#Statement of purpose sample Phd

[content-euphoria]

Making the perfect sample In your academic career, writing a PhD sop sample . Program is a crucial step. This article is a thorough how-to manual for writing a strong SOP that accurately reflects your academic goals, research interests, and unique perspective. Examine advice, tactics, and examples from the real world to create an SOP that stands out and appeals to admissions committees. Learn the subtleties of communicating your enthusiasm and suitability for doctoral studies to improve your chances of getting the desired Ph.D. spot.

[museum-spaces]

seeking advice

Hello my dear academics - and other various nerds.

I am looking for advice for my current PhD application; I am finalizing my Statement of Purpose and I have space in it to talk about my autism diagnosis and Ianto being a service dog.

However, the dilemma, would it be used against my application or not/ should I wait to hear if I get in before telling them I need accommodations like for a job or should I use it in the essay. This application does not have any sort of 'my struggle' essay to write, just a writing sample - my MA thesis - and the SOP.

I already said in it that I wrote and implemented the Egypt Centre's first autistic accessibility program.... which is literally how I found out I'm autistic. So it does fit in, and I have the space.

But it is a disorder that is discriminated against.

going to tag a few folk but I want as many opinions as you have for me so please comment/re-blog whatever. I have also decided that 1 like = 1 vote to disclose so feel free to just like if you don't feel chatty.

@13faeinapenguinsuit @saintartemis @queenanne1532 @chaotic-archaeologist @autie-j @micewithknives @bundibird @rudjedet @sisterofiris

as usual; the above is a non-exhaustive list of the people on here whose opinion I admire and trust. there are always people I have left off because remembering all y'all's handles is impossible.

[legendofshanks]

♥︎ Hey besties, I'm Shanks (she/they), a Black queer HBCU alum turned first-year grad student studying English. I've started this blog to carve out my own little corner of the internet where I'll document my journey toward getting my PhD. My hope is that this blog will reach others like me who have almost no idea what they're doing or are going into academia damn-near blind. My inbox will always be open, so please run it up so i can talk about this process with people other than my mom. :p ♥︎

If you find my content helpful and want to support me, you can tip me on kofi

*disclaimer: i will be typing in lowercase for the aesthetic from here on (sorry dr. choen)*

what you'll find here

grad school chronicles: weekly updates on my progress and experience in grad school. i'm sure i will end up oversharing, laughing, crying, and raging out lol.

tips & tricks: think of this blog as ned's declassified school survival guide where i provide the cheat code to academia (we will definitely be figuring it out together).

resource round ups: i will be tracking the tag: #[from z: to you] which will (eventually) be a compilation of helpful resources for students at all levels.

services i offer

as a thank you for supporting this blog, i will be offering assistance where/when i can by offering:

proofreading: assisting you through the writing process and polishing your work to make it shine, whether it's an essay, thesis, or creative piece.

application assistance: helping you select and craft compelling writing samples and statements of purpose for grad school applications.

[thehours2002]

Any advice for getting into and getting through Masters/PhD programs? Since you're a professor and all.

well, i’m a graduate teaching fellow/adjunct professor which i promise is very different from a “real” professor, but here’s what i’ll say off the top of my head about these apps

get a professor whose terminal degree is a phd on your side! even better if they’re willing to help you go through your application closely and give you feedback on your personal statement, writing sample, etc.

in fact, send your writing for the application to as many trusted advisors as you can for feedback.

in your personal statement/statement of purpose, be as specific as possible about what your research interests are. it’s possible (even likely) that your research interests will evolve as you continue your graduate education but showing that your current interests are specific shows the committee reviewing your application that you have direction and you know what sort of thing you want your thesis or dissertation to be on (like this will of course change but i think it shows a level of maturity in your thinking about your scholarship)f

try to attend conferences and get teaching experience under your belt that you can put on your CV. i was pretty shocked that no one else in my cohort had teaching experience so it’s not *necessary* but it may be something that helps you stand out. having gone to conferences also shows that you’re serious about research and being part of the field

if you can help it DO NOT GO TO GRAD SCHOOL ON YOUR OWN DIME. especially at the phd level. if your program accepted you without giving you a fellowship then you shouldn’t be there. (i think this used to be more of a thing and has maybe dropped off). i would think that you should only be paying your way through grad school if you’re CERTAIN there’s a lucrative job on the other side of it for you. and for those of us pursuing grad degrees because we want to be professors, there usually isn’t.

