To apply for admissions and financial aid, or for additional information on admissions requirements for the Ph.D. program in pure mathematics, please go to the appropriate Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website listed below. All other inquiries may be directed to the Graduate Program Administrator of the Mathematics Department.

  • Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS)
  • Mathematics Graduate Studies
  • Financial Support

Graduate Program Administrator

The Department of Mathematics does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.

Preparing the Application The statement of purpose for graduate applications is carefully weighted by the admissions committee. The applicant’s statement should convince the committee that they are able to communicate effectively and with a deep understanding of mathematics. It is not intended to be a biographical sketch or a reflection on one’s decision to enter the field.

Three letters of recommendation are required. Letter writers should be faculty or others qualified to evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate study in mathematics. The letters must be submitted online and by the application deadline.

Applicants should include any research papers, publications, and other original works they would like to have evaluated by the admissions committee.

The department requests that applicants submit GRE Mathematics Subject Test scores if practical. Applicants should check on the ETS website for test dates in their area to ensure the scores will be submitted before the application deadline. An official score report should be sent to Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using code 3451.

While the admissions committee reviews all applications submitted before the deadline, missing math subject test scores provide one less data point available to evaluate the application. Depending on the strength of the application, the missing subject test scores may put the application at a disadvantage.

Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who do not hold an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English is the primary language of instruction must submit scores from the Internet Based Test (IBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test.

Harvard Griffin GSAS requires applicants to upload an electronic copy of undergraduate transcripts. Hard copies of official transcripts are not required at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program in Pure Mathematics The department does not grant a terminal Master’s degree, but the Master’s can be obtained “on the way” to the Ph.D. by fulfilling certain course and language exam requirements.

In general, there is no transfer status application to the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences or to the Department of Mathematics. No formal credit is given for an MSc or MA earned elsewhere. All applicants are considered to be applying as first-year graduate students. The only difference Master’s study may make is to better prepare students for the Qualifying Exam.

All graduate students are admitted to begin their studies in the fall term. The department plans on an entering class of about twelve students. Since the admissions committee receives a few hundred applications, the competition is keen.

Funding Graduate Study Applicants are urged to apply for all funding available to them. If no outside funding is available to the applicant, financial aid in the form of scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching fellowships is available. In general, students who do not have outside support will get scholarship support in their first year, but students are required to act as a teaching fellow for one-half course (i.e. for a one-term course) in their second through fifth years.

The department strongly recommends applicants to seek out and apply for all sources of financing available to them for graduate study. Recommended sources for funding US graduate students are NSF Graduate Fellowships and NDSEG Fellowships . Applicants from the UK are urged to also apply for the Kennedy fellowships and applicants from UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia for Knox fellowships . International students may apply for the Fullbright IIE or any home country fellowships available for study abroad.

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) offers programs for both the Master’s degree and the Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics. Please visit the SEAS website for more information on degrees in applied mathematics at www.seas.harvard.edu

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even wrote a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is, the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be?

“A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11- or 12-pt) and leave enough whitespace in the margins to make the statement easy-to-read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key questions:

  • Why do I want this degree?
  • What are my expectations for this degree?
  • What courses or program features excite me the most?
  • Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
  • How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

  • An attention-grabbing hook
  • A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
  • Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying to
  • Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
  • A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well-organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

  • Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
  • Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
  • Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

  • Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
  • Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
  • Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
  • Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a Lasting Impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related Grad School Success articles .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

Grad-student-writing-a-statement-of-purpose

The dreaded doctoral statement of purpose — every PhD program asks for it, but why is it so difficult to write? Writing a strong statement of purpose is essential to getting into your top PhD programs. A PhD statement of purpose gives admissions committees an introduction to your research interests and why their specific program is of interest to you.

Like a cover letter for a job application, a great statement of purpose allows you to highlight your strengths, interests and experience. If you need statement of purpose advice, keep reading for guidance on how to write a successful statement of purpose that will make your PhD application stand out.

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement

Though the two may sound similar, they’re not necessarily interchangeable. A personal statement gives insight into who you are, while a statement of purpose is meant to showcase what you want to do. Rarely will you be asked to write a personal statement for a PhD program.

As you go through the PhD application process, you will likely see schools requesting either a statement of purpose or a research statement. In most cases, they're both looking for the same thing. Admissions committees want to know about your academic background, your research goals and what you hope to accomplish as a candidate in a PhD program.

Your research goals should align with faculty research

Being admitted to a PhD program is a great feeling, but if you enroll in a program that doesn’t match your research interests or help support your career goals, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment later down the road.

Applying for admission to a program is all about fit. Faculty reviewers are looking for students who best represent the department’s mission and will help them obtain their research objectives.

By the time you apply, you should have a solid understanding of what the department’s primary research and content areas are, as well as which faculty members you’d like to work with more closely. This might mean finding information about what their labs do and reading published articles related to their work.

Be sure to include how your interests and past experiences align with the work that they do and how you would be an active contributor to those endeavors. This approach shows that you took the time to look into their program, so the committee will be more willing to invest theirs in reviewing your application.

Don’t be afraid to address your weaknesses

Many people assume they should avoid listing their shortcomings in their essays. The whole point of applying to a program is to impress the reviewers, right? But constructively addressing your weaknesses can be a great way to demonstrate how this program can help you achieve your academic goals.

Look at the catalog and read through the courses that are part of the program. If there is a particular class that fascinates you, talk about how it could help you obtain a new skill or a better understanding of a concept that you’ve struggled with before.

This demonstrates that you are actively seeking programs to help you better your education. It also exhibits that you’re mindful of what areas of your knowledge need some improvement, which shows maturity and the ability to self-assess.

Keep it succinct

If your program of interest does not specify a page word or word limit, it’s best to assume that your statement should not exceed two pages total. It should be enough to give them a glimpse of who you are and what you have to offer but not share your life story.

The aim is to communicate how and why this particular program will help you meet your academic and career goals. Limited space means you must prioritize what you include in your statement.

Create an outline before you start writing to ensure you are including points that are relevant to your application and the program to which you are applying. Your statement is also an example of how well you can write. By framing your essay before you write it, you can avoid stream-of-consciousness writing that can often come across as undefined and incoherent.

Proofread! And read it over and over

When you think you have a finished product, read your essay out loud. This makes it easier to catch typos, poor grammar, and oddly worded sentences. If you have a friend who is also applying to grad school, help each other out by editing each other’s essays.

Having someone else read your statement and ask questions can help you clarify your points and make it more compelling. Your statement is your one chance to present yourself professionally in your own words. The occasional mistake is excusable, but messy writing will make them think you lack attention to detail.

Before you hit submit on that application, be sure that you have attached the correct document for the right institution. It can be very embarrassing if your statement mentions the wrong faculty member’s name or refers to another school’s library! It could also cause the reviewers to think you are not as serious about their program.

You’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting your application, so take your time to review everything before you submit it so you can rest easy knowing you’ve presented your best.

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This program is designed for students looking to conduct original mathematical research with the aim of becoming a research mathematician . Students will be located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, one of the most active centers of mathematics in the world. Other universities in the area include Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, MIT, and Northeastern University.

Students will have access to a wide range of resources including the Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications, which brings together researchers from an extensive variety of disciplines and institutions and hosts conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Most graduates of the program have been very successful at securing postdoctoral fellowships in academia. A number of recent graduates have won prestigious fellowships including the Clay Fellowship, the Simons Fellowship, and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Others now have jobs in industry. 

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Mathematics and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Mathematics .

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that the applicant is able to communicate effectively and with a deep understanding of mathematics. It is not intended to be a biographical sketch or a reflection on one’s decision to enter the field.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted GRE Subject: Required

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School Slide

When writing your statement of purpose for graduate school, focus on your specific plans and how the graduate program and its faculty will help you meet these goals. Graduate study is not for slackers. It takes focus and determination to pursue an advanced degree. That's why admissions committees examine your statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or research statement) very closely—they want to see whether you have the right stuff to succeed in grad school. Follow these tips to write an effective graduate school statement of purpose.

1. Know what grad schools are really asking.

Different grad school programs have different prompts. Nonetheless, they're all asking for the same four pieces of information:

  • What you want to study at graduate school?
  • Why you want to study it?
  • What experience you have in your field?
  • What you plan to do with your degree once you have it?

Admissions committees look for candidates with clear, well-defined research interests that arise from experience. With that in mind, your statement of purpose should reveal that you care deeply about your chosen discipline and that you have the background to support your ideas and sentiments. It should also demonstrate that you're a diligent student who will remain committed for the long haul. Always answer the question asked of you. Being substantive and direct is much better than being creative or flashy.

2. Be selective about the details you include.

Grad schools don’t care that you make a great chicken casserole or play intramural bocce ball. They do care about those activities that speak to your suitability for graduate work. As a graduate student, you'll be called upon to do difficult coursework and research. You may have to teach undergraduate classes within your field and conceivably even design a course. And you'll have to get along with a diverse group of colleagues who will sometimes work very closely with you. Any experience in school, work, or your extracurricular life that speaks to those abilities is worth talking about.

Read More: 5 Tips for Choosing a Grad School

3. Make your statement of purpose unique.

While it's important to be focused, there's no need to be boring. To distinguish your essay, add unique (yet relevant) information. One of the best ways to do this is to discuss—briefly—an idea in your field that turns you on intellectually. It's an effective essay-opener, and it lets you write about something besides yourself for a bit.

Remember, the idea you choose to talk about can tell an admissions committee a lot about you. And it demonstrates your interest in your field, rather than just describing it.

4. Ask for feedback.

Be sure to show your statement of purpose to someone you respect, preferably the professors who are writing your recommendations, and get some feedback on the content before you send it in. Have someone else proofread your essay for spelling and grammar. A fresh set of eyes often picks up something you missed.

Finally, don't just reuse the same statement of purpose for each school to which you apply. You can recycle the same information, but make sure you change the presentation to fit each individual program.

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Writing the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four different parts.

Make sure to check on the appropriate departmental website to find out if your statement should include additional or specific information.

Part 1: Introduce yourself, your interests and motivations

Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study. This should be short and to the point; don’t spend a great deal of time on autobiography.

Part 2: Summarize your undergraduate and previous graduate career

a) Research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. Write technically, or in the style of your discipline. Faculty are the people who read these statements.

b) Important paper or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly beyond your curricular requirements.

c) Work experience, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing, designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.

Part 3: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities

If you graduated and worked prior to returning to graduate school, indicate what you’ve been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. You can also indicate here how this helped you focus your graduate studies.

Part 4: Elaborate on your academic interests

Here you indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince the faculty that you understand the scope of research in their discipline, and are engaged with current research themes.

a) Indicate the area of your interests. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or indicate a theme that you would like to address, and questions that arise from contemporary research. This should be an ample paragraph!

b) Look on the web for information about departments you’re interested in, including professors and their research. Are there professors whose research interests parallel yours? If so, indicate this. Check the specific program; many may require you to name a professor or professors with whom you might work.

c) End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead of you.

Essential Tips

1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.

2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice.

3. Demonstrate everything by example; don’t say directly that you’re a persistent person, show it.

4. If there is something important that happened to you that affected your grades, such as poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, showing your perseverance despite obstacles. You can elaborate more in your personal statement.

5. Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.

6. Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.

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The application window for Fall 2024 is closed.

The Mathematics Department offers two programs to obtain a Ph.D. Applicants can pursue a Ph.D. in  Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics or Mathematics.  Please use the "Programs" link at the left to explore our offerings.

  • Three Letters of Recommendation  (May submit up to 5 letters, but only 3 are required.)
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Academic Statement of Purpose (concise - no limit)
  • Personal Statement (500 word limit)
  • TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator online test are accepted.
  • Exemption rules:   https://rackham.umich.edu/admissions/applying/tests/
  • List of  International English Exclusive Institutions  approved by Rackham

GRE General Test scores are no longer included in the admission process in accordance with a  policy of the Rackham Graduate School .

GRE Mathematics Subject Test scores are strictly optional. However, if an applicant chooses so, they may submit them as a combined pdf file with their transcript or personal statement.

Application Timeline

The Mathematics Department's graduate programs only accept applications for Fall semesters. 

General Requirements for Admission

A student must have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university by the time of entry in order to be considered for admission.

Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics (AIM) Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

Successful AIM Ph.D. applicants will demonstrate an interest in an interdisciplinary area of applied mathematics in addition to substantial mathematical ability. Two types of students are generally considered for admission to the AIM Ph.D. program:

  • Mathematics majors with excellent grades in mathematics courses and excellent letters of recommendation. The admissions committee will also take into account other scholarly activities such as summer research experience, published papers, or courses in other fields.
  • Non-mathematics majors from the physical, life, or engineering sciences, or from other appropriate areas of study. Such students are expected to have completed at least two upper division mathematics courses, and/or have substantial exposure to mathematics in other courses, and may submit a GRE mathematics subject test score. Other experience in working with mathematics (for instance, summer research positions) will also be taken into account, as well as grade point average and letters of recommendation.

Mathematics Ph.D.  Admission Requirements The undergraduate major need not be mathematics, but a student should have mastered material roughly equivalent to the undergraduate mathematics major at The University of Michigan including:

  • three semesters of calculus
  • one or two semesters of differential equations
  • one semester courses in modern algebra, linear algebra, geometry or topology
  • advanced calculus of one and several variables

In addition, a student should have completed at least three additional mathematics courses and at least two courses in related fields such as statistics, computer science, or the physical sciences. Students with strong records in less comprehensive programs will be considered for admission but if admitted should expect to spend the first one or two semesters in graduate school completing their undergraduate preparation in mathematics. Based on historical data, we expect that successful applicants to the Ph.D. program will have an overall GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.

Application Requirement Details

GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS Tests

  • GRE General test scores are not required. 
  • GRE Mathematics Subject Test scores may be submitted as a combined pdf file with your transcript or personal statement. (Optional)
  • TOEFL or IELTS exam is required for students whose native language is not English
  • TOEFL and IELTS exams should not be older than two years as of the Admission Deadline.
  • Minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores must meet Rackham's requirements here .
  • TOEFL or IELTS Exemptions are only given per Rackham's rules here .
  • ETS school code for the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School is 1839

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation play an especially crucial role in the admission process. At least three letters are required, and up to five may be submitted. Applicants should choose as recommenders people who know their strengths and weaknesses relevant to graduate study in mathematics. The most useful letters are those which list in some detail the accomplishments of the student and make direct comparisons with other students who have succeeded at major U.S. graduate schools. International students already in the U.S. should submit letters from their U.S. institution, whenever possible.  Please register your recommenders for the electronic Letters of Recommendation when using the Online Application.  Letters received after the application deadline will be accepted, but should be received within 1 week of that deadline.

Those students who will have completed a Master's degree in Mathematics by the time they begin studies at the University of Michigan must apply to the Ph.D. program. Others may apply to either program. 

Academic Statement of Purpose

Focus your academic statement on your mathematical interests, research experience, published papers, math camps, teaching & tutoring experience etc. Be sure to mention any specific faculty with whom you wish to work.

Personal Statement:

Focus your personal statement on what makes you unique, any struggles you have experienced and overcome, and why you feel U-M Math is the right place for you.  Be sure to include any hardships you have experiencedand how you overcame them. These could be financial, familial, or personal.

Transcript Submission:

The Mathematics Admissions Committee will review uploaded transcripts with university logos during the application process.  While these are considered "unofficial" transcripts because they have been opened from their original sealed envelopes, they are acceptable.  If an applicant receives an offer of admission, an official transcript in a sealed envelope will need to be mailed from the institution directly to the Rackham Graduate School.

Please submit your most current transcript with your online application by the due date.  If you would like the Admissions Committee to see your Fall term scores, you may email them to [email protected] after the due date, and they will be included with your application.

Additonal Application Materials: If you have additional materials you would like to submit with your application, you may email them to [email protected].  Be sure to include your name and umid number in the email and attach files in pdf format.

Note:  All credentials submitted for admission consideration become the property of the University of Michigan and will not be returned in original or copy form.

Additional Information:  Please visit the admissions page of the Rackham Graduate School for additional information regarding admission including: minimum graduate school requirements, residency, and application fees.    Unfortunately, application fee waivers are not available for international students.

Financial Support for Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. Programs

Most students enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Mathematics are granted full financial support including an annual stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance for a period of five years, subject to satisfactory progress. The Department offers aid in the form of Graduate Student Instructorships, Research Assistantships, and Fellowships.

All entering Ph.D. students will be considered for Graduate Student Instructorships, which normally require four classroom hours of teaching per week plus additional office hours during the Fall and Winter terms. The stipend for such an appointment in 2021-2022 is $11,598 per term. In addition, Graduate Student Instructors receive a full tuition waiver. Teaching duties may involve teaching a section of a first-year calculus or pre-calculus course or serving as an instructor for recitation sections attached to a faculty lecture in multivariable calculus or elementary differential equations. The Department of Mathematics has many fellowship opportunities, including the Copeland, Glover, Rainich, and Shields Fellowships which may provide a stipend, tuition waiver and in some cases a reduced teaching load. Other fellowships administered by the Rackham Graduate School can be found at their  Fellowships office .  The University of Michigan is part of the CIC consortium, which also awards fellowships to outstanding underrepresented applicants. Also available are prestigious Rackham Science Award’s given out by the Rackham Graduate School.

After Admission

All new Graduate Student Instructors are required to attend an orientation and training program which is held the week before classes begin. New Graduate Student Instructors whose Undergraduate Degree is not from an English speaking University must pass an English Evaluation which tests the specific oral skills needed for classroom teaching and are required to attend a three-week cultural orientation program starting in July.

Research Assistantships are awarded mainly to senior Ph.D. students to relieve them of teaching duties during the final part of their dissertation research. Students at this point may also compete for Rackham Dissertation Fellowships, which provide full support for one year, or Research Partnerships. A small number of positions as paper-graders for the larger advanced courses is available each term.

