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SOP (Statement of Purpose): Format, Samples, and Tips

• Updated on  
• Feb 17, 2024

To aesthetically present a movie on the screen, great actors are the requisites. Similar is the case when one is carving their own career path. From choosing the right course to getting into your dream university, you need to take each step carefully. As a crucial part of the eligibility criteria, the universities often demand LOR s, SOPs or entrance test scores to assess the candidates and their suitability for the chosen course. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one such element that beholds great value in the admission process of those aspiring to study abroad. Creating an alluring SOP is essential to help the assessment committee understand your willingness for the program you have applied for. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on drafting a statement of purpose that can help you sail smoothly through the assessment process and get entry into your dream academic institution.

This Blog Includes:

What is a statement of purpose (sop), why is sop important, sop format, 2. formulate, 3. revise and modify, what do colleges look for in an sop, how to write a perfect statement of purpose (sop / admissions essay), introduction, academic background and professional experience, career goals, why this course, why this university, how long should an sop be, what to include in an sop, what not to include in an sop, 10 tips to write a successful statement of purpose, sop sample for business analytics, sample statement of purpose for mba , sample statement of purpose for masters, sop formats for usa, canada, uk, and australia, top 5 mistakes to avoid while writing an sop, how can you reduce your chances of rejection from your chosen university, can sops help with scholarships, sop vs letter of motivation, sop vs personal statement.

A Statement of Purpose can be referred to as an informative document, containing personal statements, and is essentially required as part of the admission procedure of study abroad programs. Also referred to as an application essay, it comprises the basic details of a candidate along with their professional and personal interests, academic highlights as well as future aspirations. An SOP plays an integral role in the application process of a study abroad program as it provides the admission board with the key information about the candidate and why they want to study a particular course at their institution. It not only describes who you are as an individual but also gives an idea about your writing skills and proficiency in the English language.   

A well-written SOP is an extremely significant element during your admission process. While the academic record and other exam scorecards, academic transcripts and backlog certificates are essentially objective in nature, an SOP is the only truly subjective aspect of your application. It is the only document in your application that allows you to prove that you have something unique which makes you stand out from the crowd. As such, it is the document of your application docket that can hugely determine your admission.

Also Read: Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement

As such, there is no particular or proper format for writing a statement of purpose or an SOP. Students have to write an SOP just like an elaborative and descriptive English essay dividing the whole context into different paragraphs. Each paragraph must be having distinctive features describing different scenarios, features or characteristics about yourself. You can take the help of the below-provided structure and get started with writing an SOP for the university you want to study in. 

How to Write a Statement of Purpose?

As a pivotal document for any study abroad application, an SOP needs to be precisely well-written. To help you understand the different elements of this document, we have curated a step-by-step procedure that you can follow to curate an impressive statement of purpose.

The first step of the process of drafting a statement of purpose is to think about the varied aspects of your candidature that you should mention in it. The mandatory inclusions of an SOP are academic achievements (especially at the undergraduate level), prior work exposure or volunteering experiences. Start with framing an outline for the document and ask yourself the following questions:

• Which field of study excites me the most?
• Why do I want to pursue this degree?
• What are my expectations from this degree?
• What outgrowth can this degree offer me?
• Where can this degree take me, personally and professionally? 
• Through my pre-requisites, what values can I add to this program?

Once you have made key pointers for most of the questions mentioned above, you can begin jotting them down in a thorough and comprehensive manner.

Now that you know what you want to mention in your SOP, it’s time to curate a rough outline for the document. Here is a list of some essential tips you need to keep in mind while formulating your statement of purpose:

• Since the admission committee strives to understand your candidature through the SOP, you need to be honest in describing your career aspirations and objectives. Focus centrally on maintaining the authenticity of your mentioned details. Duly elaborate on your advantageous perception of the chosen course.
• Creatively cite your personal and professional interests. Mention what you are passionate about and what excites you. Then, sensibly connect it with your chosen program and how it will assist you in grooming your skills. For instance, you can state that you are aspiring to gain experiential learning or training in your desired industry through the course.
• What brought you here should be a sure-shot mention in your SOP. You can begin with stating those features of your chosen course that convinced you to opt for it. Then, write down the objectives you want to fulfil by studying the program. It can be personal growth or professional upliftment or even both. Try to be unique and precise when listing your reasons. 

Once you have jotted down your SOP as per the above-mentioned necessary tips, the final and concluding step is to revise and make changes accordingly. Go through the list that you created in the beginning and ensure that you have added all of them.

• The word limit for a statement of purpose is between 500-1000. 
• Do not miss out the predefined sizes for spacing, margins and font size.
• Try getting a second opinion but getting your SOP read from a friend or an experienced professional.

Many foreign and even national universities ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) from candidates wanting to enrol in suitable courses that the university has to offer. They ask for the SOP from candidates in order to check and look at the following things:

• The writing capabilities of the writer or the candidate 
• The X factor that makes their writing stand out from the crowd
• Choice of thoughts and ideas that has been explained in the SOP
• The unique personality of the candidate 
• Candidate’s talent, previous experiences, interests and potential
• How and what can the candidate contribute to the department of the college/university
• Candidate’s motivation or inspiration to study a selected course must be evident and justified
• The reason behind to choose a particular university/college and a particular course of study
• Academic and extracurricular achievements and recognitions (if any)
• Originality and clarity of the SOP as a whole. 

To know more, read our blog on – How to Write an SOP?

Check out the video on the same below!

How to Write a Powerful and Convincing SOP?

Whether applying for undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programmes, the strategy of writing a powerful statement of purpose should be sound focused throughout. Starting from your academic and professional background to your career aspirations, you need to carefully connect all the dots between reaching your goals through your choice of school and course. The essay should always go in a flow covering your past experience, present involvements, and future plans. An important point to remember while writing your SOP would be to divide it into paragraphs that cover all the pointers. Here is a look at how you may write the SOP presenting your profile strongly:

This paragraph is often confused with self-introduction. It should not introduce you but should discuss what you are about to discuss in your SOP. There are multiple approaches you may adopt to go about this paragraph:

• Discuss your long-term goal and connect it with your idea of pursuing the course you are applying to
• Present your understanding of the chosen field and write how you want to contribute to that field
• Explain your background in 2-3 lines and connect it with your future goals
• Write about an anecdote that helped you realise your professional interest in the chosen field

This comprises of your academic background: what you have done so far, what you are currently pursuing, your academic strengths and projects, and the industrial exposure you have attained.

This is the most important paragraph, where you should discuss your short and long-term goals. Your immediate goal would be where you would want to work right after completing this course. You should be able to name some companies within India along with the designation you see yourself working at. This should explain the kind of job profile you would be working on.

Then comes your long-term goal, wherein you should mention where you see yourself from 10-12 or 15 years down the line. This may include your desire of working at the CEO/CFO/CTO level or maybe establish a firm that you own. It may also include your dream of expanding your existing family business overseas. You may also be interested in further studies like a PhD which can be included here.

More in this section may include your desire of becoming a professor or researcher. In any case, it is suggested that you discuss your business aim, principles, and core values or how you would influence the young aspirants of this industry. You should be able to portray ‘how you wish to make a difference in the industry keeping in mind the current industrial scenarios and emerging trends.

In this paragraph, you should discuss why you want to join a course and what modules would you tap during this course. It should also cover the skills you would acquire in this duration along with the exposure that would help in developing the skills desired to realise your goals.

This is a specific paragraph wherein you can convince a university as in how they are suitable for your profile and you are an ideal candidate for their university. You should discuss the course curriculum, research work, faculty names, as well as the university-specific activities that would help you in enhancing your profile.

Also Read: How to Write a Best Statement of Purpose?

Ideally, if considering an internationally renowned university, then the statement of purpose should be at least 1-2 pages long. In terms of word count, then the same should be around 1000 words. Having said that, the word limit and the length may also sometimes depend on the university that the candidate is targeting and also on the level of degree. Like for example, a candidate who is writing an SOP for an undergraduate program may not exceed 800 to 1000 words whereas a candidate who is writing an SOP for a PhD or M.Phil degree course has to write it in around 1200 words and sometimes even more. Some universities even have a fixed length and word count which is uniform for all the programs and courses. 

There are many elements to an SOP. Universities could ask question-based essays or simply a general statement of purpose. Until and unless categorically asked, an SOP must include your goals and the career path you have taken up so far as well as your academic progress. Other elements that are further important to the SOP are also the personal motivations that lead you to choose the university/course you have applied to as well as how you intend to use that experience to achieve that goal.

Following are a few things that you must do in order to make your SOP application strong:

• Your Statement of Purpose should have a unique and engaging beginning as well as an end. It must be original, a reflection of you. 
• Explain your academic background, present and future aspirations. Through this, you must justify your choice of a particular course for masters or doctorate courses.
• Upon reading your SOP, the admission officer should be able to understand how you can contribute to the university in terms of research and further scope in your chosen area. 
• Always write your SOP in an active voice and ensure you provide information in a manner that is a reflection of your passion and optimism. If you have any statements or references, try quoting them with relevant examples rather than being direct.

Often universities come across a lengthy statement of purpose and yet they reject it. Even when you cannot find one grammatical error, the seemingly excellent SOP would be rejected. And the primary reason is – too much unnecessary information. For instance, just because you might want to talk about your family, does not mean you go on and on to talk about only your family. While your SOP should be a brag sheet, it should be a brag sheet with a substance. You need to pick and choose what to include. Pick a theme and mention the accomplishments that make the most sense to your candidacy.

• Weave your career path into a story, not statements.
• Do not write what you think should be written. Personalise the SOP and make it your own.
• Do not stress over it. Although it is an important part of your application, the SOP should be a direct reflection of you.
• Find the deeper meaning behind the events of your life and pen them down.
• Give a strong reason as to why you chose the particular school and course.
• Be specific in the timeline of events.
• Use a formal but conversational tone.
• Accept your mistakes and explain how you are willing to act on improving. Use action items.
• Give yourself enough time to write the SOP and edit it constantly. 
• Proofread, edit, re-edit and then edit it again! There is always room for improvement, remember that.

Also Read: SOP for Scholarship

Statement of Purpose Samples

Here are some good examples of well structured SOPs that you can refer to while writing your own.

“ A successful career in Business Management requires adequate knowledge to utilise the strengths and weaknesses of an individual. In my undergraduate degree, I majored in economics and psychology because I believe that understanding these two fields is important for leading a successful business. I want to increase my experiences and knowledge further by pursuing an Executive MBA, which will equip me with advanced skills that are necessary to achieve my career goals.

As I have carried out various leadership positions, I have learned how to efficiently work in teams and pursue the specified goals. In my previous company, ABC, I successfully implemented the strength-cum-weakness finder software which helped us assign projects to the groups based on the mapped data. As employees got allotted tasks as per their efficiency, it resulted in a 30% net gain for the company over the following year. I believe that a successful business leader understands the importance of strategically utilizing a company’s resources to ensure the maximum potential and development of the company. Further, the pivotal thing I learned about myself by taking up leadership roles is that teamwork is a crucial element of successfully achieving an organisation’s objectives. An Executive MBA will help me furnish my leadership skills imparting me with the knowledge of hierarchical structures and how to work with other leaders of different domains in an effective manner.

Studying for an Executive MBA, I plan to take charge of multiple team projects throughout the duration of the degree so that I can polish my teamwork skills. I aspire to work under industry leaders and attain global exposure. Pursuing this degree from your institution, I aim to gain professional as well as personal skills that can help me soar through my career journey. ”

I had a keen interest in Biology since childhood. I was eager to learn about the living organisms around my surroundings and how they function. I took this interest forward and decided to pursue my higher education in biology. When I was first introduced to the field of biotechnology, I was mesmerized by what technology can do to improve the life of any living organism. This inspired me to look at various research programmes in biotechnology and how we are moving towards a phase where technology can alter even the basic fragments of any living organism and change the course of life an organism goes through. I observed the various research patterns that have been taking place in the agricultural industry with the advent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) giving birth to the Green Revolution. This was only one potential achievement in the extensive list of achievements that biotechnology was progressing towards. I worked with a reputed biotech firm which gave me an insight into how fast-paced the research in biotechnology is. The firm gave me the necessary exposure leading me to decide that I want to pursue MS in Biotechnology. My ambition to work in this field lies essentially in bringing changes in the lifestyle of people in a way that I can research and extensively study the required positive steps towards climate change. My goal is to achieve a sustainable lifestyle for every individual. The exposure that your esteemed institution will give me in the field of research will help me achieve this goal by working at a reputed platform

• Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa
• SOP for MIM
• SOP Samples for MS
• SOP for Business Analytics
• Sample SOP for MS in CS
• SOP for PG Diploma in Canada
• SOP for MBA: Essentials to Mention & Samples
• SOP for Australia

Here is the basic format for USA, Canada, UK and Australia:

If you are planning to study abroad and want to write a good and outstanding statement of purpose for the university that you are targeting, then here are some of the common mistakes that you can avoid from the very beginning while writing an SOP:

• Writing the SOP at the last moment without any plan of action or a roadmap
• Writing a weak and vague introduction and conclusion 
• Using informal language, slangs, short forms in your SOP
• Exceeding the word limit and not reaching the correct word limit at all
• Making your SOP excessively flashy and flattery

If you are eligible for any college-specific scholarships, then during the application process you will be required to write a separate essay/SOP. Either you will be given an essay prompt/question along with a word limit or they would simply ask for an SOP stating the reasons why you think you deserve this scholarship and/or what makes you unique from the rest of the candidates? Thus, a generic SOP is different from a scholarship SOP.

Must Read: LOR: Types, Format, Sample and Tip s

A Letter of Motivation is a letter directly addressed to the admission committee/department faculty explaining your objectives, motivation and goals related to the course. The SOP is not addressed to any specific person or department, it is drafted in an essay format, whereas, the motivational letter is always addressed to a professor or department under whose guidance you will be studying.

Also Read: How to Write a Motivation Letter?

Very much similar to an SOP, Personal Statements are an on-page essay where you write about your motivation, inspiration, goals, and achievements. Personal Statements usually have a more intimate tone than SOP as it talks about the highlighted incidents of your life. Another crucial difference between an SOP and a Personal Statement is that an SOP is addressed to no one in particular, while a Personal Statement is addressed to a professor or department under who you choose to study.

Relevant Reads:

Only your LORs need to be attested by your college or company. An SOP need not be attested/self-attested until and unless specified by the university. If you take a LOR from your college professor/school teacher or a Principal/Dean, then that LOR needs to be signed by the recommender along with the college/school stamp and letterhead. Similarly, for professional LORs, they need to be signed by their respective recommenders on the company’s letterhead and company stamp.

Once you have finalised your SOP draft, give it a double-check for grammatical and formatting mistakes. Your next step should be to analyse and critique your essay. Look at your SOP through the eyes of the Adcom and see what you find lacking. For more effective inputs, you can show your drafts to your friends and family and see how they react to them. Accordingly, you can make some changes but do not overdo it or deviate from the format. Lastly, check for spacing errors and save the final SOP which you will be using for the application process.

You should avoid mentioning any low marks or shortcomings about yourself in any of the application documents, including SOP. There are very few universities that ask you about your gap year. For them, you can mention the reason for the gap between your studies. Generally, no university asks about low grades during your study period as your selection depends on various criteria like exam scores, student profile, financials, and so on. Thus, it is advised against mentioning any flaws or low marks.

Hence, we hope that now you are geared up with all the quintessential tips to start carving out your SOP. If you still have doubts or need further professional guidance, you can always reach out to our Leverage Edu experts and we’ll assist you throughout the admission process, be it selecting a suitable course and university or drafting impressive SOPs and LORs. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Team Leverage Edu

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I was really impressed and happy with the informations I was able to get reading through your well documented page.

I am really impressed reading through your sample and guides in writing an SOP.I was able to put mine together and I have submitted awaiting feedback from the Admissions office. Thanks so much.

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BUILDING STELLAR PROFILES FOR DREAM ADMITS

Statement of purpose (SOP) done right! [with Samples]

Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement forms a crucial element of the graduate school application process. For the uninitiated, a Statement of Purpose is an essay that introduces YOU to the Admissions Review Committee (AdCom). It contains your accomplishments, career plans, and reasoning of why you think a particular graduate program is the ‘right fit’ for you. 

Nearly every respectable graduate program in the world, be it a Master of Science, Engineering Management, MiM or MBA requires applicants to submit a Statement of Purpose while applying.

The AdComs put a lot of value on a candidate’s SOP, evaluating their ‘intent for applying to that program’ and whether it resonates with the University’s mission and objectives.

Jared Pierce, associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

Clearly then, you will have to construct your statement of purpose which tells your “story” rather than list out your “achievements”

So, how do the applicants go about writing the SOP? Which experiences are viewed favorably by the AdCom, and what should be avoided. In this blogpost, I touch upon the effective strategies that if adopted, can transform your SOP into your story.

STEP – I: Decoding the types

Let’s start by clearing out a few things about the Statement of Purpose. They go by different names — Personal statement, letter of intent, letter of motivation, mission statement, elevator pitch, video sop…. The list is too long! Each of them serves a different purpose and should be written within the frameworks of the university guidelines.

Perhaps the first step you should do before you start writing your SOP is to prepare an outline and use it as a roadmap.

To be honest, this is not a very popular step with most of the students. They imagine that this “extra” step will add time and complicate their application process when in fact, creating an outline can not only help streamline one’s essay writing but can also go a long way in boosting the resulting essays’ effectiveness.

By organizing your thoughts in the form of short phrases and key terms, you will observe that your story unfolds more easily. Moreover, it also ensures that there are no gaps of information in what you are trying to convey. This translates to a more persuasive final SOP and, in most cases, fewer rounds of editing and revision.

Sample Outline A

• Passion for chess – coaching and playing
• Volunteer activities with Greenpeace 
• Love of Shah Rukh Khan films
• Managing literature conference at IIT, Mumbai
• Love of biking – Sunday bike rides with “team”
• Semester exchange in France 
• Travel to 21 countries – Iceland, Russia and Peru highlights
• Close relationship with grandma
• Budding love of cooking
• Love of Mumbai

Once a sample outline has been prepared, it is now easier to construct a structure for the statement of purpose.  

STEP – II: Break it down

Building upon the outline, each SOP needs to be structured so that it logically fits in the narrative.

Many clients that we have encountered confuse ‘structure’ with ‘chronology’. When asked to write a draft of the essay, they present their achievements in chronological order, thinking that this will give the essay a proper structure.

However, your experiences and how they have translated and shaped you into what you are today, may or may not be chronological. Thus, you have to start your essay with the most significant one and connect the dots from there.

The Admissions Review Committee is looking out for very specific things in your application. Unless you break it down, it will be an arduous task to explain them your story. And no one wants a confused AdCom guy in their life.

What is the Admission Committee looking for?

The simple answer would be – what makes you, YOU.

But if only things were so simple. What they are really looking for is how you fit into the overall scheme of things at the University.

Broadly, there are 5 factors they are trying to evaluate you on:

– Why have you applied for that particular program?

– What kind of skills do you have to succeed in that program?

– How do you want to leverage your university connections to network and contribute to the school community?

– How are your professional goals aligned with the program outcomes?

– Why are you the ‘best fit’ for the university?

Your statement of purpose or letter of motivation should talk in brief about all these points.

Even for the most practiced of writers, crafting a successful application essay can be an uphill task. So, trust us on this – Most of the SOPs that we read make us go….

Ideating and then organizing thoughts into outlines for essays will facilitate this process, as we illustrated in Part 1 of this guide, and now we will offer a few basic steps that will help you create and refine your drafts.

STEP- III: Tell your story

As we discussed it earlier, your statement of purpose is not merely an instrument to present facts from your life to the AdCom. Infact, it’s a platform to tell your story. Of who you are, and how has your experiences shaped you. You should therefore focus on narrative writing (which primarily describes) rather than expository writing (which primarily explains). In a narrative, the central facts about a situation are not just bluntly introduced, but are presented in a way that lets them speak for themselves and paint a rounded picture of an experience.

Consider the following examples:

My upbringing in a family full of entrepreneurs made me acquainted to data analytics early in life. When I supported my father’s organization, where they manually used to analyze data and predict delivery date & raw material ordering, I helped them develop an automated system with the use of pivot tables and slicers, that can be used together to visualize data and create easy to use dashboards.

Coming from a business background and having an undergrad degree in Information Technology, it was only natural for me to have a formidable combination of – entrepreneurial streak and technical expertise. My formative years were spent engaging in insightful dining table discussions with my father, pertaining to our business-related products and services. As a result, I was presented with several opportunities to understand the legal, commercial and technical aspects of our business. However, the opportunities that I loved most were the technically challenging ones that had the potential to impact our business positively. One such opportunity that I got was to review and remodel our existing data management system, which had severe limitations in terms of performance and scalability.

Which one of the above example do you think creates a more compelling image of the person you are reading about?

While example A is vague in terms of details, example B has a lot of specifics. It creates a holistic picture of the candidate and evokes imagery for the reader, which is more compelling. Thus, leaving out important details is detrimental to the health of the essay.

STEP – IV: Connect the dots

A good story is as good as its parts. Details, which are crucial to the development of the story, if left out does not reveal the entire picture and leaves the readers confused.

As you write your essay drafts, check each sentence to make sure that it includes a key part of the story you are telling. If you can remove a sentence and your essay still makes sense, that line is unnecessary and should remain deleted. However, if your narrative suddenly becomes unclear, that is your proof that the sentence in question is not superfluous and that you are on your way to creating a profoundly connected narrative.

