How did (are) you approach(ing) your Statement of Purpose?

[rEliseMe]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I've been working on mine for a couple weeks, now, and I'm just curious what your experiences have been with statements of purpose. Do you feel they were important to the programs to which you applied, or did they seem to pay more attention to another aspect of your application (if so, what?) ?

Also, what was your thesis?
Mine is essentially: I had arachnophobia, and my struggle showed me 1) how important learning and my lust for knowledge is to who I am, and 2) how strong I am.

 

[Audie2014]

Although I think it's important to explain how arachnophobia affected your transcript and how you have learned to cope with it, I would not recommend focusing your thesis on it. Just write a few sentences acknowledging the experience, but then focus on how you became interested in audiology and where your specific goals and interests lie. Also make sure you explain how you can personally be an asset to the particular program you are applying to and to the field of audiology, and make sure you demonstrate knowledge of that particular program. I know you've mentioned on the forum that you became specifically interested in the work of a specific researcher at Iowa, so definitely, definitely, definitely write about that, and discuss some possible topics you would like to explore with that person.

ETA: I know directly from my program that my personal statement was an important part of my application. Definitely do your best to perfect it and have someone read it over for you. In fact, I would be more than happy to have a look at it, so feel free to pm me if you'd like.

 

[rEliseMe]

Thanks for your post and your input, Audie. 🙂 I will send you a PM after I post this.

Just for the record, though... 😉
I think more than anything I provided a bad summary. I used my arachnophobia (well, more specifically my giant hobo spider tattoo) as a hook because I know it's something very few, if any, other people can say. I spend less than half a page talking about its extent (which explains my grades) and getting to the point -- that I conquered it, and what the journey taught me: I am nothing without my lust for knowledge. After all, that's the whole reason I want to attend graduate school in the first place; I want to be a perpetual student (read: scholar).

Although I think it's important to explain how arachnophobia affected your transcript and how you have learned to cope with it, I would not recommend focusing your thesis on it. Just write a few sentences acknowledging the experience, but then focus on how you became interested in audiology and where your specific goals and interests lie. Also make sure you explain how you can personally be an asset to the particular program you are applying to and to the field of audiology, and make sure you demonstrate knowledge of that particular program. I know you've mentioned on the forum that you became specifically interested in the work of a specific researcher at Iowa, so definitely, definitely, definitely write about that, and discuss some possible topics you would like to explore with that person.

ETA: I know directly from my program that my personal statement was an important part of my application. Definitely do your best to perfect it and have someone read it over for you. In fact, I would be more than happy to have a look at it, so feel free to pm me if you'd like.

 

[chicoborja]

You may want to avoid describing it as your "lust for learning". Although grammatically correct, the word "lust" tends to carry sexual connotations and the combination conjures up images of an odd fetish. 😀

 

[rEliseMe]

You may want to avoid describing it as your "lust for learning". Although grammatically correct, the word "lust" tends to carry sexual connotations and the combination conjures up images of an odd fetish. 😀

So what? Harumph!

Haha, valid point. However, I may decide to keep it. I think that it conjures the true level of passion I possess for all things audiology. We'll see. I've only just finished my first draft.

This post isn't supposed to be all about me, though. I'm curious what you guys focused on and how it went! Or, if you're working on it now, what are some positive aspects and/or some issues you're working with?

 

[BikeInABox]

The constant-learning factor is definitely a great thing to mention in your personal statement! The best advice a professor gave me was to explain what makes me a student that will be successful in grad school, so show your passion for learning and for audiology. I would also recommend talking about what in particular you're interested in studying, and how you can contribute to the field. I think the fact that you want to do research makes you stand out, as not that many students are thinking about that while applying; many of the ones I talked to focused on the clinical aspect, helping people, etc.

I wrote mostly about the helping-people thing, which I suppose can be kind of cliche, but hey, it got me into grad school. I described my complete lack of motivation/direction in college (explaining my pitiful first-year grades), and wrote about how finding a major that involved so many things I'm passionate about helped motivate me toward a future in which I can give back to people.
The bulk of the essay focused on the importance of communication in our daily lives and identities; I drew on my own experience as an immigrant with absolutely no language skills in a new environment, and how that empathy helped drive me to want to give others the tools to communicate with those around them.
I also wrote about my passion for learning about aural rehabilitation, and how I want to contribute to the field by providing the very best in habilitation/rehabilitation, and my beliefs/hopes for the future of the field.


...Sweet lord, that sounds cheesy. I definitely articulated it better in my actual statement - more intellectual, less bleeding heart. And if I didn't...then it's too late now : )

Good luck with your statement! Not gonna lie, I'm rooting for "lust" to remain. Gotta rebel somehow, right?

 

[rEliseMe]

Haha, nah Bike, I don't think that's too bleeding-heart. I admire the people who can go in with the sole intention to help other people. I really want to attend graduate school for selfish reasons: I love to learn.

My dad, aunt, and grandfather all have hearing loss, but it was never really an issue in the family so I can't even say that seeing my family's struggle (and now looking ahead to my own HHL future) is what motivated me to major in Audiology. I can't explain why all this stuff is so fascinating to me. It just is!

Anyway, I think that what the profession needs is researchers who understand the clinical aspect so that they know how to apply their findings. I made sure to mention that in my paper.

I'm pretty sure I'll leave the lust for knowledge, but veto the later reference to "titillation" regarding some research I found. That might be too many ambiguous terms in one paper! 😉


Can I ask what your approximate GPA was and whether or not you got into your #1 choice school? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm always curious to discover success stories which began similar to my current situation. Gotta keep up the hope somehow! 🙂

The constant-learning factor is definitely a great thing to mention in your personal statement! The best advice a professor gave me was to explain what makes me a student that will be successful in grad school, so show your passion for learning and for audiology. I would also recommend talking about what in particular you're interested in studying, and how you can contribute to the field. I think the fact that you want to do research makes you stand out, as not that many students are thinking about that while applying; many of the ones I talked to focused on the clinical aspect, helping people, etc.

I wrote mostly about the helping-people thing, which I suppose can be kind of cliche, but hey, it got me into grad school. I described my complete lack of motivation/direction in college (explaining my pitiful first-year grades), and wrote about how finding a major that involved so many things I'm passionate about helped motivate me toward a future in which I can give back to people.
The bulk of the essay focused on the importance of communication in our daily lives and identities; I drew on my own experience as an immigrant with absolutely no language skills in a new environment, and how that empathy helped drive me to want to give others the tools to communicate with those around them.
I also wrote about my passion for learning about aural rehabilitation, and how I want to contribute to the field by providing the very best in habilitation/rehabilitation, and my beliefs/hopes for the future of the field.


...Sweet lord, that sounds cheesy. I definitely articulated it better in my actual statement - more intellectual, less bleeding heart. And if I didn't...then it's too late now : )

Good luck with your statement! Not gonna lie, I'm rooting for "lust" to remain. Gotta rebel somehow, right?

 

[SoCalAud]

Haha, nah Bike, I don't think that's too bleeding-heart. I admire the people who can go in with the sole intention to help other people. I really want to attend graduate school for selfish reasons: I love to learn.

My dad, aunt, and grandfather all have hearing loss, but it was never really an issue in the family so I can't even say that seeing my family's struggle (and now looking ahead to my own HHL future) is what motivated me to major in Audiology. I can't explain why all this stuff is so fascinating to me. It just is!

Anyway, I think that what the profession needs is researchers who understand the clinical aspect so that they know how to apply their findings. I made sure to mention that in my paper.

I'm pretty sure I'll leave the lust for knowledge, but veto the later reference to "titillation" regarding some research I found. That might be too many ambiguous terms in one paper! 😉


Can I ask what your approximate GPA was and whether or not you got into your #1 choice school? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm always curious to discover success stories which began similar to my current situation. Gotta keep up the hope somehow! 🙂

I think if you add something about the hearing loss in your family will make you really stand out. You have that front row experience and we need people like you in the field who already understand the issues and can relate to them. I hope that helps. 🙁 I would suggest that you meet with your audiology professor at your college, if there are any, and talk to her/him about this paper. Mine definitely helped me out a lot.

 

[rEliseMe]

I just don't feel 'legitimate' enough yet. Like I mentioned in my other post, it was never a big deal in the family and mine isn't that bad yet. I think if I wrote about it, it would come off as not genuine.

One of my professors did say he'd be happy to evaluate my essay as though it were an application to the program there, though. I'm pretty happy about that. 🙂

I think if you add something about the hearing loss in your family will make you really stand out. You have that front row experience and we need people like you in the field who already understand the issues and can relate to them. I hope that helps. 🙁 I would suggest that you meet with your audiology professor at your college, if there are any, and talk to her/him about this paper. Mine definitely helped me out a lot.

