economics phd statement of purpose

Sample Statement of Purpose Economics (accepted to Harvard, Princeton, Yale)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In statement of purpose.

The following statement of purpose is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in economics. Variations of this SOP got accepted at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Read this essay to get inspiration and understand what a top economics school SOP should look like.

You might also be interested in reading this Sample Personal Statement in economics that got admitted to Oxford, Cambridge and LSE.

Sample Statement of Purpose Economics

I was the third daughter born in 1984 to parents hailing from a conservative joint family setup. True to its South Asian values, the family believed that only the birth of boys meant a continuation of the family name and its legacy. This was in stark contrast to the birth of girls, which only meant the loss of family land and property to ‘outsiders’. Hence, it was not out of place that my birth was marked by dirge having undertones of regret.

The neighbours could not but shake their heads in solidarity with the paternal side of my family. All the while, my mother cuddled me lovingly, dreading the onslaught of shifting responsibility from the Y chromosome’s failure to solely hers. However, I had one advantage, even as a female, which put me ahead of my male counterparts. My family was economically sound. This meant I could afford an elite education accessible only to the top 1-2% of the country’s hundreds of millions of people.

As I grew up, I witnessed a pronounced difference in the treatment meted out to boys and girls both in the private (home or school) and public (parks or supermarkets). This inequity was reinforced through mass media, cultural stereotypes, and the continuous tightening of the public space available to females. The prevalent discriminatory and misogynistic phenomenon became all the more disconcerting as soon as I was able to read the newspaper. The pages that stared at me were filled with violence against women for various reasons, from family honour to stepping out of the house for a job. The public space for women was advanced but only in its constriction.

I was fortunate to be educated in a co-ed school and free to socialize with men as much as with women. However, with its nuanced mores and tacit calibrations, the social milieu was indicative of socially acceptable behaviour and left an indelible mark on me. Yet it was not until my undergrad that I decided to mindfully pursue the agenda of women empowerment. My interest precipitated when I took a few humanities courses in which my thesis highlighted the plight of women – the socio-economic disadvantages caused by society’s apathy and continued discrimination.

My resolve was further cemented when I got selected for the prestigious civil service on a seat reserved for women. As a catharsis to my journey, I want to contribute to women’s empowerment by promoting gender mainstreaming across all sectors and in particular.

My country of today is much better placed to cater to the growing needs of the modern woman; as if an ode to this blossoming, my career has rivalled it. I was the youngest and only female member of the team in the Ministry of Finance that committed to introducing Gender Based Budgeting (GBB). I strived to introduce GBB at the grass-root levels as part of fiscal reform conditions of the World Banks’ economic reforms advice. With women entering the workforce in droves, GBB is bearing results as I witness the earmarking of funds for females in the Government’s annual development plan.

As I continue this journey, I want to be a trailblazer who, if not breaks, seeps through cracks in the glass ceiling in a workplace dominated by male “sahibs”. I am accomplishing this in my current Ministry of Economic Affairs job by solarizing around 7,000 primary schools for girls. In addition, I have been managing $100 million under the ADB’s Access to Clean Energy Investment Program. Moreover, I have recently got five schemes approved worth $60 million for women’s economic empowerment. The money will go into women’s skill development, gender mainstreaming, and regulation of safe living spaces for women with daycare facilities.

During these years, I served on the anti-Sexual Harassment Committee in the Establishment Division – Human Resources government. Here I have prudently processed two cases, resolving one case where both parties amicably came to an understanding. I have volunteered for the same role in my current organization as well.

As I go forward, I want to pursue a graduate degree specializing in energy economics. I want to carve a niche in an area hardly known for women leaders. I plan to harness a sustainable economic policy for renewables to provide affordable and sustainable energy for women who are running small businesses and who are purusing education.

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Chris Blattman

Phd applicants: writing your statement of purpose.

• January 11, 2022

I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant.

As with all my advice posts, it’s important that students outside elite colleges get this information, so here are some personal thoughts.

[Note: You can now subscribe by email to receive posts to your inbox.]

First, let’s clarify your number one job as an applicant: Send the best, clearest signal of your abilities as a future researcher, and minimize the noise around that signal. I explain why in a longer post on whether and how you should apply to PhD programs (including the other elements of an application packet):

the fundamental problems in graduate admissions are “information overload” and “noise”. For every slot in a PhD program, there are probably 30 to 50 applicants. A department that plans to have a class of 20 students may receive 1000 applications. Meanwhile, most departments delegate admissions to a small committee of two to six faculty. They don’t have time to read 1000 applications in detail. And the committee may change every year. Thus, their experience may be limited. And you never know who will be on the committee or what they care about. This adds further randomness. These faculty want to admit the most talented and creative young researchers who will push the field ahead. And they also want you to pass all the most technical classes, because they hate kicking students out. So the admissions committee are looking for strong signals of intelligence, creativity, determination, and other proclivities for research. But this is hard . There are too many applications. Applicants don’t have many good ways to signal quality. All applicants are trying to send the same signals. And there is a ton of uncertainty around each signal. Hence: Information overload and noise.

Yet most schools as for a written statement of some kind. Sometimes they ask for both a biographical statement and a research statement. What do they want and what should you write?

• Don’t tell your life story. This statement is not an undergrad entry essay where you describe your life’s trials and tribulations, or your journey to wanting to do a PhD. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that it’s probably not relevant to judging your ability as a researcher. If it is, then weave that into the narrative around your research interests and plans. We have hundreds of these things to read and so you only want to focus on the most important information.
• Don’t be cliché. Do not start your with your epiphany—the day the scales fell from your eyes and you realized you wanted to be a professor, or were inspired tackle big questions and social issues. Especially if it involves a child in a poor country. This approach is overused and unoriginal, and the information does not help us judge whether you will be a great researcher (see point 1).
• Platitudes about wanting to be a professor or researcher
• Generic or flattering statements about being excited to join a program, your admiration for the faculty, etc.
• Unspecific interests in a research subject or field
• Routine information such as “I am graduating in May…”
• Filler sentences like “Please find enclosed…”
• Start with your broad fields of interest (e.g. “I am principally interested in labor and development economics” or “I want to work at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations”)
• Then give 2-3 examples of broad topics and questions that interest you. (“I’m interested in studying inefficiencies in labor markets, especially market power and monopsony. I’m also interested in…”)
• Are tenure or tenure-track faculty
• Have their primary appointment in the department you are applying to
• Are actually there and take students (i.e. they didn’t retire last year, etc.)
• You could discuss two ideas in moderate depth, or one idea in greater depth. Either way, I recommend this research discussion be 40-60% of your entire statement.
• Ideally this is a question or topic of current interest in the field. One thing I often see is that students are focussed on the research frontier 10 years ago (because those are the papers they read in their classes) and are not clued in to some of the current puzzled and priorities. This is hard to avoid, but some reading and your advisors should be able to help you avoid this.
• The best discussions will (if empirical) identify interesting data and discuss plausible empirical strategies. This is difficult, which is why it is a good signal if you do it well.
• It’s important to locate your question in the literature without overdoing that discussion. Try to motivate the question with reference to recent and recognizable research papers and agendas. If you are mainly citing articles with few citations, in lower-ranked journals, this is a sign that you need to link your idea to bigger debates in the field, or perhaps rethink the question you are proposing.
• This is (in my experience) the most crucial section for most social science departments. Except possibly economics. It’s not clear how seriously many departments take your statement in economics, and some of my colleagues profess to never look at the statement. That may be true, but some will look, and you have to have a statement, so I suggest following this advice to make it a research proposal.
• Why you studied physics but now are doing political science
• What happened in that single bad semester on your transcript
• How to interpret your foreign GPA, and where you ranked in your class
• Clarify your classes if they have off names (e.g. “My class called XX was a Real Analysis class using textbook X, and so I have all the mathematical requirements for entry.”
• Get help. Your letter writers, professors you work for, or PhD student you know can read and give feedback on your statements. Ask them for their advice. Do this early–a couple months before the application, ideally. they can help you frame your question in a more interesting way, decide what papers to mention, or what is or is not frontier.
• Don’t be repetitive. This is not the place to restate your CV (“First I worked for Professor… and then I worked for…”). They have your CV. Use this document to do something no other in your application can do. Only mention work or other experience if you can add essential, high-density information the reader cannot get elsewhere in the application packet. Maybe you picked up specific technical skills working on a project that relate to the research proposal you just described? If not, you don’t have to say anything at all about your past. Just let the research proposal speak for itself.
• I recommend using the Hemingway Editor as a tool to write more clearly. Some long and complex sentences are ok, but sparingly. And they can often be improved. Aim for a grade 10 reading level.
• Use active voice
• Omit needless material and words (see points 3 and 9)
• Limit jargon
• Each paragraph should be a distinct idea
• Paragraphs should have a hierarchical structure, with the big idea or general point as the first topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates. Someone should be able to get an “executive summary” but simply reading the first line in every paragraph. they should make sense as a story/summary.
• Use subheadings if possible, to delineate sections such as your broad fields of interest (point 4), your research proposal (point 5), and other key information (point 6)

This is just my view. Other professors will have different preferences and advice here. So ask them. Get more opinions. Or put your advice in the comments below.

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The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more about the PhD program in Economics . Have questions about applying? Please thoroughly check the GSAS admission website before emailing us at: [email protected] . 

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively  seek applicants  from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard . 

Apply to Economics @Harvard

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form (Must be completed by December 1st)
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
• Current GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. 
• Application fee 
• Writing sample (at least 15 pages in length)

All applicants are required to take the  General Test of the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2019 for Fall 2024 admission). Applicants are, however, advised to take the exam no later than mid-November. There is no minimum test score requirement. A department code is not required for score submission. Institution Codes for PhD Programs GRE: 3451

Financial Aid

All admitted students are awarded a financial package which includes tuition, single-person health insurance, living stipend for the first two years, teaching and research assistant stipends and a completion fellowship in the final year of the program.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit  TOEFL  or IELTS scores.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022 for Fall 2024 admission). The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the internet-based test.  Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of his/her lifetime.

Applying to more than one Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, and Health Policy.  Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics.   Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department. Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for applicable program deadlines.  (Deadlines have already passed for some programs this year but not for others.) We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The economics department will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the Economics department. If you opt to apply, please note, the Graduate School will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career. 

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs. These mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.

• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17th, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program Form

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How to Write an...

How to Write an SOP for MS/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

Are you applying for a Masters/ Doctoral program in Economics? In that case, chances are you must have recognized the pivotal role that certain documents play in the admissions process. Some of these include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resume, which carry substantial weight and are closely assessed by the admissions committee. But do you know what else can make or break your admission? 

It’s the Statement of Purpose!

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) can distinguish your application from a competitive pool of candidates and elevate your prospects of securing admission to a Master, or Doctoral program in Economics. Its significance is paramount. When writing an SOP for Economics, make sure to include your area of interest, the tools you are familiar with, your project experiences, and how the selected university’s course and department align with your career/ research objectives.

A well-drafted SOP is a strategic asset that includes your aspirations, academic journey, your goals, and the distinct value you bring to the academic community. This is why Yocket houses experts, who have reviewed over 10,000 SOPs and helped students secure admission to hundreds of top universities across the world.

Join Yocket Premium today to get a stellar SOP

Now, read this blog till the end to get all the answers to the question - “How to Write an SOP for MS/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?”

Brainstorming, free-writing, and collecting your thoughts are the beginning of any writing task. Your SOP should walk the admission committee through all the relevant life experiences, academic and professional background (if applicable), career goals, co-curricular activities, volunteering/community involvement, and more. 

Therefore, make sure to refer to the following guidelines to draft a stellar sample SOP for a master's in Economics program.

Also read : What is an SOP?

Introduction

Try to answer the following questions:

What pushed you to choose Economics or finance as your interest? What is the most robust experience that led you to choose this field? 

It could be something like - you read a news article on a new government policy affecting your favorite commodity that stated several economic factors backing it up. That made you wonder how certain economic factors affect government policies and the price of commodities, and vice-versa. Thus, your curiosity led you to research and soon became a passion for Economics.

Once you’ve decided upon these, begin drafting your SOP. While writing,

• Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing experience evocating your journey into the field. 
• Alternatively, you can begin with a research problem statement you consider exploring in your MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD program. 
• Some programs directly seek an SOP that is more of a research proposal than otherwise.

For example, Harvard University has an excellent guide to drafting a statement of purpose. It provides a step-by-step process, while also giving numerous prompts that will help you. These prompts usually focus on directing you on how to write about experiences that shaped your research mindset. Therefore, your SOP can start with a relevant anecdote that gave your research interest a direction and motivated you to pursue a career in Economics. Once completed, you’re ready to move to the second paragraph.

Second Paragraph

In this part, you can discuss the relevant academic and life experiences that have strengthened your interest and motivation to pursue a higher education in Economics. 

• Discuss relevant undergraduate experiences or courses in which you have developed a particular interest. For example, you must have developed an interest in economic statistics to choose this subject. 
• Touch upon a few course specifics and how these led you to develop your portfolio and inspired you to work on projects relevant to this interest. 
• You can discuss interesting research or projects you worked on or relevant co-curricular experiences worth sharing. Ensure your experiences align with your interest in the Economics program you’re applying for.

For instance, if you are applying for a Ph.D. in Economics, with prior experience and a project on rural economy, make sure to present tangible outcomes. This can be something like portraying the effects of inflation on wealth distribution among different sections of a rural area. This stands as a relevant project experience, which you can illustrate in the SOP for admission to a Ph.D. in Economics.

Now that you’re figuring out how to draft an SOP, why don’t you filter some universities for an advanced degree in Economics? Check out Yocket College Finder to find your fit. We promise it’ll take only a few minutes. 

Third Paragraph

Coming to the third paragraph, let’s ponder for a bit. Our life includes various challenges and failures, doesn’t it? Sometimes, things happen to us which could not have been avoided, no matter what. Now think, have you faced any setbacks in your academics? If you end up getting low grades, this is where you discuss them. 

Remember, your GPA does not define you. Yes, it is a crucial part of the admission process. Yes, high GPAs have huge advantages. But, if you can explain why you had lesser scores, what led to them, and how you actively took the responsibility of fixing them, the admission committee will highly appreciate it. 

Here, you discuss 

• Have you faced any unique challenges or setbacks that have redefined your perspectives or interests? 
• How did you overcome these challenges, and what is/are the positive outcomes of these experiences? 
• Reflecting on the lessons from these experiences is essential to underscore your resilience.

Fourth Paragraph

In the fourth paragraph, you can discuss all your extracurricular activities. Remember that Universities are interested to know more than just academics. So, go ahead and speak about your hobbies, social work, volunteering, etc., here. You can also discuss workshops or certifications you have taken to upgrade your skills. However, it’s imperative not to make a sample SOP for undergraduate Ph.D. or graduate Economics an embellished version of your resume.

Click here to find the Top 25 Universities in the World

Fifth Paragraph

Work experience, though not mandatory, is an effective way to demonstrate your competence to the admission committee. It can provide evidence of your abilities, skills, and capacity to apply your knowledge in a practical setting. That is what you add in this paragraph. But if you do not have full-time work experience, you can also discuss your internship experiences, specific learnings, and take-aways. Identify a knowledge gap and the need for you to go for a Master's/Ph.D. in Economics. Ask yourself the questions -  How has the work experience/s influenced your career goals? Why do you wish for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD now? Additionally,

• Define your short-term and long-term goals. 
• How will the MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD program from a specific Economics school help you achieve these goals? 
• How does the program align with your areas of interest?

The best universities for Economics assess your conviction in applying to their programs. Justify your reasons for the choice of the school and the program. Try to understand the school's values and devise this paragraph accordingly.

Suggested: Masters in Economics Abroad

One of the best ways to write a cohesive SOP is to have a conclusion that is as good as the introductory paragraph. Follow these guidelines to write one.

• What capabilities equip you to contribute to the University?
• How can you be an asset to the University?
• What activities, clubs, sports, student associations, groups, etc., piqued your interest?
• What diverse experiences do you bring to your future graduate community?

End the SOP with your expectations from the program and how you look forward to receiving, assimilating, and contributing to new knowledge at the University.

Your SOP can be the reason behind your acceptance or rejection to your dream university. Join the Premium cohort to get 1:1 personalized guidance for your study abroad journey!

Do’s and Don'ts of Writing a Statement of Purpose Economics  

We’ve already discussed the do’s of writing a Statement of Purpose in Economics, but what about the don’ts?

Well, there are plenty. Remember that a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in Economics is a critical part of your application for graduate programs or research positions. Avoiding common mistakes or "don'ts" is as important as following the "do's" to create a compelling SOP. Here are some key things to avoid:

Irrelevant Information : Don't include irrelevant details about your personal life, hobbies, or experiences that are not directly related to your academic or career goals. Keep your SOP focused on your academic and professional journey.

Generic Statements : Avoid making broad, generic statements about your interest in Economics. Instead, provide specific examples of what interests you, such as particular subfields or research questions.

Plagiarism: Never copy SOPs from online sources or other applicants. Plagiarism can lead to immediate rejection and damage your academic reputation.

False Information : Be truthful in your SOP. Don't exaggerate your achievements, skills, or experiences. Admissions committees value honesty.

Lack of Clarity and Structure : Don't write in a disorganized or haphazard manner. Your SOP should have a clear and logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use transition sentences to guide the reader.

Failure to Address Weaknesses : If you have academic or professional weaknesses (e.g., a lower GPA), it's often advisable to address them briefly and explain how you've overcome or learned from them.

Failure to Tailor to the Program : Don't use a generic SOP for all the programs you apply to. Each SOP should be tailored to the specific program and highlight how it aligns with your goals and interests.

Lack of Proofreading : Avoid submitting an SOP with grammar or spelling errors. Carefully proofread your statement, and consider having someone else review it as well.

Remember that a Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to make a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for the program. Take your time to craft a thoughtful and well-structured statement that reflects your genuine passion for Economics and your potential contributions to the field.

Also read: Top Letter of Recommendation Samples for Masters

Top Universities for Economics

The choice of the top universities for economics can vary depending on specific criteria, such as location, program offerings, faculty expertise, and research opportunities. However, several universities consistently rank among the top for economics worldwide, with various tuition fee structures. 

Many doctoral programs in the USA, especially in fields like economics, are often fully funded through assistantships or fellowships. However, master's programs, especially those at top universities, typically come with tuition costs. These costs can vary significantly between universities and may also depend on the specific master's program within the university. Here's a general idea of what to expect for master's program tuition fees at some of the top universities for economics:

You can find the best scholarships for Indian students here

Harvard University : Located in the United States, Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities for economics due to its renowned faculty and research opportunities. Tuition for master's programs at Harvard can vary by program. For the 2024 academic year, it may range from approximately $45,000 (INR 3,735,000) to $60,000 (INR 4,980,000), depending on the specific program. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) : Massachusetts Institute of Technology is known for its strong emphasis on economics and its connection to various research centers. MIT's master's program in economics, such as the Master of Science in Economics, generally has tuition fees for the 2024 academic year ranging from approximately $53,450 (INR 4,436,350) to $61,920 (INR 5,139,360).

Stanford University : Stanford's economics department is highly regarded for its research and academic programs. Stanford's master's programs, like the Master of Arts in Economics, can have tuition fees in the range of $50,000 (INR 4,150,00) or more.

Princeton University : Princeton University offers a distinguished economics program with an emphasis on research and theoretical economics. Princeton University offers a Master in Public Affairs (MPA) program with tuition that can vary but generally falls within the range of $55,000 (INR 4,565,000) to $60,000 (INR 4,989,000).

University of Chicago : The University of Chicago is famous for its rigorous approach to economics and has produced many Nobel laureates in the field. Tuition for master's programs at the University of Chicago is approximately $72,000 (INR 5,976,000).

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) : London School of Economics is one of the top schools for economics in the United Kingdom and Europe. It's known for its social sciences research. LSE offers various master's programs in economics, with tuition fees for international students ranging from approximately £19,584 (INR 1,974,350) to £28,752 (INR 2,903,952) for the 2024 academic year.

University of Oxford : The University of Oxford , located in the United Kingdom, offers a strong economics program and is known for its contributions to the field. Tuition fees for master's programs at the University of Oxford vary by program and nationality. For international students, they can range from approximately £24,000 (INR 2,424,000) to £37,000 (INR 3,737,000) or more.

University of Cambridge : Another prestigious institution in the United Kingdom, the University of Cambridge offers a variety of economics programs and research opportunities. Cambridge also offers various master's programs, with tuition fees varying by program and nationality. For international students, fees are £37,396 (INR 3,776,990) or higher.

University of Toronto : The University of Toronto is a prominent Canadian institution known for its economics department and research contributions. Tuition for master's programs at the University of Toronto can vary by program and residency status. For international students, it may range from approximately CAD 21,000 (INR 1,274,7000) to CAD 44,000 (INR 2,670,800) or more.

From the Desk of Yocket 

A Master's or Doctoral program in Economics is highly coveted globally, offering huge opportunities in both national and international career landscapes. Pursuing your higher education in Economics at a prestigious institution not only exposes you to invaluable experiences but also hones your analytical abilities, setting you on a trajectory for career excellence.

However, securing admission into a renowned university for a Master's in economics may be a difficult task, but it is certainly attainable. A well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) is pivotal in bolstering your application, and Yocket Premium is your go-to resource for creating an SOP that distinguishes you from the competition. With personalized 1:1 counseling sessions, an expert document editor, and an easy-to-manage application tracker, Yocket Premium offers a comprehensive solution to address all your application concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing an SOP for MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics

How long should my SOP be?

There is no specific length requirement for an SOP, but it is generally recommended to keep your SOP to 1-2 pages.

What are some tips for writing a strong SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

Here are some tips for writing a strong SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics: 1. Be specific and avoid using clichés. 2. Be honest and authentic. 3. Be enthusiastic and show your passion for economics. 4. Proofread and edit your SOP carefully before submitting it.

What should I include in my SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics?

When writing your SOP for an MSc/Masters/Doctoral/PhD in Economics, include the following: 1. Your interest in economics: Explain why you are interested in economics and what drew you to the field. Be specific and mention any relevant personal or professional experiences that have shaped your interest. 2. Your academic and professional background: Highlight your relevant academic and professional experiences, including any coursework, internships, or jobs that you have had in economics or related fields. Be sure to emphasize any skills or knowledge you have gained from these experiences that will be valuable in the graduate program. 3. Your academic and professional goals: Discuss your academic and professional goals for the future. How will the graduate program help you achieve these goals? 4. Your fit with the program: Explain why you are a good fit for the graduate program to which you are applying. Be specific about what you like about the program and how your skills and interests align with the program's curriculum.