Some additional funds are often available for support during the summer. More advanced students who are actively involved in research may be supported from NSF grants awarded to faculty members. For other students there is a limited number of Departmental fellowships and a few teaching positions are available. No advanced graduate courses are offered in either the Spring or Summer half-terms and students are encouraged to spend some of their summers attending workshops, doing research, working in government, or seeking internships in industry.

statement of purpose for phd in mathematics

Marjorie Lee Browne (MLB) Scholars Program - an MS bridge to PhD program for diverse students

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Michigan is pleased to offer the Marjorie Lee Browne (MLB) Scholars Program. The program is named for Dr. Marjorie Lee Browne, who in 1949 became the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Michigan. The MLB Scholars Program is an enhanced option for the M.S. degree in either Mathematics or Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics that is designed to give students professional knowledge of pure or applied mathematics in order to prepare them for continuing toward a Ph.D.  Please see this Marjorie Lee Brown Scholars webpage for eligibility and details.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Department of Mathematics at [email protected].

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Graduate School Statement of Purpose

statement of purpose for phd in mathematics

What is a Statement of Purpose?

The statement of purpose for graduate school should be between 1-2 pages long. Graduate committee members read your statement as part of your overall package. When a graduate committee member reads your statement they also have a copy of your transcript, perhaps your resume, and GRE scores. The statement should be viewed as a way to present some of your experiences that do not appear on your transcripts or to expand on some item on your resume. If you have poor grades in some courses, you could use the statement to explain why this occurred. If there was a gap in your education, this should also be explained. If you have a research and/or teaching experience then you should use the statement of purpose to give some detail about your research experience. This gives you the opportunity to discuss mathematics so that the reader gets the sense that

  • you have some deeper understanding of a topic and
  • you can communicate mathematical ideas.

Your statement of purpose should not rehash items that can be obtained from your transcripts or your resume. The statement of purpose should convince the reader that you are knowledgeable about undergraduate mathematics and that you have given some thought to your career path towards the doctorate. The statement should also give confidence that you will succeed in a graduate program.

Students will apply to more than one graduate school. Typically students apply to about seven programs. Students should consider writing their statement of purpose and leaving room in the statement to personalize it for each of the institutions where it is to be sent. Students should look up the webpage for the department, look at the research areas and the faculty, and comment on some aspect of that webpage.

In preparation for writing this statement of purpose, students should meet with their advisors and have the advisor look over the statement of purpose before it is sent out. Below are some helpful links when writing your statement of purpose:

  • The Princeton Review - Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose
  • Peterson’s – Top Graduate School Essay Writing Mistakes You Must Avoid
  • Purdue Online Writing Lab – Writing the Personal Statement
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education Article - “Leave Dr Seuss Out of It”

statement of purpose for phd in mathematics

Applying to grad school? Here’s what you need to know: Part II

In my last post, I shared my experience with diving into grad school applications, as well as my advice for getting started with the application process. By now, you’ve hopefully decided whether (and why!) you’ll be applying to grad school, and if you are, you’ll have taken the GRE and settled on a few programs that pique your interest. (If not, not to worry – read my previous post on applying to grad school here .) In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on navigating two of the more complex aspects of grad school applications: crafting a statement of purpose (also known as: the longest two pages you’ll ever write) and advocating for yourself throughout the application process (and beyond).

A great statement of purpose will make your application. And while a not-so-great statement of purpose might not break your application, it would be a lost opportunity: the statement of purpose is your chance to convince the admissions committee that you are a good fit for the graduate program they oversee.

The trouble? Writing a convincing statement of purpose is tricky, and it comes naturally to almost no one. When I first tried to write mine, I spent a great deal of time staring at a blank page – writing a few words, only to delete them immediately.

The opening “when I was ten years old…” felt cliché. Plus, my interest in math was less a revelation than it was a snowball effect, made more difficult to ignore with each new, tantalizing piece of information I absorbed (the Fourier transform can decompose sound waves into their constituent parts?!). So pretending that my fifth-grade teacher or a childhood science fair was the singular impetus for my impending commitment to a lifelong career in mathematics seemed dishonest. On the other hand, starting the statement with some variation on “I am excited to apply for the PhD program in math at University X” felt too generic.

In the end, I decided to begin my statement of purpose with, well, a statement of purpose. Without preamble, I laid out my professional goals (they were specific, and somewhat unique) and explained how they had come to be. This opening allowed me to segue into my reasons for applying to each program, and from there, into my research background – two integral components to any statement of purpose.

I say this not to argue that this is the best or only way to structure a statement of purpose – it’s not – but to emphasize the following point: a great essay is always genuine, thoughtful, and specific. Providing unique details about your motivations (think: a story about a memorable encounter with mathematics, rather than a generic “I enjoy problem-solving”) will make for an honest, compelling essay. For more specific advice on crafting a statement of purpose, read this .

If time allows, share your essay with the professors who are writing your recommendation letters – it will allow them to write letters that reflect your strengths as relevant to the programs you’re applying to. And don’t forget to have friends and/or professors edit your essay.

If the prospect of crafting a statement of purpose is overwhelming, remember: at the end of the day, your goal in a grad school application is to communicate that you are prepared, both academically and personally, to do research in the program you’re applying to. That’s it. If you successfully communicate why you’re prepared for a research career in your statement of purpose, you’re well on your way to making a convincing argument for why you should be admitted. And once you are, remember:

You are your own best advocate. You may feel lucky to get into grad school when it happens – and you should! – but remember, too, that whichever graduate program you choose is lucky to have you. Advocate for yourself accordingly, and stick to your boundaries when it comes to work environment, hours, pay, health care, teaching load, and the like. While grad school requires a certain amount of sacrifice and compromise, on the whole, it should support, rather than hinder, your personal life – just like any other job.

Here’s a scenario I hear all the time: “My partner and I applied for all (or many) of the same grad schools, but we were accepted to different ones (on different sides of the country).” Sometimes, I’ll ask whether they communicated this fact to the relevant universities, and more often than not, I get a look of confusion in reply. If you’re accepted to a particular program and your partner isn’t, you can write a polite note to the department informing them of the situation – delicately, of course. Yes, you can – and should!

Graduate school is a significant, long-term commitment that people undertake as fully-fledged adults, often with partners, dependents, and major life considerations (starting a family, caring for parents) in tow. In this respect, it is a far cry from undergrad, and should be approached accordingly. When making the decision about which programs to attend, remember that finding a supportive program and advisor, and communicating your personal and professional goals to them as appropriate, is key. Because ultimately, grad school should be a means to pursuing a fulfilling life and career.

For advice on how to survive – and thrive! – in grad school once you’re in, read my previous post here .

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About Susannah Shoemaker

1 response to applying to grad school here’s what you need to know: part ii.

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Very nice. When I was in Iran, I used to edit SOP’s for people applying to foreign universities. By far, the main mistake I found in many of them was their “lack of specificity.” Change the candidate’s name and it will just as well be an SOP for anyone else applying to that school! Some more tips on writing an SOP: – Your qualifications are already in your your CV. So, do not include numbers and dates and other details.

– Tell a story rather than having scattered facts. Try to weave all you want to say into a unified piece that has flow. If your paragraphs can be reordered freely, then it is a sign your essay lacks cohesion.

– Decide on an impression you want to make and adjust your language and choice of details accordingly. For instance, you may want to present yourself as an organized and hardworking person than, say, a smart/genius one. Deciding on the personality image you want to convey will really give your essay a soul!

– Include specific details not just about yourself, but also about the department. Let them know that you know them, and that they are not “just another school on your list.”

Good luck 🙂

Comments are closed.

Opinions expressed on these pages were the views of the writers and did not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the American Mathematical Society.

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Stanford University

Graduate Admissions

Application information.

  • The deadline for the application for admission to Autumn 2024 has passed.
  • Applications are not accepted after the deadline.
  • The application for admission to Autumn 2025 will open by October 2024 and the deadline will be in early December 2024. 
  • Applications are accepted for admission to the Autumn quarter only.
  • Applications are accepted to the PhD program only.
  • The department does not offer admission to a Master’s degree program to applicants from outside Stanford or current Stanford graduate students.

For current Stanford undergraduate students only:  The department accepts applications to the Coterminal Master’s degree program. Please see the  Coterminal Master’s Degree page for more information.

  • Please read the Steps for Applying section below.

The Department of Mathematics recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

The Department of Mathematics welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

Contact Information

  • Before contacting the department, read the information on this page, including the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page. 
  • Before contacting the department, read the information on the  University Graduate Admissions website .
  • Please do not contact the department to check if your application materials are complete. Instead, you may  Visit Your Status Page  to check your application status. 
  • Only if your question is not answered on this page or the pages mentioned above, please send an email to: mathgradadmissions [at] stanford.edu (mathgradadmissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

Steps for Applying

  • Review all information and instructions on this page. Read through the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.
  • Review the information and instructions on the University Graduate Admissions website .
  • Submit your application online. Make sure you have all required items listed below. The link to the online application is on the  University Graduate Admissions website .
  • Have ETS send your official test scores to Stanford University (if applicable, see below).

Required Items:

Statement of Purpose See the Graduate Admissions page on statements for more information.

  • Soft copy of unofficial transcripts/academic records for every post-secondary institution where you were previously or are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. See the Graduate Admissions page on transcripts for transcript requirements and the  Minimum Education Requirements .
  • Names and contact information of your recommenders, minimum of 3, maximum of 4. Your recommenders will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters online after you enter their information in the application. The admissions committee will start their review shortly after the deadline so ask your recommenders to submit their letters by the application deadline so they will be included in the review.  See the Graduate Admissions page on recommendations for more information.
  • This is required of applicants whose first language is not English. If your first language is not English, you may be eligible for an exemption or a waiver. Review the  TOEFL information on the University Graduate Admissions website  for more information including exemption and waiver information.
  • The Department is not able to provide fee waivers. Please see the link above for the available fee waivers and how to submit a request. Requests are due 2 weeks before the application deadline. 

Optional Item:

  • GRE Mathematics Subject Test Score ( Submitting the score is optional and your application will not be negatively impacted if you do not submit the score.)

Items that are NOT required:

  • GRE General Test Scores (Not required or accepted as part of the application.)
  • Official transcripts (If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts at that time.)
  • Please  do not  upload research papers to the online application. Instead, please ensure that you have a letter of recommendation that addresses your papers, and/or provide a short description of the paper in your statement of purpose. You may also include a link to your papers in your statement of purpose if you would like.

Fellowship Opportunities

Students in the PhD program who make satisfactory progress are fully funded for five years. Funding sources include department fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

In addition, applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowships outside the department. See below for some of the opportunities available, including some of the fellowships received by our students in recent years.

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

The  National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowships  are awarded to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in, or closely related to, an area of DoD interest within fifteen disciplines including mathematics.

The  Hertz Graduate Fellowship Award  supports graduate students working towards the Ph.D. degree in the applied physical, biological and engineering sciences including mathematics.

The   NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program  recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based Master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships  provide financial support for studies in a master’s or doctoral program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Program Questions

For non-Stanford applicants, the Mathematics Department offers admission to the PhD program only.

Please see the Explore Graduate Programs page for other departments that offer a Master's degree.

Both pure and applied mathematics can be studied. There is no separate applied mathematics program. See the  Research Areas page  for information about areas of faculty research.

Five years is the typical amount of time it takes to complete the program. See the  PhD Program page  for the timeline of progression through the degree.

All admitted PhD students who make satisfactory progress are fully funded for five years. Funding sources include department fellowships, teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

In addition, applicants are encouraged to apply for fellowships outside the department. See the Fellowships Opportunities section above for some of the opportunities available, including some of the fellowships received by our students in recent years.

Application Questions 

We are not able to accommodate prospective applicant visits. Please review the information on our website and on the University Graduate Admissions website which should answer almost all questions about the application process and our program. If there are specific questions that are not answered on our website please email them to mathgradadmissions [at] stanford.edu (mathgradadmissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

No, we do not accept late applications.

A committee of several math faculty members reads the files. The composition of the committee varies each year.

By and large, we like to see that you are eager to learn and can handle difficult mathematics. In most cases, this is evidenced by taking and doing well in advanced math courses (admitted students usually have close to perfect GPAs in math courses), as well as having close interaction with faculty who can testify to this.

If you are applying from a school from which we rarely get applicants, it is helpful if some of your recommenders can compare you to others who have gone on to comparable math graduate schools.

Although you’re certainly welcome to include letters from faculty mentors about research experience, we don’t expect you to have such experience or to have attended an REU.

Unfortunately the admissions committee doesn't have the time that would be needed to look at research papers in any detail. Instead, please ensure that you have a letter of recommendation that addresses your paper(s). If you wish, include a weblink to the paper(s) in your statement of purpose.

Although we do not formally require an undergraduate degree in math, we do expect you to have a math background that is comparable to it. In such cases, please explain your experience carefully in your statement of purpose.

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association. 

Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing.

See the Minimum Education Requirements page on the Graduate Admissions website for full details.

Yes. The committee begins reviewing applications shortly after the application deadline so it's important to have all materials submitted by the deadline, including letters of recommendation. 

No. Your application will be reviewed with the transcripts you uploaded to the online application. We are not able to update the transcripts of applicants.

No. Students are admitted into the PhD program for Autumn quarter only.

ETS Exam and Score Questions

Submitting the GRE Mathematics subject score is optional and  your application will not be negatively impacted if you do not submit a score .

If you do submit a score, we do not have a cutoff. Most admitted applicants who submit scores have a GRE Mathematics subject score of above 800.

GRE Mathematics Subject scores are optional. You may still apply if you do not have a score to report and  your application will not be negatively impacted if you do not submit the score.

The TOEFL requirement is set by the University and is required for applicants whose first language is not English unless they qualify for an exemption or a waiver of the requirement. Please see the  University Graduate Admissions TOEFL information  to determine if you need to submit TOEFL scores or qualify for an exemption or waiver.

For complete TOEFL requirements please see the  University Graduate Admissions TOEFL information .

Official scores must be reported directly to Stanford from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Stanford’s ETS institutional code is 4704. A department code is not necessary, but it is fine if you gave ETS a department code in addition to the institutional code.

Please see the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website ( www.ets.org ) for scoring information.

Your application will be reviewed with your self-reported scores until your official scores are received. The review of your application will not be affected by a delay in receiving official scores. 

Ideally you will have taken the exam before the application deadline so that you will be able to provide your self-reported scores on the application. If you do not know your scores before the application deadline, you can indicate your test date or a future test date on the application without listing your scores. You will then need to send your self-reported scores to mathgradadmissions [at] stanford.edu (mathgradadmissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) as soon as you know them so that they can be added to your application.

It is OK if the official scores arrive after the application deadline. 

Yes. You must submit a complete application and application materials each time you apply to the PhD program. This includes letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts.

Application Status Questions

Official scores are sent electronically to Stanford and matched to applicants’ records around once per week. If any identifying information on your ETS score report is different from your online application, your scores may not be matched to your record. As long as you self-reported your scores on your application, those will be used for the admissions committee's review and it will not adversely affect the review. Please do not contact the department to see if your official scores have been received.

Admission Decision Questions

Admission decisions are made between late January to late February.

We will notify all applicants via email once decisions have been made. Please do not contact the department to see if a decision has been made unless you haven’t heard by early March.

No, there is not a process to appeal the admissions committee's decision, it is final.

No, we are not able to provide individualized feedback to applicants. 

© Stanford University . Stanford , California 94305 .

Department of Mathematics

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Admission to the PhD program is based on primarily on academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Application materials for the fall of 2024 must be received by December 15, 202`3. However, applicants who wish to be considered for the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative must submit their application by December 1, 2023. Preliminary admissions decisions will be made in January 2024. All applicants will be notified of the admissions committee’s decision by email.

The Department of Mathematics values diversity among its members, is committed to building a diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from all interested parties.

Via the online application , applicants should submit:

  • A Statement of Purpose
  • An optional Personal Statement
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official TOEFL scores (if English is not your first language)

Submission of GRE Math subject scores is optional. The department views GRE Math subject scores as useful information. For applications which do not include these scores, more weight will be placed on the other elements of the application. Applicants who choose to self-report a GRE Math Subject score need not send an official score report at time of application; we will request verification only if you are accepted to the program.

The required Statement of Purpose discusses your academic interests, objectives, and preparation. The optional Personal Statement describes your personal background, and helps us create a more holistic understanding of you as an applicant. If you wish you may also discuss your personal background in the Statement of Purpose (e.g. if you have already written a single essay addressing both topics), instead of submitting separate statements.

Application fee waivers are available based on financial need and/or participation in certain programs .

No application materials should be mailed to the department. All application materials are processed by the Graduate Admissions Office.

Senior Academic Program Coordinator 410-516-4178 [email protected]

Undergraduate Background

The following is an example of what the math department would consider a good background for a student coming out of a four-year undergraduate program at a college or university in the U.S. (assuming a semester system):

  • Calculus in one variable (two semesters, or AP credits)
  • Multivariable Calculus (one semester)
  • Linear Algebra (one semester)
  • Complex analysis (one semester)
  • Real analysis (two semesters)
  • Abstract algebra (two semesters)
  • Point-set topology (one semester)

Many admitted students have taken upper-level undergraduate mathematics courses or graduate courses. Nevertheless, the department does admit very promising students whose preparation falls a little short of the above model. In such cases, we strongly recommend that the student start to close the gap over the summer, before arriving for the start of the fall semester.

Financial Support    

Students admitted to the PhD program receive full tuition fellowships and teaching assistantships. Teaching assistant salaries for the 2023–2024 academic year are $34,000. Students making satisfactory progress can expect to be supported for six years. Exceptional applicants are considered for supplementary fellowships of $6,000 each year for three years.

Students from underrepresented groups may be eligible for other university-wide supplemental fellowships . Summer teaching is available for students seeking extra income.

We recognize that it can be financially burdensome to relocate to a new city to attend a PhD program. Students who are accepted to PhD programs at JHU can apply to receive a $1,500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. Find out how to apply for the grant .