if you take the GRE and your math score is low don’t worry about it if you’re going into the humanities. mine was awful and apparently they didn’t care. also, i think i took the GRE twice and did no studying in between and my verbal score shot up to 96th percentile the second time, so if you have the money it might be worth taking more than once if you think you can bump up your scores. a lot of programs are eliminating subject specific gre requirements (like a special english lit gre test or something idk i never took it) or not requiring the GRE at all. so check and see what your programs require before you invest too much time in the GRE stuff.

apply WIDELY. by that i don’t mean you should apply to a zillion places, but don’t apply to places that won’t be a good fit and don’t limit yourself by arbitrary factors like geography. i applied to places on the west coast and in the midwest and it is just sheer luck that i ended up in nyc, exactly where i wanted to be

dont be discouraged if you have to apply more than once. a LOT of this is luck of the draw and how you fit in with the current body of students and whether there are professors there who are capable of mentoring you because you share research interests

but take all that with a grain of salt because it’s just off the top of my head… and it’s been 3 years since i last did this so i’ve probably forgotten some things about the process.

[pendraegon]

trying to plan out my my masters thesis. trying to decide who will be on my defense committee. and also debating if i should do a phd and if so i have to get my writing sample + statement of purpose all polished and shiny....everything is so scary

[slowtides]

To Do Lists (Overwhelmed)

For Class:

Grade project 3 assignments

Lesson plan for next week (including drafting workshop, survey, conference sign ups)

Set up calendly for conference sign ups

Set up mid-semester survey

Answer emails

Open textbook questions

For Research:

Check on proposal

Meet with C

Meet with M

Review conclusions for embodiment piece

For PhD Apps:

Work on writing sample

Work on personal statements

Work on teaching statements

Work on statements of purpose

Meet with C

Ask SH for 3rd rec letter

For Friends/Family:

Eat dinner with A

Call HK

Call DK

Call LP

Call EG

Call J & T

For wedding:

Get robe

Get shoes (x2)

Get garment bag

Get dress tailored

Get dress fixed with lace

Get bra that compresses chest

Learn and practice dances

Get hair cut

Get nails done

[gradling]

hello jamie! i stumbled upon your blog through the studyblr tag and started fangirling a little because a phd in anything medieval has been a dream of mine for awhile (and seeing that your research is in faerie lit is even cooler, i loved that subtopic in undergrad). i’d love to know more about your journey like how you chose your program or what were the best tactics you used to prepare—but ofc only if you’re comfortable sharing! thanks for reading all this and best wishes - 🥀 anon

Hello! It's lovely to hear from someone who's interested in pursing medieval studies!

(Caveat that my journey is just my own personal experience and that there are many ways to choose and prepare for an academic program) I actually prepared by taking some time away from academia first. I worked for two years as a paralegal while working on my applications for grad school, which helped me to (a) confirm that I wanted to go back to academia instead of entering the corporate world, (b) revise my BA thesis (which was frankly not well-written) into a reasonable writing sample for applications, and (c) digest some of the ideas I'd started thinking about in undergrad but had been way too stressed/sleep-deprived to really delve into. For me, those last two points were linked. One of the main reasons why my BA thesis was so rough was because I hadn't wanted to cut anything out, which meant that there were a lot of tangents that didn't really relate to my central argument. The positive side to this was that, after trimming things down for my writing sample, I was able to take one of those tangents and turn it into a question that I was interested in exploring further and that I could only find limited research on, and that became my statement of purpose.

During this entire process, I also stayed in contact with my undergrad advisor and another professor who knew my work very well. As I was revising and doing additional research for my applications, I made note of the professors who came up in my research regularly and which institutions they were at, and I'd bring the list to my advisor/the other professor, and we'd talk through what programs made sense. I also looked at medieval studies programs for their funding options, affiliations, libraries, and activities such as reading groups and course offerings, and I added or eliminated them from the list based off of that. If I happened to know anyone in those programs (or had a friend of a friend or anything like that), I also reached out to ask questions about what life as a grad student was like there--I honestly had a hard time finding information about, say, sexual harassment and racism, through other means, so talking with people who were current graduate students was extremely helpful. My current program was one that my professor suggested to me during this process, which I'm incredibly grateful for because, out of the programs I got into, it was also the one that offered me the best funding.

This is getting kind of long, but that's a bit of a run-down of my journey in broad strokes! I'd be happy to talk more if there's anything you'd like to hear more about, too!

[shivam95]

What is a Cambridge MPhil? A Complete Guide

If you’re thinking about pursuing a postgraduate degree, you might have heard of the Cambridge MPhil. It’s a highly respected master’s degree offered by Cambridge University. But what exactly does an MPhil involve, and why should you consider it? This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Cambridge MPhil, its structure, who it’s for, and how it differs from other postgraduate degrees.

What is a Cambridge MPhil?

The Cambridge MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a postgraduate qualification that typically takes one year to complete, though some programs might be two years long. It’s both a stand-alone degree and a stepping stone to further research, like a PhD. The MPhil is research-focused, meaning you’ll spend a lot of time working on a specific topic and contributing new knowledge in your field.

Types of Cambridge MPhil Programs

At Cambridge, there are two main types of MPhil programs:

MPhil by Advanced Study: This version of the MPhil combines taught courses with a research project. You’ll take classes and complete essays, while also working on a dissertation at the end of the program.

MPhil by Research: This version is entirely research-based. You’ll focus mainly on your dissertation with very few, if any, taught components.

Who is the Cambridge MPhil for?

The Cambridge MPhil is perfect for students who want to:

Gain specialized knowledge in a subject.

Conduct independent research in a field they are passionate about.

Test the waters before committing to a PhD.

Earn a prestigious qualification that’s recognized around the world.

If you’re aiming for a career in academia or research, or even looking to develop strong expertise in a specific subject, the MPhil can be a great choice.

Why Choose a Cambridge MPhil?

There are several reasons to choose a Cambridge MPhil:

World-Class Faculty: You’ll be learning from some of the brightest minds in your subject, with access to leading scholars.

Top-Tier Research: Cambridge is renowned for its cutting-edge research. As an MPhil student, you’ll be part of a community that’s pushing the boundaries of knowledge in your chosen field.

One-on-One Supervision: One of the standout features of the Cambridge MPhil is its supervision model. You’ll be assigned a personal supervisor who will guide you through your research project.

Prestige: A degree from Cambridge carries weight globally, opening doors for further research opportunities or careers in your chosen field.

Admission Requirements for a Cambridge MPhil

Getting into a Cambridge MPhil program is competitive. Here’s what you generally need:

A strong undergraduate degree (first-class or high second-class) in a relevant subject.

Academic references from your previous professors.

A detailed statement of purpose explaining why you want to study the MPhil and what your research interests are.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet the university’s language requirements, usually through IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Some courses might also ask for a research proposal or samples of your previous academic work, so be sure to check the specific requirements for the course you’re interested in.

Is the Cambridge MPhil Right for You?

The Cambridge MPhil is a fantastic option for students looking to specialize in a subject, gain research skills, or prepare for a PhD. It offers a balance of structured learning and independent research, making it ideal for those who are serious about their academic and professional development.

Not only will you earn a qualification from one of the world’s top universities, but you’ll also have access to unparalleled resources and a global network of academics and professionals.

Conclusion

A Cambridge MPhil is much more than just another master’s degree. It’s a chance to deep-dive into a subject you’re passionate about, develop your research skills, and potentially lay the groundwork for future academic or professional success. Whether you want to continue to a PhD or move into industry, the prestige and quality of a Cambridge MPhil will serve you well. If you’re ready to challenge yourself academically and work with the best, the Cambridge MPhil might be exactly what you’re looking for.

[aimlayblogs]

PhD in English: Courses, Admission, Exams, and Career Scope

PhD in English: An Overview

A PhD in English is a prestigious academic qualification that allows individuals to deeply engage with literary studies, critical theory, and other aspects of the English language. This degree typically emphasizes research, scholarly analysis, and contributions to the field of English literature and language. Here’s an in-depth look at the courses, eligibility, admission process, entrance exams, and scope of a PhD in English.

PhD in English: Courses

The PhD in English is primarily research-focused, but it generally includes several key components:

Core Coursework: The initial phase of the program often involves core courses in literary theory, research methodology, and advanced critical analysis. These courses provide a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of literary studies.

Specialization Courses: Students choose a particular area of focus, such as Renaissance literature, modernist texts, postcolonial studies, or digital humanities. These courses allow for a deeper exploration of specific genres, periods, or methodologies relevant to the student’s research interests.

Research Seminars: Seminars are designed to enhance research skills and provide a platform for discussing ongoing research. They often involve presentations, peer feedback, and discussions on emerging research trends and methodologies.

Teaching Practicum: Some programs include a teaching component, where PhD students gain experience by teaching undergraduate courses or assisting faculty members. This practical experience is crucial for those considering academic careers.

Dissertation Research: The culmination of a PhD program is the dissertation, a significant original research project that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field of English studies. The dissertation process involves proposal writing, extensive research, and defense before a committee of faculty members.

PhD in English: Key Highlights

Advanced Research: A PhD in English emphasizes original research, encouraging students to contribute new knowledge to the field of literary studies.

Specialization: Students have the opportunity to specialize in various literary genres, periods, or theoretical frameworks.

Academic Rigor: The program is academically rigorous, requiring in-depth study, critical analysis, and substantial writing.

Career Opportunities: Graduates often pursue careers in academia, publishing, or advanced research roles.

PhD in English: Admission Process

Application: The Phd admission 2024 typically begins with the submission of an application form, which includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants must articulate their research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a PhD in English. This statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of the field and align with the research interests of potential advisors.

Letters of Recommendation: Generally, three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are required. These should attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for doctoral study.

Writing Sample: A substantial piece of academic writing, such as a research paper or a published article, is often required to showcase the applicant’s analytical and writing skills.

Interview: Some programs may require an interview, either in person or online, to further assess the applicant’s fit for the program and research alignment.

PhD in English: Eligibility

Phd Eligibility criteria can vary by institution, but common requirements include:

Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree in English or a closely related field is typically required. Some programs may accept candidates with exceptional academic records or relevant experience.

Research Proposal: A well-developed research proposal that outlines the intended research focus and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the field.

Minimum Marks: Most institutions require a minimum percentage or GPA in previous academic qualifications, often around 55% to 60%.

PhD in English: Entrance Exam

Many institutions require entrance exams to assess the applicant’s readiness for advanced study. These exams often include:

Subject Test: An exam focusing on literature, literary theory, and critical analysis. It tests the candidate’s knowledge of key concepts, authors, and historical periods.

Research Aptitude Test: This may include questions on research methodology and general research skills relevant to the PhD level.

Personal Interview: In addition to written exams, some programs include a personal interview to evaluate the candidate’s research interests, academic background, and fit for the program.

PhD in English: Scope

The scope of a PhD in English extends across various domains:

Academic Careers: Graduates often pursue careers as university professors, researchers, or lecturers. They contribute to academic knowledge and influence future generations of students and scholars.

Publishing and Editing: Opportunities in academic publishing, editing, and literary criticism are available, where professionals work on scholarly journals, books, and critical reviews.

Cultural Institutions: Positions in museums, cultural organizations, and libraries may be available, where individuals contribute to curatorial work or educational programming.

Consulting and Freelancing: Some graduates engage in consulting roles or freelance work related to writing, editing, or literary analysis.

Programme Details

A typical PhD in English program lasts between 3 to 6 years, depending on the country and institution. The program is divided into coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation research, and defense. Students are expected to produce a high-quality dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field.

Conclusion

A PhD in English offers an in-depth exploration of literary studies and language, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers. The program requires a strong foundation in literary theory and criticism, specialization in a chosen area, and the completion of a substantial research project. Admission is competitive, involving a rigorous selection process that includes academic qualifications, research proposals, and entrance exams. The scope of a PhD in English is broad, encompassing academia, publishing, and various cultural sectors, making it a versatile and rewarding qualification for those passionate about English literature and language.

[loveyou007]

Ph.D. in International Development Studies Program (GRID) Now Accepting Students for 2022

The Philosophy in International Development Studies Program (GRID), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University is delighted to call for applications for 2022. Applications are open from now until Saturday, 30 April 2022. (Scholarship available). 

GRID is a three-to-five-year program which is a multi-disciplinary international program taught in English. The program aims to build students’ academic knowledge, research skills and critical thinking on international development studies and support the development of students’ careers through helping build their relationships with networks of academics, organizations and practitioners working locally, regionally and internationally red gems

General Application Requirements for GRID:

Earned a Master’s Degree in Social Science or any fields related to International Development (GPA requirements differ per application track)

English proficiency test score: TOEFL IBT 78; IELTS score of 6.0; CU-TEP score of 75 within the last 2 years.

Experience in working or volunteering in the field of International Development is an advantage but not compulsory.

Have at least one academic article published in an international database. (Check the website for details)

Other particular qualifications as announced by the Graduate School in each academic year, or approved by the MAIDS Program Committee.

Documentation Requirements for GRID

After completing the application process on the Graduate School’s website, applicants must save the application in pdf format, and submit the following documents to application.maids@gmail.com.

