How to write a Statement of Purpose

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

A statement of purpose, or personal statement, is a brief and focused essay about one's career
or research goals, and is frequently required for applicants to universities, graduate schools, and
professional schools. An SOP is a concise essay about one's career goals, identified means to
achieve them and accomplishments so far towards those goals. It is a required document when
applying for admission to most professional programs in abroad universities. Often, SOP is used as
a yardstick to assess the capabilities of a prospective student in terms of critical thinking, analytical
abilities, interests, aims and aspirations. It is a good way for an applicant to communicate with the
admissions committee. Most admissions committees look for a short, crisp and ideologically clear
SOP.
What are the various types of SOP requested by Universities?
1. Essays on specific topics
2. Graduate and undergraduate essays
3. Letter of intent
4. Statement of interest
5. Essays in specific fields (business, law, engineering, medicine, etc.)
6. Essays for specific programs
What is the objective of a SOP / Essay / Letter of intent?

To distinguish yourself from other applicants

To present a picture of your personality
To highlight your accomplishments, experiences, potential, future plans

Which are the critical factors which institutions look for an UG statement of interest?

Schools want to build communities of creative, interactive, well-rounded individuals

including focus on non-academic strengths, interests, extra-curricular activities, etc.
Schools look for the best minds in a subject area.

How important is the Essay?

The level of importance varies between institutions

Some institutions use the essays to assess a students writing competency
For highly selective schools, the essay is the distinguishing factor.
There needs to be consistency between essays and grades.

Whats Important?

Organization
Picture of your overall personality
Academic background and work experience
Commitment and motivation
Communication skills
Writing style
Correct spelling / good grammar
Format / Neatness

Working on Your Essay

Carefully read the questions and essay instructions in the application form
Research additional material on the topic
Search the Internet, read other essays, read books on essays, check out the colleges
website, etc.
Brainstorm questions
Compose several drafts, write a final but ORIGINAL version
Revise and edit the essay
Refrain from copying from other essays

Answer the following questions in your SOP

What makes you unique among applicants applying for the same program? Why should an
admissions committee select you?
Why are you interested in this particular field?
How have you learned about the institution and program?
Why would you like to study in this particular college / university?
What are your career plans?
What skills, talents or personal characteristics do you possess which improve your
chances for success in this field?
How can you contribute to the program?
Are there any inconsistencies in your academic record? If so, discuss them briefly and
mention how you plan to excel in your chosen program.

Consider your favorite fictional characters, historical figures, books, movies, works
of art, music, etc. that have influenced your life in a meaningful and positive way.

How should you structure your SOP?

The SOP has an introduction, body and conclusion. It must NOT be written in the format of a letter.
Also the structure should NOT be that of an autobiography.

Short is better than long

First few sentences are very important to catch the readers attention
Transition appropriately from one paragraph to another

Writing Strategy, Theme & Content Dos

Take a lot of time to consider the content

Read the question carefully
Follow the recommended length
Write an original essay that is based on personal experience or observations. Write about
something important to you.
Convey a positive overall image.
Keep your essay focused: Do not try to mention everything you are interested in. Get to
the point fast.
Be concrete, specific, interesting, and persuasive.
Mention achievements relevant to undergraduate / graduate admission.
Mention work, volunteer or extra-curricular activities that relate to your field.
Use the full and correct name of the program you are applying for.
Research each university and let them know why you want to come to that particular
university
Revise your essay several times.
Read your essay aloud.
Find an editor.

Structure, Theme & Content Donts

Dont start your essay with, I was born in , My name is,

Dont try to second-guess or flatter admissions staff.
Dont try to impress your reader with your vocabulary. Dont use unnecessary words, slang,
or words you dont understand.
Dont write in a flowery, complicated manner. Keep it simple.
Don't include a lot of dates. This makes an essay sound like a timeline.
Dont sound hesitant. Do not use expressions like, I hope to do that, or, It seems like the
experiment has given good results.
Dont use generic statements or platitudes. Eg, While at graduate school, I worked for
many organizations on many different projects...

Dont include an undergraduate-style paragraph about how well-rounded you are

when applying to a graduate school. (Some PhD candidates spend a lot of time
describing their high school achievements!)
Dont repeat information already mentioned in the application (GPA, test scores, etc.)
Don't spend your time describing your English proficiency.
Dont set and describe unrealistic plans.
Don't simply state ideas, support them.
Supply concrete evidence of your achievements: