Your academic statement is written declaration that explains how your interests, coursework, and research experiences led you to become invested in pursuing graduate training and describes how your experiences and interests fit the program.
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Traditionally 1400-1600 words
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Focuses on intellectual and research-based aspects of your development
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Shows reviewers you're ready to take ownership of your intellectual pursuits.
Your academic statement should convey:
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Explicit qualities
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Research experiences (academia, industry, non-profit, etc.)
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Publications, presentations, abstracts
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Understanding of your field
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Interests that fit professor's and/or department's specialty
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Implicit qualities
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Intellectual curiosity
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Critical thinking/problem solving skills
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Clear presentation
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Ability to work on teams
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Strong sense of initiative
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Motivation to complete projects
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Adaptability
Discuss how this program will contribute to your future professional goals, even if you're not sure what you want to do (e.g., academia, industry, etc.). Think in terms of pressing questions you want to answer, and why you're interested in those particular questions. Try to include:
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Any resources and/or opportunities that make the program an unique place for you.
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The names (2-3) of faculty whose research interests you and could be potential mentors!
Share your process
Describing your intellectual development in action, beginning from what sparked your interest in the field all the way up to your decision to pursue graduate studies, can be a powerful way to tell your story. A simple interest leads to action. This action leads to involvement. Involvement creates experience. Experience develops further interests and goals which then propels further action.
Show that you're excited about your area, but avoid using the following types of language:
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Sentimental - e.g., The theories I was exposed to in my philosophy class affected the pit of my soul, profoundly altering how I understood people, cultures, and the world
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Grandiose - e.g., I will give it my all in order to find the cure for cancer
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Surface level - e.g., We need to solve this health problem right away before it's too late
These styles come off as superficial and can make it difficult for reviewers to take your statement seriously. And if you include personal information in your academic statement, make sure it relates to some concrete aspect of your intellectual development.
Revise, revise, revise
Writing takes time and patience. Multiple revisions allow you to refine and improve the statement's overall impact.