A completed application from the Graduate School’s Website

A copy of your valid passport with your signature

Academic documents: A copy of your degree, transcript, and English test report (if not exempted)

Passport photo

Statement of Purpose (not exceeding 1,000 words) *Double Degree Applicants should clearly state their intention

Completed scholarship application (if applicable)

Research/Dissertation proposal (about 1,500-2,000 words)

A sample publication, preferably in an international database (For PhD Research (Plan 1.1) only)

An application fee payment slip of THB 1,000

Two recommendation letters (at least 1 from an academic staff)

CV (optional)

[content-euphoria]

https://www.contenteuphoria.com/blog/sop-for-phd-admission-sample/

[seotoday00]

Ph.D. in International Development Studies Program (GRID) Now Accepting Students for 2022

The Philosophy in International Development Studies Program (GRID), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University is delighted to call for applications for 2022. Applications are open from now until Saturday, 30 April 2022. (Scholarship available). 

GRID is a three-to-five-year program which is a multi-disciplinary international program taught in English. The program aims to build students’ academic knowledge, research skills and critical thinking on international development studies and support the development of students’ careers through helping build their relationships with networks of academics, organizations and practitioners working locally, regionally and internationally red gems

General Application Requirements for GRID:

Earned a Master’s Degree in Social Science or any fields related to International Development (GPA requirements differ per application track)

English proficiency test score: TOEFL IBT 78; IELTS score of 6.0; CU-TEP score of 75 within the last 2 years.

Experience in working or volunteering in the field of International Development is an advantage but not compulsory.

Have at least one academic article published in an international database. (Check the website for details)

Other particular qualifications as announced by the Graduate School in each academic year, or approved by the MAIDS Program Committee.

Documentation Requirements for GRID

After completing the application process on the Graduate School’s website, applicants must save the application in pdf format, and submit the following documents to application.maids@gmail.com.

A completed application from the Graduate School’s Website

A copy of your valid passport with your signature

Academic documents: A copy of your degree, transcript, and English test report (if not exempted)

Passport photo

Statement of Purpose (not exceeding 1,000 words) *Double Degree Applicants should clearly state their intention

Completed scholarship application (if applicable)

Research/Dissertation proposal (about 1,500-2,000 words)

A sample publication, preferably in an international database (For PhD Research (Plan 1.1) only)

An application fee payment slip of THB 1,000

Two recommendation letters (at least 1 from an academic staff)

CV (optional)

[faireladypenumbra]

11th Hour Advisor Drama - The Updated Version

Tl;dr: My advisor is increasingly hostile and passive-aggressive because of miscommunication over perceived slights and progress on a draft. They have been hyper-involved with my PhD. applications, but seemingly would not commit to their LOR anymore until recently. I've been encouraged to drop them from my committee, and report them to the DGS. Am I overreacting? Should I remove them from my committee with a semester to go, and should I find a backup LOR? I want to preface this story with the fact that in my program, we are not paid by our advisors. The department handles our pay: I report to the dept. head, Comp director, and DGS. We choose a major professor to offer revision guidance on our final defense and serve on our graduating committee.

I chose a professor I had worked with in my first semester: I didn't know her well yet, but our working relationship seemed good. She enjoyed my work/participation in class and introduced me to a few professional relationships that have been super valuable. She then courted me to re-take a class with her this fall, and suggested use my time to revise the paper I wrote for my defense project/final seminar paper/PhD. application writing sample.

This sounded good to me, so we met in August to discuss this project. Her guidelines were pretty light, and she only expected that I send her drafts of my statement of purpose and my paper at "some point" in the semester, for us to work on. I've been teaching two classes for the first time and taking one other grad course, so I worked on edits quietly for a few months. I quit a second job to buckle down and focus on my writing, but was still quite busy and found myself unable to make headway on both drafts until late September.

Around this time, my advisor vanished from contact until October, outside of class anyway, and suddenly reaches out asking about the drafts. The SOP was done, but the paper wasn't fully revised: they were a bit concerned, but set a goal that I should have the first five pages and lit review revised by November. They also agree that my other committee members should have a look at the SOP.

Things started to break down around this point. I and another grad student were late to her class because of a meeting that went over: we apologized, but this seemed to have set my advisor off, and I started receiving emails about how my other campus responsibilities in the graduate association were "distractions" for my writing, and why I hadn't finished on time. They started claiming that we agreed I would turn in my draft in September, and that they gave me a "full year" to edit this paper. Both editing projects have become very roundabout, she'd ask for drafts back asap, but then take weeks to make four syntax suggestions. She'd delete her own suggestions and blame me for adding them.