Having a keen interest in operations research motivated me to work on my bachelor’s thesis: Efficient utilization of weight and volume capacity of a fleet of goods containers. The objective here is to build an algorithmic model for transportation of goods, cargoes, and shipments by utilizing the maximum load and volume capacity of the containers. The study is being carried out with a view to enabling the freight companies in reducing cost and enhancing operational efficiency. I have identified the constraints posed such as categorization of goods according to their suitability, shortest route according to the consignments, delivery of goods within the prescribed time, maximizing the profit and providing customer satisfaction, and successfully developed a mathematical model for the intercity transport, using shortest route and minimum cost per volume using traveling salesman and transportation concepts. Moreover, I am also trying to implement algorithm theory and computational complexity theory to solve the combinatorial problem considering the constraints faced.

Notice how the dots are getting connected.

1st sentence – Having a keen …. – Provides a justification to work on the bachelor’s thesis in Operations Research based on the interest of the applicant.

2nd sentence – The objective here is to build an algorithmic model…. – Clears the aim of the the project and gives idea to the AdCom about the scope of the project.

3rd sentence – The study is being carried out …. – End goal of the project is described.

4th sentence – I have identified the constraints… – talks about problem/constraint identification that the student is trying to resolve

… and successfully developed a mathematical model… -highlights the solution to the given constraints.

Leaving out any sentence written in this paragraph would be eliminating a key detail, and thus will confuse the reader about the project. In short, the story will be difficult to follow.

STEP – V: Create a ‘hook’ in the Introduction paragraph

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing a strong essay is determining the best way to start it. Even when you have a strong outline in hand, crafting those first few words or phrases can be challenging. To help you over this hurdle, we offer a few strategies for beginning your essays.

Maintaining a mystery

This is one of the best ways to grab the attention of the AdCom.

There are only a few rare moments in life, interspersed within our chaotic daily routines, during which we find our true calling. And those moments generally come like a blitzkrieg, inspiring us to make choices which define who we eventually become. I encountered one such moment, as a part of my internship with Bless Foundation, an NGO which strives to alleviate the sufferings of the underprivileged.

(Selected at University of South California, MS in Computer Science).

Do people shape cities or do cities shape people? Irrespective of the order of transformation, I am of the belief that city landscapes impact our daily lives in a significant way.

(Selected at TU Delft, MS in Architecture)

While watching the digitally remastered and coloured version of 1960 Bollywood classic ‘Mughal-e-Azam’, then shot in monochrome, I realised that I was less concerned about the cinematic brilliance but more about certain stats I read about the movie.

(Selected at Cornell University, MPS program in Applied Statistics)

The main stage was set while I enthusiastically waited in the crowd for Guns N’ Roses to surface from behind the spotlight. It was an absolute dream for me to witness the band live in concert, after having grown up and getting inspired by Slash and his musical eccentricities. As they emerged on stage and plucked the first strings, I was transported in a trance of hedonistic pleasure. Surprisingly, it was not the music that had the greatest influence that night.

(Selected at Stanford, MS in Computer Science)

In all of the above examples, the first few lines draw the reader into the essay and make him ask the question, what happens next? This approach is a sure shot way to indulge the AdCom into reading your application in full.

Strictly avoid: Clichés

Let’s be honest here. The AdCom knows when clichés are coming. And no one likes them. Consider this for example:

Being an ardent fan of the Marvel Universe, I believe that if we have the thirst for knowledge, ability to rectify the errors and better our skillset like Ironman and if we have grit, perseverance and will to do good for the mankind like Captain America, then we can win any battle and achieve something great. I tried to follow these ideologies while working on all my projects and technical papers.

My profound interest in mathematics, computers, and problem-solving became the basis for furthering a career in Computer science. In order to broaden my horizons of technical acumen, I joined Oracle after completing my undergrad. This allowed me to develop a clearer vision about pursuing a career in my field of Software Engineering.

It’s safe to say that introductions like these should be avoided at all costs as they have been read by the AdCom a million times. You don’t want to be the million plus one candidate.

Lead with your best

When you are pitching your application to the AdCom, it is highly recommended that you start your essays with your most compelling experience. Do not follow a template of chronological detailing of your academic records and professional achievements. Show your best foot forward. You do not always have to outline your history to create context for your narrative.

Example A (Student Version of her internship)

Due to these rewarding experiences and key learnings acquired from projects, I secured a position as a Developer at Barclays India, which has been exhilarating from the onset. In a span of four months, I underwent intensive training in several technologies like Java, JavaScript, Embedded JavaScript, Spring Framework, Servlets etc.

Example B (Gradsmiths version)

At Barcalays, internship not only meant exposition to multimillion-dollar client portfolio, but also getting intensive training in tools like Java, JavaScript, Embedded JavaScript, Spring Framework, and Servlets.

Example A exhibits significant backstory, but the most important parts that she learned new technologies was mentioned after the third line. In example B, this happens right in the second line, and is smartly packaged for the reader.

This introduction—just one sentence long, rather than four—introduces the reader to the individual’s high- level position right away and is therefore much more compelling and effective.

Step – VI: Don’t put extra information in your essays

Although it seems to be a no brainer, most students end up doing this. They provide irrelevant information in their essay, which makes it a boring read.

Consider this:

My final year project was ‘Analysis and Design of a high rise building with R.C Shear wall’. This project was done by 4 undergrads. In the initial phase, a 3-storied building is designed in ETABS software using Dead and Live load. In the next phase a 15-storied building with shear walls considering Earthquake and wind load is designed under G. A. Bhilare Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Pune. Seismic design parameters like story drift, lateral displacement was studied and shear forces, axial forces, bending moment were interpreted. This project increased my understanding of ETABS and improved my skills .

In the example above, there are too many details like the no. of storey of the building and name of the consultants, which are not required. It adds on to the word count and makes it a slow-developing paragraph.

Revised version

To gain more understanding of structures and the mechanics of forces at play, my final year project focused on the analysis and design of a high rise building with R.C Shear wall. In association with three other undergrads, we worked to design a 3-storied building, followed by its higher version in ETABS software using Dead and Live load. Carefully monitoring the shear walls considering Earthquake and wind load, we studied Seismic design parameters like story drift, lateral displacement. All this culminated under a sponsored industry project in collaboration with top architects of the city. This experience helped me to analyse complex structural models with loads, and design them in the most sustainable way, a skill which I am confident will prove beneficial during my graduate studies.

Step VII: Honour the word limit

Although we can assure you that no one will toss your application in the trash if your essays exceed the school’s stated word limits a little, in general, sticking as closely as possible to these limits is the best plan. Doing so indicates to the admissions committee not only that you pay attention to and can follow directions (which reflects positively on you as a potential student who will be required to follow numerous guidelines throughout the course of the MS program) but also that you are willing to put in the work required to convey your story effectively within the stated parameters. Also, you show respect for the school as well as for the admissions readers, who must sort through thousands of essays each week. A good rule of thumb is to not surpass the school’s requested word count by more than 5%, though of course, the fewer extra words you include, the better—and minimizing any risk of a negative impression resulting from exceeding the set word count is best.

Step VIII: Answer the question

This is our most obvious rule yet, but one that must be stated nonetheless: make sure that you answer the question the school is asking. Sometimes candidates possess a great story and really want to “spin” it for a particular essay prompt. Other times, applicants work and rework an essay so much that when they are done, they do not realize that they have changed their initial story entirely and the resulting essay no longer addresses the school’s question. Not answering the question is one of the admissions committees’ biggest peeves. In addition to indicating an ability to follow directions on your part (if not an outright attempt to withhold information), not answering the question asked means that you have not provided the information the admissions committee is specifically seeking and needs. So, regularly revisit the essay prompts as you revise your essays, ensuring that you are on track and providing a topical response.

Step IX: Customize your responses

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to customize your essays for your choice of University. Many a times, we have seen that one SOP is sent to 5 different universities, with just a few line changes.

To us, this is a very easy and a lazy approach to essay drafting. Moreover, the AdCom through their years of experience of reading SOPs figure out whether you have followed a template or not.

Your short and long term goals should be aligned with the research areas and expertise of the University. AdCom loves to see how the university can help you realize your personal and professional milestones.

A common point of contention among students is whether or not to include the names of professors. In our opinion, you should go beyond name-dropping and identify key research areas where you would like to work. This creates a better representation of your academic interest and underlines your motivation to apply for the program.

It is important to understand that the AdCom is looking for unique and interesting candidates, who contribute to the campus and community. Thus, desire to work in student clubs, campus organizations, or community service is viewed positively. It shows that you have a multi-dimensional personality and go beyond your academic interests. Another quirky thing to add is why the location of the college is important to you and your goals. It can be the vibrant startup culture of the place, proximity to tech centers or Silicon Valley, or even the music vibe of the place.

Step X: Read, Re-read, Proofread. Repeat.

If you have followed all the steps above, and drafted your statement of purpose, great work done! Now will be a good time to send it to your friends, relatives, colleagues, and anywould who would care to read it.

You will amazed at how many grammatical errors get discovered. And we don’t even want to get started on the formatting bits.

Your goal, before sending out your statement of purpose should be to make it as error-proof as possible. This can be achieved by proofreading it multiple times to check for nasty little bits of flaws that hides furtively behind the pompous words and achievements.

The Statement of Purpose is perhaps the hardest thing you will encounter during your application stage.

The good news is that the process does not seem so overwhelming when you break it down into simple, actionable steps as described above.

At Gradsmiths, we have come across more than a thousand essays and SOPs, some brilliant while some total disasters. What really saddened us was that the same mistakes were being repeated in every other document, which motivated us to compile these steps that we follow into this post to draft an awesome statement of purpose.

Statement of Purpose (Samples and formats)

Statement of Purpose that got accepted to UPenn MS in Computer Science

Sample Statement of Purpose that got accepted to MS in Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University

Statement of Purpose that got accepted to Cornell University’s Engineering Management program

Enjoyed the blog? Why not drop in your e-mail address below, and we send more such tips and strategies straight to your mailbox.

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If you have got the time, do check out our FREE E-book on ‘Biggest Mistakes you make in your resume’. It contains some super pointers on how to modify your resume and make it fit for a graduate school application.

Interested in talking to a Gradsmiths expert on how to go about your essays? Book your calendar here.

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• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school

How to Write a Statement of Purpose | Example

Published on February 13, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate programs or scholarships, the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of grades. The statement of purpose (also known as a statement of intent or motivation letter) is your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your motivation, skills and potential. It should:

• Outline your academic or professional interests and goals
• Discuss relevant skills, experience and achievements
• Demonstrate why you’d be a good fit for the program

Table of contents

Successful statement of purpose example, requirements and prompts, personal introduction, experience and achievements, goals and motivations, fit with the program, tips for an effective statement of purpose, other interesting articles.

The torment of the Founding Fathers is responsible for my interest in Classics. My desire to learn Latin stemmed from reading American Revolutionary-era history during junior high and high school, and particularly from the countless Latin quotations I found in John Adams’ writings. Always eager for a challenge, I was intrigued by the American founders’ accounts of the torture of learning such a difficult language. In my first semester at university, I started learning Latin and thoroughly loved it. As I learned more and more about classical civilization through the language, I realized that I was passionately interested in many aspects of the field of Classics. I have since taken courses on mythology, art and archaeology, and religion, on ancient history, and on the classical tradition. I have also learned Greek, of course, starting with an intensive two-semester course at the university’s summer school. My experience studying abroad in Florence and traveling through Italy and Greece intensified my zeal for the field and, in particular, fueled my ambition to specialize in classical archaeology.

My personal philosophy of life is that everything is connected, and this conviction drives my desire to study Classics. The most rewarding moments for me are discovering and investigating connections – both broad ones, between fields and disciplines, and more specific ones, like the relationship between a piece of literature and an object of material culture. My liberal arts education has equipped me with a broad base of knowledge in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, and in the honors program I pursued independent projects exploring academic and personal connections, including a paper on ancient Mayan astronomy, a self-observation study on the effects of nutrition and hydration on exercise performance, and a paper on the influence of political context on the changing artistic representations of John Adams. By seeking out connections between seemingly unrelated areas of academia, I have acquired a well-rounded outlook which helps me approach new ideas with both a range of prior experiences and a mind always open to different interpretations.

In accordance with my personal philosophy, I have also continued to explore connections within Classics and between Classics and other fields. In 2007, I published an article in my university’s undergraduate humanities journal; inspired by my studies in Florence, I compared representations of the birth of Venus in ancient and Renaissance literature and art. My major academic achievement to date, however, has been my senior honor thesis on John Adams’ connection to the Classics. Funded by a Hilldale Research Fellowship, I conducted research in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society and in John Adams’ personal library at the Boston Public Library on the influence of the classical tradition on Adams’ worldview and how he consciously modeled himself on classical ideals. It was particularly fulfilling to connect historical and classical research in writing about the figure most responsible for instigating my study of the Classics.

As well as my research skills, I have demonstrated proficiency in the classical languages, winning prizes for both Latin and Greek translation from the Classics Department, as well as receiving an enthusiastic nomination from the department for the Pearson Fellowship from the American Philological Association. I am also the president of the undergraduate Classics Society, which allows me to share my enthusiasm for Classics with other students and the larger community.

One of the most appealing aspects of studying Classics is the vast range of topics encompassed by the field. Because my interests are broad and I value an interdisciplinary approach, I would like to pursue graduate study ultimately leading to a PhD in Classical Archaeology. Archaeology in itself is, of course, a multi-faceted field, requiring knowledge of history, language, anthropology, and various scientific and technological methods. I have already started building my skills in this area: I participated in a microartifact analysis from the excavation of a Maya site in Belize as part of an honors project, and this summer I will take part in two archaeological projects in Turkey after working as a research assistant on related material in the spring semester. This PhD program includes many other opportunities I am eager to explore, such as palaeography and papyrology courses, and especially the variety of fieldwork and museum experiences available. I believe that my strong background in the classical languages and wide range of courses on classical civilization and archaeological methods have prepared me well for this program, and I am convinced that, guided by my philosophy of interconnectedness, I will flourish in this program.

The first step is to read the application instructions. These should include the length of the document (usually 1-2 pages), any formatting requirements, and often a question or prompt that indicates what you should focus on.

In some cases, you might also be asked to submit a personal statement . Similar advice applies to both of these documents—both should give a sense of who you are, what you’ve done and what you want to do. But a statement of purpose is often more formal, tightly focused on your academic background and your suitability for the program.

If you are working on multiple applications, don’t try to write a one-size-fits-all text—tailor your statement of purpose to each program. Make sure to respond to the prompt and include all the information you’re asked for. A typical statement of purpose prompt looks like this:

Your focus will be slightly different depending on whether you’re applying for research-based academic programs (such as a PhD ) or professional qualifications (such as an MBA). But all statements of purpose should contain the following elements.

This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and let them hear your voice. The statement of purpose shouldn’t tell your life story, but it should give a glimpse into who you are.

Academic and personal background

Give an overview of your academic background, and show what drives your interest in this field or profession. You might want to include some personal background too—your family history, social circumstances, personal relationships and life experiences have all shaped your trajectory and perspective. What unique insights will you bring with you?

Characteristics and personality

Think about aspects of your character that make you well-suited for graduate school. Don’t just list generic adjectives—give examples that demonstrate your strengths and show why they’re relevant.

• Are you organized enough to handle a high-pressure workload?
• Do you have the creativity needed to develop original ideas, or a systematic mindset perfect for problem-solving?
• Do you have strong leadership skills, or are you great at working collaboratively?

Avoid including irrelevant autobiographical detail in the statement of purpose. Everything you include should be aimed at showing why you’d be a strong candidate for the program.

Your experience shows that you have the necessary skills to succeed in graduate school. Don’t just summarize everything you’ve done—pick out some highlights to build a clear picture of your strengths and priorities, illustrating how you’ve learned and developed along the way.

Academic experience

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, such as a PhD, show your knowledge of the field and outline your research experience. This might include:

• A brief summary of your thesis or final project
• Courses that you found particularly valuable
• Projects you contributed to
• Publications
• Presentations
• Extracurriculars that gave you relevant skills or experience

Professional experience

If you’re applying for a professional program, such as an MBA, outline your experience so far and show how it relates to your career plans. This might include:

• Past or current job roles
• Projects you led or participated in
• Internships
• Voluntary work
• Training courses

In all cases, give specific examples with details of what you worked on, what you achieved, and what you got out of the experience.

As well as showing that you’re prepared for the program, explain what you expect to get out of it. What are your motivations for applying? How do you plan to make the most of its opportunities, and how will it help you achieve your goals?

Academic motivations

For academic programs, indicate your research interests, showing how they follow from and build upon what you have studied so far. This might include:

• A subfield that you want to strengthen your expertise in
• A specific problem or question that you’d like to address
• An initial idea for a research project
• A theoretical or methodological approach that you want to develop

This isn’t the place for an in-depth research plan, but it’s a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of your field.

Professional motivations

For professional programs, outline your career aspirations and show how your experience informs your goals. This might include:

• The next step you want to take in your career. What position are you aiming for and how will the program help you achieve it?
• Your motivations for a career change. Can you make a link between your previous experience and your new direction?
• Your long-term goals. Where do you want to be in five or ten years, and how do you see yourself getting there?

The admissions committee wants to know that you’re genuinely motivated to complete the program, and the clearer your plans, the more convincing your commitment.

It’s important to show not only why you want to study this subject, but also why you want to do it in this particular institution and department.

• Do your research, and mention particular classes, specialisms or faculty that attracted you.
• Show why you’re a good fit. Do your priorities align with the values and culture of the institution? What will you contribute to the department?
• Discuss the specific skills, knowledge and experience you expect to get from the program.

The statement of purpose isn’t only about selling yourself—it’s about illustrating an ideal match between you and the program.

Once you’ve made sure to cover all the key elements, you can work on strengthening and polishing the text. Follow these tips to make your application the best it can be.

Stay focused

It can be tempting to try to cram in everything you’ve done, but a good statement of purpose requires careful selection to craft a focused narrative. One way to do this is by building your text around a central theme—for example, a character trait, an intellectual interest, or a career goal.

This strategy helps structure your text and puts your priorities centre stage. Link each paragraph back to the central idea, making it clear how everything fits together.

Think about your structure

The structure of a statement of purpose is somewhat flexible, as long as you include all the relevant information in an order that makes sense.

For example, you might start with a chronological story of where your interests began, or you might open with your goals and then select a series of examples that show your capacity to achieve them. If you’re desperate to study in this specific program, you could lead with a summary of why it’s your ideal choice, and then elaborate on each aspect to show why you’re a perfect fit.

The important thing is that the text showcases your strengths and motivations in a compelling, coherent way. As in any other piece of academic writing, make sure each paragraph communicates one main idea, and that each sentence flows smoothly and logically from the last. Use transition words and topic sentences to move between paragraphs.

Add meaning to your resume

The bare facts of your achievements—grades, prizes, work experience—are already included in your graduate school resume and transcripts. Use the statement of purpose not to repeat yourself, but to add personal meaning and texture to these facts.

If you got top marks for your thesis, describe the research process and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic. If you completed an internship or participated in a project, explain what new skills you learned and which aspects you found most valuable. If you already have lots of experience in the field, show how each step developed your skills and shaped your current plans.

Revise, edit, proofread

Your statement of purpose isn’t only about the content—it’s also a chance to show that you can express yourself fluently, confidently and coherently in writing. Spend plenty of time revising, editing and proofreading your text before you submit.

Make sure you stay within the recommended length, and check if there are any specific formatting requirements. If not, use a standard 12pt font, 1-inch margins and 1.5 line spacing.

When you have a final draft, our professional statement of purpose proofreading service can offer an extra pair of eyes to make sure every sentence is perfect.

Proofread my statement of purpose

Checklist: Statement of purpose

My statement of purpose clearly responds to the prompt.

I have introduced my academic, professional and/or personal background.

I have described any relevant experience and shown my development over time.

I have highlighted key achievements that demonstrate my talents.

There is a clear connection between my previous experience and my future plans.

I have explained how the program will help me achieve my goals.

I have mentioned specific aspects of the program, department and institution that appeal to me.

Every paragraph focuses on one central idea.

The paragraphs are organized in a logical order and tell a clear, coherent story.

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Not sure what graduate schools are looking for in a statement of purpose? Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help! In this guide, we’ll orient you to what makes a great statement of purpose or letter of intent for graduate school. Then we’ll provide you with four successful statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. We’ll also provide analysis of what makes them successful. Finally, we’ll direct you to even more helpful examples that you can find online!

The Graduate School Statement of Purpose: An Overview

A statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or a research statement) introduces your interests and experience to the admissions committee. For research-focused programs, like most PhDs and many master’s degrees, your statement of purpose will focus primarily on your past research experience and plans. For more professionally-focused graduate programs, your statement of purpose will primarily discuss how your pursuit of this professional program relates to your past experiences, and how you will use the skills from the program in your future career.

A statement of purpose for grad school is also where you sell the admissions committee on why you belong in their program specifically. Why do you fit there, and how does what they offer fit your interests?

What’s in a Great Grad School Statement of Purpose?

Here are the essential elements of a strong graduate school statement of purpose:

Clear Articulation of Goals and Interests

A strong statement of purpose will clearly and specifically lay out your goals in undertaking the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Again, for a research-focused program, this will focus primarily on the research project(s) you want to undertake while you are there. For a more professional program, discuss what interests you within the professional field and what skills/knowledge you hope to gain through the program.

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You should be as specific as possible in discussing what interests you. Use examples of particular phenomena, tools, or situations that you find exciting. If you are vague or say that everything in the field interests you, you run the risk of seeming unfocused or not actually that passionate.

Don’t worry that being too specific will box you into a particular research area or subfield during your entire tenure in graduate school. Your program understands that interests change—they won’t be pulling out your research statement to cross-reference with your dissertation proposal!

Evidence of Past Experience and Success

A great graduate school statement of purpose will also show programs that you have already been successful. They want applicants that will be able to follow through on their research/professional plans!

