Book excerpt: The statement of purpose is the most important part of an application to graduate school in the humanities, but applicants often struggle to write these documents. The SOP, as it is often called, is particularly difficult for students coming from outside of the United States because they do not understand the idiosyncratic conventions of the US academy.This guide provides explanations and concrete examples of the five answers that all statements of purpose must provide: trajectory, focus, accomplishments, aims, and fit. Written by a scholar who has coached applicants to successful admission to programs at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Southern California, among others, this guide will offer a window onto what humanities graduate programs in the United States are looking for, and what they need to know in order to accept your application.