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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.

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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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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] . 

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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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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Application Requirements

The following must be submitted to complete your application.

• Statement of Purpose
• Verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores on the GRE (GRE is optional for Fall 2024 admissions)
• TOEFL or IELTS score for non-native English speakers. The department code for the TOEFL is 84. Emory’s code is 5187. If you have completed a degree in an English speaking institution, we will waive the TOEFL requirement.
• Academic Record (Note: We require copies of all transcripts; however, the transcripts can be unofficial copies. You will only be asked to submit official transcripts if you are admitted into the program.)
• Three to four Letters of Recommendation
• Previous training in economics
• Previous training in mathematics and statistics (including calculus, linear algebra, econometrics, mathematical economics)
• If available, evidence of scholarly research and publications

A Master's Degree is not required for entering the PhD program, but applicants with Bachelor's degrees need to demonstrate a strong mathematical and statistical background and a commitment to graduate study in economics. The department does not have a predetermined formula for weighing admission criteria nor any rigid cut-off points on these criteria.

The primary consideration is the likelihood that the candidate will be able to complete the PhD program with distinction and utilize the acquired knowledge and skills effectively in a future career. Each application is examined by the admission committee that consists of tenured and tenure-track economics faculty.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the minimum application requirements listed by the Laney Graduate School, the Department of Economics PhD program also requires:

• Writing Sample : A writing sample may be a paper that you wrote for a course or any other relevant paper that you have written (solo or co-authored work). Your writing sample should be uploaded in the "Attach Documents" section of the application form. 
• Research Interest:  Choose among the listed area of interests. Only one area can be chosen.
• Research Experience : List any research experiences that you see as relevant for preparing you for graduate school and a future career in economics.

Application FAQs

General Application Instructions

Before applying, please review the Laney Graduate School’s general application requirements and instructions.

Renee Sevy-Hasterok

Graduate program coordinator.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congrats! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even wrote a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is, the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be?

“A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11- or 12-pt) and leave enough whitespace in the margins to make the statement easy-to-read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

Interested in learning more about Northeastern’s graduate programs?

Get your questions answered by our enrollment team.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. He explains:

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly. Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, he suggests asking yourself these key questions:

• Why do I want this degree?
• What are my expectations for this degree?
• What courses or program features excite me the most?
• Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
• How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point that you’ll use to create an outline and your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

• An attention-grabbing hook
• A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
• Your professional goals as they relate to the program you’re applying to
• Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
• A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well-organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

• Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
• Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
• Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

• Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
• Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
• Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a Lasting Impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related Grad School Success articles .

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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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.

Drop us a draft of your SOP, PS, LOI, ML, &/or LOR for

• Expert 1 v 1 Guidance (includes reviewing and editing)
• Review and edit

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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)

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The humanitarian side of economics.

It might not come as a surprise to you when we say that your career choice has set you up perfectly to go into almost any NGO anywhere in the world, due to the versatility of economics.

However, the popularity of work in the humanitarian sector is also growing as time passes, meaning a Master’s degree will help you get in the door, but voluntary work is often necessary, too.

If you’re fresh out of college, great! Voluntary work can provide you with some types of experience and opportunities you might not be able to enjoy otherwise, and that can really help guide you later when it comes to choosing a Master’s degree or further study in a specialism, and getting started learning a second language. Get onto the NGO ladder quickly, through a Masters or by working with an appropriate organization, and you’ll position yourself perfectly for one of the higher-flying humanitarian jobs out there.

The United Nations was recently searching for an Economic Affairs Officer to work at their duty station in New York. They were looking for a candidate with an advanced university degree in economics or a related field, or an individual with a first-level university degree and two additional years of qualifying work experience.

Responsibilities in this post included economic or sector analysis: monitoring economic developments in landlocked developing countries; the design and completion of studies of specific issues in economic development, including infrastructure development, trade and trade facilitation, regional integration and structural transformation and draft resulting reports; organizing expert group meetings, seminars, etc., on development and economic issues; plus other duties.

Amnesty International Hong Kong was looking for Business and Human Rights Strategy Advisor/Analyst at the time of writing, with proven knowledge and first-hand experience of undertaking high quality advocacy and in-depth specialist knowledge in the field of business, economics and human rights on an international level. Other skills necessary for the position include being able to strategically plan, negotiate and influence others; manage projects and give accurate and succinct guidance to others; be able to write and speak with excellent skill in English, as an essential component, and Mandarin language skills highly desirable.

The role includes leading the development of global and high profile advocacy and campaigning strategies of Amnesty International, with a specific focus on the role of Chinese business operations outside of China.

