How to write statement of purpose?- University of Texas transfer essay A

Statement of Purpose

I have read a few essays some other applicants have written and they all seem to be about why they want to transfer. I'm not sure what to write for this essay or how to format it. Here are some things I would like to include in the essay and mainly the reasons why I want to transfer:

(I am currently a freshman at Baylor University majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and would like to pursue a career in audiology. I am applying for admission to the University of Texas at Austin for Fall 2010)

1. Baylor does not have my specific major. Here I am Speech Path/ Audiology but they actually focus on Speech path and I have yet to meet anyone interested in audiology. At UT the majors are separate and I could actually major in audiology.

2. At Baylor my degree would be a Bachelor of Arts whereas at UT it would be Bachelor of Science, which makes more sense for the field I am going into. Also, I am more interested in math and science than English and the arts. So the courses I would have to take at Baylor and UT are very different.

3. The Texas School for the Deaf is located in Austin, TX (where UT is) and would be very helpful for experience and learning. I definitely want to work with the Deaf (in college and my career) because my interest in sign language and the Deaf culture is what got me interested in audiology.

4. And finally, the size, location, and reputation of UT would provide many more opportunities for me during my education as well as in the future.

Any suggestions for how to outline or format it would be very helpful. I'm not quite sure what statement of purpose is asking for or even what it means (I know I'm probably just stupid). So it would be very helpful if anyone knows what I could maybe add to tie in my ideas and still make it a statement of purpose. Thanks!

A statement of purpose is (as the prompt says) an opportunity to address the admission committee directly to let (them) know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey. It's like you are allowed to present yourself (in essay form) on paper instead of face-to-face in an interview.

Your four points of why you want to transfer to UT are strong. What would help is to give background on why Audiology, why math and science, touch upon your passions and finally include some specific classes your want to take or profs that impress you, that you would want to learn from (this means do more research on UT.)

I agree!

Also, I always tell people to let the reader know about a plan for the next 5 years or so... including college and the career aspiration to follow. Show them that you have a clear plan for what you want to do and where you want to do it, so that they know you ae driven -- and not one of those people just being ushered through life by the adults. This is what I always say to everyone, but I think in your case your ideas for what to write show that you do indeed have a plan, so... my advice is not so important. I agree with what Linmark said: and as you research the school, use the info to show that the school is a crucial part of your clearly envisioned plan.

:-)