how to write a phd essay

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Write The Best Ph.D. Essay By Following These Tips!

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Learn To Write Ph.D. Essay Through Ph.D. Essay Samples

Do you have to write a Ph.D. Essay but are stuck at the start? 

It can be hard to know where to start when writing an essay for Ph.D. It's even harder to make your essay stand out from the rest. Most students feel overwhelmed, and many struggle to produce their best work. 

But don’t be stressed! 

In this blog, you’ll find tips and steps that can help ease your writing process. We've put together these steps to help you write an amazing Ph.D. essay that will set you apart!

Let’s get into it!

• 1. How Do You Write a Phd Essay?
• 2. PhD Essay Format
• 3. PhD Essay Examples by Experts
• 4. Interesting Phd Essay Topics

How Do You Write a Phd Essay?

There are a few general things to keep in mind when writing a Ph.D. essay. 

First, your essay should be clear and concise. It should get straight to the point without beating around the bush. Your main point should be well-defined.

Second, you need to make sure that your essay is well-organized and flows smoothly from start to finish. All paragraphs should be connected in some logical manner and should sound coherent.

Lastly, your essay should be free of errors. Errors can be grammatical, structural, and factual. You need to ensure that all types of errors are removed from your essay.

With these general things in mind, let's take a closer look at how to write a Ph.D. essay step by step. 

Have a Strong Personal Statement

Your PhD essay should contain a strong personal statement . A personal statement should be personal and should showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments. Ideally, it should answer questions such as:

• Why do you want to complete further research in this field?
• Why have you chosen to apply to this particular university?
• How does this program align with your career goals?

Pick a Specific Topic

The first step in writing a Ph.D. essay is picking a topic. Ideally, you should pick a topic that you're passionate about, and that falls within your field of expertise. 

This will make writing your essay much easier.

Although, choosing a topic at the Ph.D. level is not as simple. The topic must be highly specific and should include terms that are technical but clearly defined. 

The exact topic you will finally choose depends on your discipline and the purpose of the essay. 

For instance, if the essay is for seeking admission into a Ph.D. program, then the topic shall focus on demonstrating your knowledge and interest. 

If it is part of an assignment, you must choose a topic that shows your learning and progress.

Take Time To Do Some Research

After you've chosen your topic, it's time to start researching. 

You'll need to read up on the latest scholarship to comprehensively understand the subject matter before you start writing your essay. 

It's important to remember that a good Ph.D. essay is based on solid evidence and sound arguments. If you don't have both of those things, your essay will fall flat no matter how well-written it is otherwise.

Researching for your essay includes doing a literature review and collecting evidence that can build up your point. 

You will have to read for information and comprehension simultaneously. 

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Create A Tentative Outline 

Once you've done all of your research, it's time to start making an outline for your essay. Making an outline is necessary for organizing your main points and the evidence you gathered. 

It will also help you organize your thoughts and structure your argument in a way that is easy for you to write. 

However, remember that you might need to change your outline as you proceed along the way. You inevitably have to edit your outline as you put more thought into it and perform more research. 

This is fine, so don’t worry if your outline doesn’t turn out perfect the first time. 

Still, once you begin writing, try to follow the outline so that you and your readers can easily follow your argument.

Produce The First Draft 

After you’ve produced an outline, start writing your essay. Elaborate on each point of the outline with as much detail as possible. 

Provide your evidence and an analysis of the evidence. Explain how the evidence proves or supports your point. Discuss any limitations, provide backing, and discuss related points. 

While producing the first draft, you will continuously need to go back to your outline and research. That will help you write a complete first draft that includes all the points you initially planned and add more relevant points.

Edit The First Draft

The next phase after writing the first draft is to edit it. Improve and build upon the points you wrote in the first draft. Improve the overall structure and the logical coherence of your argument.

You will have to go back to your outline and research yet again, as it will help you improve your first draft a lot. 