UN Women is looking for a New York based Programme Specialist, who will manage and monitor the portfolio of Asia and Pacific grants for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF); provide technical support and guidance to Asia and Pacific portfolio grantees; provide technical support in the grant-making process of the Asia and Pacific portfolio, communications of the Asia and Pacific portfolio; provide knowledge management and capacity development support to the Asia and Pacific portfolio.

To get this post you’ll need a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Sociology, International Development Studies, and a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Results Based Management is an asset. Experience-wise, you’ll need a minimum of five years of relevant national/international experience working in international development, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment; knowledge and experience related to violence against women and girls; etc. Only English is required.

Rovingbandit.com has compiled a list to help economists find international development jobs, which might be an excellent resource for you if you’d like to read around this area and get a job working for a humanitarian organization.  

It’s useful and beneficial for your career development to study a Master’s degree. It might not be possible to apply right after completing a Bachelor’s, but it’s well worth aiming to do one if you can. There are a lot of different schools all over the world that run great programs, so don’t limit yourself to your own country right from the beginning. See what the world has to offer! American programs are often extremely expensive and not necessarily better if you plan to get a job outside of the US anyway.

There’s an M.A. in Development and International Economics at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Kingston University, UK. It will help you develop knowledge and the ability to research the key issues and long-term historical trends concerning the development process and international economics; develop your mastery of fundamental principles of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory; enable you to develop a deep familiarity with major issues in economic history and economic thought from the early modern period to present day. It’s a 1-year course costing 12,500 GBP for non- EAA students.

The Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy runs a M.A in Development Economics and International Cooperation that uses an interdisciplinary methodology to development. It’s taught in English and provides a solid grounding in the most recent economic theory, as well as econometrics and statistics. Students from all over the world have studied on the program, which includes modules in Credit, Growth and Welfare; Topics in Development Economics; Education, Labor and Gender Issues for Developing Countries, etc.

There’s an M.Sc. in International Economics at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, too, which is oriented towards the theories and policies of international economics, its legal aspects, strategy planning, and advanced methods of modern economic analysis. You’ll explore modules like Microeconomics and Game Theory, International Law, Business Strategy and Development, Investment Analysis and Management, plus many more.

The M.A in International Politics and Economics at Kingston University delves into the political side of economics, including modules on International Political Economy: Capitalism, Imperialism and the State; and optional modules like Economic Change and Ideas, The Theory and Practice of International Relations, Political Economy: Effective Demand, Exploitation and Crisis, and many more.

If Germany is more your sort of place in the world, you could study a M.A. in International Economics, Business and Cultural Diplomacy at The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies, Berlin, Germany. This fascinating institution gathers together individuals that are passionate about cultural diplomacy, and this one-year program offers its students two semesters of study, followed by a Professional Development Training Program that’s individually designed for each student and a thesis-writing period at the end of the course. You’ll study modules like The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy; International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy; Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy; elective modules like National Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy; European Politics; International Economic Organizations & Culural Diplomacy; International Economics; International Business Strategy; International Finance and Accounting.

Sweden also offers some interesting courses for economists, like the M.Sc. in Urban, Regional and International Economics at Jonkoping University. This program covers mathematical methods for economics and financial analysis; advanced macroeconomics and growth; economics of cities and spatial growth; globalization of economic activity; entrepreneurship, innovation and growth; international trade analysis. It’s a two-year course. 

So, are you feeling fired up? If you’ve just got to do a Master’s, but you’re anxious about how you’ll put yourself across in your personal statement of purpose, just get in touch. We have extensive experience helping people just like you all over the world.

Beautifully crafted statement, thanks.

C.E. (Application for Master’s in Economics April 2011)

Statements of Excellence in Economics

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Personal Statement of Purpose for Admission to Graduate School in Economics, Master's, Doctorate. Building new understandings of Economics as a human centered reality in need of rigorous humanistic investigation.

 We share a critical stance towards conventional or traditional economic theory insofar as it has all too often tended to appeal to a most abstract version of humanity. Many economists share our opinion that it is not necessarily human nature to always prefer more wealth to less; and subsequently, we feel that this assumption does not serve as an adequate theoretical basis for a science of political economy. Unfortunately, today this dominant understanding of human economic activity which paints us all as greedy, self-seeking creatures has tended to become the unquestioned ‘truth’ that has led to many of today’s social and environmental problems.