To this end, you’ll need to provide evidence of how your background qualifies you to pursue this program and your specific interests in the field. You’ll probably discuss your undergraduate studies and any professional experience you have. But be sure to draw on specific, vivid examples.  You might draw on your thesis, major projects you’ve worked on, papers you have written/published, presentations you’ve given, mentors you’ve worked with, and so on. This gives admissions committees concrete evidence that you are qualified to undertake graduate study!

Interest and Fit With the Program

The third essential ingredient to a great statement of purpose is to clearly lay out why you and the program are a good fit. You should be able to identify both specific reasons why your work fits with the program and why the program suits your work/interests! Are there particular professors you’d like to work with? Does the department have a strong tradition in a certain methodology or theory you’re interested in? Is there a particular facet to the curriculum that you’d like to experience?

Showing that you and the program are a match shows that you chose the program thoughtfully and have genuine interest in it. Programs want to admit students who aren’t just passionate about the field. They want students who are genuinely enthused about their specific program and positioned to get the most out of what they have to offer.

Strong Writing

The final essential piece of a strong statement of purpose or letter of intent is strong writing. Writing skills are important for all graduate programs. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can clearly and effectively communicate your ideas in a way that flows logically. Additionally, you should show that you know how to write in a way that is descriptive but concise. A statement of purpose shouldn’t ever be longer than two pages, even without a hard word limit.

Admissions committees for humanities programs may be a little more focused on writing style than admissions officers for STEM programs. But even in quantitative and science-focused fields, written communication skills are an essential part of graduate school. So a strong statement of purpose will always be effectively written. You’ll see this in our statement of purpose for graduate school samples.

Real, Successful Statement of Purpose Samples

In this section, we’ll present four successful graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts, along with a brief commentary on each statement. These statements come from a diverse selection of program types to show you how the core essentials of a statement of purpose can be implemented differently for different fields.

Note: identifying information for these statements have been changed—except for example four, which is my statement.

• Statement of Purpose Sample One: Japanese Studies MA

This statement of purpose is notable for its great use of space and its vivid descriptions. The author is able to cram a lot into about a page. She discusses how she came to her two primary research interests (and how they are connected). She integrates this discussion of her interests with information on her past experiences and qualifications for pursuing the course of study. Finally, she includes details on her goals in pursuing the program and components of the program that interest her. Her examples are specific and fleshed-out. There’s a lot very cleverly included in a small amount of page space!

Additionally, the language is very vivid. Phrases like “evocative and visceral” and “steadily unraveling,” are eye-catching and intriguing. They demonstrate that she has the writing skills necessary to pursue both graduate study and her interest in translation.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Two: Music MM

This sample is fairly long, although at 12 point Times New Roman it’s under two pages single-spaced. The length of this statement is partially due to the somewhat expansive nature of the prompt, which asks what role music has played in the applicant’s life “to date.” This invites applicants to speak more about experiences further in the past (in the childhood and teen years) than is typical for a statement of purpose. Given that this is for a master’s degree in music, this is logical; musical study is typically something that is undertaken at a fairly young age.

This statement does an excellent job describing the student’s past experiences with music in great detail. The descriptions of the student’s past compositions and experiences performing new music are particularly vivid and intriguing.

This statement also lays out and elaborates on specific goals the student hopes to pursue through the program, as well as features particular to the program that interest the student (like particular professors).

• Statement of Purpose Sample Three: Economics PhD

One of the first things you’ll likely notice about this statement is that it’s a little on the longer side. However, at 12 point Times New Roman font and single-spaced, it still comes in under 2 pages (excluding references). It makes sense for a PhD statement of purpose sample to be longer than a master’s degree statement of purpose—there’s more to lay out in terms of research interests!

The writing style is fairly straightforward—there’s definitely a stronger focus on delivering content than flashy writing style. As Economics is a more quantitative-focused field, this is fine. But the writing is still well-organized, clear, and error-free.

The writer also gives numerous examples of their past work and experience, and shows off their knowledge of the field through references, which is a nice touch.

• Statement of Purpose Sample Four: History of the Book MA

This is actually my statement of purpose. It was for a program that I got accepted to but did not end up attending, for a Master’s in the History of the Book. You’ll notice that the two essay prompts essentially asked us to split our statement of purpose into two parts: the first prompt asked about our research interests and goals, and the second prompt asked about our relevant experience and qualifications.

I’ll keep my comments on this graduate school statement of purpose sample brief because I’ll do a deep dive on it in the next section. But looking back at my statement of purpose, I do a good job outlining what within the field interests me and clearly laying out how my past experiences have qualified me for the program.

Obviously this statement did its job, since I was accepted to the program. However, if I were to improve this statement, I’d change the cliche beginning  (“since I was a child”) and provide more specificity in what about the program interested me.

Deep Dive Analysis of a Sample Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Next, we’ll do a paragraph by paragraph analysis of my statement, statement of purpose sample four. I’ll analyze its strengths and suggest ways I could shore up any weaknesses to make it even stronger.

Essay 1: Academic Interests

To refresh, here’s the first prompt: Please give a short statement that describes your academic interests, purpose, objectives and motivation in undertaking this postgraduate study. (max 3500 chars – approx. 500 words)

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Paragraph 1

Since I was a child, my favorite thing has always been a book. Not just for the stories and information they contain, although that is a large part of it. Mostly, I have been fascinated by the concept of book as object—a tangible item whose purpose is to relate intangible ideas and images. Bookbindings and jackets, different editions, the marginalia in a used book—all of these things become part of the individual book and its significance, and are worth study and consideration. Books and their equivalent forms—perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus—have long been an essential part of material culture and are also one of our most significant sources of information about the human historical past. Through both the literal object of the book, the words contained thereon, and its relationship to other books—forms of context, text and intertext—we are able to learn and hopefully manage layers of information with which we would otherwise have no familiarity.

First, the good: this paragraph does a good job introducing my academic interest in the book-as-object, and shows off pre-existing knowledge both of the study of material culture and literary theory. Additionally, the language is engaging: the juxtaposition of “tangible” and “intangible” in the beginning and phrases like “perfect bound, scrolled, stone tablets, papyrus” lend life to the writing and keep the reader engaged.

If I were to go back and improve this paragraph, first, I would absolutely change the first sentence to something less cliche than talking about my childhood. I might try something like “My love of books is a multifaceted thing. I don’t only love them for the stories and….” Second, I would chill out on the em dashes a little bit. Three sets in one paragraph is a little excessive. Finally, I might actually cut this paragraph down slightly to make more room word-wise later in the statement to discuss what specific things about the program interest me.

Paragraph 2

Furthermore, blogs, webcomics, digital archives, e-readers, and even social media sites like tumblr and Facebook have revolutionized the concept of the book by changing how we share and transmit ideas and information, just as the Gutenberg printing press revolutionized the book all those years ago in the fifteenth century. Once again there has been an explosion both in who can send out information and who can receive it.

This paragraph briefly and effectively introduces my other main academic interest: how new technology has changed the concept of the book-as-object. The tie-back to the printing press is a nice touch; it’s a vivid example that shows that I’m aware of important historical moments in book history.

Paragraph 3

I am deeply interested in the preservation of the physical book, as I think it is an important part of human history (not to mention a satisfying sensory experience for the reader). However I am also very concerned with the digitization and organization of information for the modern world such that the book, in all of its forms, stays relevant and easy to access and use. Collections of books, archives, and information as stored in the world’s servers, libraries and museums are essential resources that need to be properly organized and administered to be fully taken advantage of by their audiences. My purpose in applying to the University of Edinburgh’s Material Culture and History of the Book is to gain the skills necessary to keep all forms of the book relevant and functional in an age when information can move more radically than ever before.

This paragraph actually has a focus problem. Since it covers two topics, I should split it into two paragraphs: one on the integration of my two interests, and one on my goals and interests in the program. I could also stand to expand on what features the program has that interest me: professors I’d like to work with, particular aspects of the curriculum, etc.

In spite of these things, however, this paragraph does a good job clearly integrating the two academic interests related to the book I introduced in the first two paragraphs. And the language is still strong —“satisfying sensory experience” is a great phrase. However, I’ve been using the word “information,” a lot; I might try to replace with appropriate synonyms (like “knowledge”) in a couple of places.

Paragraph 4

Additionally, I intend on pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Sciences upon completion of my master’s and I feel that this program while make me uniquely suited to approach library science from a highly academic and interdisciplinary perspective.

This final paragraph offers just quick touch on my future goals beyond the program. It’s typically fine for this to be relatively brief, as it is here, just so long as you can clearly identify some future goals.

Essay 2: Relevant Experience

The second prompt just asked me to describe my relevant knowledge, training, and skills.

As a folklore and mythology student, I have gained a robust understanding of material culture and how it relates to culture as a whole. I have also learned about the transmission of ideas, information, stories and pieces of lore among and between populations, which is an important component of book history. Folklore is also deeply concerned with questions of the literary vs. oral lore and the tendency for text to “canonize” folklore, and yet text can also question or invert canonized versions; along with this my studies in my focus field of religion and storytelling have been deeply concerned with intertextuality. One of my courses was specifically concerned with the Heian-period Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and questions of translation and representation in post-Heian picture scrolls and also modern translations and manga. In addition to broader cultural questions concerned with gender and spirituality both in historical Japan and now, we considered the relationships between different Genji texts and images.

This is a strong, focused paragraph. I relate my academic background in Folklore and Mythology to my interests in studying the book, as well as showing off some of my knowledge in the area. I also chose and elaborated on a strong example (my class on the Tale of Genji ) of my relevant coursework.

I also have work experience that lends itself to the study of the book. After my freshman year of college I interned at the Chicago History Museum. Though I was in the visitor services department I was exposed to the preservation and archival departments of the museum and worked closely with the education department, which sparked my interest in archival collections and how museums present collection information to the public. After my sophomore year of college and into my junior year, I worked at Harvard’s rare books library, Houghton. At Houghton I prepared curated collections for archival storage. These collections were mostly comprised of the personal papers of noteworthy individuals, categorized into alphabetical folders. This experience made me very process-oriented and helped me to understand how collections come together on a holistic basis.

This paragraph also has a clear focus: my past, relevant work experience. Discussing archival collections and presenting information to the public links the interests discussed in my first statement with my qualifications in my second statement. However, if I were to revise this paragraph, I would add some specific examples of the amazing things I worked on and handled at Houghton Library. In that job, I got to touch Oliver Cromwell’s death mask! An interesting example would make this paragraph really pop even more.

Finally, in my current capacity as an education mentor in Allston, a suburb of Boston, I have learned the value of book history and material culture from an educational perspective. As a mentor who designs curriculum for individual students and small groups, I have learned to highly value clearly organized and useful educational resources such as websites, iPad apps, and books as tools for learning. By managing and organizing collections in a way that makes sense we are making information accessible to those who need it.

This final paragraph discusses my current (at the time) work experience in education and how that ties into my interest in the history of the book. It’s an intriguing connection and also harkens back to my discussion of information availability in the paragraph three of the first statement. Again, if I were to amp up this statement even more, I might include a specific example of a book-based (or book technology-based) project I did with one of my students. I worked on things like bookbinding and making “illuminated manuscripts” with some of my students; those would be interesting examples here.

This statement is split into two parts by virtue of the two-prompt format. However, if I were to integrate all of this information into one unified statement of purpose, I would probably briefly introduce my research interests, go in-depth on my background, then circle back around to speak more about my personal interests and goals and what intrigues me about the program. There’s not really one correct way to structure a statement of purpose just so long as it flows well and paragraphs are structured in a logical way: one topic per paragraph, with a clear topic and concluding sentence.

More Statement of Purpose Examples

We’ve provided you with four great graduate school statement of purpose examples from our graduate school experts. However, if you’re looking for more, there are other sample letters of intent and statements of purpose for graduate school online. We’ve rounded up the best ones here, along with some strengths and weaknesses about each example.

Majortests Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a fairly straightforward, clearly written statement of purpose sample for a biology program. It includes useful commentary after each paragraph about what this statement of purpose is accomplishing.

• This statement of purpose sample is well-organized, with clear topic sentences and points made in each paragraph.
• The student clearly identifies what interests her about the program.
• The student proactively addresses questions about why she hasn’t gone directly to graduate school, and frames her professional research experience as a positive thing.
• She gives a tiny bit of color about her personality in a relevant way by discussing her involvement with the Natural History Society.
• In general, discussing high school interests is too far back in time unless the anecdote is very interesting or unusual. The detail about The Theory of Evolution is intriguing; the information about the high school teacher seems irrelevant. The student should have condensed this paragraph into a sentence or two.
• While this statement is cogently written and makes the candidate sound competent and well-qualified, it’s not exactly the most scintillating piece of writing out there. Some of the constructions are a little awkward or cliche. For example, the “many people have asked me” sentence followed by “the answer is” is a little bit clunky. This is probably fine for a STEM program. But just be aware that this statement is not a paragon of writing style.

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UC Berkeley History Statement of Purpose Sample

This is a graduate school statement of purpose example from the UC Berkeley History department’s PhD program, with annotations from a professor as to why it’s a successful statement.

• The author is able to very clearly and articulately lay out her research interests and link them to past work she has successfully completed, namely, her thesis.
• She is able to identify several things about the program and Berkeley that indicate why it is a good fit for her research interests.
• She addresses the time she spent away from school and frames it as a positive, emphasizing that her use of time was well-considered and productive.
• Her writing is very vivid, with excellent word choice and great imagery.

While very well-written and engaging, this sample statement of purpose for graduate school is a little bit on the long side! It’s a little over two single-spaced pages, which is definitely pushing the limits of acceptable length. Try to keep yours at 2 pages or less. Some of the information on the thesis (which comprises over half of the statement of purpose) could be condensed to bring it down to two pages.

Pharmacy Residency Letter of Intent Sample

This is not technically a sample letter of intent for graduate school because it’s actually for a pharmacy residency program. However, this example still provides illumination as to what makes a decent graduate school letter of intent sample.

• This is a serviceable letter of intent: the writer clearly lays out their own goals within the field of pharmacy, what qualifications they have and how they’ve arrived at their interests, and how the program fits their needs.
• The writing is clearly structured and well-organized.
• The main weakness is that some of the writer’s statements come across as fairly generic. For example, “The PGY-1 Residency Program at UO Hospitals will provide me with the opportunity to further develop my clinical knowledge, critical thinking, teaching, research, and leadership skills” is a generic statement that could apply to any residency program. A punchier, more program-specific conclusion would have amped up this letter.
• While the writer does a decent job providing examples of their activities, like working as a tutor and attending the APhA conference, more specificity and detail in these examples would make the statement more memorable.
• There’s a typo in the last paragraph —a “to” that doesn’t belong! This is an unprofessional blip in an otherwise solid letter. Read you own letter of intent aloud to avoid this!

NIU Bad Statement of Purpose Example

This is an ineffective graduate school statement of purpose example, with annotations on why it doesn’t work.

As you might imagine, the main strength in this document is as an example of what not to do. Otherwise, there is little to recommend it.

• The annotations quite clearly detail the weaknesses of this statement. So I won’t address them exhaustively except to point out that this statement of purpose fails at both content and style. The author includes irrelevant anecdotes and lists without offering a decisive picture of interests or any particular insight into the field. Additionally, the statement is riddled with grammatical mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and strange acronyms.
• You’ll note that the commentary advises you to “never start with a quote.” I agree that you should never start with a freestanding quote as in this example. However, I do think starting with a quote is acceptable in cases like the Berkeley history example above, where the quote is brief and then directly linked to the research interest.

Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples: 4 Key Points

Graduate programs ask for statement of purpose to hear about your interests and goals and why you think you and the program would be a good fit.

There are four key elements to a successful statement of purpose:

• A clear articulation of your goals and interests
• Evidence of past experiences and success
• Interest and fit with the program
• Strong writing

We’ve provided you with four successful statement of purpose samples from our graduate school experts!

We also provided additional statement of purpose samples (and a sample letter of intent) for graduate school from other sources on the internet. Now you have all kinds of guidance!

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for more information on graduate school , see our guide to what makes a good GPA for grad school .

Not sure if you need to take the GRE ? See if you can get into graduate school without GRE scores .

Want more information about the GRE? We can help you figure out when to take the GRE , how to make a GRE study plan , and how to improve your GRE score .

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Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

How To Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

Congratulations! You’ve chosen a graduate program , read up on tips for applying to grad school , and even written a focused grad school resumé . But if you’re like many students, you’ve left the most daunting part of the application process for last—writing a statement of purpose. The good news is that the task doesn’t have to feel so overwhelming, as long as you break the process down into simple, actionable steps. Below, learn how to write a strong, unique statement of purpose that will impress admissions committees and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.

What is a statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you’ll add value to the graduate program you’re applying to.

Jared Pierce, former associate director of enrollment services at Northeastern University, says a strong statement of purpose can be the deciding factor in a graduate student’s admission.  

“Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says.

How long should a statement of purpose be? “A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words,” Pierce says, noting that it should typically not exceed a single page. He advises that students use a traditional font at a readable size (11 or 12 points) and leave enough white space in the margins to make the statement easy to read. Make sure to double-space the statement if the university has requested it, he adds. 

How to write a statement of purpose: a step-by-step guide

Now that you understand how to format a statement of purpose, you can begin drafting your own. Getting started can feel daunting, but Pierce suggests making the process more manageable by breaking down the writing process into four easy steps.

1. Brainstorm your ideas.

First, he says, try to reframe the task at hand and get excited for the opportunity to write your statement of purpose. 

“Throughout the application process, you’re afforded few opportunities to address the committee directly,” he explains. “Here is your chance to truly speak directly to them. Each student arrives at this process with a unique story, including prior jobs, volunteer experience, or undergraduate studies. Think about what makes you you and start outlining.”

When writing your statement of purpose, Pierce suggests asking yourself these key questions:

• Why do I want this degree?
• What are my expectations for this degree?
• What courses or program features excite me the most?
• Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally?
• How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program?

Jot these responses down to get your initial thoughts on paper. This will act as your starting point for creating an outline and writing your first draft.

2. Develop an outline.

Next, you’ll want to take the ideas that you’ve identified during the brainstorming process and plug them into an outline that will guide your writing. 

An effective outline for your statement of purpose might look something like this:

• An attention-grabbing hook
• A brief introduction of yourself and your background as it relates to your motivation behind applying to graduate school 
• Your professional goals as they relate to the program
• Why you’re interested in the specific school and what you can bring to the table
• A brief summary of the information presented in the body that emphasizes your qualifications and compatibility with the school

An outline like the one above will give you a roadmap to follow so that your statement of purpose is well organized and concise. 

3. Write the first draft.

Your statement of purpose should communicate who you are and why you are interested in a particular program, but it also needs to be positioned in a way that differentiates you from other applicants. 

Admissions professionals already have your transcripts, resumé, and test scores; the statement of purpose is your chance to tell your story in your own words.

When you begin drafting content, make sure to:

• Provide insight into what drives you , whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both.
• Demonstrate your interest in the school by addressing the unique features of the program that interest you most. For Northeastern, he says, maybe it’s experiential learning; you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry. Or perhaps it’s learning from faculty who are experts in your field of study.
• Be yourself. It helps to keep your audience in mind while writing, but don’t forget to let your personality shine through. It’s important to be authentic when writing your statement to show the admissions committee who you are and why your unique perspective will add value to the program.

4. Edit and refine your work.

Before you submit your statement of purpose:

• Make sure you’ve followed all directions thoroughly , including requirements about margins, spacing, and font size.
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Remember that a statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words. If you’ve written far more than this, read through your statement again and edit for clarity and conciseness. Less is often more; articulate your main points strongly and get rid of any “clutter.”
• Walk away and come back later with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes your best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at your computer.
• Ask someone you trust to read your statement before you submit it.

Making a lasting impression

Your statement of purpose can leave a lasting impression if done well, Pierce says. It provides you with the opportunity to highlight your unique background and skills so that admissions professionals understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the program that you’re applying to. If nothing else, stay focused on what you uniquely bring to the classroom, the program, and the campus community. If you do that, you’ll excel.

To learn more tricks and tips for submitting an impressive graduate school application, explore our related grad school success articles .

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in March 2017. It has since been updated for thoroughness and accuracy.

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11 Tips for Writing a Powerful Statement of Purpose [Sample SOP Included]

By Jitta Raghavender Rao • GradSchool Admissions

The Statement of Purpose is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of graduate applications. Most students pass it off like it is just another essay about themselves, and naturally, write monotonous stuff that doesn’t stand out. That is why, the university admissions committee puts a hefty weight on statement of purposes and their structure  – they want to see whether you take the interest in letting them know how much you want to study at their university.

Most Statements Of Purpose Start Off Like This:

“I am applying to the Master of Science program in Something Engineering at the University of Example because I believe my technical skills will blossom at your program as it is a place where I will be challenged and where I can develop my scientific and technical knowledge.”

Or Like This:

“I am honored to apply for the Master of Science program at the University of Example because for as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with science. Since I was a kid in school, I have known I wanted to be a scientist/engineer.”

Now, almost 99% of the statements are structured similarly, and often times, students copy-paste, and edit statement of purposes from their seniors or friends, making it sound even more generic or irrelevant to their applications. If you want to stand out from the crowd; if you want the admissions committee to remember your essay at the end of the day, even after going through hundreds of applications; if you want to gain that extra advantage by being somewhat special and unique, you will have to draft a great statement of purpose.  Great, but original .

How Can Your Statement Of Purpose Stand Out From The Crowd?