Useful Links

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Additional Information for International Students

Student Visa Information:  The Office of International Services at Homewood  will assist admitted international students in obtaining a student visa.

English Proficiency: Johns Hopkins University requires students to have adequate English proficiency for their course of study. Students must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently upon their arrival at the university. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of their proficiency in English before they can be offered admission and before a visa certificate can be issued. Proficiency can be demonstrated by submitting results from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS . Johns Hopkins prefers a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL or a Band Score of 7 on the IELTS. Results should be sent to Johns Hopkins directly by TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants taking the IELTS must additionally upload a copy of their score through the application system. However, do not send the student copy or a photocopy of the TOEFL.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI ) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for STEM PhD students. It provides full tuition, stipend, benefits, targeted mentoring, and professional development. Students who have attended a historically black college and university or other minority serving institution for undergraduate study are eligible.

There is no additional application. To be considered for the VTSI, all components of the PhD application, including supplemental components, special VSTI questions, and letters of recommendation must be completed by  December 1, 2023 , even if the program deadline is later.

PhD Statements of Purpose

Some of these samples have been accepted by top programs. They have been graciously shared by past applicants for educational purposes. We hope they inspire you to write your own.

Drop us a draft of your SOP, PS, LOI, ML, &/or LOR for

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Most reviewed programs

  • MS and PhD in Computer science, Data Science, AI, Engineering (MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Caltec, etc)
  • Mathematics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Linguistics and literature
  • Film studies

PLACE ORDER

Statement of Purpose for PhD in Computer Science (MIT Accepted)

We analyse three SOP samples, two accepted at MIT and one at the University of Washington.

Statement of Purpose for PhD in Biomedical Engineering (MIT Accepted)

In this article, we analyse a Biomedical Engineering SOP that was accepted at MIT, Stanford, and Georgia Tech

Letters of Recommendation: A Guide and Sample for your Recommenders

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing (Undergraduate) (Highly rated)

Description: We describe in detail how to write a statement of purpose for nursing. In the SOP, the applicant underscores the areas of nursing she’d focus on and how she was suited for the school.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Ph. D Nursing (Compelling)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing Ph. D, the applicant identifies the field of interest and specialization that he’s interested in early, details professional and research work, then points out the skills he would like to gain from this program and how the university will help in this endeavor.

Statement of Purpose for MBA (Ivy school)

Description: We start by providing a step by step guide that should help with generating ideas for your MBA SOP and then crafting one while adhering to certain tips. We then provide 3 ivy school samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science  (Highly rated)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science, the applicant describes how a local mobile money sending application in rural parts of Africa inspired his love for computing.  The applicant explains a clear career path after graduating. You can get a similar SOP by ORDERING HERE

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2 (Recommended)

Description: In this SOP, we provide the blueprint of writing a SOP for computer science. We follow it with two highly rated samples.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Cognitive Science (Good)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant describes how personal struggles with Dyslexia, and the inspiring story of  Akeelah in the Akeelah and the Bee film, motivated a desire to understand how the human brain works and how it can be trained to optimize the good while negating the bad.

MBA Statement of Purpose Example  (Excellent)

Description: In this Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA, the applicant evokes the loss of family business and a business degree that didn’t equip him with practical skills as the motivation for applying for an MBA. The applicant brings out the steps that he has taken to remedy this lack of practical experience and the skills that he looked forward to getting from the MBA program.

Statement of Purpose Sample for MBA with Engineering Background (Compelling)

Description: The applicant underscores professional experience managing people, financial, and operational processes. He emphasizes possession of transferable research experience, the result of which is a successful Statement of Purpose for MBA that got him acceptance to a top business school. You can get the same HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for Masters in Public Health Science (Good)

Description:  In this SOP, the applicant underscores her teaching and research experience and show how they would be transferred to a role of a public health educator. If you’re applying for university admission in a field other than you did your bachelor’s, we can help with standardizing your SOP. Speak to us today HERE

Statement of Purpose Sample for  Psychology Graduate School (Great)

Description: In this SOP, the applicant explains how growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood with a police father informed her early views on crime prevention and the place of psychology. She places this early observations in their proper context by profiling the background of teenage offenders thereby underling the place of early trauma on future behavior.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Mathematics (Highly rated)

Description: This sample explains the applicant’s love for numbers and top achievement as well as suitability for the university.

Statement of Purpose Sample for Business Management (Highly rated)

Description: The SOP demonstrates how professional experience not deemed relevant to business management may be captured as an example of work ethics

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing

Statement of Purpose sample for nursing

Statement of Purpose Sample for Nursing PhD

Statement of purpose sample for nursing Phd

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2

A statement of purpose sample for computer science 2 that earned acceptance to multiple universities

Statement of Purpose Sample in Cognitive Science

Statement of Purpose sample in cognitive science

Statement of Purpose sample for mathematics

Statement of Purpose sample for mathematics

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA with Engineering Background

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA with Engineering Background

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Pyschology

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Psychology

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science

Statement of Purpose sample in computer science

Statement of Purpose sample for Business Management

Statement of Purpose sample for business management

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Public Health

Statement of Purpose Sample for Masters in Public Health

Statement of Purpose for MBA Sample (Ivy school)

This is an MBA Statement of purpose for an ivy school.

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statement of purpose for phd in mathematics

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IMAGES

  1. Writing an Outstanding Graduate Statement of Purpose Mathematics

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  2. 50 Statement Of Purpose Examples (Graduate School, MBA, PhD) ᐅ

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  3. ⭐ How to write statement of purpose phd. Excellent Start for PhD

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  4. FREE 24+ Statement of Purpose Templates in PDF

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  5. Writing a PhD Statement of Purpose? Check Out Our Service

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  6. 50 Statement Of Purpose Examples (Graduate School, MBA, PhD) ᐅ

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VIDEO

  1. Tips For Writing Your Statement of Purpose For Graduate School

  2. Ph.D. in Physics in USA at Wayne State University

  3. SOP Series Part 4

  4. USA PhD in Physics with Full Scholarship

  5. Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation (SoP and LoR)

  6. UTRGV PhD Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Statement of Purpose

    Statement of Purpose Buckingham U. Badger Ph.D.Applicant,Autumn2021 Arrivingat theBadger UniversityI had, seena decentamount of appliedmath; my coursesin high school covered three semestersof calculusand one each of differentialequations and linearalgebra.However, as I quicklylearned,I had not even scratchedthe surfaceof proof-basedmath.

  2. PDF MATH 498 Writing a Statement of Purpose

    A Statement of Purpose consisting of about 200 to 300 words (as an uploaded PDF) detailing your reasons for wishing to enter graduate school in mathematics, your plans for the future, and any other information about your educational and professional objectives that may be relevant to your application.

  3. A highly Rated Statement of Purpose for Mathematics

    A highly Rated Statement of Purpose for Mathematics. Mathematics is one of the most sought after courses. Writing a compelling Statement of Purpose is therefore key in ensuring that you are admitted for the few competitive slots available. The following is an example of a highly rated statement of purpose for Mathematics.

  4. phd

    Good question. I worked on graduate admissions at my math PhD program (at UGA, in the US) for several years, and after a few years off I am the new Graduate Coordinator, so I will shortly be wading through a sea of applications and personal statements. Here is how I see things at the moment.

  5. Admissions

    The Department of Mathematics does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification. Preparing the Application The statement of purpose for graduate applications is carefully weighted by the admissions committee.

  6. Statement of Purpose for Grad School I Stanford Online

    A statement of purpose (SOP) is a critical component of most graduate school applications, and are often required for various types of graduate level programs, including Graduate Certificates and Master's Degrees. An SOP offers you the opportunity to showcase your motivations, qualifications, and aspirations to a school's Office of Admissions.

  7. How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

    1. Brainstorm your ideas. First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains: "Throughout the application process, you're afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them.

  8. How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

    A PhD statement of purpose gives admissions committees an introduction to your research interests and why their specific program is of interest to you. Like a cover letter for a job application, a great statement of purpose allows you to highlight your strengths, interests and experience. If you need statement of purpose advice, keep reading ...

  9. Mathematics

    You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Mathematics. Statement of Purpose. The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that the applicant is able to communicate effectively and with a deep understanding of mathematics.

  10. How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

    3. Make your statement of purpose unique. While it's important to be focused, there's no need to be boring. To distinguish your essay, add unique (yet relevant) information. One of the best ways to do this is to discuss—briefly—an idea in your field that turns you on intellectually. It's an effective essay-opener, and it lets you write ...

  11. Writing the Statement of Purpose

    Essential Tips. 1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student. 2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice. 3. Demonstrate everything by example; don't say directly that you're a persistent person, show it. 4.

  12. Ph.D. Admissions

    Ph.D. Admissions. Three Letters of Recommendation (May submit up to 5 letters, but only 3 are required.) Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Academic Statement of Purpose (concise - no limit) Personal Statement (500 word limit) TOEFL or IELTS Exam (Non-native English speakers) TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Indicator online test are accepted ...

  13. Graduate School Statement of Purpose

    The statement of purpose for graduate school should be between 1-2 pages long. Graduate committee members read your statement as part of your overall package. ... This gives you the opportunity to discuss mathematics so that the reader gets the sense that. you have some deeper understanding of a topic and; you can communicate mathematical ideas.

  14. phd

    All schools required a statement of purpose (which I think everyone takes seriously). The purpose of a statement of a purpose is to summarize your relevant experience with regards to research, identify the goals of your research and hopefully potential advisors/research groups, and not very much else. Fluff is (in my opinion) inappropriate. -

  15. Applying to grad school? Here's what you need to know: Part II

    A great statement of purpose will make your application. And while a not-so-great statement of purpose might not break your application, it would be a lost opportunity: the statement of purpose is your chance to convince the admissions committee that you are a good fit for the graduate program they oversee.

  16. PDF Annotated Exemplar of Statement of Purpose

    statement includes interests in teaching, research and service to the profession - all important roles for a Ph.D. in an academic job. Other career aspirations may have different emphases. ANNOTATED EXEMPLAR OF STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. The statement below is an exemplar of a strong statement of goals - it contains many

  17. Statement of Purpose for Math PhD's with a fairly complicated

    More detail: I'm filling out applications for math PhDs (to start fall of 2024), but I'm a fairly non-traditional student in a lot of ways and could use some pointers on how to address that in my personal statement, if at all. For a little background, I grew up extremely poor and was functionally a high school dropout by the time I got out of public school.

  18. PDF STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE DAVID T. NGUYEN I want to get trained to become a research mathematician. I wish to prove new theorems and contribute to Mathematics. That is the reason for my undertaking a graduate program in Mathematics and I believe UC Santa Barbara is the perfect place for my training. I love Mathematics. I was just one year away from ...

  19. Graduate Admissions

    Statement of Purpose See the Graduate Admissions page on statements for more information. Soft copy of unofficial transcripts/academic records for every post-secondary institution where you were previously or are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

  20. Admissions

    Mathematics > Graduate > Admissions. Admission to the PhD program is based on primarily on academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Application materials for the fall of 2024 must be received by December 15, 202`3. However, applicants who wish to be considered for the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative must submit ...

  21. Samples

    PhD Statements of Purpose > Samples. Some of these samples have been accepted by top programs. They have been graciously shared by past applicants for educational purposes. We hope they inspire you to write your own. Drop us a draft of your SOP, PS, LOI, ML, &/or LOR for. Expert 1 v 1 Guidance (includes reviewing and editing)

  22. graduate admissions

    The Statement of Purpose (SoP) literally means a short eassy of your career path till date. So, mostly, the selection committee look into your SoP to know who you really are and what is your research plan. So start your SoP with few lines how did you get motivated to mathematics through accademic achievements.

  23. PDF Statement of Purpose

    Statement of Purpose Dear Sir or Madam, I would liketo apply to the PhD program in Mathematics at Ko˘cUniversity for the following reasons. The discipline of mathematics fascinates me for its variety of aspects and relevance in a plurality of elds. First of all captivates me because of which