 

[BikeInABox]

Can I ask what your approximate GPA was and whether or not you got into your #1 choice school? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm always curious to discover success stories which began similar to my current situation. Gotta keep up the hope somehow! 🙂

No problem, I'm always happy to help with grad school stuff! My cumulative GPA when I applied was 3.38. My upper-division GPA was something like 3.8ish because I really got my act together late sophomore/junior year in terms of studying, but that could only do so much for my cumulative. My #1 choice was UT, and #2 was CU Boulder - I somehow got into both! I was waitlisted at Northeastern, San Diego, and Northwestern, and ending up getting into the first two. So don't stress about GPA - there are tons of other factors that admissions committees look at!

Also - in case it helps - there are a few people from my undergrad class that aced classes that I didn't but still ended up waitlisted at a school that I got into right away. They graduated with high honors because of their near-perfect grades, but that didn't make them this school's first choice because a perfect student doesn't necessarily make a great audiologist.

Hope this helps 🙂

 

[rEliseMe]

That definitely helps. Thank you so much for being willing to share! I've got a little more hope, now. 😉

My #1 choice was UT, and #2 was CU Boulder - I somehow got into both! I was waitlisted at Northeastern, San Diego, and Northwestern, and ending up getting into the first two.

....They graduated with high honors because of their near-perfect grades, but that didn't make them this school's first choice because a perfect student doesn't necessarily make a great audiologist.

 

[Cochlear]

I think if you add something about the hearing loss in your family will make you really stand out. You have that front row experience and we need people like you in the field who already understand the issues and can relate to them.

I have to agree with SoCalAud on this one. My Statement of Purpose touched on the childhood problems I had with constant ear infections and the need for multiple BMG surgeries on the eardrum. While I didn't necessarily have non-medically related hearing loss issues correctable by HA, I could definitely relate to patients having problems with their ears and of course constant visits to the ENT and audiologist. I think I set a record for chart size at my ENT's office!

SO what's my point? Don't leave out your own HL issues in the statement of purpose. I think audiology programs would rather have someone with slight problems who has learned to deal with them over someone with none who has no experience ever visiting an ENT/audi as an actual patient themselves. Without sounding too jaded, the whole purpose of writing this is to stand out and set yourself apart from the next person--I don't think arachnophobia alone is your strongest play here.

 

[rEliseMe]

Well, I've been to the ENT plenty of times (>3 different doctors over the course of 6 years, every 3-6 weeks) due to a periodic fever/pharyngitis deal, but it hasn't really affected my hearing. I guess I just don't feel like mentioning it because it feels too much like I'm inventing problems just so I'll have a connection. Anyone who speaks with me face-to-face has no idea I have any loss at all, because it only makes a difference when I can't rely on lipreading. I don't know. I'll definitely go back and consider it, but it feels almost unethical. =\

SO what's my point? Don't leave out your own HL issues in the statement of purpose. I think audiology programs would rather have someone with slight problems who has learned to deal with them over someone with none who has no experience ever visiting an ENT/audi as an actual patient themselves. Without sounding too jaded, the whole purpose of writing this is to stand out and set yourself apart from the next person--I don't think arachnophobia alone is your strongest play here.

 

[Cochlear]

I'll definitely go back and consider it, but it feels almost unethical. =\

I don't know your exact situation and if it feels unethical to you, definitely don't include it in your essay. My only point is that if you have a hearing related disability no matter how mild or how capable you are of dealing with it, you still have a greater chance of understanding what that patient may be feeling when they come through your door vs someone who has never had any hearing problems of their own. Your unique perspective offers up a definite advantage in my humble opinion.

Ultimately it's your essay so do what feels right for you. I'd never intentionally suggest someone compromise their ethics. Good luck! 🙂

 

[rEliseMe]

Thanks, Cochlear, I really appreciate your input. 🙂 I'll revisit and see how it fits.

...My only point is that if you have a hearing related disability no matter how mild or how capable you are of dealing with it, you still have a greater chance of understanding what that patient may be feeling when they come through your door vs someone who has never had any hearing problems of their own. Your unique perspective offers up a definite advantage in my humble opinion.

