Yet Another SOP
Hey guys, I'd like you to look this over and give me some constructive crit. in the comments. This is a Statement of Purpose for The George Washington University Graduate Program. I'm applying for Doctoral Work in Political Science. The SOP has to be between 250-500 words. This is draft one. Tell me where I should expand and where I can edit down. I'll be proofing it, while you guys are perusing it. Help me make this essay Sing. Thanks. My App is due tomarrow the 17th. Eep. This is a repost, to reflect edits.
Word Count 480 (of a possible 500)
Growing up in inner city Hartford, I became conscience of politics at a very early age. This consciousness pushed me to take an initial foray into Political Science in High-School. This first exposure to the field of Political Science convinced me to undertake the work for an undergraduate degree. Unlike others in my age group, who would change their majors more than once; I came with the intention of perusing a degree in Politics and Government. While in the program, I found that I enjoyed classes that dealt with the topics of International Relations and Comparative Politics. Though, I am interested in other areas of study, as well.
Pursuing my degree has been an enriching experience. In the process of pursuing my degree, I realized that a career in Political Science, specifically in research and teaching was something that I want to do. My experience at the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, really cemented my conviction to pursue PhD work. I found the work there invigorating, if a bit frustrating. For my work there, I undertook research that examined the Latino Vote. Using quantitative analysis as well as other research methods, I created a piece of research that I am proud of. These are skills that I want to build on with graduate training. When my paper, The Politics of Exclusion: Political Alienation and Powerlessness among Latinos, was chosen to be presented as a poster in the 2005 American Political Science Association Annual Meeting, I was ecstatic. I gained the confidence to go through a Doctoral program in Political Science.
Graduate school, represents the next step in my endeavors. While in Graduate School I want to focus my Doctoral work in International Relations. Specifically, I want to explore how International Organizations are affecting the State, as well as state sovereignty. Given the continued integration of states as seen in the European Union and other International Organizations; studying the continued effects of International Organizations has on the state will be fascinating. Now, more than ever with Globalization becoming more prevalent, studying the effects, is something that I want to do.
The George Washington University is a place where I want to accomplish this work. It has the faculty that I want to work with, all of which are highly accomplished in their respective concentrations. Moreover, they have faculty that are also working in the field that I myself, want to work in. Working with faculty such as Dr. Finnemore, who researches International Organizations and their effects, would help my goals immensely. Her work on how the state is changed and challenged by the immergence of International Organizations makes Dr. Finnemore someone I want to work with. I am confident that my focus, ambition and talent will make me an asset to The George Washington University. Being able to pursue graduate school work there, would prepare me for a career in Political Science.
Word Count 480 (of a possible 500)
Growing up in inner city Hartford, I became conscience of politics at a very early age. This consciousness pushed me to take an initial foray into Political Science in High-School. This first exposure to the field of Political Science convinced me to undertake the work for an undergraduate degree. Unlike others in my age group, who would change their majors more than once; I came with the intention of perusing a degree in Politics and Government. While in the program, I found that I enjoyed classes that dealt with the topics of International Relations and Comparative Politics. Though, I am interested in other areas of study, as well.
Pursuing my degree has been an enriching experience. In the process of pursuing my degree, I realized that a career in Political Science, specifically in research and teaching was something that I want to do. My experience at the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute, really cemented my conviction to pursue PhD work. I found the work there invigorating, if a bit frustrating. For my work there, I undertook research that examined the Latino Vote. Using quantitative analysis as well as other research methods, I created a piece of research that I am proud of. These are skills that I want to build on with graduate training. When my paper, The Politics of Exclusion: Political Alienation and Powerlessness among Latinos, was chosen to be presented as a poster in the 2005 American Political Science Association Annual Meeting, I was ecstatic. I gained the confidence to go through a Doctoral program in Political Science.
Graduate school, represents the next step in my endeavors. While in Graduate School I want to focus my Doctoral work in International Relations. Specifically, I want to explore how International Organizations are affecting the State, as well as state sovereignty. Given the continued integration of states as seen in the European Union and other International Organizations; studying the continued effects of International Organizations has on the state will be fascinating. Now, more than ever with Globalization becoming more prevalent, studying the effects, is something that I want to do.
The George Washington University is a place where I want to accomplish this work. It has the faculty that I want to work with, all of which are highly accomplished in their respective concentrations. Moreover, they have faculty that are also working in the field that I myself, want to work in. Working with faculty such as Dr. Finnemore, who researches International Organizations and their effects, would help my goals immensely. Her work on how the state is changed and challenged by the immergence of International Organizations makes Dr. Finnemore someone I want to work with. I am confident that my focus, ambition and talent will make me an asset to The George Washington University. Being able to pursue graduate school work there, would prepare me for a career in Political Science.