Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program and are ready to begin your application. An important piece of the graduate school application is your statement of purpose, also called a personal statement or letter of intent.1 Admissions committees will review this statement to see if you are a good fit for their school.
Your statement of purpose can help you stand out from the crowd and could be your ticket into the graduate program of your dreams. This guide explores how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, including:
- Defining what a statement of purpose is
- Determining its format
- Statement of purpose examples
- Tips for success
What is a Statement of Purpose?
A statement of purpose is an essay that tells the admissions board who you are, why you are a good candidate for your chosen program and how earning this degree would further your career aspirations. Adhering to a statement of purpose format is one of the most critical aspects of your application. Your statement of purpose for graduate school should answer interview questions like:
- In what ways are this school and program a good fit for you?
- What makes you unique?
- What obstacles have you overcome to get to where you are now?
- What is your long-term career goal, and how would earning this degree support this goal?
How Long is a Statement of Purpose?
Length typically ranges between 500 and 1,000 words, but be sure to follow the guidelines specified by the school.2 Use a standard font such as Times New Roman in a readable size, 11 or 12 points. Double-space your statement of purpose grad school essay and use normal margins.
How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School
- Read the instructions: This may seem obvious, but after completing several applications, some students skip over vital information. Different programs have different prompts and requirements, so thoroughly read the instructions before you begin your statement of purpose for graduate school.
- Research the program: Learn everything you can about the program you are applying to. In your statement of purpose, reference unique attributes of the school and program to leave a more lasting impression and show the admissions officer that you have done your homework.
- Know your audience: Remember that you are writing to a university admissions officer—not judges in a creative writing contest. They are not looking for an extensive or artistically innovative story. They are expecting a clear, well-structured statement of purpose graduate school essay.
- Choose your angle: The objective of your statement of purpose for graduate school is to present your personal story to the admissions committees. It should not be generic or cliché. How have you overcome challenges in your life? What did you learn that could apply to succeeding in graduate school?
- Outline what you will bring to the program: Focus on the life experiences and personal qualities that make you unique in your statement of purpose. What talents and perspectives will you bring to their program and graduate student community? In which ways do you stand out from your peers? Which campus organizations do you plan to get involved in?
- Discuss what you studied in college: Mention what you studied in your undergraduate program. What courses did you find most exciting? Describe how you will build on that knowledge in graduate school.
- Mention valuable experiences outside of school: Discuss any research, paid or volunteer experience you’ve done outside of school that relates to your degree and future goals.
- Add quantifiable details: It’s great to mention that you volunteered, but be sure to include quantifiable details such as how long, where and any accolades you received, as space permits.
- Ask for feedback: Once you are done with your first draft, ask people you respect to review your essay. Consider family members, professors or other mentors who can provide a unique perspective on how your statement of purpose for grad school conveys your skills and passion.
Statement of Purpose Examples for Specific Programs
Nursing
If you are applying to a graduate nursing program, your statement of purpose should provide insight into your passion for nursing, perhaps illustrated by an anecdote from your career.3 Highlight what attracts you to this particular program and why. Make sure to discuss which area of nursing you are currently working in and how earning your graduate degree in nursing would further your long-term career goals. When thinking about how to write a statement of purpose, list your academic background and accolades, any relevant paid or volunteer experience and the individual characteristics that would make you a valuable addition to their program.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
When figuring out how to write a statement of purpose for an occupational therapy program, start by showing your enthusiasm for the profession.4 Demonstrate your knowledge of what occupational therapy is and how it helps patients live to their fullest potential. Include any relevant work experience or volunteer experience, as well as your educational background and academic interests, as these are common interview questions. You might explore the moment you realized you wanted to be an occupational therapist—or discuss why it’s so important for patients to improve their function in daily occupations.
Physical Therapy (PT)
To write a personal statement for a physical therapy program, write sincerely and passionately. You could start by choosing an experience that motivated you to pursue the profession.5 How did this experience shape you and your future goals as a physical therapist? Mention your academic background and work experience since questions may arise about these topics during your PT school interview. As you write a statement of purpose, you can discuss:
- An experience you had with a person who has an injury or disability
- The importance of quality of life and movement
- Which PT specialty you are most interested in
The University has five campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami in Florida; and Austin and Dallas in Texas. Our entry-level, first-professional degree offerings include: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP). The University also offers graduate post-professional education programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD), Doctor of Education (EdD) and continuing education seminars and certifications for currently licensed therapists.
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org.
The University maintains programmatic accreditation on a campus-by-campus basis with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) completed a rigorous assessment by B Lab®, an independent non-profit organization that serves as a global movement of people using business as a force for good, and became a Certified B Corporation®.
Sources
- “How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School,” The Princeton Review, 2025, https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/statement-of-purpose.
- Joubert, S. “How To Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School,” Northeastern University Graduate Programs, July 24, 2024, https://graduate.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/how-to-write-a-statement-of-purpose.
- Indeed Editorial Team, “How To Write a Nursing Statement of Purpose (With Template and Example),” Indeed, January 28, 2025, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/nursing-statement-of-purpose.
- “Why I Chose Occupational Therapy,” Become an OT/OTA, Occupational therapy student stories, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 2025, https://www.aota.org/career/become-an-ot-ota/start-your-career-journey/occupational-therapy-student-stories.
- Indeed Employer Content Team, “Physical Therapist Interview Questions,” Indeed, 2025, https://www.indeed.com/hire/interview-questions/physical-therapist.
