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

  • Thread starter Thread starter member 428835
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Statement of purpose
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to effectively start a statement of purpose for Ph.D. programs in mechanical engineering. Participants explore the appropriateness of using a creative quote versus a more straightforward approach, considering the expectations of admissions committees.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) considers starting their statement with a quote from Dr. Seuss, which they previously used successfully for their master's application.
  • Some participants suggest that while the quote worked before, admissions committees may prefer a more conventional approach that focuses on relevant content rather than creativity.
  • One participant uses a quote from a movie to emphasize the idea that creativity may be seen as unprofessional until one has established credibility in their field.
  • The OP expresses gratitude for the feedback and decides to omit the quote from their statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that using a creative quote may not be advisable for a statement of purpose in this context, indicating a preference for a more straightforward approach. However, the discussion reflects differing views on the role of creativity in academic applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not delve into specific criteria or expectations of admissions committees, leaving some assumptions about what constitutes an effective statement of purpose unresolved.

member 428835
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 I want to work with and what I want to study.

Should I begin with Dr. Suess to distinguish my application or is this unnecessary space I'd be using. The quote is

My alphabet starts with this letter called yuzz. It's the letter I use to spell yuzz-a-ma-tuzz. You'll be sort of surprised what there is to be found once you go beyond 'Z' and start poking around!

Dr. Suess highlights in three sentences why I want to study...blah blah blah.

Thanks all!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, on one hand, it worked before.

However, usually the people on admissions committees aren't looking for you to display your creative side on these things - at least not in physics (I assume engineering would be similar). The major risk is that something like this looks like you're trying to fill up space because you don't have anything more relevant to talk about.

I would cut it out.
 
To quote Crash Davis in Bull Durham, "Your shower shoes have fungus on them. You'll never make it to the bigs with fungus on your shower shoes. Think classy, you'll be classy. If you win 20 in the Show, you can let the fungus grow back and the press'll think you're colorful. Until you win 20 in the Show, however, it means you are a slob."

When you win 20 in the Show, you can quote Doctor Suess.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DrClaude
Thanks you guys! I'll leave it out.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Is My Statement of Purpose Strong Enough for the PSI Program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Comments on PhD Statement of Purpose
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Admissions How Can I Enhance My Statement of Purpose for a PhD Program?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Admissions Will I Have to Lie in My Statement of Purpose?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
Admissions Critique my statement of purpose for Perimeter Scholar Program
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Admissions How explicit should my goals be in my Statement of Purpose?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Admissions Statement of purpose critique request (high-energy theory PhD application)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Admissions Critique my statement of purpose for Ivy Physics Ph.D
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Admissions Honest opinions and advice on Statement of Purpose requested
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Admissions Queries for statement of purpose
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K