How to write the statement of purpose?

[ekonomiks]

What do admissions committees look for in a statement of purpose? Is it an important component of the application?

[PostModern]

I don't have much of an idea yet about what a successful statement of purpose looks like. But I know for sure that it is way more important than in Econ applications, especially because the admission requirements are less standardized in Political Science. One thing you should definitely mention is which faculty members you hope to work with and why. You want to make sure that your application gets into the right hands.

[ekonomiks]

So if you mentioned a professor's name, your application will be sent to him for consideration?

[PostModern]

I think this is pretty likely to happen, once you are among the candidates that are in closer consideration. So I presume that finding the right balance between general remarks about your motivation and details about your research plans is important.