This came to a head two weeks ago, when I was called to their office and chewed out for "poor time management" on my draft (at this point, the paper was in a fourth draft). There were a lot of airing grievances: they wished I'd asked their permission before joining graduate extracurriculars, and they were unhappy with the questions I'd asked one of our class visitors (questions they had prompted me to ask for my paper). They felt these things were "warnings" about potentially unprofessional behavior. I left the meeting in tears.

Our exchanges since then have been tense and weird, particularly about my LOR. When I reached out to her to make sure she was still comfortable recommending me, she ignored me in conversation and in email. She finally committed the other day, but the entire exchange left me worried about what kind of LOR I was getting from my advisor.

After reaching out to other grad students, I found out that she has been doing this to at least one other person this semester, to the point that they plan to go to the DGS. She's done this to previous MA students here, and most of PhDs. avoid her. I feel terrible that I didn't do my due diligence before taking her up. I've been encouraged to try removing her from my committee and to report her behavior to the DGS, particularly if she uses these grievances against me in my course grade. I graduate in May, so I don't even know if removing them from my committee is possible so late.

How to survive this? Am I overreacting? Or should I try to remove them from my committee with a semester to go, and find a backup LOR?

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[therealherodotus]

hi there <3 found you on the history phd tag and followed you instantly! i'd love to hear about your research, if you're comfortable sharing. i'm applying for some (mostly american) phd programs next year. do you have any advice for this process? i'm really nervous about it :(

Hi!!

It’s lovely to meet you. :-) I’m still in coursework so my research is still evolving, but I do work in colonial America/maritime studies/women’s history. I’m particularly interested in examining the ways piracy drove a wedge between colonial governors in North America and the crown/parliament back in Britain. Colonial governors often arranged marriages between their daughters and pirates because it was economically beneficial to ally with a local pirate/also a wise defensive strategy for their port cities. I’m particularly interested in the stories of these young women in these arranged marriages! Of course, this could change/be refined in the next year of coursework/comprehensive exams. :-)

In terms of applying to programs, it can certainly seem overwhelming but it’ll be okay! Plus, you’re early in the application season so you have plenty of time. This might seem like an obvious tip, but staying as organized as possible will be your best help. I had a master spreadsheet of every school I applied to with columns for whether or not they required a personal statement, GRE scores, writing sample, and additional essays, and then just checked off each column as I turned required materials in for the individual school.

This next bit is probably discipline specific advice, but at least for history, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the faculty page for the school(s) you’re applying to. That way, when you’re writing your personal statement/statement of purpose, you can reference the work of one or two of those scholars that you could potentially see yourself working with and explain why they would be a good fit. Writing a statement of purpose/personal statement is different depending on where you’re applying and what their requirements are, but my general advice for a “formula” is to started with a super brief introductory anecdote or “why” you study history (in my case, I reference growing up hearing my grandpa telling me stories about growing up in Atlanta during the CRM and how it sparked an absolute fascination for me in history, even if I study a completely different period now). Then, go into a paragraph or two explaining your research and how you hope to expand that. The last paragraph/section should be dedicated to discussing how the faculty/department/school you’re applying to would be a good fit for you and your research. Most prompts I saw when I was applying varied in length from 500 to 1200 word maximums, so you don’t have too much time to get bogged down.

I know a lot of that was pretty general advice, but hopefully some of that is helpful and reassuring! You got this!

[blacklinguist]

how i use notion #2: phd applications

how i’m keeping track of materials and to-do lists for this cycle!

i likely would’ve created a spreadsheet if i had a ton of schools to apply to...

ideas in waiting are possible project topics that i’ve been accumulating over the past year! i pretty much just jot down anything that comes to my head (rather than journal it, since i’ll be using notion for the foreseeable future). also included are research questions that may come up when i’m completing assignments for class.

details are items related to the program i’m interested in, such as tuition, internal awards, notes from my meetings with them, etc.

then, i have a giant checklist for my application!

for example, my writing sample has a checklist because there are due dates attached to this from my actual class, but i need to have this complete before the class ends.

my recommendation letters list is for keeping track of my writers and making sure i’m not asking them for things that i didn’t plan for (everyone isn’t being asked for the same material or time commitment to help me with drafts):

all the toggles are detailed enough for my needs (such as prompts for statements of purpose), but nothing too fancy because i should probably be writing more of the materials themselves than ... about what i plan to do with them.