More on the statement of purpose

I'm starting to get asked this question a lot, even by non-GGD applicants to Oxford. It looks like my earlier post on the statement of purpose has been picked up by Google and is driving new traffic to the site. I'll try and go more in depth into this one page super pain in the ass.

Try to keep your statement under a page and 4 paragraphs or less.

Oxford says:

A statement of purpose: you should give an account of your motivation for study at Oxford. You may wish to consider a number of issues: what relevant academic, research or practical experience do you have? Why are you applying to this particular programme of study? What areas of study in the subject interest you? The statement of purpose should be one page long and should be submitted as a separate sheet enclosed at the end of your application

For the first paragraph:
--sentence on what degree you are applying for
then --> how your academic / working experiences have brought you to the point of wanting to get a master in whatever (I'd limit this to six sentences max, should also serve to forecast what the next 2-3 paragraphs will be on).

for the second paragraph:
-- why exactly are you interested in GGD degree? Why the development studies department? What would like to accomplish or study while at grad school? Why is this the programme for you? good chance to link your interests to what the programme offers... this is also where you could mention what you could uniquely bring to the programme too

for the third paragraph:
-- what options are you interested in studying? possible dissertation topics? why is GGD/QEH/Oxford the place for this?

maybe a forth paragraph?
-- if so, keep it brief... three sentences max just closing things out and thanking them for their time and consideration

I'd really try and treat it like a job cover letter. Try and keep it practical. Eliminate unnecessary adverbs and adjectives or flowing description. But make sure it still flows well point to point. And read it ALOUD to people you trust to give you their first immediate impressions.

Good luck!