How to
write a successful Statement of Purpose (Step by Step Guide)
What is a
Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
A Statement of Purpose (SOP), also known as a research statement or a letter of intent, is written to the admission panel and talks about your career path, interests, professional contributions, goals and the driving force behind pursuing a particular program (either Undergraduate or Postgraduate). This is usually submitted in the form of an essay; however, certain universities may also keep it question-based. It is the most integral part of your application that decides your admission to your preferred institution.
The following questions will guide you in writing a good Statement of Purpose
1. What do you want to study?
- Field
- Specialization
2. Why do you want to study that program?
(2 reasons)
- Goal - a job or interest or what is it?
- Why this specific program and not something else?
3. How did you become interested in
the above program? (Establish with reasons)
- No generic story -like interested since childhood
4. What steps have you taken so far
towards learning this program?
- Any degrees, projects, courses, hackathons, or just anything specific
5. How has your previous experience
shaped your understanding of the subject?
- How have your previous choices helped you - specific outcomes
6. In your journey so far, what
specific skill are you lacking in this field?
- What skill and why is this skill important for you
- If you already have everything, you don't need an additional degree
7. In your journey so far, what specific
skill are you lacking in this field?
- What skill and why is this skill important for you
- If you already have everything, you don't need an additional degree
8. How does this graduate degree help
you in your journey further?
- What are the outcomes from this degree that you require - How do they
help you?
9. What are the specific things in our
program?
- Any specific professors in the college
- Any of the research labs/research interests of the professors that
align with your interest
- Any courses that are offered that you think will help
Do’s for your SOP application
|
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
|
Your purpose of taking the program and
the opportunities you wish to explore |
Your short-term and long-term career and personal goals |
|
Your academic journey and accomplishments |
Evidence of Professional achievements |
|
Extra-curricular activities |
Anecdotes of teamwork, leadership and other corporate
qualities |
|
Motivation and career aspirations |
Career expectations from the institutions |
|
Assignments undertaken during studies |
Noteworthy projects undertaken at work |
|
Internships, if any |
Volunteer work, if any |
What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?
There are several elements that are vital for your
Statement of Purpose. These include:
·
Personal
background
·
Financial
background
·
Academic
details
·
Professional
experience (full/part-time, voluntary)
·
Immediate
and long-term goals
·
Reasons
why you wish to study at this particular institution
·
Reasons
of being interested in the chosen field
·
About
extra-curricular activities
·
Published
works, if any
·
Papers
submitted, if any
·
Interests,
hobbies
If you also need to prepare a well-structured CV, Check out the video below for tips
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You can contact BAX HERE for assistance in getting a good SoP at an affordable cost.