How do you write a statement of purpose for a Ph.D. in economics?

To write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for a Ph.D. in economics: Strong introduction: Begin with a compelling opening that explains your interest in economics and the specific area of research. Highlight your academic background: Discuss your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any prior research experience in economics. Explain your research interests: Clearly state your research interests and the questions you want to explore in your Ph.D. Connect with the program: Explain why you're interested in that particular program, citing professors, resources, or research centers. Discuss your career goals: Describe how the Ph.D. will help you achieve your career objectives in economics. An SOP is your opportunity to showcase your passion, qualifications, and alignment with the program. It should be a compelling narrative that convinces the admissions committee of your suitability for a Ph.D. in economics.

What is the purpose of a Ph.D. in economics?

The purpose of a Ph.D. in economics is to develop advanced expertise and research skills, enabling graduates to contribute to economic knowledge, tackle complex issues, and pursue careers in academia, policymaking, consulting, and various sectors.

Can I write SOP in 3 days?

You can write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in 3 days with a strategic plan, but it is advisable to finish and finalize your SOP at least 4 weeks before your application deadline. The SOP is a crucial document, and giving yourself ample time for reflection, revision, and feedback can significantly improve its quality and effectiveness.

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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.

• Faculty Intranet

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

• Prospective Ph.D.s

The Department of Economics at Northwestern is committed to an individualized and holistic review of each application to the PhD program.  This review will take into consideration the substantive disruptions of the COVID19 pandemic as well as other challenges that influence personal circumstances.  We recognize that many institutions converted to a Pass/No Pass (P/N) grading system in response to the pandemic. Finally, we understand that there are circumstances which may prevent students from submitting a complete application. Please email [email protected] with any individual requests or concerns.

The Department of Economics and The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern  encourages underrepresented students  to apply for admission to our doctoral program.

The application will be available in September. The application deadline is January 4, 2024, 11:59pm CST

Before You Apply

Degrees offered.

The Department of Economics offers a full-time Ph.D. program in Economics.

The Department of Economics and the Finance Department in the Kellogg School of Management offer a joint full-time Ph.D. program in Financial Economics.  Read more about the program requirements and how to apply.

Applicants who wish to pursue graduate education in an Economics-based program at Northwestern University, either in the Kellogg School of Management or Department of Economics, are permitted to submit one application for a primary or first choice PhD program while requesting additional consideration for a second choice PhD program. Read more about the dual application process and requirements.

Please note that the department does not admit students for a terminal MA degree. An MA degree is only available to Economics Ph.D. students who have successfully completed the first year of the doctoral program, and to students enrolled in other doctoral programs at Northwestern.

Prerequisites

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the time they begin graduate work.
• Applicants are not required to have majored in economics but must possess a solid mathematics background. All students are expected to have a total of four quarters of differential and integral calculus plus linear algebra before entering the program. Students occasionally are admitted with an inadequate mathematical background if their record is extremely strong otherwise and they agree to take remedial math courses upon arrival. In most cases, however, students with inadequate mathematical training are advised to delay graduate school and take a year of math first.

Application Steps

Step 1: complete the university's application form.

All applicants must complete the standard application form , and pay the application fee. Procedures and qualifications for fee waivers can be found here . The application is available in September of the application year. 

Program Code  for the Ph.D. program in Economics is E05PH.

Application Fee:  The fee is $95.

Deadline: The application deadline is January 4, 2024 at 11:59pm.  Applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only. There are no winter or spring admissions.

Applicants from underrepresented groups:  The Department of Economics welcomes applications by students from underrepresented groups. Northwestern participates in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and accepts the FreeApp. Interested applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a serious intent to pursue a career in teaching and academic research may use the FreeApp to request an application fee waiver at Northwestern. Eligibility criteria and the FreeApp online application can be found at the Big Ten Academic Alliance site:  https://btaa.org/resources-for/students/freeapp/eligibility

CV/Resume:  A concise CV/resume is very important. It should make clear what you have done since graduating from high school without leaving any gaps. It should describe briefly any full time jobs that you have held, research experience while a student, publications (if any), and awards and honors. 

Courses Form: You will be prompted to complete a courses form in the application.  It summarizes the six most advanced college courses you have completed in both economics and mathematics. You can download this form as a fillable  PDF.

If you cannot download this form, then it is acceptable if you create your own form which contains the same information in a similar format.

• List only courses that have been already graded, and not courses that you are currently taking, or are planning to take.
• In the first five columns, you should fill in the course number, title, the school at which it was taken, date of completion, and grade exactly as they appear on your transcript.
• In the sixth column, mention the main textbook for the course, if there was such a text (it is enough to write the author(s) name(s) and the first few words of the title as space permits).
• If you have taken more than six courses in any of these disciplines, pick the six most advanced ones (but ensure that you mention core courses in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and econometrics).
• If you are taking substantial courses during the fall term and do not have the grades in time to be included in this application, you may send an updated version of the form as an e-mail attachment to  [email protected]  after you know your grade. By substantial courses we mean advanced math courses such as Real Analysis or graduate economics courses.
• If your fall courses are standard economics courses of a similar level to those you have taken before, there is no need to report their results after submitting the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words):   The academic statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words and should focus on your research interests and goals, and how your qualifications and strengths will enable you to formulate important and creative research topics and convincingly execute the research.   Writing Sample:  The standard application allows the possibility of submission of writing samples. The Economics Department does not require writing samples. However, if you have a research paper you wish us to consider as part of the application, you can upload it in this part of the application. Do not upload more than one paper.  Students may also submit grant applications, such as the NSF research proposal, as a writing sample. Letters of Recommendation  are required from at least three people. You will provide emails for your recommenders in the application. The university then contacts the recommender directly with instructions on how to submit their letters. Up to five letters of recommendation will be accepted. Scanned Copies of GRE, and (if necessary) TOEFL/IELTS results . If you have already received your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS results, scan the results and upload them as part of your application. More details on these tests are described in Steps 2 and 3 below.  Results should be submitted by the January 5 deadline. Note that the university verifies your results based on information provided directly to the university from the testing companies. Scanned Copy of your Transcript(s).  An official transcript is required from each institution attended. Transcripts must bear the registrar's signature or official seal to be considered official and acceptable. Scan the transcript(s) and upload them as part of your application.  Please wait to upload your transcript(s) until after your fall grades have been posted.  If your fall grades aren’t available by January 5 (application deadline), upload your most current transcript.  If you ultimately enroll at Northwestern, you will be asked to supply the university with an official hard copy of your transcript(s).

For more information on the University's admission process , see  The Graduate School Admissions  page.

Step 2: Complete the GRE

The institution code for Northwestern University is 1565.

Step 3: Certify English Proficiency

Your success in graduate study of economics depends on your ability to understand, read, write and speak English. If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be decisive in reviewing your application for admission. Because of the nature of economics, the department has stricter language requirements than the minimum required by the University.

You can demonstrate English proficiency in only three ways:

• be a native English speaker;
• by earning an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, and you attended this institution for all years of your undergraduate study; or
• by providing official scores for either the  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  examination.

Earning a graduate degree at an English-speaking institution without having attended an English-speaking institution for your undergraduate degree is insufficient demonstration of proficiency in English. You should take the TOEFL/IELTS to support your admission to the Department of Economics.

Students taking the TOEFL must score a minimum of 600 on the paper-based exam, 250 on the computer-based exam, or 100 on the internet-based exam (TOEFL iBT).  We accept MyBest Scores for the TOEFL iBT. Students taking the IELTS must have a minimum overall score of 7.0. The tests must have been taken no more than two years before the intended date of entry (which  means no more than 15 months prior to your application). Results of the TOEFL/IELTS test are reported directly to the Graduate School. However, if you already have your results, upload a scan as part of your application. 

The institution code for Northwestern is 1565, and the relevant department code is 01.

In addition to these language requirements, most international students from non-English speaking countries will take the Versant English Test on their arrival at Northwestern to demonstrate their spoken English. Obtaining a score of at least 65 on this test is required to make a student eligible to be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant, a common form of financial support in the second and subsequent years.  However, students scoring 26 or higher (out of a possible 30) on the speaking section of the TOEFL internet-based test will be considered as meeting the spoken English proficiency requirement and will not need to take the Versant test.

Step 4: The Decision Process

Step 5: visas for international applicants.

For general information on the visa process once you have been admitted, please visit Northwestern's International Office website at  www.northwestern.edu/international

Northwestern University reserves the right to change without notice any statement in this publication concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.

It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates, in accordance with civil rights legislation and University commitment.

Any alleged violations of this policy or questions regarding the law with respect to nondiscrimination should be directed to Director of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services, 720 University Place, Evanston, Illinois 60208-1147, phone +1-847-491-7458.

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Statement of academic purpose

While all programmes require you to submit a statement of academic purpose, a few programmes require you to follow a specific format when writing your statement. these specific requirements are detailed below., statement of academic purpose – all programmes, excluding those listed below.

You must upload a statement that explains your academic interest in, understanding of and academic preparedness for the programme(s) you are applying for. You should also explain the academic rationale for applying to the programme(s) you have chosen. If applying for two programmes, you are strongly encouraged to write a separate statement for each programme. The statement of academic purpose is an important part of your application, and selectors are looking for evidence of your academic suitability and motivation, and of what you can contribute academically to the programme. We expect statement(s) to be between 1,000 - 1,500 words. 

Please address the following questions/prompts in your statement(s) 

Academic Motivations  

• What prompted your interest in this particular field of study? Perhaps you have unanswered questions from your undergraduate studies or professional work, or you would like to further explore issues and ideas raised in your curricular or extra-curricular reading? 
• Why would you like to study your chosen programme? Perhaps it offers a particular approach, or there are specific modules that will help you develop necessary skills or knowledge. Perhaps the research interests of the academics teaching on your programme, and/or the wider research culture of the department align with your own interests and academic/professional aspirations? 

Suitability 

• What makes you suitable for this LSE programme? Perhaps you have taken relevant undergraduate modules, or have relevant professional, voluntary, or other experience that has prepared for postgraduate study in this area? 

Purpose and Objectives  

• What do you hope to get out of this particular LSE programme? How would this particular programme help you to achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals? Take the time to explain your academic or professional  aspirations and goals, and how your chosen programme will impart the necessary skills and knowledge. Please avoid general statements about LSE’s performance in global rankings, and  generic statements about London being a global/cosmopolitan centre of excellence. 

If there are circumstances that have disrupted your education/significantly interfered with your learning (for example, health problems, displacement, long-term caring responsibilities), please feel free to let us know about them in a separate document added to your application (you can upload this document via the ‘Additional Item’ upload option). If appropriate, please also consult the advice we give to applicants from a forced migration background here , and from a care-experienced background here . 

Please ensure that your statement(s): 

Are all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled

Are well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme(s) applied for

Are proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct versions are uploaded

Only include that which is relevant to your programme choice(s). Additional information regarding unrelated extra-curricular activities, personal achievements or work experience should be included in your CV

Have your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page 

MSc Health Data Science

In addition to following the general guidance, please be sure to clearly outline your background in mathematics, statistics or other quantitative subjects. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies. 

MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

If you are applying for this programme, please note the following specific requirements for your statement of academic purpose.

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to the analysis of data and society; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

In addition, please write a response (up to 400 words*) to  one  of the following questions. You might do so by relying on relevant authors and concepts from previous courses or independent study, as well as on professional experiences.

