Select a topic to write about that interests you, for example, a topic that you wish to specialize in for your doctorate. Picking a familiar subject for your proposal gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter.
Review the instructions provided by the PhD program of your choice, as each program (or university) has its own formatting requirements, word count, etc. Pay specific attention to word count, which lets you know how much research you should prepare for.
Select research materials and line up references. Choose primary materials to add professional attribution to your study, such as medical or academic journals, law books or personal interviews. Take note of any quotations, statistics, data or expert opinions that will enhance your research argument. Use sticky notes or page flags to keep track of where to find content that stands out in case you need to go back to the page again.
Compose a thesis statement based on the subject or question you selected to write about. Outline your research paper according to how you want the proposal to flow. Make sure the order is sequential based on your argument and structure of your thesis statement. Keep in mind the word count requirements to ensure you have a substantial amount of supporting sections in the body of your proposal to meet minimum expectations.
Begin composing the proposal using the research you gathered, your knowledge of the subject and the outline you created. Write a strong introduction that clearly outlines your subject and grabs reader attention. You want your introduction to stand out among the many other applicants. Use quotations and in-text citations appropriately throughout the proposal. Compose the proposal in an academic, matter-of-fact tone so it reads professionally.
Review your proposal for grammatical, punctuation and other technical errors. Fix any mistakes or typos that you find, as the proposal must be as perfect as possible. Read the paper aloud (to yourself and/or others) to hear how the sentences flow and the paragraphs transition. Make sure everything reads smoothly.