(Using Tre Artis’s Harvard SOP as a Blueprint)
Crafting a winning Statement of Purpose (SOP) for PhD admission can feel overwhelming, but there’s a universal framework that works across disciplines. Let’s break it down using Tre Artis’s successful SOP for Harvard’s Biological and Biomedical Sciences PhD program. Tre’s SOP is a masterclass in clarity, specificity, and alignment with the program’s strengths.
The 5-Part Framework
1.Opening Hook: Start with Purpose
Tre begins by linking her academic journey to a pivotal moment:
“My desire to attend graduate school and pursue a career in biological research began in my junior year, after I started taking senior-level seminars in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Epigenetics.”
This sets up her passion for epigenetics and public health.
Your Move :
- Start with a turning point, question, or bold statement.
Example: “Why do 30% of cancer patients stop treatment early?”
2. Background: Show Your Journey
Tre ties her internship, research, and coursework to her goals:
- Academic Foundation : Advanced courses in epigenetics and molecular biology.
- Research Experience : Grant proposals on chromatin remodeling complexes.
- Key Insight : “It was through these projects that I realized my passion for epigenetics and issues facing human health.”
Your Move :
- Highlight 1–2 key experiences that shaped your passion.
- Link past work to future goals (e.g., “My thesis on X led me to ask Y”).
3. Research Focus: Be Specific
Tre clearly defines her niche:
“I’m interested in gene regulation because genes and DNA are the fundamental level of biology. I’m fascinated with learning about what happens when gene regulatory processes go wrong.”
She emphasizes epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and nuclear architecture.
Your Move :
- Name specific topics, questions, or methodologies you want to explore.
- Avoid vague statements like “I want to solve global health issues.”
4. Why This Program?
Tre names faculty, labs, and resources at Harvard:
- Faculty Alignment : Dr. Scott Kennedy’s work on small RNAs in epigenetic regulation.
- Program Strengths : Interdisciplinary focus, Harvard Medical School collaborations.
- Diversity & Support : Mentions organizations like the WEB DuBois Society.
Your Move :
- Name specific faculty, labs, or courses.
- Show how the program’s unique resources align with your goals.
5. Closing: Vision & Contribution
Tre ends with a forward-looking statement:
“Upon completing graduate training, I aim to secure a faculty position at a research institution, where I can teach epigenetics and open my own lab to interrogate important epigenetic questions.”
Your Move :
- Tie your goals to teaching, mentorship, or societal impact.
Example: “I want to train the next generation of scientists in CRISPR-based therapies.”
Lessons You Can Apply to Your SOP
Strategy | Example from Tre’s SOP |
Start with a Hook | “My desire to attend graduate school began in my junior year…” |
Show Growth | Transition from coursework → grant proposals → independent research |
Highlight Impact | “Our work will improve understanding of DEHP’s risks to human health.” |
Name Faculty | Dr. Scott Kennedy’s research on small RNAs and transgenerational inheritance |
End with Vision | Teaching, mentorship, and solving epigenetic questions |
Template: Build Your SOP Using This Framework
Use this outline when drafting your SOP:
- Opening Hook – A question, anecdote, or bold statement
- Background – Internships, research, or life experiences
- Research Interests – Specific topics, questions, or methodologies
- Why [Program/University]? – Faculty, labs, resources
- Closing – Future goals, teaching, contribution to the field
Click Here for the complete PDF of Tre’s SOP