 

[AudioEngineer]

In my experience writing my only statement of purpose for grad school (I got into the only program I ever applied for), there were a few significant things to the statement:

1 - Do your research! I connected my passions with the mission and values of the program and school. In my situation, I applied to a school that was focused on clinical care of patients. I have a passion for helping people, which drew me to audiology, so I connected the dots in my letter.

2 - As I have read from others, focus on how you became interested in audiology as a career. Make sure you clearly connect any personal information to that point. For example, I talked about two previous careers and more than one hobby in the context of how they drew me to and would benefit me in audiology.

3 - I think it is best to choose up to 5 of your top schools and focus your efforts enthusiastically. Choose schools who's vision and passios match your own. I visited and toured the school, asked for advice and guidance, and kept in contact. If you find a school that is a good fit for you, you'll find that they will think you are a good fit for them.

 

[rEliseMe]

Thanks for sharing, Audio. That's a risky choice, only applying to one program! I will apply to a few but I really have my heart set on my top choice. I've tried coercing myself into liking other schools, but no matter how much research and coaxing I do, I can't seem to get my mind off my top choice.

In my (gosh, it's gotta be like 5th or 6th draft) essay, I've been working in two more elements:
-- My family history and my own loss (not as what drew me to the topic but what has sustained my interest)
-- How I got interested in Audiology.

It's tough because I don't have that kind of story, "Audiology helps people, and I want to help people, so it's a perfect fit!" and I can't even say, "My dad has hearing loss so I checked into audiology as a way to better communicate with him." I really kind of fell into it, so it's been a challenge trying to quantify exactly what brought me here.

This essay is more of a soul-searching experience than I anticipated! Did anyone else feel that way as they were writing and revising their essay?

In my experience writing my only statement of purpose for grad school (I got into the only program I ever applied for), there were a few significant things to the statement:

1 - Do your research! I connected my passions with the mission and values of the program and school. In my situation, I applied to a school that was focused on clinical care of patients. I have a passion for helping people, which drew me to audiology, so I connected the dots in my letter.

2 - As I have read from others, focus on how you became interested in audiology as a career. Make sure you clearly connect any personal information to that point. For example, I talked about two previous careers and more than one hobby in the context of how they drew me to and would benefit me in audiology.

3 - I think it is best to choose up to 5 of your top schools and focus your efforts enthusiastically. Choose schools who's vision and passios match your own. I visited and toured the school, asked for advice and guidance, and kept in contact. If you find a school that is a good fit for you, you'll find that they will think you are a good fit for them.

 

[SoCalAud]

3 - I think it is best to choose up to 5 of your top schools and focus your efforts enthusiastically. Choose schools who's vision and passios match your own. I visited and toured the school, asked for advice and guidance, and kept in contact. If you find a school that is a good fit for you, you'll find that they will think you are a good fit for them.[/QUOTE]

Hi AudioEngineer!

Nice username by the way! 👍

I have to simply agree with your third point. There are many many schools across the country (for audiology, in my opinion) and it can be a sweat during the process of weeding them out to the perfect fit. I have learned that if you go out of your way to contact some AuD students, professors, directors or a alumni who is(or fromt) at your "dream" school, you will learn so much about the AuD program. I have obtained some decent amount of info from these particular people than what I found on their websites.

Also, once you keep in contact with these people, you feel much more confident when it comes to writing your grad letter because most likely some of those people you keep in contact with are the ones going through your grad packages and reading your letter. If you haven't talked to one person at your top choice AuD school or done any serious research, I will guaranteed you that when you write your letter, it's going to be frightening! Trust me, I learned that lesson when I was applying to big private schools (USC and UC Berkeley for linguistics program).

rEliseme, I know you've done your research and I feel very confident that you will get into a great AuD/PhD program. 🙂 As for all of you people on here because of your great questions and ideas.

 

[rEliseMe]

I have learned that if you go out of your way to contact some AuD students, professors, directors or a alumni who is(or fromt) at your "dream" school, you will learn so much about the AuD program. I have obtained some decent amount of info from these particular people than what I found on their websites.

I wholeheartedly agree with this, SoCal. When I first visited my 'dream school', I was primarily visiting because I wanted to meet the author who wrote some of my favorite research papers and whose studies fascinate me. But, while I was there, I discovered that he is not alone in his genius. (Is my nose a little brown yet?)

But seriously, I was very impressed with the program as a whole, not just this one professor.

And besides that, I believe visiting so early gave me a leg up.

PS. SoCal, I really love your signature quote!

 

[Audie2014]

I've tried coercing myself into liking other schools, but no matter how much research and coaxing I do, I can't seem to get my mind off my top choice.

I would encourage you to visit some other programs, as you may feel differently when you see them first hand. There are a ton of fantastic programs out there, and I'm sure you can find a couple of schools besides your top choice that you can feel strongly about.

 

[AudioEngineer]

rEliseMe:

Oh. I have to agree. I applied to 1 school because I wasn't really ready for 2010. I only figured out that I wanted to be an Audiologist last fall (and apps were already in). I had prior experience with the school I applied to and loved it. After visiting, the chair of admissions encouraged me to apply despite a lot of needed stuff. Believe me... No one is more shocked that I am already an incoming student!

Nice username by the way! 👍

I have to simply agree with your third point. There are many many schools across the country (for audiology, in my opinion) and it can be a sweat during the process of weeding them out to the perfect fit. I have learned that if you go out of your way to contact some AuD students, professors, directors or a alumni who is(or fromt) at your "dream" school, you will learn so much about the AuD program. I have obtained some decent amount of info from these particular people than what I found on their websites.

Also, once you keep in contact with these people, you feel much more confident when it comes to writing your grad letter because most likely some of those people you keep in contact with are the ones going through your grad packages and reading your letter. If you haven't talked to one person at your top choice AuD school or done any serious research, I will guaranteed you that when you write your letter, it's going to be frightening! Trust me, I learned that lesson when I was applying to big private schools (USC and UC Berkeley for linguistics program).

SoCal... Thanks!

I agree with your input 100%. "Getting to know" the professors, students, etc... really made my letter more personal (which is what they wanted). Not only that, I gained insight into the school and staff. I also kept my name in their inboxes as I updated them (at their request). By interview time, I had developed friendships with students and a mutual respect with the faculty.

rEliseMe:

The point is... When I went to AudiologyNOW!, I met so many students who had been wait-listed by multiple schools for more than one year. MOST of these people, on paper, are more qualified than me. Not one of them had ever visited the school they applied to. Not one of them had actually had contact with the faculty ouside the telephone interview. This has been confirmed by posts I've seen on this forum site.

In my own situation, I impressed them in some areas, but I don't think that did it. What I did, that I believe was significant, was work hard to connect with them. I flew to the school. Asked what would make me a strong candidate. When they told me, I went and did it the next day! I then emailed them with after each step, so they knew that I was serious and wanted to be there.

Pick 5 schools, but if you want to go to one school in particular, arrange a tour of that program. Gain contact information for staff (including the head of selections) and keep in contact every few weeks (find a reason- professionally). Raise the level of comfort and gain some insight into what they are looking for but REMAIN PROFESSIONAL.

There is a fine line to walk. This is a professional situation- tougher than a job interview. I always wore a tie when visiting. I kept in contact, but every email had been proofread like it was the letter in my app. The point is, each school/panel is looking for something specific. The successful applicant is the one who sticks out because they "fit" into the program, not the most qualified cookie out of the cutter.

To sum up the way the professor did during my interview (I was offered the seat DURING the interview):

"Audiology programs are very small. In most situations, the study group size is the whole class. The program here is no different. Our job, when selecting students, is not just to find people who will be good students and great clinicians. Our responsibility is to the other students to create a cohesive group that will foster better learning. We are interviewing to find a piece that will make the whole structure stronger."

That is why, in small programs like audiology, it is important to find your "fit" and prove to them that you are the piece that is missing.

 

[rEliseMe]

rEliseMe:

The point is... When I went to AudiologyNOW!, I met so many students who had been wait-listed by multiple schools for more than one year. MOST of these people, on paper, are more qualified than me. Not one of them had ever visited the school they applied to. Not one of them had actually had contact with the faculty ouside the telephone interview. This has been confirmed by posts I've seen on this forum site.

Thank you for your advice, AudioEngineer. It helped confirm the value of the things I'm already doing (emailing, trying to build a relationship, etc.)... and you are so right, it definitely is more about how 'good of a fit' you are. In revising my essay (and my actions throughout this process), my goal is to display the characteristics which will prove me an asset to their program.

Your lecture (facetiously speaking, of course!) has re-inspired me. I think I'll spend this weekend formally breaking down some questions I encountered while reading the faculty's research. I miss school.