 Just as the desire for more wealth clearly does not define our every action, the humanist critique of modern economics includes the assertion that ‘what is economically rational is often socially or morally unreasonable’. In all aspects of life we face choices that could lead to many different outcomes. Nevertheless, it is exactly this human choice that is ignored in economic rationality, which is myopically concerned only with the satisfaction of self-interest.

 We draft eloquent, incisive statements with a humanistic emphasis and we do so on behalf of clients from around the world who are applying to graduate school in Economics. When you fill out our Online Interview Form , please provide us with the link to the program to which you are applying. This way, we can make your statement much stronger by tailoring it to that particular program and what that program is looking for in an applicant.

A common assumption of economic analysis is that individuals are rational and self-interested. In your statement, you need to explain to the Admission Committee how it is in your rational self-interest to embark upon graduate school in economics. Tell me how you feel about these issues, as this will help to direct me. Is self-interest moral, amoral, or immoral? Is morality a matter of individuals taking responsibility for their lives and working to achieve happiness? Or is morality a matter of individuals accepting responsibility for others and being willing to forgo or sacrifice for them? This is the debate in ethics between egoism and altruism and it is of central importance to the applicant seeking to undertake graduate study in economics.

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Economics & ethics: how i can help you get admitted to graduate school in economics..

Economics and Ethics

As someone with a PHD in Social Ethics, I tend to see economic issues as intimately connected with ethical  issues. Take the economic practice of doing a cost-benefit analysis. You could spend one hundred dollars for a night on the town, or you could donate that one hundred dollars to the reelection campaign of your favorite politician. Which option is better? The night on the town increases pleasure. A politician’s successful campaign may lead to more liberty in the long term. We regularly make decisions like this, weighing our options by measuring their likely costs and likely benefits against each other.

This connects economics directly to a major issue in ethics: By what standard do we determine what counts as a benefit or a cost? A list of competing candidates for the status of ultimate value standard includes happiness, satisfying the will of God, long-term survival, liberty, duty, and equality.

Economists implicitly adopt a value framework when beginning a cost-benefit analysis. Different value commitments can lead to the same item being considered a cost from one perspective and a benefit from another. For example, those whose standard of value is increasing human happiness would count a new road to a scenic mountain vista as a benefit, while those whose standard is maintaining an unchanged natural environment would count it as a cost.

The results of economic analysis also lead directly to ethical issues. For example, one result of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century debate over capitalism and socialism is a general consensus that capitalism is effective at producing wealth and socialism is effective at keeping people poor. Advocates of capitalism use these results to argue that capitalism is good; others might respond that “socialism is good in theory, but unfortunately it is not practical.” Implicit in the capitalist position is the view that practical consequences determine goodness. By contrast, implicit in the position of those who believe socialism to be an impractical moral ideal is the view that goodness is distinct from practical consequences.

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sop for phd in economics

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Every student with the dream of becoming a global financial expert will want to acquire research experience from top international universities. Such expertise will foster your skills to formulate learned decisions in an official capacity. The qualification will also allow you to take your career to new heights whether you want to continue with a research career or become an economics professor.  If your plan is to get a doctorate in economics but got stuck with the SOP, don’t worry. We are here to help

Sample sop for PhD

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Declaimer: Given above is a sample statement of purpose for economics PhD pdf.  Please do not copy and adapt the above text for your personal needs. Even if you change the important parts, there is a high probability that it will be flagged as plagiarism. Using even a few borrowed sentences for your own document could potentially reduce your chances. If you wish to get premium quality SOPs that are free from duplicated content, you reach out to us through the contact box.

SOP Samples For Masters

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Elements That Make An SOP For PhD In Economics

Certain elements make a Statement of Purpose for PhD in economics more interesting. These elements should be added to your essay while maintaining its flow.

Introduction

Every decent piece of writing should begin with an attractive opening. A short narration, a quotation, or even an appealing declaration result in a good intro. The initial paragraph should serve as an overview of the various ideas that are to follow it.

Academic Experience

 It is reasonable to start the core of your essay with your academic credentials. The coursework, projects, and supplementary papers that you have taken on can be included in this section. Your nonacademic accomplishments will also make valuable content.

Professional Experience

In a statement of purpose for PhD in economics, you can mention all professional responsibilities you have held. But make sure to highlight and focus on those positions which are relevant and related to monetary decision making.

As experienced SOP makers, we have offered help to countless students with their sop for PhD in economics, finance management, and other topics. This understanding guides us to create motivation letters that can make a difference.

Hire our SOP PhD writing services and get closer to your dream of becoming an economics researcher.

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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.

If you need help writing your SOP, check out our SOP Writing Service

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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