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Proofread, Format, And Finalize 

The final step of writing your Ph.D. essay is proofreading it and removing any errors. Remove any grammatical or other errors you spot in your essay. It will also help if you ask an expert to proofread your essay.

Moreover, you will also need to format your paper according to particular citation and formatting guidelines. 

There are several academic formatting styles, such as the APA , MLA , Chicago , AMA , Harvard , and others. Depending on your institution and discipline, you will be asked to format the paper according to one of these styles. 

Formatting your paper accurately is important at the Ph.D. level. However, there are many official online guides and software programs that will facilitate you in formatting your citations and pages. Or you can also take help from an essay writer.

And your essay is ready to go! Once your essay is successfully complete, read it thoroughly once again and submit it with confidence. 

PhD Essay Format

A PhD essay can be written in different citation styles , such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and others. 

But there are some formatting rules that are common across different formatting styles. These include:

• Title Page: Depending on your university’s requirements
• Line Spacing: Double-spaced (or 2.0)
• Indentation: First line indent - 0.5-inch
• Font Style: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12-pt normal text; 16-pt and 14-pt for headings
• Margins: 1-inch on both sides
• Alignment: Left-aligned
• PhD Essay Length: Usually varies from 900 words to 1500 words.

However, always confirm the formatting requirements from the university's guidelines before submitting the final version of your essay.

PhD Essay Examples by Experts

If you want to get an idea of how a well-written Ph.D. essay should look, check out a few examples and read them thoroughly. 

Here are a few examples you can read:

PhD Essay Example - Download Free PDF Sample

Md/Phd Essay Example - PDF Sample For Students

Read more Ph.D. essay samples to see how successful essays are written.

Interesting Phd Essay Topics

Writing a Ph.D. essay requires that you think carefully and critically about your topic.

You need to choose topics that fit the scope of your research and are within the subject matter of your academic discipline. 

Here are some examples of topics to consider: 

• Exploring the effects of climate change on developing countries 
• The role of effective leadership in corporate organizations 
• Assessing the impact of global warming on public health 
• Analyzing the effects of social media on youth mental health
• Investigating the implications of artificial intelligence on modern society
• Evaluating the effectiveness of international trade policies

These are a few examples that will help you think of your own topic.

So there you have it – everything you need to know about how to write a PhD essay. By following the tips and examples we’ve provided, you should be well on your way to producing an excellent paper. 

However, if you don’t have time to write a Ph.D. essay by yourself or are stuck with some problems, don’t stress! Our Ph.D. essay writing service will craft an essay for you in no time! 

Just say ' do my essay ', and at MyPerfectWords.com, our expert writers will craft a well-researched, custom essay just for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good phd essay.

A good Ph.D. essay is well-researched and based on reliable sources. The argument should be logically structured and supported by evidence. A good essay should also demonstrates originality in thought and creativity. Additionally, it must adhere to the specified academic style guidelines, such as APA or MLA formatting.

How do I choose a PhD essay topic?

To choose a PhD topic consider what interests you and begin researching relevant topics in your field of study. Narrow down your choices to those that focus on an area you are passionate about. Make sure the topic is original and within the scope of your research. Additionally, it should be feasible for you to acquire information and resources to complete your research.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

John K. is a professional writer and author with many publications to his name. He has a Ph.D. in the field of management sciences, making him an expert on the subject matter. John is highly sought after for his insights and knowledge, and he regularly delivers keynote speeches and conducts workshops on various topics related to writing and publishing. He is also a regular contributor to various online publications.

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How to Write a Doctoral Admissions Essay

Writing your doctoral admissions essay can feel like a big task but breaking it down into a few key components makes it manageable. At Touro University Worldwide, your essay should focus on three main areas: who you are, your career path, and your reasons for pursuing a doctorate. By organizing your thoughts around these points, you’ll create a clear and compelling essay that showcases your strengths and goals. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into writing a great doctoral admissions essay. 

