What is Statement of purpose: Definition and 61 Discussions

A mission statement is a short statement of why an organization exists, what its overall goal is, identifying the goal of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation. It may include a short statement of such fundamental matters as the organization's values or philosophies, a business's main competitive advantages, or a desired future state—the "vision".A mission is not simply a description of an organization by an external party, but an expression, made by its leaders, of their desires and intent for the organization. The purpose of a mission statement is to communicate the organisation's purpose and direction to its employees, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. A mission statement also creates a sense of identity for its employees. Organizations normally do not change their mission statements over time, since they define their continuous, ongoing purpose and focus.According to Chris Bart, professor of strategy and governance at McMaster University, a commercial mission statement consists of three essential components:
Key market: the target audience
Contribution: the product or service
Distinction: what makes the product unique or why the audience should buy it over anotherBart estimates that in practice, only about ten percent of mission statements say something meaningful. For this reason, they are widely regarded with contempt.

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  1. thematrix1101

    Admissions Comments on PhD Statement of Purpose

    Hey guys it would be great if you could take a look at my statement of purpose for a physics PhD program included below. The "Future Work" section at the end is where I talked about the specific program and faculties and how it will be a great fit for me. Any comments, criticism, advice is...
  2. S

    Mission Statement, Statement of Purpose, anything else of the like

    S.O.P. comes up occasionally on the forums. Any usefulness in differences or distinctions about Mission Statement, and Statement Of Purpose? Any other kind of name for alternatives to either of these? Is this the way to understand? Statement Of Purpose is what an individual person says and...
  3. D

    Admissions Will I Have to Lie in My Statement of Purpose?

    Let me begin by stating the obvious: I do not mean lying about anything that can be factually checked, like grades, honors, or experiences. I am currently a junior majoring in physics, and my immediate post-graduation plans are to attend graduate school in physics. On paper, I seem to be on...
  4. Robin04

    Admissions Is My Statement of Purpose Strong Enough for the PSI Program?

    I am writing my application to the PSI program of Perimeter Institute. As I am not a native English speaker, I am not sure whether my statement of purpose is strong enough. In the application form, there is a list of topics that I can comment on in my letter, and I tried to write something about...
  5. Azathanai

    Admissions Honest opinions and advice on Statement of Purpose requested

    I've written a Statement of Purpose for Physics PhD applications, and I wanted opinions on it from as many people as I can, which is why I am asking here. Honest reviews and tips on how to improve it are really appreciated! When I joined <my uni> as an undergraduate student in Physics, I had...
  6. M

    Admissions How Can I Enhance My Statement of Purpose for a PhD Program?

    Hello everyone! I am a senior undergrad and I have been working on my statement of purpose for grad school. It still needs a lot of work so I would appreciate any advice on how to improve it. The text below is some of the more concrete portion of it but definitely open for revisions. I still...
  7. B

    Admissions Including High Energy Theory as a field of interest in my SOP?

    Hi, I'm a current senior in college, and am applying to grad. schools for fall 2022. I'm interested in high energy theory, and I have had some research experience in ads/cft correspondence, kaluza-klein theory, computational particle physics. However, I'm not certain as to which particular topic...
  8. F

    Admissions Statement of Purpose for Physics Masters Degree Application

    I need advice in writing statement of purpose, particularly on my field of interest. I come from an undergraduate university which there is nothing much going on, just take courses and lab work, no research or anything like that available, hence I don't really have enough experience to describe...
  9. Vatsy31

    Admissions Can someone critique my statement of purpose? (Master's Degree in Quantum Engineering)

    I have written and rewritten a lot of times but I need some fresh eyes on my sop. It would be great if someone can help me out. I have less than a week to readjust it and send. My motivation to apply for the Masters Degree in quantum engineering at University of Wurzburg is to...
  10. H

    Admissions Critique my statement of purpose for Perimeter Scholar Program

    This is a draft of my SoP that I plan to send out to the Perimeter Institute for Perimeter Scholar Program. The program is designed for a 10-month duration focusing on theoretical physics. Please give opinion and suggestions for improving my statement of Purpose. ' Motivation and Research...
  11. A

    Admissions How explicit should my goals be in my Statement of Purpose?

    Hi everyone, I'm writing my statement of purpose for Masters/PhD programs in Physics (Condensed Matter Experiment, specifically superconducting quantum computing related). I've seen a lot of advice online for how to write SoPs, and I've made and answered a list of questions the statement has to...
  12. T

    Admissions Citations and References in Statement of Purpose

    Hey! Applying for physics PhD programs this fall and thinking about my statement. There's some really specific experiments/work being done I'm interested in. Is it acceptable if I put a few citations down? Such as: "I'm really in interested in tests of yada yada[1] and experiments such as blah...
  13. J

    Crafting an Effective Graduate School Statement of Purpose

    Hello everyone, I'm currently getting my grad school applications put together right now (PhD program for physics), and I could really use some help editing my statement of purpose. If anyone would be willing to look it over and give some suggestions, I would really appreciate it! Also, if...
  14. V

    Schools Statement of Purpose for grad school

    A bit of background: I have a somewhat unusual academic history, having taken 2 years of math and physics at a nearby university while in high school (intro mechanics / EM / quantum sequence + GR in physics, analysis + ODEs + differential geometry + abstract algebra in math)--all this with a...
  15. beamie564

    Admissions Queries for statement of purpose

    I’m currently pursuing my master's degree in physics (in India) will be applying for the graduate course in the US for Fall 2018, and have a few queries regarding the statement of purpose. 1) Is it okay if I’m still undecided about what specific discipline I want to get into? Thing is, I...
  16. Q

    Admissions Critique my statement of purpose for Ivy Physics Ph.D

    This is a draft of a my SoP that I plan to send out to all of the Ivy league schools for physics Ph.D. What do you think of it. Do you think it is superb, downright terrible or somewhere in between. All relevant information about me is contained in the Sop. Enjoy reading it and thank you very...
  17. O

    Schools George Washington University Statement of Purpose Length

    Long shot, but has anyone applied to the GWU Physics PhD program? If so, how long was your Statement of Purpose? There is no information about it on the application, I ran across this page: https://www.programs.gwu.edu/graduate/physics. This says 250-500 words, but asks for "your academic...
  18. C

    Schools Grad School Statement of Purpose for non-major

    I'm here to get advice on my personal statement/statement of purpose for grad schools. However, my major is biology and I have a low overall GPA (but not physics GPA). In fact, I was academically dismissed earlier in college because of grades. However my previous two years were very good and...
  19. Crush1986

    Admissions Opinion on Statement of Purpose

    I recently returned from visiting family in Oregon. I toured the University of Oregon (unofficially) and really liked it. I've also read up on some of the professors and their work. I'm going to apply there. Universities always want you to explain why you think that they are a good fit for...
  20. A

    How Should I Tailor My Statement of Purpose for a PhD in Quantum Gravity?

    Hi there, I am applying for a Phd in mathematical Physics (actually towards Quantum gravity at Nottingham). I recently wrote a Statement of purpose for another university but my focus there was a bit different. For this PhD at nottingham I clearly know who I want to work under, why I am...
  21. M

    How should I start my statement of purpose for Ph.D. programs?

    Hi PF! I recently completed my masters of science in mechanical engineering and am applying to Ph.D. programs. I am wondering how to begin my statement of purpose. For my masters I began with a quote from Dr. Suess. However, now I have very specific research endeavors and know precisely who...
  22. X

    Discussing Tutoring Experience in Statement of Purpose?

    Can it ever be harmful to discuss what tutoring experience you had as a undergraduate in your statement of purpose. I wrote 250 word paragraph how I was hired by a department at my university to tutor upper level undergraduate physics classes and what I got out of the experience. Do you feel...
  23. X

    Statement of Purpose (critique)

    Hi guys, I've been a long time reader of these forums, but this is the first time I create a thread. In the next weeks I will be applying to some masters programs in Europe (in math) and as part of the application process I must write a statement of purpose. Since english is not my first...
  24. Summer95

    What do REU programs want to hear in personal statements?

    I really want to start doing some undergraduate research (Physics major, Math minor, 2nd year of Physics classes starting now) and I have no idea what they want to hear from me in any personal statements. For example, one of them just asks "How do you think this research experience might further...
  25. H

    Rough Draft of Statement of Purpose Physics PhD

    This is a very rough draft of my statement of purpose. The plan is to use this as a base and customize it for different programs to include why those specific programs will help me achieve my purpose. The conclusion is missing because that will be specific to each program I'm applying to. All...
  26. X

    Need emergency advice for statement of purpose

    For my application for a PhD program in physics they requested a statement of purpose of no more then two pages. My application is due tomorrow and my statement of purpose is 2.5 page in Microsoft office and 2.2 pages in open office. Will I lost a lot of points with the admission committee...
  27. X

    Can someone look at my statement of purpose?

    I'm writing my statement or purpose for a PhD program in physics. Can someone look it over for me please?
  28. W

    Unsure about Content of Statement of Purpose

    Hi everyone. I recently finished a first draft for a statement of purpose for CalTech (I know, I know - I figured it would be the first one I draft - I have others I will be modelling off of this one soon enough), and I have a few (well, maybe more than a few) concerns about how I wrote it and...
  29. N

    So, what are your thoughts on my statement of purpose?

    Good morning! Can someone help me critique my Statement of Purpose? Here's my first attempt: (On a side note, should I put in that I taught myself C++ in this paper?) Statement of Purpose In short, my purpose is study at XXX to obtain a Ph.D. in Physics to facilitate a career as...
  30. M

    Statement of Purpose for Statistics PhD

    Hey PF So I am writing a personal statement for a phd in statistics and i am not sure what all to include. each graduate school has very broad directions, and I'm not sure what to put. should i list a faculty member that interests me, or is that too much work? selecting one professor is...
  31. M

    Statement of Purpose Critique v2.0

    Here is my second draft, a decent improve from first. I really do not like my first and last paragraphs, they need some big-time help. Thanks. Also, I think it's questionable putting in the italicized sentence. Let me know what you think. Earning a PhD in physics would allow me to continue...
  32. M

    Statement of Purpose Critique

    So, here it is... rough draft obviously. I included foot-notes denoted by asterisks * Also, while I have you here, considering I went to a small state school not known for Physics, how does my application look for applying to not top schools (i.e. U. Oklahoma, Clemson, Oregon St) GPA: 3.38...
  33. C

    Is my Stanford math PhD statement of purpose good enough?

    Hello! Stanford math PhD application deadline is coming up, and I have my SOP ready, but I am not sure whether it is mediocre or good. Can you guys read over my statement of purpose? I will not post it as public, but I can send it to you via email. Thank you.
  34. L

    What should I include in my statement of purpose for Medphysics MS programs?

    I am starting my statement of purpose essay for applications into Medphysics MS programs (SDSU) and a few other programs like Biophysics.. I am not a remarkably standout student. I do have about 2 publications in some AAPT meetings and poster conferences and in process of doing some work in...
  35. M

    Statement of Purpose - Physics

    I'm having a tough time beginning my statement of purpose for graduate school. I'm just not necessarily sure if what I want to put in will hurt my chances. I started off as a Mathematics major, and after taking Physics my junior year, I decided to add a Physics major. This would require me...
  36. K

    Statement of purpose is it good?

    Hi all! I am applying to physics PhD programs across the U.S. and I'm not sure if my statement of purpose will cut it.. I am not the most creative writer and was wondering if anyone minded reading it to see what you think?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! I am writing to...
  37. F

    Statement of Purpose and Recommendation Letters most important?

    I was reading through Harvard's graduate school admissions FAQ, and a paragraph said:"The physics department's admissions committee reviews each candidate's entire application, including statement of purpose, transcript, experience, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation -- the statement of...
  38. Hercuflea

    Should I mention fellowship in statement of purpose

    Hi, I am working on some academic statements of purpose for this upcoming year's grad school applications. I will be applying to a fellowship funded by my undergrad university which I think I have a good chance of receiving, and I was wondering if it is a good idea to mention that in my...
  39. M

    Physics REU Statement of Purpose - Help

    Hello, so over the next few days I will be applying to REUs, and as most of you know, this requires a statement of purpose/essay. Heres what I have so far.. keep in mid it's only a draft. Please be critical, I need all the suggestions I can get. Let me know what I can add, or take away from this...
  40. J

    Critique my statement of purpose

    This is for an application to a program in Climate Physics and Chemistry / Atmospheric science. Statement of Objectives While studying Physics at the University of X I became fascinated by the overlap of physics with other fields such as Earth sciences and nanotechnology. I explored these...
  41. V

    Help with my Statement of Purpose

    Hello guys,great to hang around in these forums:smile: I've been really wondering about the content of my statement of purpose/statement essay.I'll be applying to grad schools soon either for nuclear or some specialization areas in mechanical.Although I'm from a Civil engineering background,I...
  42. Hercuflea

    Should I talk about funding in my statement of purpose

    Hello I will be applying next year to some PhD. programs in nuclear engineering and I have been thinking about whether or not to include information about funding in the statement of purpose. I have already written a decent statement of purpose for REU programs this summer that I have had two...
  43. D

    Mentioning Mental Illness in a Statement of Purpose for Grad. School

    Hi, all. I’m applying to master’s programs in a technical discipline. For about three and 1/2 semesters in college I was severely clinically depressed. And, as I got to learn first-hand, being severely depressed is pretty debilitating, so for three semesters I got B+s, Bs and B-s. My question...
  44. N

    Please critique my statement of purpose.

    Here is my statement of purpose rough draft. Please be brutally honesty in critiquing it please. I, __________, am applying for the PhD degree in nuclear engineering with a concentration in nuclear materials. After achieving this long-anticipated goal of receiving my doctorate, I will...
  45. H

    Talking about research in statement of purpose

    Greetings, I am applying to physics PhD programs, and am currently working on my statement of purpose, a good chunk of which is dedicated to research that I have done. Right now, I have two drafts which I wrote in parallel, which take different approaches toward describing one of my research...
  46. C

    Please Revise My Statement of Purpose

    Hello forum, I am posting the rough draft of my Statement of Purpose that I will be submitting to Southern California Universities. I am applying for a Master's in Electrical Engineering. Ideally, I would like feedback from some of you who have already gone through this process and know what...
  47. C

    Where to post: Statement of Purpose | I need feedback

    Hello forum moderators, I am in the process of applying to Masters programs in Electrical Engineering. I have finished a rough draft of my Statement of Purpose and would like to get some feedback on it. Could I possibly post it in a thread in this particular forum? If not, where should I post it?
  48. O

    Statement of purpose and crummy senior year

    Hi, I'm applying to grad schools for physics for next fall after having a rather terrible senior year due to depression and anxiety. It definitely affected my grades (my overall gpa is still 3.5 though) and contributed to a bad and frankly useless experience at my REU. (I didn't really have a...
  49. P

    Statement of Purpose - School Specific Info

    This is a common subject I'm sure, but for reasons unknown this information is difficult to find. I have written my statement of purpose, all that remains is to customize it to each institution that I am applying to. How did you handle this? Did you talk about faculty you think would be...
  50. L

    Statement of Purpose Without Research Experience?

    Hey All, I'm graduating next year with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and have begun applying to graduate programs in the same field. My problem is the Statement of Purpose (SoP). On top of everything else, you are supposed to include prior research experience. This is supposed to demonstrate...
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