<p>I am preparing to apply to graduate school in philosophy, but I have little idea of what is being looked for in graduate school essays, especially in philosophy. I write down my interests, independent work, and why I want to go to that school, but there is nothing personal about it like with undergrad essays. I have no idea of what a standout essay looks like. Can someone provide some examples, or give me some links to good articles or books about writing graduate school essays (Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose, etc...)? They needn't be only in philosophy, of course.</p>
<p>There are tons of threads here on this topic and any number of books. Your school's career services office will have a bunch of 'em. Your departmental advisor will be your best resource though. S/he'll know what works and can help point you in the right direction. </p>
<p>Here's what I've been told:</p>
<p>Adcoms are looking for 3 things in your SOP: </p>
<ol>
<li><p>A sort of intellectual biography - how your studies to date have gotten you to the point of applying to grad school. Focus on one or two specific classes that really got you fired up.</p></li>
<li><p>A sense that you know what the field is about and have an idea of where your research interests are headed. This is where you mention current work that interests you and how your research will relate. Ideally your writing sample's bibliography will tie into this as well.</p></li>
<li><p>An explanation of how their program will get you through that research. This is especially easy if professors at the program are cited in your writing sample.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Its the "P", purpose, that's the real key to the whole thing. Once you have that figured out everything else is easy. </p>
<p>My own case is typical. I struggled for almost a year with my SOP (Classical Archaeology) until I realized that the research I'd already done could very easily be cast as preparation for a similar project on the PhD scale and that project could be extended into a lifetime of research that would involve teaching at all levels as well as developing a series of field schools, an ongoing interdisciplinary team of professors and grad students, and so on.</p>
<p>When all that finally dawned on me, it took less than a week to write the darn thing, focus in on 4 programs that are near perfect fits and then customize the SOP for each program. And the whole thing is only about 750 words. (If you want to see it, PM me.)</p>
<p>Finally, it won't matter if you don't actually do that research - the important thing is that you have thought carefully about the idea of research and have some sort of plan for carrying it out.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>An SOP in the humanities should:</p>
<p>Delineate one's background, being sure to demonstrate WHY this background suits one for grad-level study in the applicant's SUBfield of choice. Be sure to include ANYTHING not apparent on the transcript.</p>
<p>Demonstrate facility with theory and method in the field. The writing sample can help with this, but articulating a preferred methodology in the SOP is a plus.</p>
<p>Articulate a rationale for choosing THIS program. Why here? What is it about THIS program that will enable you to attain your goals?</p>
<p>Yes, it is apparent to me that I have just repeated WilliamC's points. But that's because he's right. ;)</p>
<p>Always great to hear two views. Can anyone point me to a few sites or books that have SOP that worked?</p>