Writing a Great Doctoral Admissions Essay

Each of the key elements, your biography, career plan, and doctoral program goals, work together to tell a complete story of who you are, your experience, and how the doctoral program will help you reach your career and research goals. By taking a step-by-step approach, you’ll not only clarify your ambitions but also show Touro University Worldwide why you’re an ideal fit for our program .

Biographical component:

In this section, describe your learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Focus on the most important lessons you’ve gained from formal education and any informal learning, such as internships or independent study. Include relevant work experience and previous research that shows how your skills have developed over time. Be sure to highlight your talents, passions, and motivation, connecting your journey to your decision to pursue a doctorate. 

Career plan component:

Here, explain your career goals and how they align with the doctoral program. Be specific about how the program will build on your background and help you move forward in your career. Detail how your previous experience has prepared you for the next step and how the doctoral program will help you reach those future milestones.

Doctoral program goals:

Start by explaining why you want to pursue doctoral study and why Touro University Worldwide is your program of choice. Talk about the research you’re passionate about and the areas you want to explore further. Include any specific skills you’re eager to develop or intellectual goals you want to achieve. If you already have ideas for your dissertation or research project, mention them here. Finally, connect all of these points to why you believe you’re uniquely suited to thrive in Touro University’s doctoral program.

Doctoral Admissions Essay Tips

Expect to write at least three drafts of your essay.

Your doctoral admissions essay should be a balance of information and compelling biographical narrative. The essay is a reflection of who you are and how you think, so make sure to be organized, writing with clarity and concision.

• Rough draft:    Get your ideas on paper without worrying too much about perfection. Afterward, proofread for basic errors and make any necessary edits
• Revised draft:   Make more in-depth revisions, focusing on improving the clarity, structure, and flow of your essay. Proofread again and polish the content.  
• Final draft:   This is where you ensure everything is perfect. Do a final proofread for grammar, punctuation, and overall presentation before submitting. Even the best writers can struggle to see their own mistakes, so it’s always a good idea to ask someone else to read your essay before you send it off.  

Balancing content and narrative

Your doctoral admissions essay should strike a balance between providing information and telling your story. It’s a reflection of who you are and how you think, so make sure your writing is clear, concise, and well-organized. Focus on making your narrative compelling, while still delivering key information about your background, career goals, and motivation. 

Submitting your essay

When submitting, include a cover letter and title your essay “Doctoral Admission Essay.” Don’t forget to date your submission and ensure all documents are addressed correctly to Touro University Worldwide. 

Touro University Worldwide Doctorate Degrees

Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers a range of doctoral programs tailored for professionals aiming to advance in their careers.

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Health Science
• Doctor of Management
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology
• Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology – Organizational Leadership
• Doctorate of Physician Assistant

These doctorate degrees provide the tools and knowledge needed to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Following these steps will help you craft an essay that not only showcases your qualifications but also highlights why you’re the perfect fit for Touro University Worldwide. 

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Essay and dissertation writing skills

Planning your essay

Writing your introduction

Structuring your essay

• Writing essays in science subjects
• Brief video guides to support essay planning and writing
• Writing extended essays and dissertations
• Planning your dissertation writing time

Structuring your dissertation

• Top tips for writing longer pieces of work

Advice on planning and writing essays and dissertations

University essays differ from school essays in that they are less concerned with what you know and more concerned with how you construct an argument to answer the question. This means that the starting point for writing a strong essay is to first unpick the question and to then use this to plan your essay before you start putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard).

A really good starting point for you are these short, downloadable Tips for Successful Essay Writing and Answering the Question resources. Both resources will help you to plan your essay, as well as giving you guidance on how to distinguish between different sorts of essay questions. 

You may find it helpful to watch this seven-minute video on six tips for essay writing which outlines how to interpret essay questions, as well as giving advice on planning and structuring your writing:

Different disciplines will have different expectations for essay structure and you should always refer to your Faculty or Department student handbook or course Canvas site for more specific guidance.

