PhD admissions (pt 6): statement of purpose vs. personal statements 

This video comes exactly at the right time, as I'm currently writing my Statement of Purpose :)

Currently applying to grad programs in Epi with a bad case of writer’s block. Y’all are AWESOME, thank you so much!!!

Thank you for your clarifications!

Really helpful video guys. I'm not a science applicant; I'm applying for dual degrees in international relations and law, but I think much of what you've expressed is applicable to my programs. The IR applications almost exclusively ask for statements of purpose, while the law programs ask for personal statements, and I had some questions about how to differentiate between the two. The SoPs have definitely been easier for me to articulate, and the more narrative nature of the PS has given me some trouble. For the law PS, a friend of mine described it as answering the question "why law?", but in a roundabout, personal way. It makes sense to write it as a way of describing your personal experiences and your perspectives on your area of interest.

Thank you so much!!

Thank you. Very useful

Can you share a sample or typical structure of these statements

I have bachelor's degree in engineering then I had my bachelor's degree in Psychology .. Is it a bounce to mention that in my SOP and CV to show how I am really passionate about my major" psychology " or it will be poorly understood????

Hi! Thanks for the video. I am reviewing a relative's SOP for PhD. His interest is in a broad area like Computer Security. But at this point he is not sure whether he would like to do it in Software or hardware security. Is that a problem? If so how should it be addressed? Also he has mentioned works/papers of 2-3 school specific professors, should he be writing that he is open to working with others? Or is that a bad idea? Thanks in advance

What’s the differences between research statement, personal statement and statement of purpose

Thank you. I have one question about how I can describe what science means to me. Do I just talk about my personal story related to science?

I wish I had this in June when I started applying 😭

Could you, please tell us whether you contacted professors before applying? Is it really Important? If they dont answer you email do you think there is a low opportunity to get in that program?

help, please. The University of Ottawa requires a letter of intent for a Ph.D. in Law. I am really confused between SOP and LOI. I searched a lot but even the format is not clear anywhere. Kindly guide.

If a school is only just asking for a personal statement are they really asking for a research statement / statement of purpose and are just calling a personal statement?

My question is what do i do if my program only requires a personal statement? because i'm dying on it scoob!

As for personal statement, should I include statements on minority or under-represented groups in higher education?

How do I know that my personal statement or statement of purpose is good enough to get accepted?

Hi, can you tell me the appropriate length for a personal statement.

Hi everyone. Can anyone share a sample or template for both, please? Thank you.

Currently applying to grad programs in Epi with a bad case of writer’s block. Y’all are AWESOME, thank you so much!!!