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As some of you may know, I'm applying for gradate school in the hopes of acquiring my Ph.D in English. This is a long sought after goal of mine, say about ten years worth of frustration. Problem is, I never know what the hell to say in the damned statement of intent. Oh sure, I've gone ahead and read self-help websites and blah blah blah. I've been drafting for about three days now and can't get something respectable. Anyone here ever get their doctorate in something and has gone through the rigermorole of applying, let me know. I could use the help.

Well, i have a doctorate, but I don't recall having to write anything that sounds so formal. How critical is this? Isn't the fact that you have high enough test scores and/or grades, a masters and are willing to pay their tuition enough to get you in? I mean how many people are busting down their doors to get PhD's in English?

How long does it have to be? Can't you just put that you love English literature and poetry and have wanted this formal degree to satisfy your hunger for ten years?

If you want, send me what you have and i would be glad to read and opine.

Unfortunately, it is an absolute requirement to the application process. Of course, I feel the same way. You would think that my grades would be enough to get me into the program. But, they want this statement, and they do weigh it heavily in their decision. Furthermore, their question is specific and all parts must be answered somewhere in the statement of intent. Yes, in fact Ph.D's in English are a dime a dozen I'm afraid. It's extremly competitive. When I've got something somewhat respectable, I'll shoot it over to you Madrus. Thanks for offering.

I think I'll just cut and paste what Raptor wrote and send it off without the application fees, that oughta get me in for sure! Thanks Raptor!

Regular English: My reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD in English are several. I enjoy writing poetry, I enjoy English literature, and believe I am a talented English teacher who wants to further his knowledge and qualifications in a subject he loves.

Affirmative action version: Mah' reasons fo' wants'in' t'pursue some PhD in English is several. ah' enjoy writin' poetry, ah' enjoy English literature, and recon' ah' am some talented English head homeboy who wantsa furda' his knowledge and qualificashuns in some subject he loves.

Grif,
I would be glad to look at something you started and help polish... Not that I know anything of college - never been there. I do quite well in writing different things from position and budget justifications to technical instructions and explanatins pared down for the layperson (i.e. upper management ). I am pretty good at making a resume shine without B.S.'ing as well...

Now these other two have obviously been to some type of college and are stuck in that phase of their life! ;) Well, maybe Raptor is still stuck in high school!!!