• What is the most pressing social, political or ethical issue related to data and society? Why should we study it?
• How useful is the concept of "big data"? What are its limitations?
• What consequences do data-based systems have for individuals? How should we address these?
• If you could invent a data-based product or service that would change the world, what would it look like? What would be its best feature and what would be its biggest risk?

*The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 800-1,000 words.

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Write a short statement (up to 800 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what suits you to the programme: your experiences and skills in relation to social justice, development or communication; what attracts you to this particular programme and where you see yourself in ten years after the programme.

Also answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 250 words each)*:  

• What should a developed society be like according to you?
• How will studying theory help you to understand development and communication practice?
• Why do you think we need to be critical of aspects of contemporary communication and development?

  *The total length of your statement of academic purpose, including the answers to the above questions, should therefore be between 1,000-1,500 words.

MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Write a short statement (up to 600 words) about why you want to do the programme. This might cover, for example, what you will bring to the cohort, and what your particular strengths are.

Also, you should answer the following questions (your answers should be approximately 500 words each):

• Tell us about an experience you had with social innovation /entrepreneurship/ a project with high social impact. What role did you play and what did you learn about yourself?  
• How will your past experience, combined with this LSE masters, help you to achieve your goals?

The  total length   of your statement  – including the answers to the above questions - should therefore be  between 1,100 & 1,600 words .

Department of Statistics - MSc Programmes

MSc in Data Science - G3U1

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) - G3U2

MSc in Statistics (Social Statistics) (Research) - G3U3

MSc in Statistics (Research) - G4U1

MSc in Quantitative Methods for Risk Management - G4U2

MSc in Statistics - G4U5

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) - G4U6

MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research) - G4U7

Your statement should explain why you are pursuing your selected programme and why you have chosen LSE's Department of Statistics. Brief details of your academic background and aspirations are also useful. If your background is outside of mathematics or statistics then you should provide further explanation of how your experience is relevant to the programme applied for, as well as further details of your current studies. 

Your statement should be concise and should not exceed 500 words .

Executive MSc in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management in Clinical Sciences

Your statement should be typed and no longer than three sides of A4 paper and should address the following questions:

• What are your career goals over the near (2-3 years) and medium term (5-7 years)?
• In concrete terms, how will your career benefit from completing this programme?

In addition, you may wish to discuss the following:

• Motivation for undertaking the programme
• Academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the programme
• Areas of specific interest within the programme
• Academic ambitions and/or research interests related to the programme
• Any professional aspirations, and how academic work within the programme might help you realise such aspirations
• Other relevant information, such as additional reading or research, work or other relevant experience that has informed your decision to apply for the particular programme

Please ensure that your statement:

• Is all your own work. If we discover this is not the case, your application may be cancelled
• Is well-written, well-structured and specific to the programme applied for
• Is proofread before being uploaded, and the final correct version is uploaded
• Has your name and the title of your chosen programme in the header or footer of every page

Executive Global MSc in Management

Your personal statement should be a maximum of 2 pages long, and highlight why you want to do the programme.  Make sure you address the following points:

• details on your suitability for the programme
• your motivations for choosing this programme in particular and what you hope to get out of it
• any career highlights to date, in particular any leadership or international experience
• future career objectives and how you think the programme will help you achieve them
• what you think you can bring to the classroom learning environment that makes you stand out from other applicants

Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship

The Academic Statement of Purpose consists of two parts.  The total combined word count for both parts should not exceed 1,200 words.

• A personal statement: Your personal statement should persuasively explain why you want to do this programme. This may include your personal suitability such as career achievements and ambitions, what you hope to get out of the programme, your particular strengths, and what you will bring to the cohort.  600-700 words.
• For the second part, please submit your thoughts on the following statement.  400-500 words. “The business of business is social improvement. Describe briefly the role of markets in social progress.”

Atlantic Fellows Residential programme with MSc Inequalities and Social Science

Your statement(s) should be typed and no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but we expect statement(s) to be no longer than 1,000 - 1,500 words. 

In your statement(s), you should address the following:  

• Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being part of it? In your answer, please:  

 o   Describe what area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done.  

o   Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.  

o   Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work.  

o   Explain, in one to two paragraphs, the MSc dissertation you plan to undertake as part of the requirements of the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science. 

• Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work/field? How do you see participation in the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving those goals? 
• What academic knowledge would you like to gain via the MSc in Inequalities & Social Science and how do you plan to apply this knowledge to your future work on social change?
• Please indicate any research interests.

Atlantic Fellows Non-Residential Programme

In your statement(s), you should address the following: 

Why are you interested in joining the AFSEE programme and what do you hope to gain by being a part of it?  In your answer, please: 

Describe the area of socioeconomic inequality you engage in and the type of work you have done. 

Please give examples of how you have meaningfully contributed to collective endeavours to address inequalities.   

Explain why you would like to learn more about social and economic equity and how this will contribute to your social change work. 

What is the project you are planning to undertake as a part of the AFSEE programme?  Explain it in two paragraphs. 

Within 5 years of completing the AFSEE programme, what do you hope to achieve in your work / field?  How do you see the AFSEE programme contributing to you achieving these goals?

FAQs The Knowledge Base will provide you with answers, and allow you to email us

How to apply Information on the application process, and our video guide

Available programmes Check if your chosen programme is currently recruiting

Current processing times See which date we are currently processing and find out when you are likely to hear from us

News and events Current processing dates, holiday closures, events on campus and around the world

Contact Graduate Admissions Our Knowledge base and getting in touch with our team by Zoom, email, and Live chat

Doctoral Program Admissions

Doctoral program in economics.

The Department of Economics doctoral program offers seven fields of study . The majority of students finish the program in five or 6 years.

After graduation our students successively apply the knowledge and skills gained in our program to a wide range of economic problems in a broad array of institutional settings. Our success in this is evidenced by our strong national reputation and our  placement record .

Admissions Information

• Admissions FAQ More
• Funding Information More
• Math Requirements More

Preparation for Doctoral Study

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, which must be completed before entering the program. You do not need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics to receive admission to the program. Applicants have Bachelor’s Degrees in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and other disciplines.

Mathematics preparation should include multivariate calculus, elementary probability, and regression analysis. Graduate work in economics demands mathematical sophistication of a higher order than the requirements of most U.S. undergraduate economics programs would suggest. Students entering the graduate program are required to have taken a three-course sequence in calculus, a course in linear algebra, and a course in mathematical statistics. These prerequisites are a bare minimum, and additional background in mathematics and in graduate-level economics courses can ease the transition into the program. A detailed description of the department’s expectations about students’ mathematics preparation, both upon entry to the program and upon completion of first-year coursework, can be found on the  Math Requirements for Incoming Graduate Students page.

Application steps and requirements

Admission to the Economics doctoral program is a shared process at UW-Madison. The Admissions and Aid Committee in the Department of Economics will evaluate your application and make a recommendation to the Graduate School regarding admission. The program’s Admission Committee will inform you of their decision in March. If you have questions, please email [email protected]

When applicants receive an admission packet from the Economics Department indicating that they have been recommended for admission, this recommendation does NOT mean that they have been fully admitted. The applicant will have to finish the last steps of the admission process with the Graduate School. The Economics Admission and Aid Committee will forward admissions recommendations to the Graduate School with supporting materials. The Graduate School’s Office of Admissions will review the application and materials to ensure that the Graduate School minimum requirements are met.

To apply, fill out the Graduate School Online Electronic Application . You will select the “Economics PhD program” from the drop down program list. To complete the application, you will need to submit the materials listed below.

Please see the  Admissions FAQ  section if you have further questions.

The Application Deadline is December 5. Letters of recommendation and test scores must be submitted by December 31.

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Statement of Purpose

There are no specific guidelines or requirements for the Statement of Purpose. Please review the Graduate School’s preparation page for general guidelines on the Statement of Purpose.

Transcripts

Please upload all transcripts or academic records from all your degree-granting institutions and any other institution where you have been enrolled. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review. If our program recommends you for admission and you decide to enroll, you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the UW-Madison Graduate School.

The transcript uploaded must match the official transcript and there should be no changes or edits made to it. International academic records must be in the original language accompanied by an official English translation. Your school should provide an official translation of your documents; otherwise have a translation done by your school or an official translator. In some countries, these people are also notaries. Do not submit an evaluation from a credential evaluation service in lieu of a translation.

Math Preparation Form

Please complete the Math Preparation ( pdf ;  word ) form and submit it in PDF format. Please review our math preparation requirements .

Writing Sample

All applicants must submit a writing sample in English. The writing sample can be a research paper or an article demonstrating your ability to do research and present your research in a written form.

Resume or C.V

Please upload a current resume/ C.V. to the online application.

Letters of Recommendation

The application will require that you enter information for your recommenders and an email will be sent to them. Letters must be submitted electronically by your recommenders no later than December 31.

GRE scores are required for our PhD application and must be received by the Graduate School by December 31.

Have ETS send your scores to the Graduate School . The UW-Madison institutional code is 1846. Our institution does not use department codes.

English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable)

International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency. Accepted test scores include: TOEFL, IELTS; Duolingo will be accepted starting with our PhD admission cycle Fall 2025. See the  Graduate School Requirements for more information and exemption criteria.

Test scores must be received by the Graduate School by December 31.

Application Fee

  The  application fee  is required to submit the application.

• The Graduate School offers application fee grants to make sure that the application fee is not a barrier for students from key recruiting initiatives for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and students of DACA status. You can find eligibility information and how to apply on the  Graduate School’s Application Fee Grant website .
• The Economics Department also offers a limited number of application fee grants to ensure the fee is not a barrier for applicants that do not meet the Graduate School’s criteria. Please contact our graduate admissions staff at  [email protected]  for more information.

Financial Support and Funding Information

All paid applications from both domestic and international students need to be submitted by December 5th. Funding is awarded to applicants on a competitive basis. For detailed information on department and University Fellowship information, please see our funding  web page.

Tuition and fee information is available online at the  UW Office of the Registrar web page. Students employed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at least one-third time as a project assistant or a teaching assistant receive a tuition waiver, a stipend, and health benefits.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 7 successful statement of purpose examples.

Not sure what graduate schools are looking for in a statement of purpose? Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help! In this guide, we’ll orient you to what makes a great statement of purpose or letter of intent for graduate school. Then we’ll provide you with four successful statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. We’ll also provide analysis of what makes them successful. Finally, we’ll direct you to even more helpful examples that you can find online!

The Graduate School Statement of Purpose: An Overview

A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master’s degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally-focused graduate programs, your statement of purpose will primarily discuss how your pursuit of this professional program relates to your past experiences, and how you will use the skills from the program in your future career.

A statement of purpose for grad school is also where you sell the admissions committee on why you belong in their program specifically. Why do you fit there, and how does what they offer fit your interests?

What’s in a Great Grad School Statement of Purpose?

Here are the essential elements of a strong graduate school statement of purpose:

Clear Articulation of Goals and Interests

A strong statement of purpose will clearly and specifically lay out your goals in undertaking the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Again, for a research-focused program, this will focus primarily on the research project(s) you want to undertake while you are there. For a more professional program, discuss what interests you within the professional field and what skills/knowledge you hope to gain through the program.

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You should be as specific as possible in discussing what interests you. Use examples of particular phenomena, tools, or situations that you find exciting. If you are vague or say that everything in the field interests you, you run the risk of seeming unfocused or not actually that passionate.