However, broadly speaking, all essays share the following features:

Essays need an introduction to establish and focus the parameters of the discussion that will follow. You may find it helpful to divide the introduction into areas to demonstrate your breadth and engagement with the essay question. You might define specific terms in the introduction to show your engagement with the essay question; for example, ‘This is a large topic which has been variously discussed by many scientists and commentators. The principal tension is between the views of X and Y who define the main issues as…’ Breadth might be demonstrated by showing the range of viewpoints from which the essay question could be considered; for example, ‘A variety of factors including economic, social and political, influence A and B. This essay will focus on the social and economic aspects, with particular emphasis on…..’

Watch this two-minute video to learn more about how to plan and structure an introduction:

The main body of the essay should elaborate on the issues raised in the introduction and develop an argument(s) that answers the question. It should consist of a number of self-contained paragraphs each of which makes a specific point and provides some form of evidence to support the argument being made. Remember that a clear argument requires that each paragraph explicitly relates back to the essay question or the developing argument.

• Conclusion: An essay should end with a conclusion that reiterates the argument in light of the evidence you have provided; you shouldn’t use the conclusion to introduce new information.
• References: You need to include references to the materials you’ve used to write your essay. These might be in the form of footnotes, in-text citations, or a bibliography at the end. Different systems exist for citing references and different disciplines will use various approaches to citation. Ask your tutor which method(s) you should be using for your essay and also consult your Department or Faculty webpages for specific guidance in your discipline. 

Essay writing in science subjects

If you are writing an essay for a science subject you may need to consider additional areas, such as how to present data or diagrams. This five-minute video gives you some advice on how to approach your reading list, planning which information to include in your answer and how to write for your scientific audience – the video is available here:

A PDF providing further guidance on writing science essays for tutorials is available to download.

Short videos to support your essay writing skills

There are many other resources at Oxford that can help support your essay writing skills and if you are short on time, the Oxford Study Skills Centre has produced a number of short (2-minute) videos covering different aspects of essay writing, including:

• Approaching different types of essay questions  
• Structuring your essay  
• Writing an introduction  
• Making use of evidence in your essay writing  
• Writing your conclusion

Extended essays and dissertations

Longer pieces of writing like extended essays and dissertations may seem like quite a challenge from your regular essay writing. The important point is to start with a plan and to focus on what the question is asking. A PDF providing further guidance on planning Humanities and Social Science dissertations is available to download.

Planning your time effectively

Try not to leave the writing until close to your deadline, instead start as soon as you have some ideas to put down onto paper. Your early drafts may never end up in the final work, but the work of committing your ideas to paper helps to formulate not only your ideas, but the method of structuring your writing to read well and conclude firmly.

Although many students and tutors will say that the introduction is often written last, it is a good idea to begin to think about what will go into it early on. For example, the first draft of your introduction should set out your argument, the information you have, and your methods, and it should give a structure to the chapters and sections you will write. Your introduction will probably change as time goes on but it will stand as a guide to your entire extended essay or dissertation and it will help you to keep focused.

The structure of  extended essays or dissertations will vary depending on the question and discipline, but may include some or all of the following:

• The background information to - and context for - your research. This often takes the form of a literature review.
• Explanation of the focus of your work.
• Explanation of the value of this work to scholarship on the topic.
• List of the aims and objectives of the work and also the issues which will not be covered because they are outside its scope.

The main body of your extended essay or dissertation will probably include your methodology, the results of research, and your argument(s) based on your findings.

The conclusion is to summarise the value your research has added to the topic, and any further lines of research you would undertake given more time or resources. 

Tips on writing longer pieces of work

Approaching each chapter of a dissertation as a shorter essay can make the task of writing a dissertation seem less overwhelming. Each chapter will have an introduction, a main body where the argument is developed and substantiated with evidence, and a conclusion to tie things together. Unlike in a regular essay, chapter conclusions may also introduce the chapter that will follow, indicating how the chapters are connected to one another and how the argument will develop through your dissertation.

For further guidance, watch this two-minute video on writing longer pieces of work . 

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

© Stanford University.   Stanford, California 94305.

How To Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congratulations! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even written 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 that 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, former 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 points) and leave enough white space 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. 

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. 

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly,” he explains. “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, Pierce 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 for creating an outline and writing 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
• 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 .

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

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD Program Application

Personal statement guidelines, general guidelines to keep in mind:.

• One size does not fit all : Tailor your personal statement to each program and department you are applying to. Do your research to learn what is unique about each of your choices and highlight how this particular program stands out.
• Yes, it’s personal : Showcase your unique strengths and accomplishments. Explain what influenced your personal decisions to pursue the program. Ask yourself, could this be applied to your friend or neighbor? If so, you need to be more specific and provide examples. Saying that you are a “good scientist” isn’t enough. Provide examples of your previous research experience, projects you’ve completed, and what technical skills you learned. Explain how you overcame any challenges along the way.
• Set aside enough time :  Although personal statements are generally short in length (approx. 700 words; 1-2 pages), give yourself ample time to write a strong, well-written statement. It takes more time than you think to develop a final draft for submission.
• Focus on your spelling, grammar, and vocabulary :  It’s important to present a well-written statement with good grammar and vocabulary. Write concrete, succinct sentences that flow well. Avoid flowery language. Visit the  Writing Center  for additional review and feedback.
• Proofread one more time:  Check your grammar and spelling again before submitting your final draft. Ask a friend, professor, or advisor to proofread your final draft one more time before sending it in. 

YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT SHOULD ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

• Why do you want to complete further research in this field?  Write down a list of reasons as to why you are interested in pursuing further study in the field. When did you become interested in the field and what knowledge have you gained so far? Describe how your previous work provided the foundation and for further study.
• Why  have you  chosen to apply to this particular university ? Does the institution have a particular curriculum, special research facilities/equipment, or interesting research that appeal to you?
• What are your strengths ? Demonstrate how you stand out from other candidates. Highlight relevant projects, dissertations thesis or essays that demonstrate your academic skills and creativity. Include IT skills, research techniques, awards, or relevant traveling/ study abroad experience.
• What are your transferable skills?  Be sure to emphasize transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Give examples of how you have demonstrated each of these with specific examples.
• How does this program align with your career goals?  It’s okay if you don’t know the exact career path you plan to take after completing your PhD. Provide an idea of the direction you would like to take. This demonstrates commitment and dedication to the program.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For examples of successful personal statements, visit the  Online Writing Lab (OWL) .

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How to Write M.D.-Ph.D. Application Essays

M.D.-Ph.D. applicants should write essays that highlight their scientific curiosity and knowledge.

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M.D.-Ph.D. applicants are usually expected to write more admissions essays than traditional medical school applicants.

Pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. degree , which combines the rigors of medical school with the difficulty of a doctoral thesis, is not a challenge to be taken lightly. Becoming a physician-scientist requires demanding training; people who pursue this profession must be prepared to both heal sick patients and conduct biomedical research.

M.D.-Ph.D. programs usually last between seven to eight years, so admissions officers for these programs want to ensure that the students they choose are ready to commit to many years of strenuous study.

Admissions officers also want to select students who have a history of conducting meaningful academic research and who have the potential to increase knowledge in the medical profession. Because M.D.-Ph.D. students frequently attend medical school for free through full scholarships and also receive stipends to pay their living expenses, M.D.-Ph.D. programs hold applicants to high academic standards.

Dr. McGreggor Crowley, an admissions counselor at the education consulting firm IvyWise who previously served on the Harvard Medical School admissions commitee, says that M.D.-Ph.D. programs seek students who are diligent and self-motivated.

"They're going to want someone who is going to dive into a project and take ownership of it and take control of it," Crowley says.

M.D.-Ph.D. applicants are typically expected to write more admissions essays than traditional medical school applicants. In addition to the personal comments essay , which is mandatory for all M.D. applicants who submit their credentials using the American Medical College Application Service, M.D.-Ph.D. hopefuls who use this application method are also obligated to write two supplemental essays. They must write an M.D.-Ph.D. essay, where they explain why they want both a traditional medical degree and a Ph.D. degree, and a significant research experience essay, where they describe the scientific research they have conducted.

Learn about how M.D.-Ph.D. programs

M.D.-Ph.D. admissions officers say that when they read these supplemental essays, they are looking for evidence that an applicant has the grit, initiative, academic aptitude and love of science necessary to excel in an M.D.-Ph.D. program.

Dr. Michael Donnenberg, the senior associate dean for research and research training at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and director of its M.D.-Ph.D program, says when he reads M.D.-Ph.D. applications, he looks for signs that these students wouldn't be satisfied by a career that didn't involve both clinical medicine and research medicine.

Pursue a medical career

"I'm always looking for that, not that they can't decide which one they want to do, but that they can't imagine giving one up for the other," he says. "I think that's a really essential quality of a physician scientist."

Dr. Andrew Zinn, director of the Medical Scientist Training Program and dean of the graduate school of biomedical sciences at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , says he appreciates when M.D.-Ph.D. applicants demonstrate strong interest in a particular area of medicine. Ideally, applicants have completed a series of significant research projects on a specific topic, he says.

"I like to see somebody who has prioritized depth over breadth," Zinn says.

With that in mind, below are two M.D.-Ph.D. admissions essays that impressed admissions officers. The first is an M.D.-Ph.D. motivation essay submitted by a student who was accepted to the M.D.-Ph.D. program at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center but ultimately decided to go elsewhere.

Zinn says one key reason why this M.D.-Ph.D. motivation essay made a positive impression is because it conveyed the applicant's strong interest in investigating treatments for a specific disease, which in this case was multiple sclerosis. Zinn says very few M.D.-Ph.D. applicants have identified the particular medical problem that they want to solve using their research.

"That's unusual for an individual at his stage of training," Zinn says. "It indicates a sophistication, a maturity. It's not absolutely essential, but it does stand out. It's unusual to see somebody who really found their passion in 10th grade and has worked toward that passion."

The second essay is a significant research experience submission authored by an incoming M.D.-Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Donnenberg says the aspect of this significant research experience essay that impressed him the most was how it conveyed the applicant's persistence when faced with research challenges.

While he personally doesn't care if an M.D.-Ph.D. applicant knows what field they want to study in the Ph.D, portion of an M.D.-Ph.D. program, he is focused on finding students who are prepared to handle the rigors of scientific research.

Donnenberg says he was especially intrigued by the applicant's description of the problems she faced in her various research projects, what she did to address those problems and the lessons she learned from those difficult circumstances. Many M.D.-Ph.D. applicants avoid discussing lab failures to only highlight the experiments that went well, but he was impressed that this applicant took the opposite approach.

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Phd Essay Examples

Get Inspired With These Exceptional PhD Essay Examples

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

Share this article

Are you a Ph.D. student struggling to write a standout essay for your application?

Well, the competition for Ph.D. admissions can be intense, and your essay can set you apart from other applicants. But where do you start?

One effective way to get started is by examining successful Ph.D. essay examples. By studying strong examples, you can gain insights into what makes a great Ph.D. essay.

In this blog, we'll provide you with various Ph.D. essay examples. By examining these essays, you'll see how to present your research interests and goals. You will also learn how to apply those techniques to your own writing.

So let’s start with the blog!

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Ph.D. Essays Examples by Experts

Examples provide valuable insight into the writing process. To give you an idea of what successful Ph.D. essays look like, here are some examples written by experts.

PhD Admission Essay Examples

PhD Application Essay Examples

PhD Personal Statement Sample Pdf

Md Phd Essay Examples

If you're applying to an MD-PhD program, you'll want to put your best foot forward in your essay. These examples can give you an idea of what to strive for. Check out!

Md Phd Essay Example

Why Md Phd Essay Example

MD Ph.D. Research Essay Example

MD PhD Significant Research Essay Example

Want to learn more about MD/Ph.D. essay writing? Check out this video!

Graduate School Essay Examples

To help you get a better sense of what is a graduate school essay, and how it may differ from master's and Ph.D. essays, here are some examples:

?Personal Statement Examples For Graduate School Psychology

Personal Statement For Graduate School Examples Education

Free Sample Essay For Graduate School Admission

Common Ph.D. Essay Prompts And Their Examples 

When applying to a Ph.D. program, it can be challenging to impress the admissions committee. To help you craft a successful application, we have compiled some sample prompts below.

Why Do You Want to Pursue A Ph.D.?

What Are Your Research Interests?

What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?

How Has Your Academic Background Prepared You For Doctoral Studies?

What Makes You A Good Fit For This Ph.D. Program?

How To Write a Ph.D. Essay?

Crafting a successful Ph.D. essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some steps to guide you through the process and help you create a strong essay.

Step# 1 Understand The Prompt 

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the essay prompt and any specific requirements or guidelines provided.

Step# 2 Conduct Research 

Do your literature search on the topic to develop a deep understanding of the subject matter and identify key areas of interest.

Step# 3 Develop an Outline 

Organize your thoughts and research into a clear and structured outline. Your outline should include an introduction, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step# 4 Write The Essay 

Use your outline as a guide and begin writing your essay. Be sure to maintain a clear writing style, use appropriate terminology, and support your arguments with evidence.

Step# 5 Edit and Proofread 

Once you have finished writing, carefully edit and proofread your essay. It will help you ensure that it is well-written, free of errors, and effectively conveys your message.

Step# 6 Get Feedback 

Consider sharing your essay with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends to get feedback and constructive criticism. Use their suggestions to further refine and improve your essay.

Step# 7 Finalize and Submit 

Once you are satisfied with your essay, make any final edits and submit your application on time, ensuring that all necessary materials have been included.

Ph.D. Essay Outline

Here is a sample outline for a Ph.D. essay:

Note: This is just a sample outline and the specific sections may vary depending on the requirements of the Ph.D. program and the topic of research.

Ph.D. Essay Format

Here are some general guidelines to follow while writing a Ph.D. essay:

• Font: Use a clear and legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
• Margins: Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Spacing: Double-space the text throughout the essay, including between paragraphs.
• Title Page: Include a title page with the title of your essay, your name, and the name of your program or institution.
• Table of Contents: If your essay is longer, consider including a table of contents to help the reader navigate through the essay.
• Sections and Headings: Organize your essay into clear sections and use headings to guide the reader. Follow any specific guidelines provided by your program for section headings.
• Citations and References: Use a consistent citation style such as APA or MLA, and include a list of cited sources and references.

It's important to follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your institution to ensure that your Ph.D. essay is professional-looking.

Tips For Writing a Successful Ph.D. Essay

Here are some tips for writing a successful Ph.D. essay that will improve your chances of being accepted into the program:

• Focus on original research: Emphasize your unique research goals and objectives, and explain why they are important to the field.
• Demonstrate familiarity with relevant literature: Showcase your knowledge of the current research in your field. Discuss how your work will build upon existing knowledge.
• Avoid common mistakes: Be sure to avoid mistakes such as overusing jargon , neglecting to define key terms, and failing to make a clear argument.
• Proofread and edit: Always proofread and edit your essay for grammar and syntax errors, as well as for clarity and coherence.
• Stay organized: Make sure your essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that effectively convey your message.

The Bottom Line!

We hope that these PhD essay examples have given you some inspiration for your own essay. Pursuing a PhD is a significant academic endeavor, and your essay is an opportunity to showcase your expertise, which will impact your future career.

Use these examples as a starting point to craft a unique essay that highlights your strengths and contributions to your field of study.

However, if you're still unsure where to start, don't hesitate to try our AI essay writing tools .

Our PhD essay writing service has a team of experienced writers. They can help you create an impressive essay that meets the requirements of your program. 

Visit our website, and just ask write my college essay , and we'll handle the rest! 

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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