Statement of Purpose
Your personal statement provides you an opportunity to speak directly to
the admissions committee; it allows the committee to get to know you
through your own words. Strive to write a clear, informative statement
that tells the committee about your motivation for and experience with
scientific research, how you have collaborated with professors, students
or other professionals, and what research tools and methods you have
used. Your statement is also the place to explain any weaknesses or
inconsistencies in your academic record, if relevant. The committee
would like to understand why you want to go to graduate school, and if
our program is a good fit for you. Preference is given to applicants
with research interests that align well with those of the research
faculty, so please indicate research areas in which you are interested
and a few research faculty with whom you would potentially like to work.
If you are open to alternative research projects, let the committee know
that too. Your statement can be up to 2 pages.