Don’t worry that being too specific will box you into a particular research area or subfield during your entire tenure in graduate school. Your program understands that interests change—they won’t be pulling out your research statement to cross-reference with your dissertation proposal!

Evidence of Past Experience and Success

A great graduate school statement of purpose will also show programs that you have already been successful. They want applicants that will be able to follow through on their research/professional plans!

To this end, you’ll need to provide evidence of how your background qualifies you to pursue this program and your specific interests in the field. You’ll probably discuss your undergraduate studies and any professional experience you have. But be sure to draw on specific, vivid examples.  You might draw on your thesis, major projects you’ve worked on, papers you have written/published, presentations you’ve given, mentors you’ve worked with, and so on. This gives admissions committees concrete evidence that you are qualified to undertake graduate study!

Interest and Fit With the Program

The third essential ingredient to a great statement of purpose is to clearly lay out why you and the program are a good fit. You should be able to identify both specific reasons why your work fits with the program and why the program suits your work/interests! Are there particular professors you’d like to work with? Does the department have a strong tradition in a certain methodology or theory you’re interested in? Is there a particular facet to the curriculum that you’d like to experience?

Showing that you and the program are a match shows that you chose the program thoughtfully and have genuine interest in it. Programs want to admit students who aren’t just passionate about the field. They want students who are genuinely enthused about their specific program and positioned to get the most out of what they have to offer.

Strong Writing

The final essential piece of a strong statement of purpose or letter of intent is strong writing. Writing skills are important for all graduate programs. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can clearly and effectively communicate your ideas in a way that flows logically. Additionally, you should show that you know how to write in a way that is descriptive but concise. A statement of purpose shouldn’t ever be longer than two pages, even without a hard word limit.

Admissions committees for humanities programs may be a little more focused on writing style than admissions officers for STEM programs. But even in quantitative and science-focused fields, written communication skills are an essential part of graduate school. So a strong statement of purpose will always be effectively written. You’ll see this in our statement of purpose for graduate school samples.

Real, Successful Statement of Purpose Samples

In this section, we’ll present four successful graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts, along with a brief commentary on each statement. These statements come from a diverse selection of program types to show you how the core essentials of a statement of purpose can be implemented differently for different fields.

Note: identifying information for these statements have been changed—except for example four, which is my statement.

• Statement of Purpose Sample One: Japanese Studies MA

This statement of purpose is notable for its great use of space and its vivid descriptions. The author is able to cram a lot into about a page. She discusses how she came to her two primary research interests (and how they are connected). She integrates this discussion of her interests with information on her past experiences and qualifications for pursuing the course of study. Finally, she includes details on her goals in pursuing the program and components of the program that interest her. Her examples are specific and fleshed-out. There’s a lot very cleverly included in a small amount of page space!

Additionally, the language is very vivid. Phrases like “evocative and visceral” and “steadily unraveling,” are eye-catching and intriguing. They demonstrate that she has the writing skills necessary to pursue both graduate study and her interest in translation.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Two: Music MM

This sample is fairly long, although at 12 point Times New Roman it’s under two pages single-spaced. The length of this statement is partially due to the somewhat expansive nature of the prompt, which asks what role music has played in the applicant’s life “to date.” This invites applicants to speak more about experiences further in the past (in the childhood and teen years) than is typical for a statement of purpose. Given that this is for a master’s degree in music, this is logical; musical study is typically something that is undertaken at a fairly young age.

This statement does an excellent job describing the student’s past experiences with music in great detail. The descriptions of the student’s past compositions and experiences performing new music are particularly vivid and intriguing.

This statement also lays out and elaborates on specific goals the student hopes to pursue through the program, as well as features particular to the program that interest the student (like particular professors).

• Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD

One of the first things you’ll likely notice about this statement is that it’s a little on the longer side. However, at 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced, it still comes in under 2 pages (excluding references). It makes sense for a PhD statement of purpose sample to be longer than a master’s degree statement of purpose—there’s more to lay out in terms of research interests!

The writing style is fairly straightforward—there’s definitely a stronger focus on delivering content than flashy writing style. As Economics is a more quantitative-focused field, this is fine. But the writing is still well-organized, clear, and error-free.

The writer also gives numerous examples of their past work and experience, and shows off their knowledge of the field through references, which is a nice touch.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Four: History of the Book MA

This is actually my statement of purpose. It was for a program that I got accepted to but did not end up attending, for a Master’s in the History of the Book. You’ll notice that the two essay prompts essentially asked us to split our statement of purpose into two parts: the first prompt asked about our research interests and goals, and the second prompt asked about our relevant experience and qualifications.

I’ll keep my comments on this graduate school statement of purpose sample brief because I’ll do a deep dive on it in the next section. But looking back at my statement of purpose, I do a good job outlining what within the field interests me and clearly laying out how my past experiences have qualified me for the program.

Obviously this statement did its job, since I was accepted to the program. However, if I were to improve this statement, I’d change the cliche beginning  (“since I was a child”) and provide more specificity in what about the program interested me.

Deep Dive Analysis of a Sample Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Next, we’ll do a paragraph by paragraph analysis of my statement, statement of purpose sample four. I’ll analyze its strengths and suggest ways I could shore up any weaknesses to make it even stronger.

Essay 1: Academic Interests

To refresh, here’s the first prompt: Please give a short statement that describes your academic interests, purpose, objectives and motivation in undertaking this postgraduate study. (max 3500 chars – approx. 500 words)

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Paragraph 1

Since I was a child, my favorite thing has always been a book. Not just for the stories and information they contain, although that is a large part of it. Mostly, I have been fascinated by the concept of book as object—a tangible item whose purpose is to relate intangible ideas and images. Bookbindings and jackets, different editions, the marginalia in a used book—all of these things become part of the individual book and its significance, and are worth study and consideration. Books and their equivalent forms—perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus—have long been an essential part of material culture and are also one of our most significant sources of information about the human historical past. Through both the literal object of the book, the words contained thereon, and its relationship to other books—forms of context, text and intertext—we are able to learn and hopefully manage layers of information with which we would otherwise have no familiarity.

First, the good: this paragraph does a good job introducing my academic interest in the book-as-object, and shows off pre-existing knowledge both of the study of material culture and literary theory. Additionally, the language is engaging: the juxtaposition of “tangible” and “intangible” in the beginning and phrases like “perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus” lend life to the writing and keep the reader engaged.

If I were to go back and improve this paragraph, first, I would absolutely change the first sentence to something less cliche than talking about my childhood. I might try something like “My love of books is a multifaceted thing. I don’t only love them for the stories and….” Second, I would chill out on the em dashes a little bit. Three sets in one paragraph is a little excessive. Finally, I might actually cut this paragraph down slightly to make more room word-wise later in the statement to discuss what specific things about the program interest me.

Paragraph 2

Furthermore, blogs, webcomics, digital archives, e-readers, and even social media sites like tumblr and Facebook have revolutionized the concept of the book by changing how we share and transmit ideas and information, just as the Gutenberg printing press revolutionized the book all those years ago in the fifteenth century. Once again there has been an explosion both in who can send out information and who can receive it.

This paragraph briefly and effectively introduces my other main academic interest: how new technology has changed the concept of the book-as-object. The tie-back to the printing press is a nice touch; it’s a vivid example that shows that I’m aware of important historical moments in book history.

Paragraph 3

I am deeply interested in the preservation of the physical book, as I think it is an important part of human history (not to mention a satisfying sensory experience for the reader). However I am also very concerned with the digitization and organization of information for the modern world such that the book, in all of its forms, stays relevant and easy to access and use. Collections of books, archives, and information as stored in the world’s servers, libraries and museums are essential resources that need to be properly organized and administered to be fully taken advantage of by their audiences. My purpose in applying to the University of Edinburgh’s Material Culture and History of the Book is to gain the skills necessary to keep all forms of the book relevant and functional in an age when information can move more radically than ever before.

This paragraph actually has a focus problem. Since it covers two topics, I should split it into two paragraphs: one on the integration of my two interests, and one on my goals and interests in the program. I could also stand to expand on what features the program has that interest me: professors I’d like to work with, particular aspects of the curriculum, etc.

In spite of these things, however, this paragraph does a good job clearly integrating the two academic interests related to the book I introduced in the first two paragraphs. And the language is still strong —“satisfying sensory experience” is a great phrase. However, I’ve been using the word “information,” a lot; I might try to replace with appropriate synonyms (like “knowledge”) in a couple of places.

Paragraph 4

Additionally, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Sciences upon completion of my master’s and I feel that this program while make me uniquely suited to approach library science from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective.

This final paragraph offers just quick touch on my future goals beyond the program. It’s typically fine for this to be relatively brief, as it is here, just so long as you can clearly identify some future goals.

Essay 2: Relevant Experience

The second prompt just asked me to describe my relevant knowledge, training, and skills.

As a folklore and mythology student, I have gained a robust understanding of material culture and how it relates to culture as a whole. I have also learned about the transmission of ideas, information, stories and pieces of lore among and between populations, which is an important component of book history. Folklore is also deeply concerned with questions of the literary vs. oral lore and the tendency for text to “canonize” folklore, and yet text can also question or invert canonized versions; along with this my studies in my focus field of religion and storytelling have been deeply concerned with intertextuality. One of my courses was specifically concerned with the Heian-period Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and questions of translation and representation in post-Heian picture scrolls and also modern translations and manga. In addition to broader cultural questions concerned with gender and spirituality both in historical Japan and now, we considered the relationships between different Genji texts and images.

This is a strong, focused paragraph. I relate my academic background in Folklore and Mythology to my interests in studying the book, as well as showing off some of my knowledge in the area. I also chose and elaborated on a strong example (my class on the Tale of Genji ) of my relevant coursework.

I also have work experience that lends itself to the study of the book. After my freshman year of college I interned at the Chicago History Museum. Though I was in the visitor services department I was exposed to the preservation and archival departments of the museum and worked closely with the education department, which sparked my interest in archival collections and how museums present collection information to the public. After my sophomore year of college and into my junior year, I worked at Harvard’s rare books library, Houghton. At Houghton I prepared curated collections for archival storage. These collections were mostly comprised of the personal papers of noteworthy individuals, categorized into alphabetical folders. This experience made me very process-oriented and helped me to understand how collections come together on a holistic basis.

This paragraph also has a clear focus: my past, relevant work experience. Discussing archival collections and presenting information to the public links the interests discussed in my first statement with my qualifications in my second statement. However, if I were to revise this paragraph, I would add some specific examples of the amazing things I worked on and handled at Houghton Library. In that job, I got to touch Oliver Cromwell’s death mask! An interesting example would make this paragraph really pop even more.

Finally, in my current capacity as an education mentor in Allston, a suburb of Boston, I have learned the value of book history and material culture from an educational perspective. As a mentor who designs curriculum for individual students and small groups, I have learned to highly value clearly organized and useful educational resources such as websites, iPad apps, and books as tools for learning. By managing and organizing collections in a way that makes sense we are making information accessible to those who need it.

This final paragraph discusses my current (at the time) work experience in education and how that ties into my interest in the history of the book. It’s an intriguing connection and also harkens back to my discussion of information availability in the paragraph three of the first statement. Again, if I were to amp up this statement even more, I might include a specific example of a book-based (or book technology-based) project I did with one of my students. I worked on things like bookbinding and making “illuminated manuscripts” with some of my students; those would be interesting examples here.