How do you write a great statement of purpose that sounds original, but at the same time gives the admissions committee what they are looking for? Simple. Basically, every university expects a student  to answer to some basic questions  that the admissions committee has. They may not ask you openly, but  these are generally what they expect you to answer:

• What you want to study at graduate school?
• Why you want to study only this degree?
• Why do you want to study at this particular college? What do you like in us?
• Why did you choose to study in this particular country? What do you like about it?
• How much and what kind of experience you have in your field?
• Is your experience related to you choice of degree?
• If you are already experienced, what additional skills are you planning to gain from the degree?
• What you plan to do with your degree after graduation?
• Would you choose to end up with a job or take up research?
• What are your expectations from both the graduate program, and the university?
• Would you like to study or do research under any particular professor? If yes, why only them?
• How can you contribute to our university and our program? What specific skills do you bring to the table?
• Apart from work and education, what are your hobbies, interests, and habits? What are you like, as a person?
• What do you understand about our student community and culture? Why do you think you will fit in?
• What is that one unique aspect/characteristic about you that we should know? Why does it matter to us or to the fellow students of your class?

Now, these are the questions you will have to consider before starting off with your statement of purpose. Write down answers separately to each of the questions asked above, and try to build a story that the admissions committee would love to read. Remember, unlike an MBA program, you won’t be having any personal interviews for a graduate program, so  the only way to impress the admissions officers is by telling your story through the statement of purpose . You will have to convey your story in the best possible way, such that the committee finds you interesting enough. And if you are interesting enough to them, you will end up with not only admission, but also a decent scholarship as well .

Strategies to Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose

It is important that you follow a specific strategy when it comes to drafting your statement of purpose. Though most students write whatever comes to their mind, or whatever they see on the internet, you are not most people.  You would want your statement of purpose to sound brilliant, and original . And for that, you’ll need some strategies.

1. Write Stories. Not Statements

If given a choice, would you prefer reading a novel or a newspaper?

A novel, without a doubt. Do you know why?

Because while a newspaper gives you mere news and some eye-catching headlines, a novel tells you a story; a beautifully written piece of  literature that you will be emotionally connected to . It brings those humanly feelings out of you, and involves you in its storyline. You imagine yourself in place of the narrator/character, and understand why he/she has done that, or taken such decisions. We remember stories much easier than statements.

Because stories connect to us, statements don’t.

For example, most people say this:

“I used to work in a multinational software company in the development team, and I had to do the same job every day: code stuff. There was nothing new for me to learn at work, and there was nothing very exciting about going to the office. One day I decided that I had to get out of there, so I applied to college to study higher courses and get a better job.”

Doesn’t that sound like most stories? Albeit, a very normal story? Instead, how about saying this:

“Late in the night one Monday, I had found myself in the middle of a deserted office, and fifteen thousand lines of code. Full of caffeine in my bloodstream, and an empty life beyond office, I realized that the computers started coding my brain, and controlling my life. No longer wanting to let the machines feed on me, I decided that college would be my salvation.”

Both the stories come to about four lines. But which narrative do you think will keep the admissions committee reading? Which story do you think will be remembered by them even after reading 5000 applications?

Think again.  Do you want your statement of purpose to read like a novel or a newspaper?  If the former is your answer, then you need to put in a lot of effort to tell your story. Think about ‘why’ you want to study what you want to study. Is there a strong reason behind it? Is the reason emotional, economical, or any other? Think hard, and you will find a connection. The reason might not seem obvious in plain sight, but when you think hard enough, you will understand that  there is strong reason why you want to study a particular course/degree.

Now, when you have found this strong reason, tell it as a story. Write a short, but great narrative about what made you make this choice. About why you have chosen to study this course at this university. Impress the committee with your creative storyline, and you will reap the benefits big time.

2. Quantify Your Stories

Even though we asked you to write a story, you will have to remember that  your story should not read like a thesis . It should rather serve as the best source of information about you. And when it comes to information, numbers play a key role. Your story should be not only qualitative, but also quantitative. And that means,  your story must contain measurable quantities  instead of just stories, so the reader can understand the depth of it.

For example, if you have worked for a local NGO teaching math to primary kids, you could say:

“During my engineering days, I helped a local NGO by joining as a math tutor, where I taught basic math concepts to school children.”

Now even though this sounds really good, it doesn’t give the reader the entire picture and they certainly do not know how much of an impact you made on those children.

So,  you could change that bit to something like this:

“During my second year of engineering, I joined ‘Teach Math’, a local NGO, where I was a part of the Math tutoring team. For a  period of 10 months , I  taught basic math  like algebra, geometry and arithmetic  to more than thirty  5th and 6th grade students. And every single student I taught to,  secured an A  in math that year. I’ve never been prouder in my life.”

Do you see the difference? These numbers suddenly give a whole new perspective to the readers, and their respect for you is suddenly multiplied. That’s the power of numbers;  they add authenticity, and authority to your stories . If you can quantify your stories properly, and show the results instead of just actions, the committee will not forget your name. You can use the same strategy for the rest of your story, no matter what it is about.

Whether it is a research project you did, or a college fest you organized, or a college sports team you led, whatever it is, add numbers to your stories, and make them sound more realistic, and more beautiful.

3. Be Specific

You have to make sure that whatever you say in your statement of purpose, you need to be very specific with it. Don’t just say something because you think it will impress the admissions committee. Whatever you say,  you have to really dig into details . Be introspective. Don’t just say “I chose this degree because I love this field.” Explain clearly why you love this field, what made you decide that you want to work in this field for the rest of your life, what skills you are trying to amass, why it completes you as a person, etc.

Don’t beat around the bush like you normally would, when you talk to your friends. Don’t use ideal sentences like ‘I want to change the world’ or ‘I want to find my inner self’ or any of those cheesy lines. Just be straightforward and always to the point, but not so much as to come off as arrogant. Find your reasons and then  find a nice, memorable way to say it .

Grad school admissions officers require the statement of purpose not just because they want to find about you and your dreams. More importantly,  they want you to think for yourself , as to why you are taking such a life-changing step; why you think this is the best thing that can happen to you; and why you think you truly need it to succeed in life.

The ‘why’ is always profoundly important , and also an extremely difficult question to answer, which is why, if you can find answers to all the whys, then you are almost in.

4. Customize Your Essay

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to prepare a basic template for their statement of purpose, and if they are applying to more than one university, they simply change the relevant names and details. But the rest of the statement is an exact copy.

This is never a good idea, because though they might seem quite similar to each other, every university is vastly different from the others. Each of them has a diverse set of characteristics that define them, and their  cultures, methodologies, visions, values, mottos, strengths, weaknesses , etc., vary greatly. These things are much more important than the departments, or university rankings, or number of Ph.D.’s or other materialistic qualities.

So, if you are applying to multiple universities, you need to factor in all these qualities of every university, and customize your statement accordingly. Mere changes in names and details won’t suffice. You need to tailor your essay such that the admissions officers think you will fit in well into their community. Remember,  every student community is like a family , and if you give hints that you cannot fit into a family or their culture, you may not be welcomed easily.

Speaking of cultures, different countries obviously have different cultures, but even a large country like the US has different cultures in different parts of the country. So, before you begin writing, try and research the general culture within the region in which your target university is, and learn something about it. It may also help in aiding your decision process;  if a culture doesn’t attract you much, then there’s no point in wasting an application .

5. Use a Formal But Conversational Tone

Nearly all statements or essays come under two categories:  The super formal, and the super friendly . The first category is when you write a statement of purpose that is so formal, it looks like you are writing to your lieutenant in the military. The second one, of course, looks like a casual email to a friend. Now, when asked which one seems like a better choice, most students say the formal way is the way to go, and super friendliness is a big no. And still, a minor set of applicants think they can outsmart the admissions committee by sounding friendly, welcoming, and funny.

But, on further reflection, you would understand that  neither of the approaches is ideal . And you are right, neither of them is right. Like we talked about it already, your statement of purpose should read like a novel: slightly formal language, but still a tinge of fun and uniqueness. That is what you need. A conversational tone is the best and the safest way to go. Write like you are talking to someone, but avoid using casual language.

Imagine you are talking to your dean, or the director of your college . What would your language be like? That’s how your statement of purpose should sound. Now, occasional humor is okay, but you shouldn’t try to sound too funny or too smart. No intentional jokes or funny lines should find their way into your statement. After all, it’s a statement of purpose, and  the purpose is to pursue a graduate degree , not to impress people with your sense of humor. So, if what you write brings a smile on the readers face, then it’s perfectly alright. But  it shouldn’t make them throw away your application  because you didn’t seem serious enough to them.

6. Decide How You Want To Portray Yourself. And Learn How to Portray Indirectly.

You must see that the statement of purpose serves as a medium to convey your attitude, your personality and your character. Alright, those are some heavy words, and it can actually be difficult to them on paper. So, what you can do is,  learn what your statement of purpose should portray you as , in terms of a few criteria, which tell the admissions committee that you are:

• Very passionate about the field of study you have chosen.
• An Intelligent student who can withstand the academic workload of a graduate program.
• Well-prepared academically and personally, and eager to study new courses.
• Able to take on the challenges of studying at an international graduate school.
• Able to build and maintain a good rapport with professors and fellow grad students.
• Able to finish the graduate degree within time, and graduate with a good percentage.
• A potential remarkable representative of that grad school in your future career.
• A successful alumni of the grad school who in the future can help in recruiting graduates.
• A responsible alumni who in the future will help raise funds for the grad school, to spend on research, infrastructure, facilities, student scholarships, etc.

These are basically the parameters that grad school admissions officers look at, when they decide who is joining their class.

Now, you might be wondering that the statement of purpose can only be as long as 1000 words, and that there’s quite a lot to cover in that little space. This is where your writing skills should come in. You simply can’t just go ahead and write “I am very passionate about the field of study I have chosen.” That is the last think you would want to write. What you should instead write is a sentence that indirectly means the same. You will have to choose your words wisely so as to indirectly communicate your “passion. You can use brief examples to show why you are so passionate about it.

For example,  you can say something like:

“My grandfather was a car mechanic. I remember when I was nine, he took me to his garage for the first time and showed me how he could repair my damaged bicycle so I could ride it again. When he passed away a few years later, he left me the entire garage. It was a turning point in my life. Some of my best days were spent inside the garage, where after coming back from school, I tried fixing various appliances in the house. That was what led me to choose to be a Mechanical Engineer.”

The above paragraph speaks volumes about you as a person and your passion for Mechanical Engineering without you actually saying it.  Any admissions officer in the world wouldn’t reject an applicant with such a deep reason , and such a wonderful story behind him/her. Now, remember, you don’t have to lie. Try and remember stories from your life that have shaped your decisions. And connect them beautifully to your goals and dreams.

Now similarly,  your “intelligence” can be conveyed by how you write . The quality of the statement of purpose, the organization, expression, etc. of your statement tells how intelligent you are. Demonstrating knowledge of the field, and using related jargon shows that you are “well-prepared”. Showing what you have done already describes your ability “to take on the challenges of grad school”. Your grades and your previous performance prove your ability “to finish the graduate program in time”. Being a “future remarkable alumni” can be implied by your being a commendable representative of your previous institutions, like your high school, or undergraduate school. Similarly, you will have to try and represent all the qualities mentioned above in an indirect, but powerful way.

7. Don’t Create Stories. Be Yourself

Because we asked you to write stories, there would naturally be an inclination to “create” stories out of thin air. Do not do this at all.  Write great stories only if you have great stories . Some people might come from normal backgrounds, who had normal lives, and probably didn’t achieve anything spectacular. It’s completely okay.  If you don’t have anything great to write, don’t write it . Be normal, and write normal stories.

It is better to be normal than to pretend to be someone you are not. The admissions officers are expert psychologists, and  they can spot a true applicant from a false applicant  with just one reading. So, you will badly hurt your chances of getting into your dream school if you try to be someone else. Just be yourself, and write only about the things that have happened to you, and the things that you are passionate about.

For instance, saying “I love research” just because you think they will like it, isn’t going to help you a lot. Whatever you say just for the sake of it, won’t appeal much to the committee, as  they would look for relevant evidences in your stories and in your past . So, don’t even think about fooling the committee with a false storyline. Try and be yourself throughout the essay.

8. Address Your Problems

The Statement of Purpose is a great opportunity for you to address some of your problems. If you have had any problematic academic background, or a gap year in your career, or if you had any work-related problems, you can address them on the statement of purpose in order to reassure the admissions committee. You must  try and be as honest as possible , and talk about your problems in a matured manner.

Instead of trying to defend yourself, you can point out the actual reasons that led to the problems, but more importantly, you should highlight ‘how’ you overcame the situation, and ‘what’ you have learnt from the experience. For example, let’s say that you got all C’s or all D’s in one semester. This normally isn’t the kind of academic profile a good grad school would want from you, unless there is a strong reason behind it. So, take some time and  dedicate a few lines to explain whatever happened .

If you had a health problem during your semester exams, or if you faced any emotional setback during that time, if you experience any personal loss, or if you had to take up additional family responsibilities other than studying, you can mention that in your statement. But, more importantly, you should not forget to demonstrate how your grades have been steadily improving since then, and that you now have a decent grade-point average in the discipline.

If you can spin this story well enough for the committee to empathize with you, then  your story will enhance the admissions committee’s image of you as a matured student , with the abilities to “take on additional challenges” and “to finish on time”, even when things are against you.

9. Do Your Homework

This is one very important point you should exercise while you are writing a statement of purpose. You should be thorough with the details of all the universities you are applying to, and list down all the things you like about each university, before you write the essays.

Most students simply write generic sentences like “I am impressed by the importance your university gives to research” or “I would like to study here because you have 100 Ph.D.’s and 20 Nobel prize winners.” etc. No, that is not how you do it. The admissions committee knows how great their college is;  you don’t have to remind them again and again . But, you should let them know what exactly you like about them, that you so badly want to be there.  The specifics are really important .

For example, you could say something like this. (Excuse the random jargon, it is only to give you an idea.)

“I would fully utilize the resources that the Wallenberg Hall provides, as I am particularly interested in the field of molecular chemistry. The special 24/7 laboratories provided for student research on molecular processing is exactly the kind of opportunity I am looking for, as I could totally see myself working in the labs day and night.”

And something like:

“I especially want to study under Dr. Mark Adams, Ph.D., as I have been an avid follower and admirer of his work in the field of quantum chemistry, which is not only the field I would choose for my research study, but also is a topic that I am zealous about, personally. I would be more than honoured if I can earn a spot in his research group.”

Do you see how professional it sounds? Such things show how well prepared you are, and how eager you are to study at that university. Now, to write something like this,  you obviously need to do lots of research  both online and offline, and be very thorough about the college, its facilities, courses, and professors. Yes, it is very difficult, but you better believe it is completely worth all the hard work.

10. Proofread, Edit, and Re-edit. Ask Friends and Family To Grade Your Essay

Another mistake students make is, they try and keep their essays to themselves. Maybe they are shy, or maybe they think their friends and family aren’t necessarily experts on the subject. So they think there’s no point in asking friends and family to critique on their essays. Wrong. Your statement of purpose speaks about you as a student, as an individual. Yes, there is technical slang involved, and yes your family members may not be experts on that. But,  they sure are experts on ‘you’ . Which is exactly why you should approach them.

They can not only give you additional points to add, but they can give you  valuable stories about your childhood  or schooling days, which you probably won’t remember. Plus, it’s very easy to say something about others, but at the same time, it’s painfully difficult to describe yourself to someone. Which is why someone very close to you, like friends and family, can describe you accurately. You will get  new perspectives on your stories , which sometimes are better than your own versions, and including them in your statement of purpose will do you a lot of good. Also, remember to proofread your statement time and again, and keep on re-editing content until you, your family and friends think you have the best statement in the world.

Remember that your statement of purpose is a  literary picture of ‘you’ as a person , and it is representing on your behalf. So, make it a top priority to avoid typos, misplaced commas and semicolons, overused quotes, being too wordy, using too many complex words and sentences, and being too straightforward. Be careful.  Be a perfectionist when it comes to writing . It shows how much you care about going to a particular college. And, once you are done with everything, do not forget to ask your friends and family to grade your statement of purpose, and ask them to criticize it accurately, so you can avoid submitting a less than perfect copy of your statement.

11. Take Advice From Professors.

If you know a professor at your undergrad institution, don’t hesitate to approach him/her for advice regarding your statement of purpose. They are of course very experienced prospects, and they might have seen thousands of statement of purposes and students in their careers. So, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for their opinion. Plus, since unlike your family, they are technically sound, they can also provide you valuable insights on how to project your technical expertise and project works in the statement.

After all, a  professor knows what another professor looks for in a prospective student , so it would only help if you approach your college professors. And, if they are really close to you, you can  also ask them for a really good letter of recommendation . So whichever way you look at it, there are only benefits for you.

Checklist for a Powerful Statement of Purpose

Here’s a basic checklist designed to help you draft a flawless Statement of Purpose. Make sure you write in an organized manner, and cover your points in a proper order. We have given this checklist so that you can write your statement of purpose without confusing yourself and the readers. Following a meticulous order like this will  make your statement of purpose a lot better to read and understand  about you and your story. Feel free to add anything else to the list if you think it will boost your chances, but remember to not write too much because you would then be exceeding the word limit. 

Organization:

• Introducing yourself in a unique manner.
• Demonstrating your passion for the field.
• Story about your background or experience in the field you’ve chosen.
• Description of your academic background in the field you’ve chosen.
• Specific classes or special courses you have taken, that are related to your field of interest.
• Some of the professors you have studied under, especially if they are well-known in that field.
• Co-curricular and Extracurricular activities in the field of you interest.
• Publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference presentations or public readings)
• Any community service or leadership experience while in college.
• Explanations about problems in background (if needed)
• Explanation of why you have chosen the specific grad school and other related questions as discussed in the beginning of this article.
• Mention what you like about the university you are applying for, and why: facilities, infrastructure, etc.
• Mention names of one or two professors in that school and what you know of and appreciate about their work, and why you want to study or work under their guidance.
• Specific features of the grad program and the university, which attract you personally. And why.
• Get advice from several of your professors, family, and close friends. Ask for stories about yourself.
• Proofread and edit; ask friends and family to proofread for you as well.

So, those are some strategies and tips for you to write a powerful statement of purpose, impress the committee, and thereby ace the admissions process. Make sure you do every one of these things, and you won’t be far away from the college of your dreams. Do you have any strategies that worked well for you? Do let us know in the comments section.

We almost forgot!  We are giving away a sample Statement of Purpose for download, so you can get an actual glimpse of how the aforementioned tips and strategies have been incorporated in a real Statement Of Purpose. But remember, this should serve only as an inspiration to  your own  Statement of Purpose, but not a source to copy from. Close to 10000 students check this space regularly, and if every single one of them uses the same phrases in their own statement of purposes, very soon, everyone will be held for plagiarism. So, try and copy only the framework and the organization, but not the actual content. Happy Writing!

Download your free sample SOP now:

Download Sample Statement Of Purpose

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127 Comments to “11 Tips for Writing a Powerful Statement of Purpose [Sample SOP Included]”

I am confused about a question that why you want to pursue MS in CS ? I don’t have any research paper for technical work. But i have solid final year system project. and i want to go for higher education.

Need Help….

It’s a question many students face when applying for a Computer Science program. In your case, if your final year project is related to Computer Science, try and emphasise how doing that project made you realize your interest for Computers. If you have any relevant work experience (software) then it will be easy for you to convince them about your choice of study. If you are applying for a top program, this is really important.

Try and build stories around your interest for computers, and use all the techniques given above. If you are still unsure, then maybe you should take a break, work for a year or two in a relevant field, and apply again. But, if you really want to go ‘now’, you should emphasise your project really well. Be positive! Good luck! 🙂

Hi Sachin, Thanks for useful insight on difficult doubt. I have tried hard for my SOP. i need someone could just refer it so i could get more correction and may help me build a good SOP.

If possible give me your mail-id. so i could mail to you !!!

I sincerely appreciate the time and the effort you put to carefully explaining these steps, I am really grateful.

Thank you for all you do.

I have mailed my SOP on mentioned Email-Id. Could you please let me know any improvements in my SOP asap…..

Just sent you a mail with steps you should take to improve your SOP. Let me know if you need help! 🙂

Just had a look around your suggestion. I would surely work around it. But I am confused which content to be removed because I have had much extracurricular activities and projects too!

Still I will concise it and will make improvements soon.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Jitta/ Sachin,

I have revised my SOP. Made necessary changes as suggested by you, Jitta. Thanks for your help! 🙂

I sincerely appreciate the team that up this wonderful work together which I we take my time to follow accordingly but and I get a direct SOP format on my mail or something to prove read for me when done with it

Sachin yar , why you guys do not send the pdf man . I get a message that I will be delivered on the mail but I never receive it

Geat advice. Thank you so much!

Where is the sample sop? Can you please give me the download link?

The download link is available right at the end of the blog post. Hope you have found it already.

The essay is not available from the download link. I received one sample sop as a .vcf file which is not opening.

Paul, I just checked and the download link is working. Mind trying again?

Ok im trying again . but i told you that i got the mail after i clicked on the link. the mail has a .vcf file attached, which is not opening.

Could you check your email? We have sent you the direct download link. Happy Studying! 🙂

got it 🙂 Thanks so much 🙂

Awesome! Would love to hear how it helped you 🙂

Hey Sachin,

Thanks for the article! I really appreciate it!

I have already confirmed my email but can’t download the sample SOP.If you can send me the direct link as you did with “shaoni paul”, this will be nice .

Please re-enter your mail id and you will taken to the download page. Let me know if it doesn’t work 🙂

I hope you find the sample SOP helpful!

Just sending a .vcf file and downloading the same. Tried it twice.

Hey Keerthi,

I am sorry to hear that you had to go through this process twice. I just checked and it looks like your email isn’t confirmed yet. Please re-enter your email and make sure you confirm your subscription. You should receive an email with a link to the SOP after a few minutes. Let me know if you don’t receive this mail 🙂

Hello, what is an ideal length for SOP? Please reply quickly as I need to finalize my SOP within this week. This article helped me a lot. Thanks in Advance.

Shrawan, there is no definitive ideal length for a statement of purpose. It entirely depends on the course you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying for an engineering school and send a 5 page SOP, the admissions committee may conclude that you are unable to express yourself concisely. And if you are applying for a literature school and send a 1 page SOP, that would again be a disaster too.

