Should I mention fellowship in statement of purpose

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether to mention a pending fellowship in a statement of purpose for graduate school applications. The consensus is that while it is beneficial to indicate active pursuit of funding, such as a fellowship from the undergraduate university, it should not overshadow the primary purpose of the statement. Admissions committees may view external funding as a positive factor, potentially increasing chances of admission, but the statement should remain focused on the applicant's academic goals and motivations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application components
  • Familiarity with the purpose of a statement of purpose
  • Knowledge of fellowship opportunities and their impact on admissions
  • Awareness of how funding influences graduate program decisions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research best practices for writing a statement of purpose
  • Explore the impact of external funding on graduate admissions
  • Investigate various fellowship opportunities relevant to your field
  • Learn about the timeline and process for graduate school applications
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students, academic advisors, and anyone preparing statements of purpose for graduate school applications.

Hercuflea
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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 statement of purpose?
 
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I wouldn't mention anything I haven't officially been awarded.
 
How does it affect your *purpose*? The answer to that question might be relevant.
 
Will you find out if you received the fellowship before the applications are due?
 
Sadly, no. However my intention is to let the admissions committee know that I am actively seeking funding. I have been told by several graduate program coordinators that your chances of admission are much higher if you have external funding.
 
Hercuflea said:
I have been told by several graduate program coordinators that your chances of admission are much higher if you have external funding.

That may be true, but how does that affect your purpose? A statement of purpose should be just that, and not a collection of other information that you couldn't shoehorn into some other part of your application.
 

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