Aspirants with a background in economics, law, finance, philosophy, management architecture, and other public policy related majors can apply for Masters in Public Policy (MPP). Here, a statement of purpose for public policy will play an important role in the application to some of the top public policy schools like Harvard.
This is because these schools assess student’s capabilities like critical thinking and creativity through writing samples along with problem-solving and decision-making skills evident from your portfolios. Similarly, other key capabilities can be highlighted and substantiated through your statement of purpose for masters in public policy.
So how can one design an impressive SOP for public policy program? Let’s discuss that at length and understand the intricate facets of a good statement of purpose for public policy.
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How to Draft an SOP for Public Policy?
To structure your public policy statement of purpose examples properly, brainstorm, free-write, and collect your thoughts. Your SOP should be a dive into relevant life experiences, academic and professional background (if applicable), career goals, co-curricular activities, volunteering/community involvement, and more.
So, refer to the effective guidelines and draft a stellar sample SOP for public policy.
Introduction
What motivated you to choose public policy as your interest? What is the strongest experience that led you to choose this field? For example, how witnessing the living conditions of your domestic help appalled you enough to question the policy structure of your government, making you dive into the research of policy issues, and eventually leading you to pursue a career in the same.
- Write your introduction with an attention-grabbing experience that is suggestive of your journey into the field.
- As another way, you can also begin with a research problem statement that you consider exploring in your future master's program.
- The reason for this is that some universities directly want a research proposal in the form of an SOP.
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For example, The University of Oxford assesses your eligibility through your commitment to public service. Thus, it is advisable to start your SOP with an anecdote that highlights a problem around you or in your community/society, how it affected you, and the measures you took or can be taken to improve that. |
Second Paragraph
Following the introduction, build a paragraph discussing relevant academic and life experiences that have supported your interest. How has each of these experiences pivoted your thought process, streamlined it, or altered it?
- Here, you can discuss relevant undergraduate experiences or courses in which you developed a particular interest.
- For example, you must have developed an interest in interior public policy or behavioural sciences.
- Do write about a few course specifics and how these led you to develop your portfolio and inspired you to work on projects relevant to public policy.
- You can discuss interesting projects you have worked on or relevant co-curricular experiences worth sharing. Make sure that your experiences align with your interest in the Public Policy program you’re applying for.
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For instance, if you are applying for MPP, your research project on policies to ensure a safe internet browsing environment, where you examine current policy issues and identify problems regarding the subject, will be a relevant experience to illustrate. |
Third Paragraph
If you have faced any setbacks in your academics, this is the place to mention them. If you just made the cut or have lesser scores, you can mention that here.
- Have you faced any other unique challenges or setbacks that have redefined your perspectives or interests?
- How did you overcome these challenges and what is/are the positive outcomes of these experiences?
- It’s essential to reflect on the lessons from these experiences to underscore your resilience.
Fourth Paragraph
Interested in co-curricular activities? You can discuss all about them in this paragraph. Remember that Universities are interested to know more than just academics. So, go ahead and speak about your hobbies, social work, volunteering, etc here. You can also discuss workshops or certifications which you have taken to upgrade your skills.
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However, it’s very important to not make the sample SOP for public policy an embellished version of your resume. |
Fifth Paragraph
If you have work experience at any organization, add it here. In case you do not have any, you can also discuss your internship experiences, reflecting on your specific learnings and take-aways. Find a knowledge gap in your career and focus on that or the need for you to go for MPP at this stage of your life.
- How has the work experience/s influenced your career goals? Why do you wish to go for a master's now?
- Define your short-term and long-term goals.
- How will the master's program from a specific public policy school help you achieve these goals?
- How does the program align with your areas of interest?
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Public Policy schools like to assess your conviction in applying to their programs. Justify your reasons for the choice of the school and the program. Make an effort to understand the values of the school and devise this paragraph accordingly. |
Conclusion
Remember that your conclusion needs to be equally engaging as your introduction. It should leave the reader with a satisfying impression.
- What capabilities equip you to contribute to the University?
- How can you be an asset to the University?
- What activities, clubs, sports, student associations, groups, etc, piqued your interests?
- What diverse experiences do you bring to your future graduate community?
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Conclude your SOP with your expectations from the program and how you look forward to receiving, assimilating, and contributing to new knowledge at the University. |
Suggested: How to Write a Good SOP?
Do’s and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose for Public Policy
Your SOP for masters in public policy should be truthful, concise, engaging, and well-written. Remember that every experience that you present should be coherent and well connected. This leaves no space for grey areas. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts into your SOP.