The general norm is a two to three pages statement of purpose. If you are going beyond that, it just means you are writing things that are totally unnecessary and would only act as a hindrance to your admission.

It was great to me~ It’s so helpful~

This article was really helpful and readable. It was very surprising that your article actually answered what I was asking inwardly! I think you just have an insight into a person’s mind! Thank you very much 🙂

Thanks for the kind words, Sarah, I’m happy to hear that the article helped you answer your questions.

Let me know if there is anything I can do 🙂

Hi Thanks for your useful post. I made my SOP based on your tips and I emailed it now. Could you please kindly review my SOP and give notes about it? I’m in a hurry, because I’m going to apply tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow for universities where their deadlines are 5 Jan. So I appreciate if you do me the favor urgently 🙂

Hey Ali, Please check your inbox and let me know if there is anything else I can do 🙂

The blog is excellently written and I am confident that it will certainly help me with my personal statement. Thanks.

Thank you very much for the article. It was very useful! Last year, I applied to a couple of grad schools and got rejected, which I believe was in part due to my weak SOP. This year, I’ve tried to improve it and would be grateful if you could please review it for me, and let me know of its flaws. Thanks. Keep the good work going.

Thanks for the write-up. I really need the sample SOP. Thank you.

I really needed some advise and you really provided with excellent explanation and SOP. And want to tell you thank you very much for all this. Now I know what was the biggest mistake in my prior SOP and why University did not admit me. Thank you very much again!!! ^_^

Excellent information with unique content and it is very useful to know about the information based on blogs.

Hi, Thanks for such a wonderful article being made. It helped me in stating the exact way of writing and proposing in the way the reader expects….. Thanks a lot…. 🙂

Thank u immensely for that great inside on SOP,I HV a better idea now on what to write.

There’s definitely a lot to know about this issue. I like all the points you made.

Thank you very much For such a creative blog,its much helpful. I really found answers of my all questions in this pretty written blog and it really awakened my mind to show that creativity which i had once before 3 years. Thanks once more dude.

it’s really helpful, thank you!

These tips are damn cool and intuitive hope so this will push me to touch zenith

This is the best blog i have seen so far that fully explains how to write a SOP. Most blogs show you a lot of wordy stuff which forces you to copy since you don’t understand the structure instead of writing something original for yourself. With this information, it really bring out the saying; “Teach a man how to fish rather than giving him fish…” Thanks for all the help.

Thank you for the tips and strategies am hopeful to write a good SOP and I have just started preparing my SOP and will continue to seek for your guide indue course.

This article is quite amazing and full of insight. I am going to take to the above instructions with due attention to details.

Thank you so much! Very helpful.

This blog is excellently written, wished I found you earlier.

High sachin, Thank you for your wonderful explanations on how to write a powerful SOP, To be sincere with you I really understand everything that you just explained and how you articulated it, I believed that it’s really going to help me a lots but the issues that I am having right now is that I don’t know if it’s actually possible for a computer science undergraduate that is currently in final year now at University to apply for any scholarship to pursue his MS in CS because I don’t have any research work though I’m still doing my project work

Thank You So Much For Helping The World.

Happy to help, Adikalie! Glad to know you found it useful. 🙂

Thank you so much for this guide.

Hello plz when can I get a reply yet?

Hi, Thank you for this wonderful information on writing SOP. It covers everything I was looking for

Very informative…Thanks.

Hy. Thank you, it is very helpful. now, I work on my own SOP for student exchange and this article solved my problem.

Simply wonderful!

Thank you for sharing this great source of information! I will prepare my statement accordingly!

Hi, I find this article really impressive and useful.I hope this will help me a lot writing my SOP.

GOOD JOB HERE.

Thanks for the detailed tips

Thanks for the detailed tips. Am so grateful for this.

This article is so informative! Thanks a lot for such useful tips! Some students underestimate the role of the statement of purpose and as a result, they get rejections. So, without an appealing, error-free, interesting and sweet SOP it is almost impossible to get a place at grad school or any other institution. Some students prefer writing this piece of paper on their own while others consider hiring professional SOP writers to help them out and make their lives a bit easier. Anyway, as the author said, a statement of purpose is a chance to impress the assessing committee and distinguish yourself from the crowd. Let’s do this 🙂

Fantastic SOP guide! I’m gonna apply to top universities this year so it’s going to be useful.

Hi! the instructions are amazing and gave me great insights on how to write my ideal SOP! Thank you so much!

Hello The post was wonderful and so much helpful

Thank you very much

What a nice guidance… Thank you… I like the way you explain

Sop writing is not a piece of cake but you have jotted down all the points in beautiful way. Keep It UP

Your article is very helpful!

Thank you, Ray

Hi, thank you for your helpful guidance.

Hi! Thank you so much for these useful tips. They really helped me with getting started.

Hi! Thanks for the tips they really helped.

This was extremely helpful!

Excellent post! very useful information. you are the best

Hi, Sachin!

Thank you very much for great advices and tips!

Hi.. the post is amazing….

Helpful tips!

Thanks so much! This is really helpful.

It was very helpful. Thank you so much!

As much as I am still left tensed and pumped to work towards my SOP, this helped me calm down and have a sit-down with my own brain and work my way around it more steadily! Thank you so much!!!

Hi,thank you for this, I’ve been thinking of how to compose my sop, but with this guide I believe I will be able to come up with something that’ll impress the grad school committee and gain my place in the university.

Thanks for the detailed information.

Helpful information

The guide is excellent. All students aspiring to write SOP must get it. THANKS SIR

I found this article very useful and I appreciate the effort you put into it to keep us abreast. Cheers.

Hello ! Just found out about your brilliant article.

Have a good day !

That was great, complete and truly helpful.

Thanks for this write up.

Thank you for the useful article. An ever-increasing number of students will utilize this to compose their personal statement. The admissions committee will utilize this to enable them to see exactly your identity and to judge your reasonableness for their school, so it should be composed consummately. This will be the most critical piece of your application necessities and should be composed superbly. The application process for whichever school you’re applying for will expect you to supply a personal statement as a major aspect of your application. Thank you.

Thank you for this wonderful steps in achieving a better SOP.

Thank you very much for this important information. Actually I have realized that most of the mistakes I have been making are here mentioned. This time I will not repeat the mistakes. Thank you very much.

Hi, Thanks, the tips are beautiful and really helpful

Hi, thank you for the amazing article. I will apply these tips and tricks as soon as possible.

Thanks for this brilliant article;

I have always wondered how should my SOP look like ? I always wanted to have my own unique version as I am applying now. Though I had a rough idea, after going through this blog,I must say that I am more clear about what the contents should be and how the SOP should sound. Thanks a lot for sharing the tips.

You are the best for sure! i am satisfied and i hope that i am going to make a very good SOP

wow This is great

Very useful post.

We all appreciate your kind helpfulness,continue your good work.thanks

This Piece was well put together. Thanks

This is a valuable article so I hope to get a free sample SOP as you have mentioned above. Thank you in advance

WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for Help Writing Essay Homework

Thank you very much for this post. It is extremely helpful.

Thanks & regards, Debanjana Dey

Nowadays it’s very rare to come across an article like this. And it’s even rarer that I read a full article without getting bored. I read this one beginning to end. Brilliant!

Glad you enjoyed it, Flyod! Feel free to message us if you have any questions! 🙂

It’s has been very helpful

It’s has been very helpful, educative and interesting

This has lighten my burden about SOP to a great extent. Thanks for these tips.

Thanks for these wonderful tips.

Really helpful post. This post has the all the information which I need. Thank you so much.

Hi! Thank you very much for such priceless tips.

Again, thanks a lot

Excellent article..its a good site to explore ..Thanks for the blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged..

Very good post. I think these tips are helpful and needed. Writers often struggle with purpose statements, yet they are so important. What I like about your post is that you delve into various ideas and explain them well. Thank you for helping writers!!

I am writing my SOP with the help of your brilliant tips. Thank you

Thank you so much for what you’ve given us!

Such a great help!

Wow, the concept of writing the statement of purpose for graduate programme admission vividly explained and well understood

Great job ! I’m thoroughly impressed with your tips here. Thanks!

This article is excellent and helpful.

Thanks for this great post. It exposed a lot of flaws in my SOP and made me to believe that what caused the rejection of my grad application is the SOP. The admission committee states in the comment section that I met the minimum requirements but my application is not competitive.

Sure, I will do a hard think and find answers to all the why questions.

Thank you for such nice tips. SOP are now becoming a requirement of every reputable college and university. I am also very worried as I want to apply for my masters in a reputable US university but I fear that my SOP writing skills are not very good. I hope these tips help and I get into a reputable university.

Hey! I found the article to be AMAZING and so helpful! Thank you!

It was great reading the writing skills of SOP, more in a story manner rather a statement. I will try to work on these lines. Thank you.

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Stanford Online

How to write a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school.

A statement of purpose (SOP) is a critical component of most graduate school applications, and are often required for various types of graduate level programs, including Graduate Certificates and Master’s Degrees .

An SOP offers you the opportunity to showcase your motivations, qualifications, and aspirations to a school’s Office of Admissions. Crafting an effective SOP requires careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you're applying to Stanford or any other institution, here's a guide on how to write a standout statement of purpose that shows how your goals align with the program's expectations.

Understanding the Prompt

A prompt's comprehensive nature offers you the chance to provide a holistic view of your journey, motivations, and aspirations. Be sure to check the websites of any programs you’re applying to, as they often have additional information or suggested frameworks to get you started.

Stanford Master’s Degree

If you are applying to a Stanford master’s degree program , the recommended maximum length for your SOP is 1,000 words and the prompt for the statement of purpose emphasizes several key elements:

• Reasons for applying
• Preparation for the field of study
• Research interests
• Future career plans
• Relevant aspects of your background

Stanford Graduate Certificate

If you are applying to take individual graduate courses or pursue a graduate certificate through Stanford Online, the prompt contains less elements than for the master’s program. This statement of purpose should be brief, as you’re limited to 4000 characters. You should summarize:

• Specific course work on your transcript that meets the course and or certificate prerequisites
• Relevant aspects of your professional experience

Tips for Writing your Statement of Purpose

After you fully understand the prompt for the program you’re applying to, use these tips to guide your writing:

• Be Concise and Focused Most institutions have maximum lengths for words or characters. With limited space, it's important to be concise and focused. Use each word purposefully to convey your message. Ensure that every paragraph adds value and contributes to your overall narrative.
• Start Strong Your opening should be attention-grabbing. Consider sharing a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question that sets the tone for your SOP. Engaging the reader from the beginning can make your statement more memorable.
• Address the Prompt Thoroughly Cover each aspect of the prompt thoroughly, addressing your reasons for applying, your background preparation, your research interests, and your future career plans. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, if you're applying to a computer science program, discuss projects, coursework, or experiences that highlight your passion and readiness for further study in this field.
• Showcase Fit with the Program Demonstrate a clear understanding of the program you're applying to and explain why it's an ideal fit for your academic and career goals. Highlight specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or unique features of the program that attracted you. This showcases your commitment to the program and demonstrates that you've done your research. You may consider including reasons your presence will benefit the program as your uniqueness may help set you apart from other applicants.
• Highlight Research Interests Discuss your research interests in detail. Explain how your past experiences have shaped your interests and how the program's resources can help you further develop them. Share any relevant research projects you've been a part of and explain their impact on your academic journey. If your program includes a capstone, you may want to include more actionable, compelling examples.
• Connect to Your Future Career Articulate your future career plans and explain how the program will prepare you for success. Whether you plan to pursue academia, industry, or another path, convey how the skills and knowledge gained from the program will contribute to your career trajectory.
• Weave in Personal Background Share aspects of your personal background that are relevant to your journey. This could include challenges you've overcome, experiences that have shaped your perspective, or unique qualities that set you apart. Ensure that these details contribute to your overall narrative and that adding them showcases your qualifications.
• Edit and Proofread After writing your SOP, review it meticulously for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Typos and errors can detract from the impact of your statement. Consider seeking feedback from mentors, professors, or peers to ensure your SOP effectively conveys your message.
• Tailor for Specific Programs If you're applying to multiple programs, make sure to customize each SOP to align with the specific program's offerings and requirements. Avoid using a generic SOP for all applications, this tends to be very noticeable to admissions.
• Seek Inspiration from Examples If you’re applying to a Stanford Master’s program, the Stanford Graduate Admissions website provides specific guidance on the statement of purpose. Review your program’s recommendations and, if available, consider reading sample SOPs from successful applicants to gather inspiration and insights.

Writing a compelling statement of purpose for graduate school requires thoughtful reflection, careful planning, and clear communication. By addressing the prompt comprehensively, showcasing your fit with the program, and demonstrating your passion and readiness, you can craft an SOP that stands out and may even increase your chances of admission to your desired program. Although it’s far from the only criteria that will be considered in the admissions process, your SOP is your chance to tell your unique story and show why you are a perfect candidate for graduate study. We hope you find this guide useful as you write your statement of purpose, please know that following this guide does not guarantee your admission to any program.

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School

When writing your statement of purpose for graduate school, focus on your specific plans and how the graduate program and its faculty will help you meet these goals. Graduate study is not for slackers. It takes focus and determination to pursue an advanced degree. That's why admissions committees examine your statement of purpose (also called a letter of intent or research statement) very closely—they want to see whether you have the right stuff to succeed in grad school. Follow these tips to write an effective graduate school statement of purpose.

1. Know what grad schools are really asking.

Different grad school programs have different prompts. Nonetheless, they're all asking for the same four pieces of information:

• What you want to study at graduate school?
• Why you want to study it?
• What experience you have in your field?
• What you plan to do with your degree once you have it?

Admissions committees look for candidates with clear, well-defined research interests that arise from experience. With that in mind, your statement of purpose should reveal that you care deeply about your chosen discipline and that you have the background to support your ideas and sentiments. It should also demonstrate that you're a diligent student who will remain committed for the long haul. Always answer the question asked of you. Being substantive and direct is much better than being creative or flashy.

2. Be selective about the details you include.

Grad schools don’t care that you make a great chicken casserole or play intramural bocce ball. They do care about those activities that speak to your suitability for graduate work. As a graduate student, you'll be called upon to do difficult coursework and research. You may have to teach undergraduate classes within your field and conceivably even design a course. And you'll have to get along with a diverse group of colleagues who will sometimes work very closely with you. Any experience in school, work, or your extracurricular life that speaks to those abilities is worth talking about.

Read More: 5 Tips for Choosing a Grad School

3. Make your statement of purpose unique.

While it's important to be focused, there's no need to be boring. To distinguish your essay, add unique (yet relevant) information. One of the best ways to do this is to discuss—briefly—an idea in your field that turns you on intellectually. It's an effective essay-opener, and it lets you write about something besides yourself for a bit.

Remember, the idea you choose to talk about can tell an admissions committee a lot about you. And it demonstrates your interest in your field, rather than just describing it.

4. Ask for feedback.

Be sure to show your statement of purpose to someone you respect, preferably the professors who are writing your recommendations, and get some feedback on the content before you send it in. Have someone else proofread your essay for spelling and grammar. A fresh set of eyes often picks up something you missed.

Finally, don't just reuse the same statement of purpose for each school to which you apply. You can recycle the same information, but make sure you change the presentation to fit each individual program.

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Writing the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four different parts.

Make sure to check on the appropriate departmental website to find out if your statement should include additional or specific information.

Part 1: Introduce yourself, your interests and motivations

Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study. This should be short and to the point; don’t spend a great deal of time on autobiography.

Part 2: Summarize your undergraduate and previous graduate career

a) Research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. Write technically, or in the style of your discipline. Faculty are the people who read these statements.

b) Important paper or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly beyond your curricular requirements.

c) Work experience, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing, designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.

Part 3: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities

If you graduated and worked prior to returning to graduate school, indicate what you’ve been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. You can also indicate here how this helped you focus your graduate studies.

Part 4: Elaborate on your academic interests

Here you indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince the faculty that you understand the scope of research in their discipline, and are engaged with current research themes.

a) Indicate the area of your interests. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or indicate a theme that you would like to address, and questions that arise from contemporary research. This should be an ample paragraph!

b) Look on the web for information about departments you’re interested in, including professors and their research. Are there professors whose research interests parallel yours? If so, indicate this. Check the specific program; many may require you to name a professor or professors with whom you might work.

c) End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead of you.

Essential Tips

1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.

2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice.

3. Demonstrate everything by example; don’t say directly that you’re a persistent person, show it.

4. If there is something important that happened to you that affected your grades, such as poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, showing your perseverance despite obstacles. You can elaborate more in your personal statement.

5. Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.

6. Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.

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Write a Grad School Statement of Purpose in 12 Simple Steps

August 10, 2023

If you need to write a graduate school statement of purpose, we’ve got good news. Writing cover letters, a snappy Twitter bio, or a college essay has prepared you for this moment. However, there are a number of qualities that make the graduate statement of purpose a form of its own. We will discuss them here, as well as how to make your statement of purpose for grad school stand out from hundreds of other grad school statements of purpose penned by your competition.

Crafting an amazing graduate school statement of purpose is not just helpful for getting into grad school. The act of writing out your career goals, and reflecting on your academic and professional journey can be extremely helpful for choosing where and what you want to study. It’s also a great opportunity to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Spoiler alert: the number one guideline that you’ll see in the following steps to writing a smash-hit statement of purpose is specificity. The clearer you are about who you are, why you’re drawn to this field, what you’ve accomplished, and what you want to achieve, the more excited admissions officers will be. Plus, the more specific you are in writing, the more you’ll know which grad school would make a great match.

Click here if you are looking for Examples of a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School.  

What Is A Graduate School Statement of Purpose?

To apply to graduate school in any field, you need to submit a document called a Statement of Purpose (or SOP). The SOP is kind of like the introduction to your transcript and CV and other application materials. Usually a one-page document, the statement of purpose synthesizes all the other information to explain why you and the program you’re applying would be a mutually good fit.

What makes a good fit? First of all, your SOP should display your past preparation in your specific field. Secondly, it should show that you are capable of graduate-level study in general: independent, collaborative, intensive, and academically challenging. Third, it should show how your goals align with what the program offers, and that you have something to offer the program.

Put simply, the graduate school statement of purpose is an essay proving why you are the best person for this specific program in this particular field. Return to these words often as you write, and try to make sure each sentence is connected to this aim.

Statement of Purpose Grad School (Continued)

On the admissions side of things, the statement of purpose has two functions. One is to evaluate if you are a qualified match : i.e. if you will be successful in their program. They are not trying to admit people who will fail out, bully the rest of the cohort, or transfer because their research interest isn’t being met. Second, the SOP is a tool for remembering you. By understanding the candidate’s profile in a condensed way, the jury can talk quickly about “The one who is so into X” or “The one who did Y.” These are both things to keep in mind while crafting your own graduate school statement of purpose.

Think of graduate school as a desert island, where everyone is bringing something with them. (You often will end up spending a ton of time with these people, also like a desert island.) Your knowledge and skills will contribute to the range of tools people are bringing so that everyone can grow together. The SOP is meant to show in a clear, concise way what you’re bringing to the island.

By the end, it should be clear:

• Why you want to go to graduate school
• How you’ve prepared for graduate school
• What specific field of focus you want to study
• Why X University/program

For this reason, a good place to start is to be clear on what graduate school is . If you’re applying for a Master’s degree instead of a PhD. program, be clear on your reasons for that too. And once you’re sure about the type of degree you’re applying for, make sure you know the types of programs in your field, be it an MFA in Creative Writing or a Master’s in Psychology .

What a Graduate School Statement of Purpose Isn’t

Your SOP is not a personal statement. Your love of Wiz Khalifa, Boston terriers, or fly-fishing with your grandfather do not belong in this essay (unless they connect meaningfully to your field of study). This is also not the place to share anecdotes of overcoming hardship–that kind of information is more suited to a personal statement, which is meant to introduce more of your voice, personality, and life history.

Think of a job interview: a NASA employer does not care that your favorite taco filling is chorizo. They care about your preparation in rocket science. Your SOP should follow this principle.

The Central Skill of a Graduate Statement of Purpose

How do you exhibit that you would be a successful student, beyond what’s written on your CV and transcript? You may think these lists of stellar grades and research experiences are enough to show your qualifications. Instead, the SOP is meant to create a unified narrative that connects all these documents into a whole.

What’s the best way to do that? By interpreting experience .

For a statement of purpose for grad school, you will need to interpret your experiences in a way that:

• a) unifies all your experiences into a kind of ‘thesis statement’ about who you are (“The student who is passionate about studying PTSD in adolescents with amazing grades who wants more clinical experience.”)
• b) organizes your experiences into different paragraphs to show different qualities about you (“My four years of top grades in college don’t just reflect my work ethic, but my evolving passion for clinical psychology.”)
• c) interprets individual experiences to show their meaning (instead of “I worked in Professor Kurtz’s lab on adolescent behavioral psychology,” interpret what the experience meant to you: “My time in Professor Kurtz’s lab on adolescent behavioral psychology showed me how fundamental this under-studied life stage is to understanding adult psychology, and ignited my passion for this research focus.”

Interpret experience. If you’re doing this every step of the way, your graduate school statement of purpose is going to have a strong start and require fewer drafts in the future.

Writing A Graduate Statement of Purpose in 12 Simple Steps

Phase 1: research & soul searching.

#1: Study your CV and past academic experiences: Pull out a highlighter. Highlight specific moments on your CV/transcript that helped you discover your passion. Then, highlight moments of major growth. Lastly, highlight trends of long-term commitment. Track how your trajectory changed over time. For example: maybe you studied political science in college, but you discovered your obsession with international relations working for the NSA.

#2: Reflect on why you want to go to graduate school: Brainstorm a list of reasons you genuinely want to go to graduate school. Be as specific as possible about why you decided to pursue graduate study in your chosen field at this time in your life. Think about experiences that led you to this decision.

Above all, think about the goals graduate school will help you achieve. If you don’t have any goals, now is the time to dream of them. The higher you aim, the more effective your graduate experience will be.

#3: Analyze yourself from an admissions perspective: Graduate school is intensive. It requires hard work at a high level. It requires independent work, yet strong interpersonal skills. Which experiences show that you’re ready for graduate school? What would you bring to a graduate studies community? And what type of community is that? Is it a small MFA program, where cooperation and community are important? Would you be on a MSci research team that prizes collaboration? Do you need the self-starting nature to do months of research alone, in a lab, or in the field?

#4: Research your program and institution: Knowing the specifics of each program will help you tailor your core essay to match your profile with their needs. Make sure you know the strengths and research areas of each program, the unique mission of each institution, and the faculty. This is also a way of making sure the program is a good fit for you.

Phase 2: Writing the Draft

#5: Read the instructions carefully and directly respond to the question: The first test of the SOP is your ability to follow directions. Make sure you follow the word limit, and the question at hand.

#6: Outline, outline, outline: It is highly likely that your first try at the SOP is not going to be your final version. To save time, it can help to try a few different outlines. Feel free to make up your own outline, as long as it answers the question in an organized way.

The Goal Oriented SOP

P1: Overview of your goals

P2: Why you want to pursue these goals (Experience 1, 2)

P3: How you arrived at these goals (Experience 3, 4)

P4: How these goals link to the field

P5: Why this is the best program for these goals

P6: Short recap

The Who-What-When-Where-Why SOP

P1: Who: Who you are, and a summary of what you’ve done

P2: What: what you want to do, based on concrete examples of what you’ve done

P3: When: why do you want to go to grad school now ? (Using examples of what you’ve done)

P4: Why: why you want to go to grad school, what you want to do in the future

P5: Where: why this program?

P6: Conclusion

The Chronological SOP

P1: Overview of who you are and where you want to go

P2: Academic experience

P3: Work experience

P4: Why this research focus now?

P5: Goals for the future

The Thematic SOP

P1: Introduction of different reasons you want to go

P2: Reason 1, as shown through Experiences/Goals 1, 2, 3

P3: Reason 2, as shown through Experiences/Goals 1, 2, 3

P4: Reason 3, as shown through Experiences/Goals 1, 2, 3

P4: Conclusion showing why you want to go to grad school/Discussion of Particular Program

#7: Be specific about details: Let your dork flag fly! The SOP is a great place to get nitty-gritty about what topics or ideas excited you in college/work, and what your research interests are. Instead of copy-pasting experiences from your CV––show us examples of what you did and how you did it. Mentioning times when learning felt electric will show in your writing.

Here’s a quiz about specificity. Which answer is more convincing and memorable?

• “I participated in a research lab on primate behavior,”
• “As I cradled the baby chimpanzee in my arms, I realized how crucial understanding primates is for the future of our planet.”

#8: Overwrite, and then cut: It’s always better to cut down than have too little. Once you’ve written monster paragraphs filled with examples, select the strongest ones that display your most meaningful and impressive experiences. To fit within the word count, don’t be afraid of lists: “The sculptural influence on my paintings is grounded in extensive experience in the medium: I completed a multi-room solo show, won several competitive undergraduate awards for my work, and received positive critique from renowned sculptors Louise Bourgeois and Eva Hesse.

Phase 3: Drafts of Glory

#9: Tailor your draft to each program: First of all, do not, and I mean do not, forget to change the name of the school in each draft! Second, make slight changes to your original draft so that it uses your research about each program. Let yourself get passionate and specific. This is a great opportunity to imagine yourself in each program, and think about why you would be a great fit. “I would love to study at X in particular because I would get to do Y.”

#10: Clarity and precision: The SOP is a way for graduate schools to evaluate if you can communicate at a graduate level. In any graduate school situation, you will be practicing communication skills–from writing articles to giving presentations. Make sure the ideas flow clearly and are organized in paragraphs with a specific focus. Make sure you use concise, clear language to express yourself. Avoid fancy words, but do make sure the writing is thoughtful and shows how much you care.

#11: Peer review: Have your recommendation writers comment on your statement. As experts in the field you are entering, they will likely have insightful comments to make your statement even better. Next, have someone who cares about you and knows your CV comment on your statement. Are you selling yourself short? Are you forgetting to highlight something awesome about yourself? Lastly, have a brutal editor comment on your statement. Ask them: What’s unclear? What’s vague?

#12: Spelling and grammar: Grad school is competitive to get into, and very detail-oriented. For these reasons, spelling and grammar errors can be excuses for panels to mark your application down. Don’t let that happen!

The final step is to take a breath of relief! You’ve created a document that will be a touchstone for remembering your goals and motivations. Any self-help guide or tech CEO will tell you that visualizing your goals clearly is the first step to success. And now you’ve taken that step. Good luck with your applications!

Final Thoughts Grad School Statement of Purpose

If you enjoyed our 12-step writing process for the graduate school statement of purpose, you may also find the following relevant resources to be of use:

• The 19 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
• 130 GRE Vocab Words You Need to Know
• How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree?
• Graduate School Admissions

Julia Conrad

With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in  The Millions ,  Asymptote , and  The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit  www.juliaconrad.net

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Apr. 28, 2022

Writing a killer statement of purpose, by ivan rosa de siqueira: learn more about this important component of grad school applications and how you can write an effective sop.

Most graduate programs at Rice (and in the United States broadly) will require applicants to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) as part of the application process. In my opinion, the main objective of the admissions committee when asking for the SOP is very clear: to get to know you better and understand your motivations to go to graduate school. Even though the SOP is only one of the many components of the application package – which will typically include other important documents such as CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. – the SOP will probably be your only opportunity of talking (writing, actually) about yourself with your own words. CV and transcripts are documents that are somewhat official and bring a list of achievements and accomplishments throughout your career; recommendation letters are written by others and bring an outer perspective of yourself as a potential graduate-level researcher. Conversely, the SOP should provide the committee with information that cannot be explicitly found elsewhere; information that only you can express accurately. That being said, the SOP is a central component of any application process to graduate school.

There are many different ways of constructing a good SOP; the first step, however, should always be the same: double-check the instructions provided by the program and what points should be addressed in your essay. For instance, the following text was adapted from Rice’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. [1]

A statement of purpose should address the following questions: Why do you want to obtain a degree in Chemical Engineering? Why are you interested in Rice and in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice? What relevant experiences do you have in research, academics, and/or prior jobs? Why do you believe you will be successful in either a thesis or non-thesis degree graduate program? What would you like to do after completing your degree, and what are your long-term career goals?

Overall, the SOP should bring an overview of your academic and professional trajectories, focusing on: (1) why you are interested in that graduate program, (2) what are your academic, professional, and research/extracurricular experiences, (3) how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for that program, and (4) what are your plans after completing your degree. These are the general guidelines followed by most graduate programs (in STEM, at least). Before start the actual writing, I believe you should invest some time in making a detailed timeline of your academic/professional life thus far. Make sure you highlight the main points that marked your path since the beginning of your education. My understanding is that this requires a lot of reflection and self-knowledge; however, I can assure this exercise will be very useful to help you track events chronologically throughout your text.

I now draft the structure of what I consider a good SOP. This is very general; make sure you adapt the actual content to your reality and incorporate some other stylistic changes.

• Starting an SOP can be very challenging. A reasonable strategy consists of delivering a general “welcome card”, trying to touch upon some of the points highlighted in the program instructions and/or providing the committee with any particular piece of information that distinguishes you from others. Introduce yourself, explain why you want to go to graduate school in that field, why you want to join that program, and what you want to do after graduation (and why a graduate degree from that program is important to achieve your goals). Be brief here; you have the whole SOP to detail and expand on these introductory comments. This initial part should be one paragraph ;
• Then, describe your academic path starting from when you think you had the first trigger to do research and go to graduate school. You can explore experiences in high school (scientific fairs, internships, academic competitions, etc.), college and/or Master’s (research experiences, publications, talks and presentations in conferences, TA positions, etc.), and prior jobs (internships, consultancies, services, etc.). The chief point here is the following: do not limit yourself to a simple list of facts, otherwise your SOP will essentially become an extended version of your CV. You do not want that. Instead, show what you learned and how you improved with these experiences. Provide examples of how you can work independently, collaborate with others, think critically, communicate your results, etc. – these are fundamental skills in graduate school. Make sure you can align these points with the specifics of the program you are applying to. You obviously want to show a solid background in your field; but, more importantly, you want to demonstrate that you have the necessary skillset and mindset to thrive in graduate school with the support of faculty and resources that program offers. This usually becomes two paragraphs ;
• Start being more specific about the research lines the program offers. Show evidence that you did your homework and studied the program in depth. Describe your interest in two to three faculty members and their labs; show you understand their research and recent works; show motivation to work in their groups; based on your previous experiences, explain what you will add (skills, ideas, etc.) to their current research. In summary, answer the question: What do you bring to the table? And, just to complement, if you contacted faculty before submitting your application, [2] make sure you mention that in your SOP because that professor might not be on the committee that year. This is one paragraph ;
• To conclude, work on a short paragraph that summarizes your story and reiterates that going to graduate school and joining that program are key steps in your life plans and research career goals.

Continuing, be truthful and original, and always avoid cliché s. Describe your skills and abilities in detail, and make sure you provide the committee with examples of past research works that support your claims with concrete evidence. More importantly, show how much the program will benefit from having you as a student. Never try to fit your story into a “dream candidate” profile; this profile does not exist and attempts to do this will be easily identified by the committee. Do not hide adversities you have eventually gone through (both personal and academic); instead, describe these problems and explain how you overcame them, what you learned from them, and how they contributed to who you are today. Resilience when dealing with problems, motivation to overcome challenges, and learning from mistakes will be essential in graduate school. Make sure the committee knows you know that.

Writing an SOP is extremely time-consuming. I recommend you start working on yours as soon as you have decided what programs you will be applying to. You will likely need to write many, many versions of your SOP until they converge to a final, satisfactory result. Length and formatting can change depending on program requirements. In general, I recommend 2 pages with editing that will ease the reading (e.g. Arial or Calibri, font 12, spacing 1.5-2, standard paragraphs and margins, etc.). Some programs might be a bit more demanding and determine a maximum number of words (e.g. 500 or 1000). Expressing ideas clearly and concisely is key in graduate school; use the SOP to demonstrate you master this skill. In contrast to other languages such as Brazilian Portuguese (I am Brazilian), English allows for a very direct and effective writing communication. Go straight to the points you want to highlight and do not waste space (sometimes precious) with sentences that do not add relevant information about yourself as a future graduate student. The committee will have hundreds of SOP to go through; do not make yours boring.

The committee will know if you are an international student, and the committee members will not expect to read an essay written by Shakespeare. Be careful with your writing and avoid naive mistakes, but do not spend too much energy trying to improve your vocabulary beyond what you are comfortable working with. Avoid too many adjectives and adverbs; use short, direct sentences in an active voice. If possible, you might want to ask some friends to review your SOP. However, be careful. First, make sure your reviewers are aware of the SOP overall goal in the application process and are sufficiently proficient in written English; second, do not ask many people for feedback because it might become unfeasible to incorporate so many different suggestions in a single text. Finally, keep in mind that you know your story better than anyone else and that the SOP should bring your own perspective about yourself.

[1] Notice that this department offers two different graduate programs: a PhD program (which requires a thesis) and Professional Master’s program (which does not require a thesis). Both require an SOP as part of the application process.

[2] Contacting faculty members (potential research advisors) in advance is another important step of the application process. Review the post  here for some tips.

Acknowledgements: I am very thankful to the comments and suggestions by Igor Cunha (Queen’s University), Raíssa Dantas (University of Illinois Chicago), and Natasha Heinz (Kent State University) – all members of the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA).

About the author:  Ivan Rosa de Siqueira is originally from Rio de Janeiro, but spent most of his adult life in Brasília. He received his BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Brasília and PUC-Rio, respectively. Since 2017, Ivan has been a PhD student in the CHBE Department under Dr. Matteo Pasquali. Learn more .

• MS Admissions / SOP

How to Write an SOP: Statement of Purpose Examples

by Vishnu Prasad Kesavamoorthy · Published January 12, 2019 · Updated April 21, 2022

We at AdmitEDGE totally understand the fact that you are new to SOP writing, and want to know everything about it. In this article, we have tried to cover the basics of SOP writing, it’s importance, points to consider while writing an SOP , guidelines to follow while framing your SOP and detailed samples with explanations. This article will help you understand how a Statement of Purpose should be written, in a way that impresses the admissions committee.

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is usually an essay that ranges between 500-1500 words in length (though it is advisable not to exceed 1.5 pages), that gives your desired university a brief idea about your academic & professional career trajectory till date, your motivation behind pursuing that very stream, your future goals after the completion of your course and so on. A well-written statement of purpose can often go a long way in boosting your chances of bagging your dream MS admits. To sum it up, it is the only document through which you can let the universities know about the things that set you apart from the rest, the factors that make your profile, a unique one!

Just how important is your Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

As mentioned earlier, your statement of purpose serves as one of the prime factors that lets you gain acceptance to your desired grad school. A student’s Statement of Purpose holds the same importance as LORs, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS test scores, and transcripts in the selection process. This document acts like your mirror image and lets the university understand your strengths, weakness, achievements and other information about you.

Points to consider while writing an Statement of Purpose (SOP) –

Before you start writing your Statement of Purpose (SOP), consider the following pointers so that your SOP leaves a great impression on the admissions committee. They are there to hear, know and analyse you in every aspect to consider you as a part of their university.

Will you be an Asset to the University?

Every university looks forward to accepting those candidates who have the potential to make the best of the education they receive and make valuable contributions to the industry or to research and academia. This is only logical, as a highly accomplished alumni body helps universities augment their reputation and standing. Let them know how valuable you are by pointing out your urge to learn, your ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating a positive attitude towards taking up new challenges and other qualities you possess that you feel, make you a great fit for their student body.

Be Yourself

“Be Yourself!” – this is a quote that we are all familiar with. However, it assumes a special significance when it comes to SOP writing. Show the universities what mettle you are made of, and by this, we mean that you should not only enlist all the enviable qualities and strengths that you possess but also own up to your weaknesses, and how you’ve worked to overcome them. Don’t forget to add any other pertinent information that you feel can help you get admitted to the program that you have opted for. Self-praising is great, but overdoing it, will create a negative impression on the experienced admissions officers, who review thousands of SOPs every year.

There’s No Harm in Listing Failures

You cannot achieve your goals without failures. Mentioning your past failures along with a proper explanation of how these downfalls added to your knowledge and problem-solving skills will make your SOP stand out. Explain how these negative experiences illuminated the path to your success and stability. However, don’t just list your failures in any abrupt order without listing your learnings from them, as maintaining a proper balance is the key in powerful Statement of Purpose writing.

Write in an Engaging Style

The competition for getting accepted to the top international universities is extremely high. To get an edge over your competitors, you need to ensure that your statement of purpose is distinctive. Write your SOP in a way that engages the admission committee, and compels them to read on. Your SOP should sound more like a verbal conversation rather than just listing your information. Explain how you faced challenges and tackled them. Let them know about your backlogs, if you had any, and mention why that happened. If you’ve faced some unwanted or unforeseen circumstances that have changed the course of your life, feel free to talk about them and how they helped you emerge as a stronger person. Be precise, concise and honest with the information that you present in your Statement of Purpose.

For example: If you have applied for MS in CS (Computer Science) then simply stating, “ I am interested in pursuing my master’s in CS from your university ” would be an unimpressive statement. Instead, you must explain or make a specific reference to what exactly you want to study and why.

What is a perfect Statement of Purpose (SOP) format?

Page length:.

A 1 – 1.5 page Statement of Purpose is most preferable, but content exceeding 2 pages should strictly be avoided.

Overtly lengthy or verbose content usually drives away the attention of the reader.

Writing format:

The font size that is considered ideal is 12 pt.

Keeping 1-inch margins at all sides of the page gives your SOP a neat look, enhancing its visual appeal.

Length of Paragraphs and Sentences:

We always overlook documents that have long paragraphs and lengthy sentences. Nobody would ever like to read such documents unless it’s a thesis paper we’re talking about. While writing an SOP, make sure each paragraph’s length does not exceed 10 lines and avoid using long sentences.

Include the following information in your Statement of Purpose:

First Paragraph: Introduce yourself by providing a brief background of your life so far, followed by your immediate career objective(s). Second Paragraph: Explain what inspired you to take interest in the program and that specific field of study. Specify your favourite subjects and which authors’ books you liked the most and why. You must also mention the relevant academic projects you’ve completed and what you’ve taken way from the same. Third Paragraph: Provide a brief information about your work experience,  and any internships or certifications that you’ve completed, if applicable. Fourth Paragraph: Briefly describe some other experiences that helped you to make up your mind to pursue graduate studies in your that particular area. Closing Paragraph: Describe your long-term goals in 2-3 lines (should be related to your subject)

The DOs and DON’Ts of Statement of Purpose (SOP) writing:

• Do maintain a positive tone throughout your SOP.
• Do be yourself.
• Do start with an amazing introductory paragraph. The 1st impression is always the best impression, and the same applies to your SOP too!
• Do mention that particular university’s unique features that attracted you the most.
• Be precise and to the point. Elaborate phrases and fancy words are not a part of strong SOP writing.
• Connect your paragraphs with each other
• Review your draft at least 3 times to check for any spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors that might have crept in.
• Get it reviewed by your faculty members and fellow peers and ask them if they feel that it is an accurate representation of who you are as a person.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t provide unnecessary information
• Don’t complain about events and experiences that you’ve had in the past. Instead, tell them how you managed to tackle those situations.
• Don’t get emotional and sloppy.
• Don’t wax eloquent about the nightlife or tourist attractions of the city in which the university is based. You will be going there for higher education and not as a tourist.
• Don’t include words like “nervous breakdown”, “depression” and other controversial topics.
• Don’t spend too much time in writing about your future goals and aspirations; talk about your past experiences too.

Some HOWs and WHATs to ask yourself:

• What is special, distinctive and unique about you?
• What personal details might make the admissions committee better understand you and make your SOP unique?
• Who has influenced you greatly?
• How are you pursuing your interests?
• Why should your desired university choose you?
• What are the future opportunities in your dream university?
• What is the best thing that you like about your university?
• What is the most appealing aspect about the program that you’ve applied to?

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample for GRE:

Below, you will find a detailed explanation, paragraph-wise, which will give you a more refined idea about what a perfect SOP looks like, matching the guidelines discussed above.

First Paragraph:

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample 1

• According to the guidelines discussed above, the introductory paragraph should be as actionable as possible, so that the reader takes interest and keeps on reading.
• Here, the student’s academic background has been mentioned, along with the field he has specialised in.
• As this candidate was opting for a program which is related to automobiles, he has done the right thing by informing the admissions committee of his emphasis on Automobile engineering.
• He has also demonstrated his urge of learning new things, portraying that he is a good learner who is keen to pursue higher studies in his field of interest.
• The paragraph has been ended effectively with the student’s immediate career objective.

Second Paragraph:

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample 2

• As stated in the guidelines for the 2nd paragraph, it has covered everything that is related to his interest in the field.
• Mentioning your favourite subjects gives your chances of acceptance a boost and shows that the candidate has dug deep in his field.
• The paragraph is drawn to a close by the student listing some of his specific interests.

Third paragraph:

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample 3

• This paragraph clearly shows the internships that the candidate has pursued during his summer breaks.
• The candidate has described the roles that he has played and the various tasks that he carried out during his internship.
• He also talks about the way this internship has helped him learn about his field.

Fourth Paragraph

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample 4

• Here he has mentioned a key factor on how he overcame a problem that he faced while writing a paper on Bio-Diesel.
• This creates a good impression on the admissions committee, convincing them about the problem-solving skills of the candidate.
• Mentioning what you learned from the experience is non-negotiable.

Closing Paragraph:

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample 5

As discussed earlier, he has concluded his SOP in the proper fashion, mentioning a future goal which is relevant to the program he is opting for.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Tips

Writing an SOP in the past was an easy task. However, owing to the rapid increase in the number of applicants each year, the selection process at top universities around the world has become a lot more stringent. Owing to this, framing and drafting a compelling, comprehensive, yet concise SOP has assumed a much bigger role than it played earlier, making it one of the most important factors that can help in determining your chances of acceptance.

We hope this article has been of assistance. We at AdmitEDGE wish you all the very best for your future endeavours! If you have any further queries regarding writing the perfect SOP that wins you your dream admits, do let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you at the earliest!

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WTO / Business / Statements / 24 Best Statement of Purpose (SOP) Examples

24 Best Statement of Purpose (SOP) Examples

A Statement of Purpose is an essay written by an individual applying for university or graduate school as part of their application.

The statement of purpose helps to provide the admissions committee with more details about the writer of the essay, why they are applying, why they think they are great applicants, and their future professional goals.

These titles also sometimes refer to it:

• Statement of intent
• Application essay
• Personal background
• Objectives for graduate study
• Cover letter

It is a critical essay. It acts as the deciding factor for universities as they go through the many applications they receive from potential students. With a properly written SOP letter, an applicant can stand a chance to get into the university or graduate school of their choice.

Free Templates

Statement of Purpose Vs. Personal Statement

There is a difference between a statement of purpose and a personal statement. A well-written statement of purpose, for example, addresses the writer’s intentions for their future endeavors, while a personal statement reviews their previous activities and successes.

Both writings usually describe the individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience. However, an effective personal statement example should focus on details about the ‘who’ aspect, while the statement of purpose should focus on the individual’s ‘what’ side.

The personal statement is written in a more personal tone as it focuses on the person compared to a statement of purpose, which is more formal and addresses the reasons why the person wants to study and what they want to do after earning their education.

Essential Writing Considerations

To craft a proper one and stand out among other applicants, the writer should observe the following essential considerations:

Write stories, not statements

The writer should focus on telling a story instead of just placing statements throughout the essay. Telling a story is more exciting and will grab the admissions committee’s attention. The essay should be well-crafted and beautiful to read.

Stories are more memorable than statements, which is why the writer should describe themselves like a narrator would describe a character in a story. The reasons for applying to a university or graduate school will help the writer craft a great story.

The writer should focus on the reason as to why they want to study and powerfully write this reason. The reason could be emotional, economic, or of any other type.

The important thing that the writer should focus on is creating a connection between their desire to study and the reason behind it.

Quantify your stories

The perfect one should be crafted like a story with qualitative and quantitative information. The story should contain measurable quantities like the actual grades or the number of years spent doing something. With such numbers in the story, the reader will be able to have an in-depth understanding.

Also, such information makes the story more believable and authentic. Quantifying the story gives it more authority and makes it unforgettable.

Be specific

Even though the perfect one should be crafted like a story, the writer should avoid making it sound like story-time with friends; therefore, be specific. Everything that is mentioned in the essay should have an objective. That means that the content of the SOP letter should be written in detail and with a particular intention.

Being straightforward will help the committee understand all the reasons the writer has for making such a big decision: applying to college, university, or graduate school. However, the writer should also be reflective by explaining why they to study.

This can be accomplished by listing the skills and objectives they hope to achieve by studying that particular course. The applicant should be straightforward by avoiding ideal or cheesy sentences, as they would when talking to their friends.

Being specific also involves sharing a memorable and distinctive reason why the applicant wishes to pursue that particular field. The admissions officer will be more pleased with a statement of purpose that highlights the applicant’s dream and amazes them with their way of thinking when it comes to making such a life-changing decision.

Customize your essay

Students usually fail to customize the template. That means they prefer to attain one template/example and then change the relevant details to match their application. This will reduce your chances of being considered as a potential student.

Most universities are different and customizing an example will place the writer at an advantage. The applicant can write an essay that fits the university or college’s specific culture, values, vision, mission, and even motto with a customized one. Potential students should do their research and customize each essay example based on their application instead of copying and pasting.

Use a formal but conversational tone

The essay should neither be super formal nor super friendly. It is not a letter to an individual in the military or a text to a friend. It should, however, have a formal yet conversational tone. The essay should respectfully address the recipient while still presenting its content in a relaxed tone.

The writer should avoid too much humor, causal language, and jokes. The tone should be severe in a way that does not put the reader off due to boredom. This can be achieved by using a conversational tone that makes the essay sound warm, funny, and welcoming to read.

Portray yourself indirectly

The candidate writing this essay should learn how to portray themselves and do it indirectly. Being too obvious will make the recipient view you as arrogant and being too shy or polite will make you seem less confident. Therefore, the recipient will not only focus on the content of the essay but also on how the writing was done.

A few criteria will be observed when gauging who the writer is, and some of them include being remarkable, being successful, having potential, and being responsible. Again, using already prepared examples in such a situation will help to portray the student clearly but indirectly.

Don’t lie; be yourself 

The stories being crafted should be truthful, not created ones. If the writer lacks excellent stories, they should write their everyday stories creatively instead of coming up with non-existent experiences.

If the committee detects that the writer is lying and pretending in their essay, this might affect the whole application. A false applicant can be spotted, and even though the essay is excellent, it will not impress the admissions committee. In addition, evidence is always required for any given story in the essay, which means creating stories will negatively affect the application.

Address your problems

Another important factor to consider when writing a statement of purpose is acknowledging and addressing any problems or challenges experienced. Whether academic or work-related, it shows a level of humility and honesty if the writer addresses their problems. This way, the potential student can convince the admissions committee of their problem-solving abilities.

Writers should not try to defend themselves when making mistakes. Instead, they should highlight all the lessons learned while resolving the issues they faced. Addressing the problems also makes the potential student seem mature and adaptive to different situations.

Writing an Effective Statement of Purpose

A truly effective statement of purpose maximizes the chances of being shortlisted for admission. In addition, with a well-written one, the potential student can increase their chances of joining grad school, pursuing their dream, and accomplishing their goals.

With the essential considerations of writing it in mind, here are steps that an applicant should follow to craft an effective essay:

Introduce your interests and motivations

The first part of the SOP letter should introduce the applicant, his/her interests, and motivations. This section should be brief and straight to the point. The student should give details of their background, their goals, and what encourages them to pursue their goals. All this should be in line with the course they are applying for.

Summarize your career in the past

The next part should provide information about the student’s academic and work achievements. The student should have details of any research they conducted , their thesis projects, and the work experience they gathered after completing their undergraduate studies.

These details should relate to the university, college, or graduate school program they want to study. The student should also show a relationship between their academic and work experience and their current study choice. Finally, they should highlight how their experience influenced their interest in the field they want to study.

Explain why you are the right fit

The student should explain why they are the right candidate for the program and how it will benefit the learning institution to choose them. This can be done by listing all academic accomplishments, jobs, and internships in line with the field.

Also, adding other relevant experiences and examples will help convince the admissions committee. The student should expound on the interests and motivations mentioned in the beginning as part of the reasons that make them qualified and suitable candidates for the program.

Relate your recent and current activities

The potential student should then mention all their recent activities and achievements that align with the area of study they have applied for. Any career adventures and further studies they have undertaken recently should be well highlighted and discussed.

The writer should not forget to indicate how all those activities they were involved in recently helped prepare them for their university or college studies.

Elaborate on academic interests

The final part is to focus on their academic interests. The statement of purpose is meant to increase an applicant’s chances of being selected for the program they have applied for. That is why the potential student should elaborate more on their academic interests at the end to leave the recipient with a positive impression.

Information such as potential student’s areas of interest, like research they would like to conduct, and details about their prospective department, like the professors and the program.

The student should always end it in a positive way that indicates their excitement and expectations to join the institution.

Statement of Purpose Example

Here is a sample of a statement of purpose that students can use when preparing their essays.

I am (full name) from (place), born in (year). I am a candidate interested in studying (mention the program) at your (name of university) for a bachelor’s degree (name the level of program) as from (mention the semester and year). I have always been amazed by the way journalists are always first at getting and sharing information.

My interest in media and journalism first emerged from watching the news and reading books. Sitting with my family at home, watching the news while we ate dinner and told each other about our day, propelled the dream I sought to pursue. I am eager to pursue this field so as to fulfill my ambition of being able to gather truthful and objective news in a timely manner. Being able to give another family, just like mine, the same satisfaction would be a dream come true.

I graduated from high school with honors with a GPA of 3.6 and I am now ready to start my bachelor’s degree. After graduating, I spent most of my time completing some important short courses that I believed would better my mission to pursue media and journalism. For 3 months, I completed a computer course and also learned how to articulate properly. I took another short course to improve my Math skills for a period of 2 months. I also spent about 6 months learning and becoming fluent in about 14 foreign languages. I had to juggle between helping my father run his business and still succeeding in all these short courses. The art of time management was a great aspect that I learned during this period.

I applied to this university since I believe that here is where dreams come true. I believe that I am the right candidate for the program based on my passion, qualifications, and interests. I plan to share the knowledge I gather with other interested parties and even guide others like me to enroll in the program. I desire to further my education as I continue working while gaining practical skills and experiences from my internships.

With the subjects I studied in high school and the short courses I took as I waited for the right time to apply for the program, I believe that all that I experienced helped shape me for this opportunity. From having to learn new languages and even focusing on improving my math skills, I know now how essential it is to not give up. My improved fluency, articulation skills, and even writing skills that I have learned have prepared me for this program.

Once selected for the program, my plan is to focus on gathering both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding (your chosen field). After completing my Bbachelors degree, getting a Master’s degree is the top of my priority. I would like to venture on the subject of how the best journalists can report objectively even in the midst of the emotions that result from their human nature. I believe that your university will offer me the best chance of succeeding in my research.

My hope is that you will consider me and make a favorable decision regarding my application to join this esteemed university in order for me to pursue the fields of (your chosen field). I am confident that a positive response will be the first step towards a bright future for both my academic and work experience.

Tips for Writing an Effective Statement of Purpose

When writing a statement of purpose, here are some tips a writer can use to format their essay to make it perfect and effective:

Formal language

Observe formal language. The language should not be stiff but official yet welcoming. In addition, the formal language should be crafted in a way that makes the essay unique.

Do your homework

Potential students should do their homework before they write the essay. They should research everything they need to know about the universities or graduate schools they are applying to. They should also have information about their program and the facilities and professors available for that program.

Take advice

If the potential student knows any professors from the grad school they are applying to, they should reach out to them. This way, they can gather more information about the best way to craft the essay. Also, the professors are likely to offer them appropriate advice that will benefit their application.

Continuity and focus           

The student should ensure that their essay does not sound like an ending. However, it should be formatted to highlight the continuity and focus of what will be achieved after the student gets selected for the program at the particular learning institution.

Demonstrate everything by example

Showing examples is the best way to sell academic successes, work achievements, and even personal character. Therefore, a student should not only state them but also give examples for everything. This adds more authenticity and honesty, which also makes the essay outstanding and unforgettable.

Positive perspective

The applicant should ensure their essay is written from a positive perspective. That means, even when highlighting challenges or problems, a positive perspective should be maintained. Such a student is likely to stand out from the rest due to their optimistic nature.

Use active voice, not passive

Since a statement of purpose is best crafted like a story, it is advisable to use an active voice. Using the active voice instead of the passive voice will help the student have a more concise and straight-to-the-point essay. Also, active voice makes reading the essay more straightforward and faster and gives it a more narrative feel than passive voice.

Proofread, edit, and re-edit

After completing the essay, it is best to proofread, edit, and even re-edit it. A different perspective is important in identifying and correcting any hidden mistakes. That means that they should ask their friends and family to grade their essays. Also, these people can help the applicant with more examples that they might not remember; hence, they will better the statement of purpose.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Statement of Purpose

Here is a list of what an applicant should do when dealing with this essay:

• Format the essay It is important to format the essay using the tips provided above.          
• Formal language – the essay should be written in a formal language. The student should avoid making the language stiff but should maintain an official and conversational tone.
• Check grammar and spelling- proofreading is important. This way, the potential student will avoid any spelling and grammar mistakes.      
• Space the text – while writing the essay’s content, spacing the text is necessary. It will make the essay neat and readable.
• Use readable font – to ensure the recipient goes through the whole statement of purpose, the writer should use a readable font. This is the first impression, and it should be positive.
• Use a beautiful or awkward font – while trying to impress the admissions committee, using a beautiful or awkward font will not help. Instead, it will only make them cringe and fail to read it.
• Submit half-backed paper – since this essay is an important part of the application process, a candidate should only submit a well-written one and not a half-backed paper.
• Pretend as you write a message to your buddy – the statement of purpose should not contain anything fabricated or made-up of the stories people share with their friends. Every story should be truthful since evidence will be needed for all of it.
• Use overcomplicated language and sentence constructions – a student should use simple and easy-to-understand language. There are many applications that the admissions committee is going through. Writing the essay using overcomplicated language and sentence constructions may prevent the recipient from reading it.
• Apply colorful and vivid background – A colorful and vivid background is not advisable as it is distractive and will not allow the recipient to focus on the essay’s importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since the statement of purpose is part of a more significant application for grad school, there is no need to add your name. However, if there are instructions for writing the SOP letter and the name is required, it should be written.

You should not title it since there is no need for it; unless asked by the provided requirements from the learning institution, you are applying to.

It should be between one and a half to two pages, which makes 500 words enough.

Any information, details, facts, or data that do not make sense and are just there to fill the essay should not be included when writing the SOP letter.

It should be written in about five paragraphs, with two of these paragraphs being the introduction and the closing paragraph.

It should not be longer than two pages.

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SOP Format and Samples: How to Write Statement of Purpose

• What is SOP
• SOP Writing Tips
• Statement of Purpose for Masters
• SOP for MBA
• Statement of Purpose for Phd

Updated on 28 June, 2024

Akansha, Pragya

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert, pragya sharma, sr. content editor.

When a friend of mine told me she looks forward to applying for admission at German universities, we hopped on to research the admission process and documents required. What amazed us was that around 90% of bachelor's and master's programs in Germany require a Statement of Purpose (SOP). On further research, we found that it is a crucial application requirement not just in Germany, but across various countries.

Admissions committees use the SOP to gain insight into your achievements, relevant experiences, future goals, and skills and explain why you believe you are the ideal candidate among others.

Read on to learn what all we found in our research. Explore the importance of an SOP, its types, formats, guidelines and more in this article.

Table of Contents

What is sop, why is sop important, paragraph 1: introduction.

• Paragraph 2: Academic and Professional Background

Paragraph 3: Reasons to Pursue the Particular Course

• Paragraph 4: Academic Interests and Goals

Paragraph 5: Reasons to Choose the Particular University

• Paragraph 6: Conclusion

Paragraph 2: Purpose of Travel

Paragraph 3: academic background, paragraph 4: relevant professional experience, paragraph 5: ties to home country, paragraph 6: travel plans, paragraph 7: conclusion, how long should statement of purpose be, 1. expressive writing ability, 2. unique personal traits, 3. contribution to the community, 4. congruence with course and university, 5. reflective conclusion, introduction.

• 1. Academic Background
• 2. Professional Background

Why this Course

• Career Goals

Why This University

• Do's and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose

Is there any Need to Write Name on SOP?

1. avoid negative phrasing, 2. illustrate causal relationships, 3. avoid overwhelming details, 4. incorporate motivational incidents, 5. conclude impressively, 6. be creative yet factual, 7. be specific and self-aware, 8. showcase your qualifications, 9. quantify your achievements, 10. maintain word limits, 11. handle discrepancies, 12. avoid plagiarism, 13. be honest and direct, 14. research thoroughly, 15. proofread and revise, 16. write concisely, 17. use the first person, 18. maintain a professional tone, 19. seek opinions, 20. incorporate brief motivational stories.

• Highlight Your Personality Traits

Frame Original Stories

Be specific, write and rewrite, statement of purpose (sop) samples/examples.

• Statement of Purpose Example for Master's Degree
• Statement of Purpose Example for 12th Class
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample PDF

1. Dull Introduction

2. last-minute writing hassle, 3. informal writing style, 4. not proofreading, 5. incorrect or plagiarized information, statement of purpose vs personal statement, popular guides to simplify your study abroad journey.

The SOP full form is a Statement of Purpose. It is an essay cum application written by the applicant to the admissions committee. The letter outlines the applicant's reasons for choosing a particular course, as well as their interests, objectives, and career aspirations. The statement of purpose can also be known as a letter of intent or research statement.

The purpose of an SOP is to allow the admission committee to know you - your thought process, strengths, achievements, and future plans. It also lets them check how good you are at expressing yourself. This is an important step to get admission at overseas universities.

The SOP comprises various elements - starting from academic qualifications to personal experiences, but should be between 500 and 1,000 words. You should check the university’s official website to see the format they accept, as it might vary per the institute. 

The adage, the first impression is the last impression, holds true when presenting yourselves in front of the admissions committee via SOP.

The SOP has to be written by all students applying for graduate and undergraduate courses. It is, in a way, a direct connection with the university’s selection committee.

Your application and resume majorly answer all the questions of panel members, but it is the SOP that will let the panel know about you as a person and your plans.

A well-written SOP can downplay your weaknesses and convince the admission committee to accept your application. It is the best way to stand out among applicants who, like you, also want to study the same course.

It also highlights your extracurricular achievements and enthusiasm for new opportunities and challenges. Most importantly, it can get your application selected or rejected.

What is SOP Format: Academic & Visa

The statement of purpose format is a structured outline that helps applicants organize their thoughts and present relevant information effectively in their written statement.

SOP Format for Academic Purposes

For an effective and impactful Statement of Purpose (SOP) for your university application, I recommend following this SOP format for thoroughness and persuasiveness.

Paragraph 1: Introduction 

This section is often confused with self-introduction. However, you should only introduce your chosen academic field. You must briefly express your interest in the selected program and future expectations from this course. 

Share the passions and motivations that led you to choose the course. Keep this statement of purpose section concise, focusing more on your aspirations than a detailed autobiography.

Paragraph 2: Academic and Professional Background 

• Provide information about your school or college. Describe any research you've conducted, including details such as collaborators, project titles, your responsibilities, and the outcomes achieved. Use the technical language or style of your academic field, as faculty members will read it.
• Highlight any significant papers or thesis projects you've completed, as well as any scholarly work that furthers your academic requirements.
• Students interested in studying abroad generally have some work experience. It may be a part-time job, training projects, internships, freelancing work, or a full-time job. 
• Discuss in SOP writing any relevant work experience along with your skills, especially if it relates to your intended study area. You can also explain how these experiences have shaped your focus on graduate studies.

Specify the reasons why you want to pursue the particular course. Mention the syllabus of the course and explain the skills you want to improve. Explain how it will help you achieve your goals and benefit your plans.

Pose a question, define a problem, or highlight a theme you wish to explore further. Discuss any questions that have emerged from your engagement with contemporary research in your field. Dedicate a substantial paragraph to this discussion.

Paragraph 4: Academic Interests and Goals 

This is the most important section where you should explain the job profile you will be working on after your studies. Try to explain your long-term career goals and plans. Do not mention anything that might make the supervisors feel that you want to study abroad so that you can settle in a foreign country.

You may speak about your desire to work in a top company or if you want to start your own business. You can also discuss your business ideas, aims,  ethics, and what impact they will have on the industry.

This is the paragraph where you need to tell the academic committee why you are an ideal candidate for the university. Research the departments you're interested in and identify professors whose research matches your interests.

Mention any professors whose work parallels yours and indicate your awareness of specific programs that may require you to name potential mentors.

Paragraph 6: Conclusion 

In the final paragraph, you must express your enthusiasm and readiness to tackle challenges that can come in your way of studying abroad. Conclude your statement on a positive note.

You should also show the panel that you are confident enough to succeed in the field of your interest and will bring a tangible difference in the industry from a global point of view.

Pro Tip: You must also highlight the personality traits and qualities that make you a unique applicant. Avoid using adjectives like interested, dedicated, etc. Remember, your suitability for the program does not depend only on your achievements.

SOP Format for Visa Application

Adhere to this format of statement of purpose to create a thorough and persuasive Statement of Purpose (SOP) for your visa application.

Introduce yourself briefly, mentioning your history, your educational background, and the reason you are applying for a visa. 

Indicate clearly why you are visiting, stating if it is for business, research, travel, or other purposes. Justify your trip decision by outlining the advantages the nation gives you for the goals you have in mind. 

If relevant, and if you're applying for a study visa, briefly describe the course or program you want to take and your background. Emphasize how your job goals and your academic path coincide. 

Summarize your professional experience, knowledge, and abilities about the position or sector of the destination country for work visas.

In this paragraph, emphasize your relations to your home country, including family, property, employment, or other commitments that indicate your intention to return after the visa period.

Provide details of your travel plans in your SOP writing format and add the duration of your stay, accommodation arrangements, and any planned activities or engagements during your visit.

Express gratitude for the opportunity to visit the country and reiterate your purpose and commitment to abide by visa regulations and contribute positively during your stay.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Format: Important Details

After addressing these elements in your SOP, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees and strengthens your application.

If you want to know how to make a statement of purpose effective for your profile, remember the evaluator reads thousands of SOPs like yours, so avoid excessive details. Unless instructed otherwise, stick to the word limit of typically between 800 to 1,500 words. 

Pierce, a famous author, notes that an SOP should typically not exceed a single page. So, choose your words carefully for clarity and avoid repetition or exceeding the limit.

What Do Colleges and Universities Search for in SOP?

Colleges and universities require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) that truly reflects your personality and achievements as an applicant.

Your SOP should showcase your ability to write engagingly and expressively. It should flow like a narrative, albeit based on real experiences. Ensure your content is well-organized, thoughtfully planned, and presented in an active voice with concise paragraphs.

A compelling SOP allows room to showcase your uniqueness. Admissions committees aim to envision your character and personality through your statement. Therefore, it's essential to present distinct aspects of yourself.

Institutions value contributions to their community. Your SOP should demonstrate how you plan to engage in student activities and enhance diversity within the student body, highlighting your potential impact.

Colleges and universities want to gauge your familiarity and unity with the chosen course and institution. Your SOP should reflect your understanding of the program's offerings and how they work with your academic and career goals.

In concluding your SOP, emphasize your primary motivations for applying. Articulate your short-term and long-term objectives, reinforcing your commitment and aspirations.

How to Write SOP Effectively

• Remember, this is not a self-introduction.
• Introduce the academic field of interest.
• An anecdote that motivated you to pursue the field.
• Gist of what you aspire to do in the domain.

1. Academic Background 

• For a bachelor's degree, mention academic information of X and XII.
• For a master's degree, delve into your college academic information and projects. 
• For a PhD degree, emphasis on your published research papers.
• Must include extracurriculars in MBA and UG SOPs.

2. Professional Background 

• Highlight the professional experience related to the applied degree.
• Specify why you desire to pursue this particular degree.
• Mention the modules that interest you.
• Elucidate the skills you want to enhance during the term.

Career Goals 

• Short-term Goals: Clearly specify your goal upon completing the degree.
• Long-term Goals: Mention your long-term plans (10-15 years down the line).
• Ensure not to mention that you desire to stay back upon completing the degree i.e., you should always talk about returning to your home country.
• Specify what made you choose the particular university.
• Mention the modules/research themes/research labs that intrigue your interest.
• Mention the professor(s) you would like to learn under. 

Write, in a nutshell, the reason that makes you the right fit for the university.

