Should I mention fellowship in statement of purpose

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether to mention a fellowship application in a statement of purpose for graduate school applications. Participants explore the implications of including potential funding sources in the context of articulating academic goals and intentions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that mentioning a fellowship not yet awarded may not be advisable.
  • Another participant questions how the fellowship relates to the applicant's purpose in their statement.
  • A participant notes that they cannot confirm the fellowship status before application deadlines but intends to indicate active funding pursuit to the admissions committee.
  • Some participants emphasize that external funding may enhance admission chances, while questioning its relevance to the statement of purpose's core focus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance and appropriateness of mentioning a fellowship application in the statement of purpose. There is no consensus on whether it should be included.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the uncertainty regarding the timing of fellowship notifications and the potential impact on the statement's content. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of what constitutes the purpose of the statement.

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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