I have recently started my statement of purpose for graduate schools and it seems to be the most difficult part of the application process. Based on some other forums and statements that I've read, it seems like there is something specific that people want to study and will focus their statement or essay on. I still have not found that specific "thing" that I want to focus on. Graduate school is an opportunity for me to extend my education, but I feel like that almost applies to everyone. I went to a technology school for my undergrad, and would like to go to an art or design school for my grad. I want a different experience, different opinions, and different approaches to architecture.
My portfolio doesn't have a specific theme or approach, it's very general and experimental, it has a little bit of everything. In the end, I don't know if this will weaken or strengthen my chances of being accepted. I don't know if I should approach the essay in a different manner or just base it of as an opportunity for an extension of education.
Any advice or feedback would be helpful.
Thanks
TXY48
Dec 7, 15 3:53 am
Most schools have a deadline of Dec.15th and you just started your statement? Good luck and try harder....
Perhaps you can write about your enthusiasm for architecture or talk about an architectural issue that you are interested in...
Which school do u want to apply to?
Stephanie Braconnier
Dec 7, 15 10:16 am
Maybe focus on the inter-disciplinary side of your interest - connections between different or previously disconnected streams. The intersection between fields can be very fruitful for generating new ideas, so I don't think this would be considered a bad thing (at least, I wouldn't consider it a bad thing).
People who focus on one specific thing could limit themselves into a corner and may not give themselves the opportunity to really explore their interests. Maybe you're a multipotentialite instead of a specialist - I know I am :)
This is for grad level work, but the points are applicable.
yfawaslas
Dec 7, 15 4:22 pm
@TXY48 The earliest deadline for me is January 1st, Parsons. Other schools that I am applying to are, SAIC, RISD, CCA, Massart and Pratt. They're due beginning to mid January.
@Stephanie Braconnier Thank you for the reply!! There are things I have particularly been interested in during my undergraduate studies, tectonics and public good. Maybe trying to find a connection between those two studies can form a new more developed interest, or just explain my interest in these two fields, but still be able to explain my interest in exploring new subjects? And I agree, why limit yourself to one subject or interest? I would prefer to continue to learn about new and different approaches to architecture and design, I don't want to be limited to one thing, at least not now.
@Marc Miller Thank you for the response. This will be helpful for getting my ideas and statement started.
SpatialSojourner
Dec 7, 15 6:33 pm
My outline, which may/may not have led to my success last year:
What spark that cause me to be interested in architecture
Attention grabber - my real reason may not be as exciting
Awesome undergrad experiences
Student groups/activities/competitions won
After graduation
Professional experience/activities/competitions won
Why/what interests I have in Architecture
Why ______ school
Named faculty research that coincided with my interests from above
Mentioned quality of student work, ect
Conclusion/Call to action
I'm dedicated and will thrive in the learning environment of _____ University
Hello
I have recently started my statement of purpose for graduate schools and it seems to be the most difficult part of the application process. Based on some other forums and statements that I've read, it seems like there is something specific that people want to study and will focus their statement or essay on. I still have not found that specific "thing" that I want to focus on. Graduate school is an opportunity for me to extend my education, but I feel like that almost applies to everyone. I went to a technology school for my undergrad, and would like to go to an art or design school for my grad. I want a different experience, different opinions, and different approaches to architecture.
My portfolio doesn't have a specific theme or approach, it's very general and experimental, it has a little bit of everything. In the end, I don't know if this will weaken or strengthen my chances of being accepted. I don't know if I should approach the essay in a different manner or just base it of as an opportunity for an extension of education.
Any advice or feedback would be helpful.
Thanks
Most schools have a deadline of Dec.15th and you just started your statement? Good luck and try harder....
Perhaps you can write about your enthusiasm for architecture or talk about an architectural issue that you are interested in...
Which school do u want to apply to?
Maybe focus on the inter-disciplinary side of your interest - connections between different or previously disconnected streams. The intersection between fields can be very fruitful for generating new ideas, so I don't think this would be considered a bad thing (at least, I wouldn't consider it a bad thing).
People who focus on one specific thing could limit themselves into a corner and may not give themselves the opportunity to really explore their interests. Maybe you're a multipotentialite instead of a specialist - I know I am :)
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/
This is for grad level work, but the points are applicable.
@TXY48 The earliest deadline for me is January 1st, Parsons. Other schools that I am applying to are, SAIC, RISD, CCA, Massart and Pratt. They're due beginning to mid January.
@Stephanie Braconnier Thank you for the reply!! There are things I have particularly been interested in during my undergraduate studies, tectonics and public good. Maybe trying to find a connection between those two studies can form a new more developed interest, or just explain my interest in these two fields, but still be able to explain my interest in exploring new subjects? And I agree, why limit yourself to one subject or interest? I would prefer to continue to learn about new and different approaches to architecture and design, I don't want to be limited to one thing, at least not now.
@Marc Miller Thank you for the response. This will be helpful for getting my ideas and statement started.
My outline, which may/may not have led to my success last year: