A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a general requirement for seeking admission to a foreign university. So, it is crucial for a student pursuing higher study to provide his/her SOP to the university admissions committee.

What is SOP?

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a long essay that universities mostly ask for before applying to graduate-level programs. It is basically an autobiography where the student relays their interests, reasons, and skills that relate to the chosen course. Moreover, it allows the admissions committee to understand the applicant’s background, interests, goals, and overall insight, which can’t reflect on a resume. A good SOP also helps one get a scholarship.

Here are five important tips for writing an eye-catching statement of purpose, which will help to make a great first impression and increase the chances of that application being accepted or getting the scholarship.

  1.   Being yourself:

It has been seen that most people tend to modify stories from the beginning since they are encouraged to compose them. This action should be avoided. Some people may have had a normal background and lifestyle, and they probably did not do anything particularly exceptional. It’s just okay. Write nothing if there is nothing meaningful to say. We should write the usual stories and act normally.

  1.   Using a formal yet conversational tone:

The tone used makes a great difference in SOP writing. The SOP should be written as if it were a conversation between the writer and the reader, but formal language should be carefully maintained. This will create a personal connection between the writer and the reader; hence, the chance of getting accepted is increased.

  1.   Being clear, concise, and well organized:

The SOP should be written in a clear and concise manner. Unnecessary slang words and complex sentences should be avoided. Additionally, the SOP should be organized logically: introduction, main body, and conclusion, ensuring no grammatical or spelling mistakes. Then the polishing can make the SOP well-structured and smoothly readable.

 

  1.   Aligning the experiences with the program:

It is important to customize the SOP for the selected program that is related to the experience. The relevant courses, professors, research projects, publications, internships, work experiences, motivation, passions, and unique aspects of the respective program should be mentioned in the SOP, which helps to attract the readers. The genuine enthusiasm and deep understanding of the study background should be reflected in the SOP. Additionally, it is described how the program fits into professional aspirations and academics and how it supports the research of the research community.

  1.   Stories over statements:

When it comes to writing an SOP, stories are essential. It easily grabs the attention of the reader and makes the application interesting to him/her. A well-told story has the potential to emotionally connect with the reader, something that the statements just can’t do. By sharing stories, the actual scenarios are shown that effectively highlight the qualities, experiences, and achievements of an individual. It is all about showing, not just telling.

By following these tips, one can easily write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), which will help achieve one’s goal. It is not just a requirement for applying for higher study; it’s a great opportunity for excellence and to have a remarkable influence in one’s future career.

 

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Writer, 

Sourav Biswas Shuvo

Intern at Content Writing Department,

YSSE