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Should you maintain a positive tone throughout the SOP? |
✅ |
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Should you include your name in your Public Policy SOP? |
❌ |
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Can you write your SOP at the last minute? |
❌ |
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Is it imperative to stick to the word limit? |
✅ |
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Can you opt for a friendly tone while writing SOP for MPP? |
❌ |
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Should you strictly adhere to the given SOP format? |
✅ |
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Should you include your work experience in your SOP? |
✅ |
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Should you be honest about your strengths and weaknesses? |
✅ |
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Can you be extremely direct or casual? |
❌ |
Suggested: Common mistakes in Writing SOPs and Application Essay
Skills to Include in Your Statement of Purpose for Public Policy
Your SOP for masters in public policy should be in-depth and research-intensive. Public Policy is an analytical field of study. The diverse career prospects of this field include the finance industry, consultancy firms, public aid, management, government, and social enterprises.
Therefore, to explore them in future and assure your seat in the University, your SOP should portray these skills to make it unique and appealing then competitors.
- Analytical Skills
- Research Aptitude
- Academic/Research Writing Skills
- Knowledge of Public Policy Specialisation applying for
- Experiential Mindset
- Critical Thinking
- Communicational Skills
- Strong Work Ethic
- Initiative
- Problem-solving
Suggested: Remove Your SOP Writing Fever!
SOP Requirements of Top Universities for Public Policy
Most universities have similar SOP requirements as part of their respective applications. We’ve shortlisted a few top universities for MPP with their SOP requirements below.
1. Harvard University
Harvard University does not ask you to present a Statement of Purpose. However, they ask you to present several short essays instead. Following is a tentative list of those essays and their guidelines:
- ESSAY: Write your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. Keep it within a 500-word limit.
- MPP ESSAY: Describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skillset as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. Keep it within a 500-word limit.
- PERSONAL HISTORY ESSAY: Diversity of all kinds (race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, physical abilities, political philosophy, intellectual focus, socioeconomic status, geographic, and many others) is important to enriching the educational experience. Mention and talk about anything in your background or life experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at HKS. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
- EXPECTATIONS ESSAY: Describe a time when you did not meet the set expectations and elaborate on how the experience changed you. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
- PERSPECTIVES ESSAY: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expand your point of view. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
- OPTIONAL STATEMENT: If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, write about them in a precise manner. Keep it within a 250-word limit.
2. University of Oxford
The requirements for University of Oxford SOP as part of Masters in Public Policy Applications are as follows.
- A maximum of 800 words SOP should be written. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
- You should explain why you want to do the MPP course, how your experience to date prepares you for the course, and how the MPP would enhance your future plans. Please also outline your specific policy interests, the skills, and experience you would bring to the classroom.
- You may also use your personal statement to explain special circumstances relating to the element of your application that you wish to bring to the attention of the assessors.
- If you would like to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 programme you should state this clearly in your personal statement (in addition to making a separate application for both courses). You will need to upload a separate personal statement specific to each application when you apply. Details on what should be included in each personal statement can be found in the “How to apply section” of each course page.
- The personal statement should be written in English and will be used to assess:
- your commitment to public service
- evidence of proven or potential leadership and impact
- general suitability for the MPP programme.
3. London School of Economics and Political Science
Your statement for London School of Economics should be typed and in no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but the expected word count is 1,000 - 1,500 words. In your statement, you can discuss the following parameters:
- Motivation for undertaking the program.
- Academic interests, strengths and background relevant to the program.
- Areas of specific interest within the program.
- Academic ambitions and/or research interests related to the program.
- Any professional aspirations, and how academic work within the program might help you realise such aspirations.
- Other relevant information, such as additional reading or research, work or other relevant experience that has influenced your decision to apply for the particular program.
As mentioned for the school before, do make sure that your statement should be…
- All your own work. It might lead to cancellation if found otherwise.
- Is well-written, well-structured, and specific to the program applied for.
- Is proofread before being uploaded and only the final correct versions are uploaded.
- Only include that SOP sample which is relevant to your program choice. Additional information regarding unrelated extra-curricular activities, personal achievements or work experience should be included in your CV.
- Have your name and the name of your chosen program in the header or footer of every page.
The SOP writing style for most countries remains the same. However, in the case of program-specific statement of purpose for Public Policy, you can re-engineer the original draft to suit the University/program requirements.
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