How to write a statement of purpose (SOP) for University Admission

The statement of purpose is an important formal document, submitted as a part of university application when taking admission in an international university.

It details about your academic background, professional experience, your goals, why you have chosen this particular course and university, allowing them to understand who you are and what is your interests.

This is the first document describing you in front of the admission committee to know you beyond academics, so it should be written in a very systematic manner.

Importance of SOP (Statement of Purpose)

The SOP is considered the most important aspect of your application when it comes to study abroad in developing your impression in front of admission committee that can affect your admission in both positive and negative ways depending on your SOP.

It allows toy to highlight your overall personality to the university. It helps them to evaluate candidates and to make sure whether you are a good fit for their university and will add value to the program you are applying to.

The SOP reflects your interests, passion, short and long term goals and potential to contribute to the university.

Key Elements to Include in the Statement of Purpose (SOP)

There are no certain ways of writing SOP and no defined structure or rules of what to add and what not, but there is some basic information that should be added to allow admission committee to know and understand you.

The content and format is different for different courses and universities and also vary from country to country. Some elements to make your SOP strong includes:

ü Introduction: A brief and impressive self-introduction, what you will discuss in your SOP and about your background.

ü Academic background & Professional experience: Discuss about your academics, projects, work experience and goals for your career growth.

ü What made you choose this course: You should explain the clear reason and motivation behind opting the particular course.

ü Career: This is the most important element of the SOP where you have to write your short and long term career goals clearly and how this institution and program will help you in achieving them.

ü Why this University: You should be known and aware of the university you are getting in, you have to discuss about faculty, course structure or other activities that make you to step into this university.

ü Conclusion: You should conclude by summarising all the factors in brief and your preparedness to enroll in the particular course and the potential for success.

How to write the structured Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

The statement of purpose should be well-written, as it is very important for your application. Some of the tips are as follows.

Think and plan

First plan and create the outline for writing the content accordingly. Starting with any quote or anecdote that developed your interest is a good beginning.

Think about all the experiences, achievements, goals or events that changed your life and made you chose this field. List everything and then plan your strategy.

Research

This is the most crucial aspect of writing SOP (Statement of Purpose), search about the course and university you are planning to take admission.

You should be very clear about your decision that why you choose the particular university and the program. Your research of university and course should be seen in your document,

Draft

Draft the content in proper format and order and fill all the details like your academic, professional background, your hobbies and interests.

While writing your SOP (Statement of Purpose), active voice should be used.

Review

When your SOP (Statement of Purpose), is drafted once, then review it carefully as your last step. While reviewing check it with your created outline whether all the topics are covered or not.

Eliminate or add any information if required. Multiple reviews are done before final submission.

Key Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP)

· Keep it simple and short: Use short sentences and phrases and keep the content to the point, without any extra information. Write it using simple language and do not exceed the word limit.

· Be positive and structured: Write your academic and professional achievements in the form of story and avoid using short forms, slangs and informal writing.

· Show your Passion and Potential: Explain that you are very keen about the course and university and also discuss how this will help you with your goals and to meet the potential beyond classroom.

· Proofreading: Make sure to read it twice before submitting and ensure that there are no grammatical errors.

· Ask for Feedback: Once your document is ready, ask your friends or mentors to check it and suggest if any changes are required or any error is there.

Mistakes While Writing SOP (Statement of Purpose)

ü Do not be too specific for your details while writing the SOP.

ü Avoid using informal tone, this is a formal document, formal yet engaged tone should be used.

ü Do not copy the content, write the details in your own language.

ü Avoid plagiarism at all, if the SOP is found plagiarised, the application can be rejected.

ü Do not focus more on extra-curricular activities rather write about your goals, academics and work experiences.

The strong and powerful statement of purpose requires efforts and multiple revisions. The SOP (Statement of Purpose), is not just a document but the reflection of who you are, and your door to new opportunities.

In your SOP you describe your journey and express your vision with clarity. Writing a SOP takes lots of time in planning and structuring to stand different.

Your information like academic background, careers, interests and achievements reflect your potential and makes easier for admission committee to take decision. Your SOP (Statement of Purpose), helps you in achieving your dreams.