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The introduction is the most important part of a statement of purpose for graduate school. The function of the introduction is to capture the reader’s interest, encouraging him to continue reading. If an introduction is hackneyed, boring, repetitive or poorly written, the reader will not be motivated to continue reading. Therefore, a statement of purpose graduate school should include an appealing, captivating or intriguing anecdote for the opening paragraph, in order to encourage the reader to continue.
You may look through the statement of purpose introduction sample to get a better vision of effective writing.
Introductions for statements of purpose for graduate school can be unique, compelling, or instructive in style. A humorous introduction or a very sad one may intrigue the reader’s interest as well. There are as many “correct” introductions for statements of purpose for graduate school as there are applicants submitting them. The introduction works best at convincing the reader to keep reading if it is a personal story. A shared experience is an excellent way to open the statement of purpose for graduate school.
The writer of a veterinary school personal statement may offer a story from childhood which illustrates her early love for science and animals. Or the young man from a foreign country may hope to study medicine here, in order to return home after completing medical school and residency to help his country raise their healthcare standards. This way, the applicant’s statement of purpose grad school sample will grab the attention of the admission committee.
Stories from natural disasters and subsequent relief efforts are popular themes for introductions for a graduate school statement of purpose. Serious issues, such as homelessness and environmental concerns, also provide excellent topics for introductions to a relevant statement of purpose for graduate school.
Table of Contents:
Balancing Between Content and Structure of SOP Introduction
A good introduction requires a good balance between content and structure. You need to make your writing expressive and logically connected to the rest of the text:
- Key idea: The introduction should immediately immerse the reader in your world. Choose one main theme or moment that distinguishes you and start with it.
- A good hook: Don’t go into details in your story, intrigue and give only a general idea of the topic of your writing.
Mistakes to Avoid in the Introduction for Statement of Purpose
Your introduction to the application should not only be original but also error-free:
- Phrases like “Since childhood, I dreamed of …” or “I always knew that I wanted to be …” sound standard and do not add personality.
- We also recommend avoiding general phrases that can suit almost any candidate. Your introduction should be specific and related to your personality.
- Abstract statements do not allow the reader to know you honestly. Everything you say should be supported by facts or events from your life.
- Don’t try to fit your entire story into the first few sentences. Instead, unfold your ideas gradually.
Statement of Purpose Introduction Example of Emotional Aspect
The best way to grab attention is to evoke emotion in the reader. However, this may not always be the best solution, as it is also important to maintain professionalism. That is why it is important to review so many statement of purpose introduction samples as possible:
- Your story should be personal, but not too emotional. Don’t get carried away with details of personal problems unless they are related to the purpose of your application.
- A story that evokes an emotional response from the reader can help you stand out, but it is important to ensure that it remains relevant to the academic or professional context.
- Try to maintain an optimistic and purposeful tone, even when discussing difficult life situations.
How to Start Statement of Purpose?
To make your statement of purpose truly special, you need to start your writing correctly. Show how unique you are:
- It is important to find a moment that sets you apart from other candidates and emphasize it.
- Avoid cliches and excessive formality. Your voice and personality must sound genuine.
- Don’t be afraid to mention unusual achievements, hobbies, or experiences that may seem unusual but are relevant to your goals and motivation.
Start with a Bang in Your Statement of Purpose for Graduate School
The entire essay does not have to follow the storyline of the introduction to be effective. It is possible to establish a theme with the introduction and then weave the statement of purpose for graduate school around and through the essay’s topic. Variety of wording and sentence structure is key to maintaining the reader’s attention.
The statement of purpose for graduate school is important because it establishes the tone of the personal statement. A humorous introduction is not often seen, because many applicants probably thinks it is necessary to be serious. However, a very entertaining introduction can include an amusing story, and stand out because of its uniqueness. Humor should be carefully measured and handled with an eye to the final topic of the statement of purpose graduate school. The introduction may be the most difficult paragraph to write in the statement of purpose for graduate school.
- Statement of Purpose Graduate School: Transitions
- Statement of Purpose Graduate School: Conclusions
- Statement of Purpose Graduate School Examples and Simple Tips
If you don’t want to waste a year and get waitlisted, work on improving your introduction. The information we share should be enough to understand the basic principles and implement them. You can place an order on our statement of purpose editing service and look at how editors work on introductions.