This statement is split into two parts by virtue of the two-prompt format. However, if I were to integrate all of this information into one unified statement of purpose, I would probably briefly introduce my research interests, go in-depth on my background, then circle back around to speak more about my personal interests and goals and what intrigues me about the program. There’s not really one correct way to structure a statement of purpose just so long as it flows well and paragraphs are structured in a logical way: one topic per paragraph, with a clear topic and concluding sentence.

More Statement of Purpose Examples

We’ve provided you with four great graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. However, if you’re looking for more, there are other sample letters of intent and statements of purpose for graduate school online. We’ve rounded up the best ones here, along with some strengths and weaknesses about each example.

Majortests Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a fairly straightforward, clearly written statement of purpose sample for a biology program. It includes useful commentary after each paragraph about what this statement of purpose is accomplishing.

• This statement of purpose sample is well-organized, with clear topic sentences and points made in each paragraph.
• The student clearly identifies what interests her about the program.
• The student proactively addresses questions about why she hasn’t gone directly to graduate school, and frames her professional research experience as a positive thing.
• She gives a tiny bit of color about her personality in a relevant way by discussing her involvement with the Natural History Society.
• In general, discussing high school interests is too far back in time unless the anecdote is very interesting or unusual. The detail about The Theory of Evolution is intriguing; the information about the high school teacher seems irrelevant. The student should have condensed this paragraph into a sentence or two.
• While this statement is cogently written and makes the candidate sound competent and well-qualified, it’s not exactly the most scintillating piece of writing out there. Some of the constructions are a little awkward or cliche. For example, the “many people have asked me” sentence followed by “the answer is” is a little bit clunky. This is probably fine for a STEM program. But just be aware that this statement is not a paragon of writing style.

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UC Berkeley History Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a graduate school statement of purpose example from the UC Berkeley History department’s PhD program, with annotations from a professor as to why it’s a successful statement.

• The author is able to very clearly and articulately lay out her research interests and link them to past work she has successfully completed, namely, her thesis.
• She is able to identify several things about the program and Berkeley that indicate why it is a good fit for her research interests.
• She addresses the time she spent away from school and frames it as a positive, emphasizing that her use of time was well-considered and productive.
• Her writing is very vivid, with excellent word choice and great imagery.

While very well-written and engaging, this sample statement of purpose for graduate school is a little bit on the long side! It’s a little over two single-spaced pages, which is definitely pushing the limits of acceptable length. Try to keep yours at 2 pages or less. Some of the information on the thesis (which comprises over half of the statement of purpose) could be condensed to bring it down to two pages.

Pharmacy Residency Letter of Intent Sample

This is not technically a sample letter of intent for graduate school because it’s actually for a pharmacy residency program. However, this example still provides illumination as to what makes a decent graduate school letter of intent sample.

• This is a serviceable letter of intent: the writer clearly lays out their own goals within the field of pharmacy, what qualifications they have and how they’ve arrived at their interests, and how the program fits their needs.
• The writing is clearly structured and well-organized.
• The main weakness is that some of the writer’s statements come across as fairly generic. For example, “The PGY-1 Residency Program at UO Hospitals will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teaching, research, and leadership skills” is a generic statement that could apply to any residency program. A punchier, more program-specific conclusion would have amped up this letter.
• While the writer does a decent job providing examples of their activities, like working as a tutor and attending the APhA conference, more specificity and detail in these examples would make the statement more memorable.
• There’s a typo in the last paragraph —a “to” that doesn’t belong! This is an unprofessional blip in an otherwise solid letter. Read you own letter of intent aloud to avoid this!

NIU Bad Statement of Purpose Example

This is an ineffective graduate school statement of purpose example, with annotations on why it doesn’t work.

As you might imagine, the main strength in this document is as an example of what not to do. Otherwise, there is little to recommend it.

• The annotations quite clearly detail the weaknesses of this statement. So I won’t address them exhaustively except to point out that this statement of purpose fails at both content and style. The author includes irrelevant anecdotes and lists without offering a decisive picture of interests or any particular insight into the field. Additionally, the statement is riddled with grammatical mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and strange acronyms.
• You’ll note that the commentary advises you to “never start with a quote.” I agree that you should never start with a freestanding quote as in this example. However, I do think starting with a quote is acceptable in cases like the Berkeley history example above, where the quote is brief and then directly linked to the research interest.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples: 4 Key Points

Graduate programs ask for statement of purpose to hear about your interests and goals and why you think you and the program would be a good fit.

There are four key elements to a successful statement of purpose:

• A clear articulation of your goals and interests
• Evidence of past experiences and success
• Interest and fit with the program
• Strong writing

We’ve provided you with four successful statement of purpose samples from our graduate school experts!

We also provided additional statement of purpose samples (and a sample letter of intent) for graduate school from other sources on the internet. Now you have all kinds of guidance!

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for more information on graduate school , see our guide to what makes a good GPA for grad school .

Not sure if you need to take the GRE ? See if you can get into graduate school without GRE scores .

Want more information about the GRE? We can help you figure out when to take the GRE , how to make a GRE study plan , and how to improve your GRE score .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

Applying to economics PhD programs

June 13, 2020

Topics: education research

Last year I applied to several economics PhD programs at elite universities and business schools. I applied to twelve programs (nine in economics and three in business), was accepted by three, and chose to study at Stanford . This post describes my experience with the application process and offers some advice to future applicants.

Earning a degree

Gaining research experience, completing the gre, choosing where to apply, transcripts, gre score reports, recommendation letters, statements of purpose, writing samples, diversity statements, waiting for responses, admissions decisions, further reading, before applying.

The programs I applied to accepted applications between late September and early December. However, these applications depended on tasks completed earlier: earning a degree , gaining research experience , completing the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) , and choosing where to apply .

Every program required that I held the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree or higher. Most stated explicitly that a master’s was not necessary. Some stated explicitly that applicants need not have a major in economics, but some prior coursework (e.g., intermediate microeconomics) helps to signal interest and familiarity. Most stated explicitly that applicants should be comfortable with undergraduate-level calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics.

While not required explicitly, my impression is that most successful applicants to top programs have some research experience. Such experience helps demonstrate that you know what research is and can conduct it successfully. Moreover, everyone applying to top programs has stellar grades, so having research experience helps you stand out.

Thankfully, there are many ways to gain research experience. I have four recommendations.

First, write an honours or master’s thesis. Doing so provides early evidence that you’re interested in research and can work independently.

Second, work with professors while studying. The University of Canterbury (UC), where I completed my bachelor’s degree, offers scholarships to work with professors during summer breaks. I won one to work with Richard Watt on a theoretical project related to insurance pricing. Completing the project gave me experience to discuss in my statement of purpose and gave Richard something to discuss in his recommendation letter .

Third, work at a research-oriented organisation after finishing your bachelor’s or master’s. In New Zealand, the best place is Motu or the Reserve Bank , depending on whether you’re more interested in microeconomics or macroeconomics. Working at Motu has improved my technical and research skills, and given me experience working with respected economists on substantive research projects. It has also helped clarify what a “research career” looks like and whether it’s something I want to pursue.

Finally, consider completing a pre-doctoral fellowship at an elite university. These fellowships typically last one or two years, and involve assisting professors with their research. Pre-doctoral fellowships deliver similar benefits to working at places like Motu. However, some fellowships (e.g., those offered by Opportunity Insights at Harvard and SIEPR at Stanford) allow you to take graduate courses while working, further strengthening your profile. Moreover, working with well-known economists at elite universities (and impressing them) helps you gain strong recommendation letters.

All programs required official scores from the (general) GRE , a standardised test comprising three sections: quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. The test can be attempted multiple times. Programs consider only your highest score on each section.

I sat the GRE once, in 2018. The test took about four hours. The quantitative and verbal reasoning sections each comprised two sets of 20 multi-choice questions. The quantitative section was mostly high school-level mathematics. (New Zealanders: think NCEA Level 1 or 2.) The verbal section tested reading comprehension and vocabulary. The analytical writing section comprised two short, typed essay responses to prompts given during the test. I think anyone who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in economics could do well on the test with 2–4 weeks of study.

Jones et al. (2020) survey graduate admissions coordinators, who report placing more emphasis on quantitative reasoning scores than verbal reasoning scores when evaluating applicants. Both scores are less important at higher ranked programs because applicants to such programs tend to have higher scores, leaving less variation for identifying applicants’ relative abilities. For example, Harvard’s economics department states that admitted candidates’ quantitative scores range “in the 97th percentile.” I scored in the 94th percentile and would have resat the test if I had scored any lower.

I applied to most programs in the “top 10,” and a few more specialised programs that matched my interests and geographic preferences. I figured that if I was going to move overseas, away from my family and friends, then I better go somewhere excellent. If I had a weaker technical background or less research experience then I might have aimed lower.

Beyond this “aim high” strategy, I have two recommendations.

First, apply to as many programs as you can afford and would attend. The marginal effort cost of applying to each program falls quickly after preparing your first set of application materials. Moreover, although the application fees can sting, they are small compared to the expected gain in life satisfaction from being admitted.

Second, apply to programs at business schools as well as economic departments. Chicago, Harvard, Northwestern, NYU, and Stanford’s business schools all offer excellent economics-focused PhD programs. They provide similar technical training and faculty access to “traditional” programs. However, business schools tend to offer larger stipends and require less teaching than economics departments. Business schools tend to make fewer offers, but they also tend to receive fewer applications.

Application materials

All of the programs I applied to required the following materials:

• An application form, submitted online;
• Copies of my academic transcripts ;
• Official GRE score reports ;
• Recommendation letters ;
• A statement of purpose .

Most programs required a writing sample . Some required a (short) diversity statement . All required payment of a 75–125 USD application fee.

Overall, it took about a month to prepare my application materials and about a day to tailor them to each program. To track my progress and help manage my time, I maintained a checklist of form sections to complete and materials to upload.

Stanford asked for official copies of my academic transcripts. All other programs accepted “unofficial” copies. I ordered a digital copy from UC, which set up a My eQuals account with my transcript uploaded as a PDF and certified by the UC registrar. I shared this certified version with Stanford, saving me about 190 USD worth of third-party certification fees. I downloaded the PDF version from My eQuals and used it as the unofficial copy for my other applications.

In addition to transcripts, some schools asked for more information about my prior coursework. Harvard and MIT asked for comprehensive lists of course codes and titles, dates completed, grades obtained, and textbooks used. Other programs asked for similar information but only for the handful of “most advanced” courses I’d taken in economics, mathematics, and statistics. Stanford asked me to match the courses I’d taken with courses offered at Stanford. The matching took a while because the courses I took at UC often matched Stanford courses in different subject areas and at different degree levels.

New Zealand universities use a nine-point GPA system, whereas the universities I applied to use a four-point system. Some programs asked me to report my GPA on its original scale, some asked me to convert it to the four-point scale, and some asked me to leave the GPA field blank. Overall, the difference in systems didn’t seem to be problematic.

All programs asked for official GRE score reports. The testing fee (205 USD) covers the cost of sending scores to up to four institutions, nominated on test day. Sending scores to additional institutions costs 27 USD per institution. I didn’t nominate any schools on test day because I wasn’t sure whether I would need to resit the test, or whether sending low scores would hurt my admissions chances even if I resat the test and performed better. Once I sent my score reports, most programs confirmed receipt after about a week.

All programs asked me to nominate three recommendation letter writers. I arranged my recommenders about two months in advance. I gave each a list of programs I was applying to, a description of each program, and the due date for their letters. I also provided copies of my CV, transcript, and draft statements of purpose.

