Statement of Purpose
A statement, not exceeding two pages in length, is encouraged. Suggested content include a description of your interest in undertaking or continuing graduate study, your reasons for wanting to study at Purdue, examples of how your skills and abilities align with your program(s) of interest, and your professional plans, career goals, and/or research interests.
Also explain any special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on your special achievements, awards (including fellowships), scholarly publications, and/or professional history.
What academic studies, research and/or training methodologies caught your attention and inspired you to apply to that particular graduate program?
In 3-4 sentences, describe how your academic, research interests, and goals are compatible with the graduate program mentioned in point one.
Specifically mention faculty members and research you find interesting and explain how your experience, attributes, and passion can contribute to their work.
Supporting the “Fit”
Do you have experience outside the classroom? If so, describe how those experiences prepared you for graduate study.
What have you learned? Explain academic challenges you have encountered and how those challenges have contributed to your overall success in a sentence or two.
Showcase your abilities. Be specific and support your strengths. For example, a strong work ethic can be supported by mentioning jobs held or organizations supported while earning a high GPA.
Build upon your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) to tell your story.
