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Introduction and thesis statement (Say what you want to do)
Before writing an essay you must have a thesis statement. This is one sentence announcing the central idea of the paper. It must be specific. This statement should sum up the basic meaning of the essay and signal to the reader what to expect.
The first sentence is the most important one because it get's the reader's attention.
The first paragraph (introduction) is very important. It should "hook" the reader, i.e. make him or her want to continue reading.

The body of the paper (Do it)
Each paragraph should deal with one central idea. This idea is introduced early in a topic sentence, telling the reader what to expect in the paragraph. Several ideas in one paragraph will only confuse the reader. If the central idea has several supporting points, break it into several paragraphs rather than having one very long paragraph.
It is not enough to simply state ideas, you must support them. By giving evidence, you convince readers of the truth and accuracy of your ideas. If you successfully prove your statements, the reader should agree with your conclusion.
As a writer, you must structure the sequence of ideas carefully and logically. You are mapping a course, leading the reader through the points that support your thesis. You do not want to confuse the reader. Transitions between paragraphs link them together logically. These "connecting sentences" keep the paper flowing smoothly.

Conclusion (Say what you have done)
Restates the thesis and main points supporting it. In the conclusion, the writer should give some new ideas or information to challenge the reader to think further.

"Graduate schools and competitive undergraduate programs want students who are able to think clearly, without confusion. The statement of purpose will demonstrate, fortunately or unfortunately, whether you possess that quality. When one reads a proposal that is poorly organized, filled with EXTRANEOUS details, and foggily focused, one gets the immediate impression that the mind that produced such confusion can never be disciplined enough to regard facts objectively and present them logically." (Leedy, Paul D., Practical Research Planning and Design, MacMillan Publishing, Co., New York, 1993.)

Step One: Know Yourself
With the statement of purpose you can persuade the admissions committee to accept you. In order to convince them, you must be convinced yourself. You must be sure of what you want, why you want it, and why that particular program can help you. Why should the school select you over someone else? YOU MUST KNOW YOURSELF. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Before beginning to write, think. Review your intellectual and personal development over your academic career. When you can clearly articulate the history that led you to decide to apply to a particular American program, you are ready to begin writing.

Step Two: An Outline
This does not need to be written in complete sentences. The outline below is just an example. The points you want to discuss can be in a different order, as long as you have an introduction, body, and conclusion. You need to decide what order of ideas is the best for your essay. You want the strongest and most logical essay that you can write.

Step Three: Writing the Statement
If you have done a good job with steps one and two, the writing should come easily. Keep the following points in mind:

1. The first sentence is the most important one. You want the reader's attention.

2. Cut out any sentences that are not absolutely necessary. Every sentence should be important and clearly stated. Most points can be made without a lot of necessary background.

3. Be self-confident. Frame everything positively. Use phrases such as "actively participated in" rather than "although I was only an assistant". Even if your English is horrible, do NOT tell them. Your TOEFL scores will indicate your English ability. Do not write any negative statements.

4. They are looking to see if your background and expectations match with what they offer. The more specific you can be with each institution you are applying to, the more convincing you will be.

5. If written correctly, the statement of purpose should show that you are goal-oriented, that you can identify what you want, and that you have taken steps to obtain those goals.

The emphasis in your statement of purpose depends on where you are applying.

Undergraduate Program
Put emphasis on you as a whole person, not just academic ability. They are looking for a well-rounded person who will adapt well into the school's social as well as academic community. Be sure to mention sports, volunteer activities, dance or music lessons, hobbies, etc.

Graduate School
The emphasis here is on scholarship and your research interests. While you want to come through as a person, you want to focus on those aspects of your personality that relate to your intellectual and academic interests and goals.

Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships
What you include in your essay should depend on the purpose of the scholarship. Whom does the organization want to support?
• If it is a women's organization, emphasize how your goals relate to you as a woman.
• If it is a scientific organization, explain your scientific achievments and future goals.
• If the fellowship is for a business program, your work experience in the business world will be more important than your university coursework.

Internships
Emphasize practical work experience. You want to include your academic accomplishments, but this is secondary. It does not have to be paid work; organizations, committee work, and classroom projects at the university are also important.
Demonstrate how that internship will help further your professional goals.
Highlight the qualities that make you right for that job. If the job involves sales, you want to stress your ability to get along with people. If the job involves research, emphasize your powers of concentration and persistence.

Be honest. Be confident and positive without being pushy or demanding.

There is a saying, "Nothing good is ever written, it is re-written". No one ever writes a perfect first draft.

Do not be discouraged if you are not accepted. Be constructive and analyze the possible reasons for your rejection. Could your statement of purpose have been stronger? Are your academic qualifications strong enough for that program? Maybe it really is not the right program for your goals.

Another saying is, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again". If you really want to study in the U.S., look into other programs. If you were rejected from a school that you feel is really the best for you, improve your weak points, work on new projects that show you are serious about your goals, and reapply.