Posts by Helicopterparty

Helicopterparty

Feb 2, 2010

Undergraduate / neurological and social causes and treatments for anxiety disorder-UT Austin SOP [5]

I did apply there. I wasn't accepted because I wasn't in the top ten percent and am a white middle class male. It is almost impossible to get in from high school with that.

I now have an idea how to start, though there really was never a moment that I can say was the catalyst for wanting to go. I've looked into the research departments and the amount of work they do and include undergraduates in is really incredible. The education is also more challenging from what I've heard from current and former students. I haven't had to work hard to maintain high grades at my current university and I want to make sure that I EARN my degree.

Thank you.

Helicopterparty

Jan 31, 2010

Undergraduate / neurological and social causes and treatments for anxiety disorder-UT Austin SOP [5]

I've been attempting to tackle this for about three weeks now. At first, I thought the essay needed to be very blunt and direct with why I wanted to transfer, with less focus on narrative or personal backstory, but reading essays on here has made me question that approach.

So my question is, how exactly does one go about writing a statement of purpose? Must it be some life changing moment or hardship overcome that inspired you to attend UT Austin (as most on here are)? Or can it just deal with what about the University attracts you (the wealth of undergraduate research opportunities and preparation for graduate school).

I can't say there was a moment that inspired me, but I know that I want to go to graduate school and research the neurological and social causes and treatments for anxiety disorders, as well as the effects of intersexuality on cognitive function. I know what I want to do and I know UT Austin will help me mature these ideas and reach a level where I could find the answers I seek.

Could I just lay out my reasons like that and explain what about UT Austin would help me achieve them, or is a personal story really the only way to go about writing this?

Thank you for any responses.

-Kenny