Be it MBA or MS, Canada or the UK, UG or PG, when it comes to studying abroad, you cannot go about it without writing an SOP. A well-written SOP, also known as a Statement of Purpose, is an integral part of a college application, and it is often the only difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection letter. In a nutshell, an SOP is a student’s way of explaining to a university why he or she is applying to that specific programme at that specific university, as well as his or her short- and long-term career goals and how this programme will affect them. Every student has to submit an SOP with their application. Still, many students struggle to write a good SOP, either because it’s not coherent, exceeds the word limit, or does not provide the information in a proper manner. To help students with this, we have made this guide on how to write a perfect SOP.
A well-written SOP consists of these parts:
Introduction
- This is not a self-introduction
- Introduce the academic field of interest
- Write how and why it interests you and what you aspire to do in this domain
Background
- Educational information from either school or college
- Professional experience (if any)
- Include Extracurricular activities
Why this course?
- Specify why you want to pursue this particular course
- Discuss the course curriculum
- Explain the skills you would enhance during this course
Career Goals
- Clearly specify your goals immediately after this course
- Portrayr your long-term plans
- Never talk about staying in a country for too long
Why this University
- Specify features of the university that attract you
- How would its exposure help you realise your goals
Conclusion
- Sum up what you have written
- Do not write anything about financial assistance
Introduction (1st para)
Keep in mind that this section is not about self-introduction. How were you introduced to the chosen field, and what inspired you to pursue a career in it (through childhood motivation or mundane observations)?
Address your passion for the subject in this area.
This paragraph should be in a story-telling format and must have a good narrative.
Building block (2nd Para)
This paragraph should include what you have done so far to support your dream or passion.
Link your undergraduate courses, achievements, professional experience (including internships, if any), volunteer work, etc. to show what you learned from these and how they prepared you for your master’s. Avoid setting out your resume here. It is simply to demonstrate your interest in and impact from these endeavors.
Any new skills acquired on the job or from your coursework can be mentioned here.
Goals (3rd Para)
Describe your short and long terms goals in this paragraph and explain how your master’s programme will help you achieve them. Mention the industry and function in relation to your career objectives.
Mention what you will learn from this new degree that will help you achieve the goals you have set out. (Particularly necessary skills obtained only through this masters)
University research (4th Para)
How does this particular university align most closely with your career aspirations? This must demonstrate your passion for the school. Consider researching the particular curriculum or research that interests you most.
What is unique about the school and course? Speak about the university’s location if it has any special importance to you or matters professionally (it could be your industry hub).
For management school, mention the school clubs and cultures that excite you the most!
Conclusion (5th Para)
This paragraph should only summarise your application and should be no more than 2-3 lines long, requesting that they positively consider your candidacy and that the school is your top choice.
Remember, an SOP goes a long way, and it could be the path to your dream university, so always make sure to take sufficient time while writing your SOP and let your friends or family read it before submitting it so that you can get another person’s perspective as well.
