and/or skills that you might need to improve in order to successfully complete the requirements of GSSW’s MSW program. 

C. Employment and Volunteer Experience 

Please Identify and briefly discuss the relationship between your previous employment and/or volunteer experiences and your decision to pursue an MSW. 

Note: If you are a current BSW student, please also provide a detailed description of your internship assignments and responsibilities including approximate number of hours working directly with clients, and whether those clients were individuals, families, groups and/or communities. 

D. Education 

Please discuss the relationship between your undergraduate education and your preparedness to complete GSSW’s MSW program. 

E. Life Experiences 

Discuss how your personal experiences have led you to a career in social work. Many people enter this field because of life experiences that have resulted in a desire to help others. Often these experiences can be transformed into passions and strengths that fuel one’s career or can impede one’s ability to develop professionally. Please include any relevant life experiences and the way in which you have dealt with them. Be advised that we are a strengths-based profession, and our interest is in seeing how people have coped with their life challenges. 

F. Social Work Values and Ethics 

Discuss how your personal values and experiences have prepared you to meet the ethical obligation of social workers to practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation. How do your personal values relate to this ethical obligation? What are some experiences that you have had that demonstrate your willingness to fulfill this ethical obligation?

Should my essay follow this order?

 

It might be easier for the admissions folks to read if you follow the order they have presented. But I think what really matters is whether or not you hit every prompt and answer those to the best of your ability. 

[Read_books]

It might be easier for the admissions folks to read if you follow the order they have presented. But I think what really matters is whether or not you hit every prompt and answer those to the best of your ability. 

 

That's what I was thinking. I was struggling at first then got it to flow better. Thanks