How To Write a Statement of Intent for Graduate Admissions

1. Highlights your area of research interest.
2. Describes the importance of this area of research and why you are the right person to undertake it.
3. Identifies a potential supervisor(s) who you would like to work with on the project.

How to write a statement of intent

How to write a statement of intent

Follow these steps to write an effective statement of intent:

1. Introduce yourself

Start your statement of intent by introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for applying to that specific graduate program. Be specific when describing the program to demonstrate that you have carefully considered your course of study and have chosen this program to begin your graduate work over others. You can also describe your motivations and interests in this section to help the admissions committee learn more about you.

2. Explain more about your educational background

Include some information about your undergraduate course of study. Include any information about projects you completed, significant papers you wrote, or accomplishments you earned, and make sure to mention specific courses you completed that are relevant to the graduate program you are applying to. This can assist the admissions committee in making the connection between your undergraduate experience and potential graduate program learning. They probably want people who have demonstrated a sustained interest in the topic.

3. Discuss your work experience

Be sure to mention any work experience you may have had in your statement of intent if it occurred while you were an undergraduate student or in the interim between graduating and applying to graduate school. If you have worked or volunteered in your field of interest, the admissions committee may be curious about how you have been spending your time before applying. This is because such applicants frequently demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies, including research. Tell us more about the businesses you’ve worked for, the duties you’ve had, and the skills you’ve acquired in relation to your upcoming graduate studies.

4. Write about your academic interests

These specifics in your statement of intent are crucial because the admissions committee might use them to select applicants based on their potential behavior during the graduate program. For instance, committee members might be more inclined to accept an applicant if they can discuss their career objectives and give specifics about the research projects they intend to complete

Selecting candidates for graduate programs who exhibit high levels of interest, readiness, motivation, knowledge, and dedication to their chosen field of study is the responsibility of the admissions committee. These qualities are crucial because the selection committee for the program wants to ensure that the students they select will perform well. Your academic interests should be discussed in a way that will persuade the committee that you belong in the program.

5. Include your long-term goals

Knowing more about your long-term objectives will help the admissions committee decide whether you are one of the best candidates for the program. The program’s admissions committee wants to ensure that you are a good fit for it as well as that it can give you the opportunities and support you need to succeed in your career.

Describe your career goals in more detail and how the graduate program can help you achieve them. You can discuss the research you’ll be doing in graduate school and how you’ll put what you’ve learned to use after you graduate. Explain to the admissions committee why you’re applying to their graduate program and how you believe it will help you succeed.

6. Proofread your statement

As with any other component of your application package, it’s crucial to proofread your statement of intent. If you are accepted into the graduate program, make sure your essay is free of spelling and grammar mistakes and that you have sufficiently explained your intentions. You can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are professional and dedicated to your studies by submitting a statement that is free of errors and simple to understand. Have a colleague or undergraduate professor look over your statement to see if there are any mistakes you might have missed.

What is a statement of intent?

Many colleges and universities require candidates to submit a statement of intent as one of the parts of their graduate school application. It is a written statement that provides additional information about you and explains why you would be a great choice for the graduate program or course of study you have in mind. You can describe your undergraduate education, the research you’d like to do if you get accepted, and any professors you’re looking forward to working with in your statement of intent.

Statement of intent example

Depending on the length of your work and educational histories, as well as other information that is crucial to provide to an admissions committee, a statement of intent may be a couple of pages long. You can use the following example as a template when writing your own statement of intent:

My name is Emily Garcia, and I’m applying to Coastal State University’s graduate program in human resources management. I completed my undergraduate studies in business administration so that I could begin the process of establishing my human resources career. I believe it’s crucial to maintain employee engagement in the workplace, and I want to carry out research on its effects and the best engagement strategies.

I am particularly interested in this graduate program at Coastal State University because of the courses you offer in performance management, diversity in the workplace, and retention. I’m especially motivated by the study Professor Scott did on what spurs workers to improve their performance for the good of their group. Since receiving my bachelor’s degree, I have worked in human resources for Blue Mountain Bank, where I have helped management create retention strategies that motivate staff and reduce the cost of hiring and training new hires.

It would be an honor for me to have the chance to work with other people who share my views. At Coastal State University, graduate programs can be challenging but also personally fulfilling. I’m confident that my commitment to and love of the human resources field will inspire me to succeed in this program.

Thank you for your consideration,

Emily Garcia

FAQ

How do you structure a statement of intent?

You should start your statement by defining the question that will guide the research you will conduct for your project and serve as the basis for the tangible results you hope to achieve. An effective statement of intent starts with a question rather than an open-ended statement about personal preferences in a profession.

How do you write a strong statement of intent?

1. Customize. This first tip is the most important. …
2. Show Your Qualifications. Explain why you are qualified for this PhD program.
3. Explain Your Interests. …
4. Show Them You Belong. …
5. Be Concise. …
6. Don’t Tell Your Life Story. …
7. Ask For Feedback. …
8. Proofread.

How do you write an academic intent statement?

1. First paragraph: Overarching statement of goals. …
2. Second paragraph: Explanation of why you’re pursuing this goal. …
3. Third paragraph: Academic/personal survey of the field. …
4. Fourth paragraph: Explanation of why this is the perfect program.
5. Fifth paragraph: Summary of SOP.

How do you write a statement of intent for a job application?

1. Salutations.
2. Self-introduction. The next step is to introduce yourself. …
3. The body. …
4. Conclusion. …
5. Make sure your application is concise. …
6. Research the institution before writing the statement of intent. …
7. Proofread the essay. …
8. Personalize the statement of intent.