Whenever I nominated a recommender, I was asked whether I wanted to waive my FERPA right to view their letter upon admission. I always waived. I wasn’t concerned that my recommenders would change what they wrote if they knew I could read their letters. Instead, I was concerned that admissions committees would observe that I chose not to waive access, assume that my recommenders responded by providing stronger-than-truthful recommendations, and subsequently discount the quality of those recommendations.

All programs asked for a statement describing my preparation for graduate study, my research experience and interests, and my career goals. The statement I submitted to Stanford contained

• a brief introduction,
• a paragraph describing my educational background,
• five paragraphs describing my research experience,
• a paragraph stating my research interests, and
• a paragraph stating my career goals.

I focused on my research experience because I felt that it was my comparative advantage over other applicants, whom I assumed were well-trained technically and had more prestigious alma maters.

Most programs asked for a writing sample. Some programs required at least 15 pages; some required at most 10 pages. In both cases, I used an excerpt from my most recent journal submission. For long samples, I excluded figures and tables, which happened to leave 15 pages. For short samples, I included only the first eight pages, which contained the introduction, literature review, method, and data sections. I always included a cover page describing the excerpt and stating the full paper’s abstract.

I could have submitted my honours thesis, which analysed a theoretical model of insurance and saving. However, I felt that my academic transcript signalled my technical skills adequately. Instead, I wanted my writing sample to demonstrate skills not demonstrated by other application materials: identifying interesting and important research questions, and synthesising literature.

Stanford and Yale asked me to explain how I would contribute to diversity on campus. My response to Stanford read as follows:

I grew up in Wakefield, a small rural town in New Zealand. I have been fortunate to attend university, to discover my passion for research, and to collaborate on research projects with economists from Europe and North America. These projects have benefited from the diverse ideas and experiences of my collaborators, which have increased the quality of our work. I am excited to continue engaging with ideas in an inclusive research environment as a graduate student at Stanford. I am also excited to share my cultural experiences in New Zealand with my Stanford classmates, and to learn about their experiences in other countries. Doing so will increase our understanding of how different cultural values shape economic and social outcomes. This understanding will enhance our ability to conduct globally relevant economic research that considers a range of perspectives.

After applying

Clicking “submit” on the online application forms began the long—about three month— wait for responses . In two cases, those responses were invitations for interviews ; in most cases, they were admissions decisions .

On waiting for responses, I offer three pieces of advice.

First, take a break . Applying to PhD programs takes many years of effort earning a degree, gaining research experience, building relationships with recommendation letter writers, completing the GRE, and preparing your applications. Make time to acknowledge and celebrate that effort.

Second, realise that there is nothing you can do (except, if invited, prepare for interviews) to change your admissions decisions. Worrying is futile. Instead, try to find fun and engaging ways to spend your time that take your mind off your applications. I ran a lot and worked on some blog posts.

Third, try to stay off Urch and TheGradCafe . In late January, people will start using those fora to share their anxiety and admissions results. You will, after months of waiting, be hungry for news. However, if you’re going to get good news then you will receive it from the program first. Programs generally send all acceptances at the same time (or, at least, on the same day). Thus, online fora can only deliver bad news: others received acceptance notifications but you did not.

As far as I know, only business schools conduct interviews. I interviewed for the business programs at Harvard and MIT, in late January and early February. Both interviews comprised discussing my research experience and interests, and why those interests are best pursued at a business school. The interviews lasted about fifteen minutes each and took place over Zoom.

Most programs sent admissions decisions in late February or early March. They were either acceptances, rejections, or being placed on a wait list. The program for which I was wait-listed was weaker than my best offer at the time, so I declined them promptly to help the market clear.

See here for more resources on economics PhD admissions. I found Susan Athey’s professional advice , Chris Blattman’s FAQs on PhD applications , and Abhishek Nagaraj’s guide to business PhD applications particularly helpful.

Economics PhD Statement of Purpose Tips

Are in learning how to write an outstanding economics PhD statement of purpose? Then you’ve come to the right place! Writing a compelling statement of purpose can be difficult, especially for students applying to competitive schools.

Your statement of purpose must stand out from the competition so it comes as no surprise that many applicants seek guidance when crafting their essays. In this blog post, we will discuss key elements of an effective economics PhD statement of purpose and provide helpful tips on everything from outlining to polishing your essay before submitting it. With this advice, you can take control of the PhD in economics application process with confidence and demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate for admission into the program.

Research the Program

This is perhaps the most important tip for all economics PhD statement of purpose writers out there: research the program you’re applying to! What specific research areas do they specialize in? Who are their faculty members and what are their research interests? What opportunities does the program offer that align with your goals? And, most importantly, how well will you fit in this environment? By delving deep into the program’s website and faculty profiles, you can tailor your statement of purpose to highlight your alignment with the program’s values and goals.

Avoid templates at all costs

We strongly recommend that you do not use templates of previous economics PhD statements of purpose that can be found on the internet. Take our word for it, admissions committees can smell a template from a mile away!

This is because such templates are either generic in nature or unlikely to reflect your unique attributes. Moreover, they may be outdated as admission requirements can change over time and thus, using a template that does not take into account up-to-date information or trends in the field could hurt your chances of getting admitted.

Furthermore, most universities require applicants to write a statement of purpose that accurately reflects their personality and aspirations; therefore, it would be difficult for you to personalize a template written by someone else.

Finally, using a template from the internet- even for inspiration- also reduces your creativity and originality, which can be important factors in the selection process . Although it’s hard, take the time to write a statement of purpose that reflects your own unique experiences and qualifications.

Don’t rush it

Writing an economics PhD statement of purpose can be as time-consuming as preparing for the GRE. It is important to allow a sufficient amount of time in its writing as this document will provide insight into your academic and personal background, relevant experiences, and your future goals. A well-written statement of purpose can make or break your chance of being accepted into a competitive program; therefore, it is essential to invest sufficient time into constructing the perfect statement that reflects who you are as a person and student. Taking this extra step to create a thoughtful and compelling statement shows how genuinely serious you are about being accepted into the program.

(If you are wondering about what to look for in a PhD program, watch this quick video where I break it down for you.)

Stay Organized

Structure is key when it comes to the statement of purpose. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the stage for your academic journey. Move on to discussing your educational background and research experiences, followed by your long-term goals and how the Economics PhD program aligns with those aspirations. Lastly, conclude with a brief summary that ties together all of the aforementioned elements. Remember, clear and concise writing goes a long way.

Know your audience and avoid TMI

The importance of presenting a scientific tone in a statement of purpose cannot be overstated. The tone used in any statement of purpose should always reflect a level of academic professionalism – such as avoiding slang words and abbreviations – while still conveying enthusiasm for the subject matter. Keeping personal information to a minimum will demonstrate respect for the profession and also help focus attention on the most important elements presented in the statement of purpose. By being mindful when crafting your statement, you can ensure that your personal goals will be accurately represented and taken seriously.

Describe your prior research experience

If you’ve had the opportunity to engage in research before applying to the PhD program, don’t be afraid to flaunt it. Research experience can be a key factor in demonstrating your dedication to the field of economics in your application. It is important to highlight any research you have conducted, internships or summer programs that you may have participated in, and even any volunteer experience that provided an opportunity for research-related activities.

Examples of research activities could include conducting empirical studies, data analysis and modeling, or designing simulations and experiments. If available, try to provide tangible evidence of the impact of the research (such as publications, awards received, and presentations given). Additionally, make sure to explain how the knowledge gained through these experiences will help you contribute at an advanced level during your PhD program.

Highlight your research interests

Admissions committees want to know that you have a deep understanding of economics and a clear direction for your research. Spend a paragraph or two discussing the areas of economics that you find most fascinating and why. Demonstrate that you are familiar with the current literature in your field and show how your research interests fit into the broader economic landscape.

Economics is a broad field with a lot of sub-disciplines. It’s important to show that you have clear research interests and have done your homework on the program you’re applying to. Talk about specific research questions you’re interested in exploring and how they relate to the program’s strengths. Don’t just regurgitate the program’s website; show that you’re genuinely excited about the research possibilities at your fingertips.

Discuss your research goals

Admissions committees want to know that you have a clear and ambitious pathway for your future. Discuss your long-term goals and how obtaining a PhD in economics will help you achieve them. Doing so can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and show that you have thoughtfully considered your future endeavors. To discuss your long-term research goals, consider how the research you want to do aligns with the program’s focus, if there are any professors whose work aligns with yours that you would like to collaborate with, and what legacies or contributions you hope to make within the field.

Additionally, think through any challenges or problems you’d like to tackle with your research as well as how this particular program supports those ambitions. Be sure to also explain why these objectives are meaningful and important to you. Doing so can help differentiate you from other applicants and give them a better sense of what makes you unique from the rest of the pool of applicants. Be sure to focus on your individual objectives and how they will contribute to the field, rather than generic goals everyone shares. This will show that you have put time into thinking about your own personal growth within the field, and what kind of mark you hope to leave behind.

By including your long-term research goals in your economics PhD statement of purpose, you can demonstrate that you understand the importance of understanding one’s audience and how to tailor communication strategies accordingly. Doing so shows that you are not only passionate about the field but also have the competence to excel in the program. Additionally, it helps to show that you have put thought into planning and setting achievable goals for yourself. Utilize this opportunity to make an impression on the reader and create a vivid picture of your future aspirations and plans within this field.

Discuss your short-term and long-term career goals

The importance of aligning your short-term and long-term career goals with the training provided by the PhD program cannot be overstated. By clearly outlining these aspirations in your statement of purpose, you can present yourself as an ideal candidate who has taken time to consider how this particular program fits their academic and professional needs. Doing so provides admissions committees with evidence that you are well-suited for success within that field, while also demonstrating an understanding of current developments or trends in the discipline. In addition, sharing your long-term career goals gives insight into what sort of research you plan to pursue after graduation.

Show, Don’t Tell

We’ve all heard this phrase at some point in our academic careers, but what does it actually mean? Don’t just state that you’re passionate about economics and that you are great at research; instead, demonstrate your knowledge of economic terminology and methods, your research and analytical abilities, your communication skills, and your ability to think critically and write effectively.

Examples of ways to demonstrate these skills include referencing relevant economic theories or principles when discussing your past academic experiences, providing evidence of independent research you have conducted, outlining how your current studies will help you accomplish future goals related to economics, and effectively communicating ideas through clear and concise writing.

Additionally, demonstrating an understanding of the program’s requirements as well as knowledge of the faculty members’ interests can be beneficial. By showcasing your academic strengths on paper, admissions committees can gain a better understanding of your potential as an economics PhD student .

Avoid buzzwords and jargon

While it may be tempting to use buzzwords like “innovative” or “cutting-edge,” refrain from doing so. These words have become so overused and vague that they’ve lost all meaning. It is also important to avoid using jargon because it can be confusing and off-putting to readers.

Jargon is highly specific language that may only be used by experts in the field–meaning that it will not be understood by people who are unfamiliar with the topic. A statement of purpose should instead explain major concepts in plain language so that anyone reading it can understand your goals and motivations for pursuing a doctorate in economics.

By avoiding jargon, you ensure that your message comes across clearly and effectively, which can help convince readers why you are an ideal candidate for the program. Additionally, using plain language helps communicate your enthusiasm and knowledge about the subject while showing you have done your research. In this way, you can make a strong impression and stand out from other applicants.

Ask for feedback

When writing a statement of purpose, it is important to seek input from other academics. Doing so provides an opportunity to obtain valuable feedback and advice about topics such as organization, content structure, and language usage. Additionally, obtaining feedback from multiple sources helps ensure that the statement of purpose reflects the desired tone and goals. Furthermore, seeking out input can provide new perspectives on your written work which can in turn help you develop a more compelling statement of purpose.

Don’t hesitate to seek out a professional opinion as you work on your statement of purpose. It is important to reach out to individuals who are knowledgeable about academia and have credentials that support their expertise. Potential contacts may include professors, economists from think tanks or research institutes, and PhD admissions professionals. When contacting these individuals, clearly explain why you need their advice and what you hope to gain from it.

It is also important to consider other resources that can provide valuable feedback and information related to economics PhD programs. Research papers, books, websites, articles, and podcasts can be helpful tools for gaining knowledge about potential programs and understanding what successful applicants have done to gain admission. Utilizing these sources can help you refine your statement of purpose so that it accurately reflects your interests and goals within economics.

Finally, attending events hosted by universities or discussion groups organized by economists are excellent ways to learn more about the field and hear from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. With a combination of the right resources and academic experts, you will be well-equipped to make your statement of purpose stand out from other applicants.

In sum, writing an effective economics PhD statement of purpose requires synthesizing your research strengths and interests, as well as discussing what makes you the ideal candidate. By following the tips provided in this blog post, you can craft a powerful essay that will likely make a lasting impression on admissions committees.

Keep in mind that it is important to dedicate ample time to restructuring, drafting, and revising your essay. For further assistance in polishing your essay before submitting it or to gain additional insights into creating an effective statement of purpose, check out our statement of purpose editing services . Crafting a well-written statement of purpose that highlights how you can contribute to the program can significantly increase your chances of success! Got questions about the application process, or would like to get a quick assessment of your SOP? Sign up for a consultation , or send us your draft for an estimate. It’s FREE!

With a Master’s from McGill University and a Ph.D. from New York University, Philippe Barr is the founder of The Admit Lab . As a tenure-track professor, Philippe spent a decade teaching and serving on several graduate admission committees at UNC-Chapel Hill before turning to full-time consulting. With more than seven years of experience as a graduate school admissions consultant, Philippe has stewarded the candidate journey across multiple master’s and Ph.D. programs and helped hundreds of students get admitted to top-tier graduate programs all over the world .

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for tips and tricks on navigating the grad school application process and weekly live Q&A sessions!

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD Admission

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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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.

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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 PhD

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA

Statement of purpose sample for computer science 2

Statement of Purpose Sample in Cognitive Science

Statement of Purpose sample for mathematics

Statement of Purpose sample for MBA with Engineering Background

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Pyschology

Statement of Purpose Sample for Computer Science

Statement of Purpose sample for Business Management

Statement of Purpose sample for Masters in Public Health

Statement of Purpose for MBA Sample (Ivy school)

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PhD applicants: Writing your statement of purpose (social science and humanities)

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In this blog post, Chris Blattman gives advice on how to write a compelling statement of purpose for PhD applicants in the social science and humanities. Excerpt: I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant. Read the full article here.

Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

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6.0. Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

The doctoral program in Agricultural and Applied Economics is designed to develop a broad based competence in economic theory and in techniques of quantitative analysis. Dissertation research of students in our department usually addresses applied problems using contemporary economic theory and analytical methods. Students completing our program have demonstrated a high degree of success in academics, business, and government.

Two options are offered for the Doctor of Philosophy in the Agricultural and Applied Economics program. The first option does not require a minor. The second option includes a minor in Family Financial Planning—a joint Ph.D. program between the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the College of Human Sciences. Completion of the Doctoral program in Agricultural and Applied Economics with a minor in Family Financial Planning qualifies graduates to take an exam administered by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards to become Certified Financial Planners.

6.1. Prerequisites

Most students will have completed the requirements for an M.S. degree or its equivalent before admission to the doctoral program. If the Master's degree does not meet the prerequisite requirements for entering our Master of Science program (see Section 5.1) then those requirements must be met in order to enter the Ph.D. program. Some exceptional students will be offered the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. directly from a Bachelor's program. In this case, see the Graduate Coordinator for course and program requirements.

Background in algebra, partial and total differentiation, integration and basic matrix or linear algebra operations are very useful to perform well in coursework and research work.

6.2. Credit Hour Requirements

The doctoral program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree and at least 12 credit hours of dissertation research (AAEC 8000).

6.3. Transfer of Credit

Transfer of graduate credit from other academic institutions may be allowed. The request for transfer must be initiated by the student and supported by the student's committee chair. Transfer decisions are made by the department Graduate Coordinator and must be approved by the Graduate School . Information required in support of transfer requests includes academic transcripts and course catalogue descriptions of each course proposed for transfer. Course syllabi may also be requested to support transfer decisions.

6.4. Substitution for Core Courses

Substitutions for core courses are allowed only under unusual circumstances. Requests for substitutions for core courses must be initiated by the student and his or her committee chair, to the department Graduate Coordinator and must be approved by the Graduate School . Final decisions on substitutions for core courses taught outside our department are made by the department Graduate Coordinator . Decisions on core courses taught in the department are made by the current instructor of the core course being replaced.

6.5. Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

The purpose of the Ph.D. comprehensive examination is to test the student's ability to integrate knowledge from various subject matter areas and apply appropriate concepts and tools to issues and problems relevant to the discipline. The comprehensive exam is administered by a departmental committee twice each year (usually in May and August) and is normally taken at the end of the first full year of coursework. The exam has two parts which are taken separately. Part 1 of the exam focuses econometric methods and Part 2 covers microeconomic theory. Students have two opportunities to pass both parts of the exam. If both parts of the exam are passed on the first attempt then the student has successfully completed this degree requirement. If one or both parts of the exam are failed on the first attempt (usually in May), the student must retake the failed part(s) at the next offering (in the following August). A second failure of either part of the comprehensive exam will result in dismissal from the student's Ph.D. program.

6.6. Qualifying Examination and Admission to Candidacy

Graduate school rules require that all doctoral students successfully complete a Qualifying Examination for admission to candidacy for the doctor's degree. In the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics the Dissertation Proposal Defense serves as the Qualifying Exam. Students are allowed two attempts to satisfactorily complete this examination. Failure to satisfactorily complete the examination on a second attempt will result in dismissal from the Ph.D. program. Further information on the Dissertation Proposal and Proposal Defense is provided in Section 9.0 of this Handbook.

6.7. Final Examination

All doctoral candidates are required to pass a public final oral examination which is usually over the general field of the dissertation. Candidates should consult the Graduate School for details regarding scheduling of the final examination. After the final examination, the professor conducting comprehensive exams will send a written notification of the results to the Graduate Secretary for the student's graduate file.

Doctoral candidates, with their major advisor, are required to find their own Dean's Representative for the Graduate School for their defense, preferably someone outside of the department.

Public announcement of exams will be done through the department Graduate Secretary. Exams must be announced at least four weeks prior to the exam date, without exception.

6.9. Degree Program Course Requirements

Listed below are the course requirements for the Ph.D. program options. Courses listed specifically by number are core courses. Note that the option II course requirements have been revised in consultation with the Department of Personal Financial Planning.

Ph.D in Agricultural and Applied Economics - No Minor Required (option1) 1

Course number / course title / credit hours.

• AAEC 5303 / Advanced Production Economics / 3
• AAEC 5307 / Applied Econometrics I / 3
• AAEC 6316 / Advanced International Trade and Policy / 3
• AAEC 5321 / Research Methodology in Economics/ 3
• AAEC 6302 / Food, Ag., and Nat. Resource Policy Analysis / 3
• AAEC 6305 / Economic Optimization / 3
• AAEC 6308 / Advanced Natural Resource Economics / 3
• AAEC 6310 / Demand and Price Analysis / 3
• AAEC 6311 / Applied Econometrics II / 3
• AAEC 6301 / Microeconomic Theory II / 3
• AAEC 6315 / Applied Microeconomics I / 3
• ECO 5311 / Macroeconomic Theory and Policy / 3
• Committee Approved Field Courses / / 24
• AAEC 8000 / Doctor's Dissertation / 12

Total Credit Hours 72

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics - Minor in Family Financial Planning (option 2) 1,2

• AAEC 8000 / Doctor's Dissertation / 21
• PFP 5371 / Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning / 3
• PFP 5372 / Asset Management II / 3
• PFP 5373 / Personal Financial Planning Cpstn. / 3
• PFP 5394 / Retirement Planning / 3
• PFP 5497 / Risk Management and Insurance Planning / 4
• PFP 5398 / Estate Planning / 3
• PFP 5362 / Asset Management I / 3
• PFP 5377 / Client Communication and Counseling / 3
• ACCT 5311 / Individual Study in Accounting / 3

total credit hours 85

1 Numbered courses are core courses. 2 Draft revisions pending review and approval of AAEC faculty.

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Sample Statement of Purpose – Economics

This sample SOP is for applying to a master’s program in Economics in the UK.

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Statement of Purpose – Economics

I am applying to your MSc Economics program for fall 20XX intake. With my background of academic and professional experiences, I am confident that I have what it takes to stand out and excel in your program.

My interest in economics can be traced back to the influence of my grandfather, who has owned a shop since the 1940s. As a child, I often visited him and enjoyed helping in his shop. I saw how he decided what products to stock, how he satisfied customers, and how he negotiated prices to remain competitive. When studying economics in school, I was able to relate the concepts and theories I learned to their practical, real-life implications in my grandfather’s shop. As I ventured further into this field, I grew interested in how these concepts apply not only to small or large firms but also to entire nations and the global economy. Later, majoring in Economics at Goodwell University, I grew interested in how these concepts apply not only to small or large firms, but also to entire nations and the global economy.

Upon graduating from the university, I joined a transport organization, where I was able to apply what I had learned as an undergraduate. As a Trainer in the Shipping Division, I undertook various cost control measures to improve productivity and ensured that the safety guidelines were met. In the process, I got hands-on experience and learned about how a large-scale firm such as this manages its economic affairs. This has been a very instructive experience for me, as I have learned to adapt to a professional environment and have seen that, through hard work, I am capable of achieving any goal that I set for myself.

In my personal as well as professional affairs, I am driven by a belief in the importance of generosity and giving back to one’s community. I believe that the true meaning of life lies in giving happiness to others while following your own ambitions at the same time. In keeping with this spirit, I have recently begun devoting my free time to volunteering in the National Association of the Deaf, where I tutor students and work to raise awareness and funds. This experience has also influenced my career goals, as I hope to venture into teaching and have a positive impact on young minds. I am convinced that the subject of economics is relevant to virtually every aspect of people’s lives; this is evidenced by the work of Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, who has proven that economists have the power to affect meaningful change in their communities. I therefore view a profession in economics as a very meaningful and inspiring career.

Although the education I have received thus far has been top notch, I am determined to study abroad for my master’s degree, for a number of reasons. The UK has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in terms of its advanced academic programs, especially in economics, and it is an important leader in the global economy. It Is vital that I gain international experience and familiarize myself with different cultures at this stage in my career, and the diverse environment of your school is therefore ideal for me. Perhaps most importantly, I know that I need to challenge myself if I am to continue progressing and reach my full potential in this field. I am therefore committed to joining your challenging and renowned program, putting forth all of my effort to not only receive the best education possible but also contribute to your dynamic and diverse academic environment.

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