Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Why you need a strong Statement of Purpose and how to write one

Getting that perfect score on IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT or SAT is just half battle won. The next most important step is writing an effective Statement of Purpose (SOP). It’s the golden key to the university you have been eyeing.

What is a Statement of Purpose?

Your scores and your academic background tell only half of the story. The other half, which the admission committee is looking at, is your life’s journey. You have lived your life, you make your choices and therefore, only you can convey this uniqueness. It is this part of the story which you share through the Statement of Purpose.

The SOP is one of the most important components of your application process. It portrays the weightiest impression of yourself to the admission officers. Your SOP will say a lot of thing about you subtly that a strong profile might never be able to. The SOP conveys your attitude, your ambition, your clarity of purpose and your personality. It is your only opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Be Honest and be yourself.
Communicate through the statement of purpose as to how you are different from others and why you as a person is the most apt choice.
Share your life’s journey.
Share your life experiences and wisdom. Talk about your journey — the hurdles, triumphs and lessons learned.
Explain why the programme enthuses you.
For the evaluators it is important to know that you have made the right choice. Express what you’re interested in learning and how you think the program will help you achieve your ambitions.
Reveal instead of tell.
Every piece of writing should not only appeal to the logical mind but should also touch our emotional being. Use sensory details, concrete nouns, active verbs and small moments that symbolize larger personal truths. Suddenly, your description of objects, actions and feelings will spring to life.
Stick to the rubrics.
Read the instructions carefully. If they want 500 words, that’s what you give them. Evaluators who sift through thousands of applications are easily frustrated by an applicant that didn’t read or observe instructions. Perfect your grammar and punctuation. Eliminate typos, misspellings or other inaccuracies.
Request feedback.
Ask friends, co-workers and writing consultants to review and evaluate your essay and provide suggestions.
Your first draft.
Let your ideas out. Write about your achievements, failures, hobbies, volunteer work, likes and dislikes. Anything about you is food for your first draft.
Write, rewrite and rewrite:
Creating a powerful essay that reflects who you are takes a lot of time. You need to develop ideas, create a first draft, produce multiple revisions by reviewing and editing. When you’re finally satisfied, you need to proof your work several times.

What to include in an SOP? Here is an ideal checklist of a Good SOP:

Introduction
What do you want to do (study or research?)
Why this program?
Why this university?
Why did you choose to study in this particular country? What do you like about it?
How much and what kind of experience you have in your field?
Specific classes, special courses or projects you have taken, that are related to your field of interest.
Any community service or leadership experience while in college.
Why should you get admitted to this program?
What values will you bring to the institute and to your peers?
What do you understand about the student community and college culture? Why do you think you will fit in?
What are your career goals?
How will this program help you to achieve your career goals?
Your extracurricular activities, hobbies, and interests
What is that one unique aspect/characteristic about you that the admission officers should know? Why does it matter to the admission officers and/or to the fellow students of your class?
Conclusion