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Dr. Robert Foster Edinger, Statement Writer and Editor

I finished my Ph.D. in Religion and Social Ethics at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in May 1995. (See my doctoral dissertation: ¨Gender, Violence, and Empire in Central America¨)! - online at USC) (Edinger, Robert Foster in the data base). Since then, I have dedicated most of my efforts to helping others to have the opportunity for higher education or to be selected for a fellowship, scholarship, internship, or residency opportunity.  An eloquent statement can often make a difference, and I would be most pleased to help you. 

Most of my clients are people for whom English is a second language. Almost all are multilingual and many have extensive experience from outside the United States. Applying to programs of higher education in America, Canada, England and Australia. I am convinced that one’s ethnicity, language skills, and multicultural experiences need to be woven together in a most eloquent fashion in your Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose, or Letter of Intent/motivation, as interconnected themes that radiate throughout your admission essay. Your ethnic/racial and cultural backgrounds and international aptitudes are your greatest assets as an applicant, and they need to be carefully related to both your short and long term goals. I do everything that I can to make your statement as effective as possible. If you are able to afford my Gold Service, after a careful review of your material, I often ask you specific questions born from my many years of experience writing  statements for admission to graduate school. I am a seasoned expert concerning what is important to include, and what is not. I have also had a great deal of practice at condensing a lot of material into a very limited space limitation. (I like to think of it as brain surgery).

As a historian of social change in the Developing World who is fluent in Spanish, I have long been fascinated with Latin America, which is why I have made my home in Bolivia (in South America). I wrote my own doctoral dissertation on the role of women in Central American history, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, where I lived for many years. I am now a permanent resident of Bolivia and I live in Cochabamba with my son; we are at the exact center of the South American land mass. Bolivia is the poorest and country in South America but it has an especially dynamic, largely indigenous culture.  Nowhere on the planet do people dance in the streets as they do in Bolivia. My own doctoral research was concerned primarily with the Cold War, especially in Latin America.

 

 For over 25 years, I have stayed current on most of the news coming out of the Developing World, Africa and Asia as well as Latin America, especially human rights issues and political conflict. I have studied world religions and cultures extensively for decades. Fluent in Spanish, I am published in Spanish in the areas of history and gender studies. For the past 20 years now, I have dedicated most of my energy laboring for the success of my clients and it is a privilege that I hope to continue for another quarter of a century or more.

 

I leave you with pictures of me with the princple light of my life, my only child, David Dylan Edinger (now 14 years old).

Authenticity in the Application to Graduate School

 

Applying for graduate school can be a daunting process. It's not just about having a stellar academic record, glowing recommendations, and a polished application packet. While those elements are undoubtedly important, there's one key factor that often goes overlooked but can significantly impact your chances of getting admitted: fit. In this article, we'll explore why fit is crucial and how to ensure your Statement of Purpose (SoP) includes this vital component.

The Power of Fit

Imagine this scenario: You have a perfect GPA, outstanding letters of recommendation, and an impressive resume, but you've applied to a graduate program in a department where the faculty's research interests have no connection to your own. You're passionate about studying smoking cessation, but the department's expertise lies in areas like teen pregnancy, cancer prevention, obesity prevention, and aging. Despite your excellent credentials, your application may be at a disadvantage.

Why? Because fit matters. It's not just about you fitting the program; it's also about your research interests aligning with what the department is currently focusing on. Graduate committees are not only evaluating your potential as a student but also considering how well you will integrate into the existing research landscape. If your research interests are in a different universe from what the department is actively involved in, it can be challenging for faculty to mentor you effectively.

How to Achieve Fit in Your Statement of Purpose

So, how do you ensure your application reflects this all-important fit? Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Research the Department: Before even starting your SoP, research the department thoroughly. What are the faculty's research interests? What projects are they currently working on? This information is often available on the department's website or in published faculty profiles.

  2. Identify Overlapping Interests: Once you've identified the department's research focus, find areas where your interests align. Look for topics, themes, or approaches that resonate with your academic and research goals.

  3. Include a Fit Paragraph: In your SoP, dedicate a paragraph to explaining how your interests complement the department's ongoing research. Articulate why you're drawn to the program based on shared research goals. Make a strong connection between your academic passions and what the department has to offer.

  4. Demonstrate Passion: Convey your passion for the department's areas of research. Describe how you can contribute to and benefit from these research initiatives. Passion is compelling, and it shows that you've done your homework.

  5. Avoid Generic Statements: Avoid generic statements that could apply to any graduate program. Instead, be specific about why this particular department is the perfect fit for you. Generalized SoPs are unlikely to stand out.

  6. Highlight Your Potential Contribution: Emphasize how your research aligns with the department's goals and how it can potentially contribute to ongoing projects. Your research should be seen as an asset to the department's work.

  7. Proofread and Refine: Your SoP should be polished and error-free. Any inconsistencies or inaccuracies can detract from your message. Review and refine your statement to ensure it effectively communicates the fit between your interests and the department's research.

Conclusion

Your Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to not only showcase your academic qualifications but also to demonstrate your fit within the department. Remember, fit can be the deciding factor in your graduate school application. A strong SoP that clearly conveys how your research interests align with the department's ongoing work can significantly boost your chances of admission.

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