Also Read:- SOP Writing Tips

Do's and Don'ts of a Statement of Purpose

Usually, you are not required to mention your name while writing an SOP. However, in the case of Visa SOPs, one needs to mention their name. To get a better understanding, you should visit the university’s official website.

20 Proven Tips to Write Impactful SOP

Here are 20 proven tips about how to write SOP:-

Transform negative initial impressions by highlighting a positive turnaround. For instance, instead of mentioning a poor early GPA, focus on the improvement and dedication that followed.

Clearly explain the reasons behind your academic decisions or circumstances, which helps in maintaining the reader's engagement by answering anticipated questions. For instance, given the limited availability of facilities for advanced experimental research in my home country, I was compelled to focus primarily on simulations, which could have improved my ability to validate my findings.

While it's important to be thorough, prioritize aspects that enhance your narrative. Choose significant courses or experiences that align with your graduate goals.

Including short, motivational anecdotes from your academic life can enhance the persuasiveness of your SOP. For example, consider sharing a brief story that captures what initially inspired your passion for research.

End with a statement that leaves a lasting, positive impression, reinforcing your dedication and readiness for the challenges of graduate study.

Ensure your SOP is engaging but grounded in the factual recounting of your academic journey.

Provide detailed reasons for your interests and choices, reflecting a deep self-awareness and genuine passion.

Highlight relevant academic and extracurricular pursuits, addressing any specific program prerequisites succinctly.

Where possible, provide quantitative data to substantiate your claims and add credibility to your achievements.

To ensure your statement of purpose is noticed, abide by the application rules, especially the one about word count in the SOP writing format.

Utilize the SOP to clarify any possible issues with your application, such as job gaps or differences in your academic standing.

Make sure your statement is unique and authentic; plagiarized content may be quickly identified and could endanger your application.

Discuss your genuine aspirations and experiences. Authenticity is crucial, as admissions committees are adept at detecting insincerity.

Learn about each institution’s ethos and academic environment and craft your statement to illustrate your fit with their culture.

Multiple revisions and feedback from trusted peers or mentors are essential to refining your SOP.

Keep paragraphs short and to the point, directly addressing the topic before expanding.

Write from a personal perspective to create a direct connection with the reader and enhance the relatability and impact of your narrative.

While it's important to be engaging, maintain a tone that reflects your professionalism and suitability for graduate study.

Get input from academic supervisors, colleagues, TAs, etc. Consult with academic mentors for discipline-specific feedback.

Note: Some universities might also ask for your financial information. Ensure to write your SOP as per the university’s needs.

Bonus Tips to Write Unique Statement of Purpose 

For a winning SOP, making a perfect strategy before drafting is important. Though most people write whatever comes to their minds, you should not follow in their footsteps. You should write an original and eye-catching SOP to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some bonus tips:-

Highlight Your Personality Traits 

You must highlight the personality traits and qualities that make you a unique applicant. Avoid using adjectives like interested, dedicated, and more. Ensure to exude your leadership qualities or social skills via your SOP. Your suitability for the program does not depend only on your achievements.

If you have a choice to read a novel or a report. You are likely to choose the novel. Because a report provides insights about a topic, whereas a novel will tell you a well-written story with which you will feel emotionally connected. Similarly, your anecdote of what motivated you to pursue the course will connect you to the committee. Moreover, it will give them a comprehensive idea of why you chose the course and your strengths.

It is needless to say that your story should have relevant and true experiences of your life. It should not be seen as a thesis. Instead, it should act as a genuine source of information about yourself. Your stories should contain measurable experiences.

Suppose you have worked with an NGO teaching math to primary kids. You can write, “During my college days, I worked with an NGO and taught math to needy children. I also taught them basic English concepts. This helped me to enhance my social skills and management skills.” This statement sounds good and makes an academic committee think about your valuable impact on children/society.

Your SOP should contain specific information. Whatever you write needs to be backed up with proper details. Don’t just write things like, “I chose this degree/course because I love it.” Elaborate on the reasons why you love this field and what made you choose it. Try to pick relevant answers that can help you in getting admission to the university of your choice. 

So, if you think your first draft should be your final SOP, put that thought on hold. Ensure to write and then rewrite to create an impressive SOP.  

Now that you have gained an understanding of writing an SOP effectively, let us dive into some samples that will help you build your SOP better. Please note that these samples are indicative and you must follow the specific guidelines as mentioned by the university you are applying to.

Statement of Purpose Example for Master's Degree

The world of technology has always fascinated me. And being an Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering graduate further intensified this enchantment. While studying programming languages and machine learning, I realized that data is the ultimate source of information and power that will soon drive us into a better world. I am ambitious and geared towards contributing to this dynamic realm through the lens of effective leadership and management. For this reason, I am seeking to pursue (the program name).

During my time pursuing BE in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, I developed proficiency in the concepts of data structure, image processing, and programming languages, including C, C++, and the basics of Java. I also gained comprehensive knowledge of using software like MATLAB for machine learning and Keil to solve the complex problems facing embedded software developers. My third-year project, the AAA, aimed to make something that could benefit everyone, as the intention was to create something cost-effective and simple enough to be made at home. For my fourth-year project, however, I wanted to do something different, and that's when I came across a new subject, YYY, that piqued my interest. I have published my research paper on 'MMM’.

Working at NNN for more than seven months has given me the confidence to work in a fast-paced business environment. However, I've faced various roadblocks and unexpected problems throughout my time. Owing to the voids that I had noticed in my prospects, I felt a need to upgrade my knowledge and skills through an advanced training program that furnishes me with the nuances of business analytics at a global scale while nourishing my overall understanding of intricacies in the corporate world and hone my managerial skills.

After extensive deliberation to find the best coursework and modules that fit my expected learning outcomes, I narrowed it down to AAA from the esteemed KKK University. The curriculum of this program has been curated, specifically keeping in mind the persisting industry trends and foreseeing the potential practices the global marketplace might adapt to. On the one hand, the PGP certification in LLL will gear me to form a solid grounding in statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and text mining, whereas the MBA. On the other hand, it will allow me to prosper in a complex business setting. The latter will imbue the ability to ascertain the current market economy and how my technical knowledge will help me, as a leader, to solve complex business challenges in the future.

The concepts I grab from the well-structured curriculum of the program at KKK University will enable me to lay the foundation for a thriving career in leading multinational conglomerates as a crucial part of the core decision-making body. After completing my master's, I plan to engage in IT as a business analyst and integrate the knowledge gained into real-time practice to solve complex problems. Years later, I look forward to embarking on an entrepreneurial journey and establishing a consultancy business, rendering quality services to clients worldwide.

I am incredibly excited at the prospect of studying at an esteemed institution like KKK University, which is acclaimed among the top-rated universities globally in Canada for student experience. The mentorships from the award-winning renowned faculty base at KKK University, along with multiple skill-enhancing programs and workshops, are some of the significant factors that enthralled me. I am also highly impressed by the intellectual diversity of the institution, with professors and students from over 100 countries bringing their combined perspectives to one place. This will be a thrilling experience as I will build a strong network of professionals and industry leaders to exchange our ideologies, knowledge, and experiences.

The opportunity to pursue a master's program at KKK University would elevate my skills. My academic training will prepare me to pursue a challenging and fulfilling career in the field of my interest. I hope the University will consider my application favorably.

Statement of Purpose Example for 12th Class 

Increase the effectiveness of your university application by structuring your Statement of Purpose (SOP) according to this statement of purpose format for clarity and effectiveness.

I grew up in a household where every dinner was a forum for insightful discussions on literature, art, and cinema. While my father favored English and Tamil movies, my mother leaned towards Hindi cinema. These discussions often culminated in movie nights, especially on weekends, which I eagerly anticipated from a young age. Exposed early to various filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Mrinal Sen, David Lynch, Ritwik Ghatak, Christopher Nolan, and Alfred Hitchcock, I realized my passion for the cinematic world.

In the 7th standard, my English teacher praised my essay on the 'Evolution of Hindi Films Over the Years,' sparking a conversation about my deep-seated love for movies. This conversation led to the realization that a career in cinema was my calling.

My journey to pursue Cinema Studies began after my 10th board exams. Despite the multitude of universities offering Film Studies abroad, my cousin's insights and guidance helped me navigate through the options. Following my stellar performance in the 12th board exams, I meticulously researched universities, ultimately choosing the Toronto Film School for its renowned Bachelor in Cinema and Media Studies program.

Toronto Film School's comprehensive curriculum, spanning diverse aspects of global cinema and offering a wide range of electives, stood out to me. The opportunity to delve into areas like diversity in Cinematic Arts, gender studies, and the history of international cinema fits perfectly with my interests.

My active involvement in debates during school, coupled with my accolades in literature, further solidified my passion for storytelling and cinema. The prospect of studying in Canada, a hub for film and media, excites me as it brings me closer to my dream of becoming a Film Editor.

A degree in Film Studies is best experienced through a combination of theory and practical practice. And I like the look and try to incorporate it into my life. Toronto Film School's Cinema and Media Studies program will expose me to the camera, allowing me to realize my childhood desire to have hands-on experience with the whole creative process of film production. From preparing myself for extreme challenges in the field to engaging in constant collaboration and mastering tenacity, I am eager to do it all while pursuing my degree.

I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely, XYZ

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Sample PDF 

Explore our Statement of Purpose (SOP) sample PDF for expert guidance and inspiration in crafting your university application. Download now for valuable insights and tips!

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing SOP

Now that you know the secret sauce to write an impressive SOP, let’s further increase your chances of acceptance of the application. How? We have enlisted the key pointers that cannot be considered nugatory while drafting your SOP.

The intro paragraph of your SOP can make or break your chances to be a part of the university. The member of the admission committee must have read a slew of applications. So, to hook their attention, you should start with an impressive line that surfaces your academics, confidence, and intentions.

Moreover, do not fixate on self-introduction; it should mirror your academic field of interest and your inclination toward the university. 

There is abundant information about how to write a Statement of Purpose over the internet. So, if you think that copying those cliche statements will get you through the admission process, then it’s time to rethink it!

Rather, you should start your SOP writing process months before your admission process. Moreover, check the university’s official website not to exceed the desirable word limit.

You might have come across many Statement of Purpose samples with informal writing styles. So, if you thought it would make it easier to draft one with an informal tone, you are mistaken over here.

It is suggested to keep your SOP crisp and adhere to a formal tone. In tandem with this, avoid the usage of slang.

Why lose a chance to secure a seat due to a misspelling or a grammatical issue in your SOP? Correct? Thus, to write a unique and flawless SOP, it is paramount to proofread it. You can also ask your friends or family members to do so.

Moreover, ensure to read it after a few days after completing it. This will curtail the chances of a blind spot while eliminating any errors.

Finding an impressive Statement of Purpose sample on the internet and tweaking the same won’t help you to be noticed by the admission panel. Your SOP should be unique to ensure that you avoid plagiarism.

SOP encapsulates the applicant’s strengths, career goals, academics, and research interests; in contrast, a Personal Statement details the applicant’s personal motivation for choosing the program. Both SOP and Personal Statements have their own goals.

As an applicant, you need to ensure to impress the admission committee with an SOP or Personal Statement. To comprehend the in-depth difference between both statements, read here . 

In conclusion, an effective SOP format is a crucial element in crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose. It serves as the blueprint that guides the narrative flow, ensuring that the content is not only well-structured and coherent but also engaging and impactful.

A well-formatted SOP helps to present the applicant's story, qualifications, and aspirations in a clear, concise manner, making a strong impression on the admissions committee.

As applicants prepare their SOPs, adhering to a thoughtful format is key to successfully conveying their unique voice, experiences, and motivations. It's this strategic combination of content and format that transforms an SOP from a mere application requirement into a persuasive and memorable introduction to the candidate’s potential and fit for the program.

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FAQs on SOP Format

What are the 4 p's of sop.

An SOP has four P's: purpose, procedure, personnel, and performance. These parts explain why the SOP exists, how to carry out the process, personnel roles and duties, and success measures.

How to give a final polish to my SOP?

Once you have written down your SOP, double-check the document for grammatical and careless mistakes. Your next step should be finding someone who can analyze your essay and spot errors.

Check your SOP through the eyes of the admission panel and look for what you are lacking. For more corrections, you can ask your friends and family members to read and react to the SOP. Accordingly, make some changes and modify your format. In the end, you can look out for spacing errors and save the final application.

How to write a perfect SOP that could win the heart of an academic committee?

Making your SOP stand out from the heaps of applications is not an easy task. Ensure you write a compelling introduction of your SOP, including the anecdote that motivated you to pursue the course. Moreover, mention what motivated you to pursue the course and choose the university.

Apart from these key elements, do not miss out on mentioning your projects/research work in tandem with your professional and academic background.

What is the difference between SOP and motivational letters?

The Statement of Purpose is almost the same as a Motivation Letter . Both are often referred to as the same thing, but there is a thin line of difference. The letter of motivation is written specifically to help the admission department understand your objectives and career goals related to the course and your future plans.

A motivation letter is generally short and factual. On the other hand, the SOP can include personal details about your past learning experiences, anecdotes, and how they connect with your current plans. It can be more detailed and longer than the letter of motivation.

Can an impressive SOP help to avail scholarships?

Yes, an impressive SOP can enhance your chances of availing scholarships. Students seeking to avail of merit or need-based scholarships need to write a different SOP. To be selected for the scholarship, their SOP will make a difference.

For need-based scholarships, they need to focus on their financial condition and the zeal to pursue the course. Whereas, in the case of merit-based scholarships, they need to structure their SOP around their academic achievements and what makes them the right fit for the university.

Can I use the same SOP for multiple applications?

It's advised to change your SOP to meet the unique needs and values of each university or program. Customizing your SOP shows that you are interested in and qualified for the specific program or school.

Should I address academic failures or gaps in my SOP?

If there are gaps in your academic or professional history, address them in a positive, constructive, and brief manner and focus on what you’ve learned or how you’ve grown from those experiences.

Can I include quotes or citations in my SOP?

You don't have to begin your SOP with a quote from a renowned person. If you want to, choose a distinctive and significant quote and use them sparingly and ensure they enhance your narrative rather than distract from it. If not, skip it.

Should I mention specific professors or courses in my SOP?

You can mention specific professors or courses to demonstrate your research and genuine interest in the program. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the professor’s work and your extensive research on the university.

How important is the opening sentence in my SOP?

The opening sentence of your SOP sets the tone and captures the reader's attention. A compelling opening sentence makes a strong impression and motivates the reader to engage with your entire SOP.

Is it better to start with a template or write from scratch?

It depends on your preferences and writing style. Starting with a template can provide structure and guidance, but try to personalize it extensively to show your experiences and aspirations.

How should I handle feedback on my SOP?

Be open to feedback on your SOP and use it as an opportunity to improve and refine your writing. Consider the suggestions provided, revise accordingly, and seek input from mentors or advisors for further enhancements.

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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Statement of Purpose for Masters: Format, Samples, Guidelines for Top Courses

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated On - Mar 9, 2024

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Masters?

The format of a statement of purpose for masters  can be broadly divided into 4 main components , or 4 Ps - Purpose, Past Experience, Program, and Personality. Guidelines may vary with programs and universities across the world but the admission committee mainly looks for these four parts in a motivation letter or personal statement.

A good statement of purpose for masters should clearly describe the goals and interests of the students. This could be done by answering the following questions:

• What do you want to study?
• Why do you want to study this MS program only?
• What are some of the research projects you have undertaken during your bachelor's degree?
• What attracts you to this field professionally?
• Discuss the skills and knowledge you wish to gain from the program.
• What are your plans after graduating from  MS in USA , Canada, or any other country?
• Discuss your short-term and long-term goals.

Past Experience

This part should focus on the previous academic and professional knowledge you have acquired in the field of interest. It helps in narrowing down the courses that are related to the MS specialization you wish to opt for. This also gives an insight to the admission committee about the amount of knowledge you have about the subject. The following topics can be addressed in this section:

• Relevant experience such as full-time job, training, internships, etc.
• Courses studied in bachelors related to the field of interest
• Mention any additional skills you have or wish to acquire in the SOP for MS in Canada , USA, Australia, etc.

Admission committee wants to get a deeper insight into your interest and inspiration behind choosing this particular MS degree. This helps them to better understand whether you are a good fit for the university and program. Discuss the following key points to clearly state your motivations in a statement of purpose for MS:

• Reason for studying at this particular college or university
• Any particular part of a curriculum that you like
• Any methodology of a department that interests you
• Expectations from the MS program and the university
• Your contribution to the program and university

Personality

This is a more personal aspect of SOP for MS in UK , Australia, Canada or any other popular destination and focuses on the individualistic traits of the applicant. It could include:

• Your interests, hobbies, etc
• Any soft skills you have like communication, leadership, camaraderie with other team members, etc.
• One unique characteristic about you that the admission committee should know.

Checkout how SOP for MS guidelines and requirements varies in top study abroad destinations:

Statement of Purpose for Masters: Guidelines for Popular Programs

Although the basic elements remain the same, unique aspects of the statement of purpose for popular masters programs are discussed further in this section:

SOP for MS in Computer Science

Following are some prompts that could help you in writing SOP for MS in Computer Science :

• Certificates demonstrating expertise in various programming languages
• Workshops that helped to sharpen programming skills
• Any particular specialization that inspired you to pursue MS in CS such as mobile computing, networking, human-computer interaction, etc.
• Highlight your love for programming, applications, and technologies in the SOP
• Training, internships, and project related to computer science
• Demonstrate skills such as analytical, creative thinking, reasoning ability, etc.

SOP for MS in Data Science

MS in Data Science is a comparatively new field and offered as a specialization of computer science or statistics in most of the universities. An SOP for Data Scienc e should clearly establish the reasons for deviating from subjects chosen in bachelors to data science.

Other important topics that could strengthen the statement of purpose for MS in Data Science are:

• Bachelors courses involving analysis, sorting, and interpretation of data
• Projects and internships related to data processing
• Expertise in programming languages
• Comprehensive understanding of maths and statistics

SOP for MS in Business Analytics

Students should emphasize in the SOP for Business Analytics that they have proficient knowledge of both technology and business. Following skills acquired through coursework, internships, workshops and projects should also be brought to the attention of admission committee via a statement of purpose for MS in Business Analytics:

• Client management and business development
• Excellent knowledge of business forecast models
• Ability to draw conclusions from database
• Analytical and statistical skills

SOP for MS in Management

The main theme of SOP for MS in Management should be professional experiences acquired by the students during recent years. Following are some other tips that you can follow while writing a statement of purpose for MS in Management:

• Follow the anecdotal approach of writing
• Start with your most recent work experiences first.
• Mention the industry you are currently working in the first paragraph.
• Write about events that happened in your life in the last 2 to 3 years instead of going back much in the past.
• Discuss job roles and responsibilities in detail.

Note: Unlike MBA, the admission committee for MS in Management considers training, internships, and part-time work also as work experience.

SOP for MS in Mechanical Engineering

Students should focus on their academic and practical knowledge about mechanical engineering in the statement of purpose. Some prompts that you can use in statement of purpose for Mechanical Engineering are:

• Strong understanding of basic mechanical engineering concepts like thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, design of machine elements, etc.
• Any unique research or project completed in the field of mechanics
• Extra-curricular activities like membership of a club, sports, etc (optional)

SOP for MS in Civil Engineering

The structure and format of SOP for Civil Engineering are similar to that of mechanical engineering. However, compared to that, the following skills that can be highlighted in the SOP for MS in Civil Engineering are:

• Basic knowledge of mathematics
• Written and oral communication skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability

SOP Samples for Masters

• SOP Sample for MS in Computer Science in Canada
• SOP Sample for MS in Telecommunication in Germany
• SOP Sample for MS in Business Analytics in USA
• SOP Sample for MS in USA

Statement Of Purpose for Masters: Writing Tips for Indian Students

Statement of Purpose for Masters is like a supporting ladder to other documents submitted along with applications such as transcripts, resumes, certificates, etc. Its main theme should always revolve around the subject you are applying to. Some other tips you should keep in mind while writing SOP  for MS degree from universities across the world are:

• Talk about your discipline with passion but do not overuse jargons
• Ensure the smooth flow of content while transitioning from one paragraph to another for an effortless reading experience.
• Keep the language simple and lucid.
• Make it interesting and upbeat.
• Connect reader with a story instead of merely stating facts
• Use assertive sentences and establish trust.
• Keep your statement of purpose short and crisp.
• Avoid paraphrasing or repetition of information

Students are encouraged to include a well-written statement of purpose in their admission application to strengthen their chances of acceptance.

Ques. How do I write a Statement of Purpose for Masters?

Ans. You should follow the below-given steps while writing a Statement of Purpose for Masters:

• Make a list of all your achievements relevant to the program.
• Think clearly and list down all your goals.
• Research about the university and department to which you are applying.
• Now start writing your SOP and edit it.
• Proofread it 2 to 3 times before finally submitting it.

Ques. How long should be an SOP for masters?

Ans. SOP for MS should be 2 to 3 pages long or should have 1000 words if not otherwise specified by the university.

Ques. How important is Statement of Purpose for Masters?

Ans. Statement of Purpose for Masters mentions the qualities of students that are not available in other documents like transcripts, CV, etc. The SOP holds significant importance in the evaluation process because it helps the admissions committee assess your fit for the program and gauge your potential for success.

Ques. What should be mentioned in the Statement of Purpose for Masters​?

Ans. Statement of Purpose for Masters should highlight the subjective qualities of applicants like leadership, analytical skills, extracurricular achievements, and any other skills acquired during project or work experience. 

Ques. How do you end a Statement of Purpose for Masters​?

Ans. Statement of Purpose for Masters should end with a statement summing up the whole essay and describing to admission committee why you are a good fit for program in the university. It's important to leave a positive and lasting impression on the admissions committee.

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Guidelines to writing an effective Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Ireland

Know all about writing a great sop when applying to study in ireland, why study in ireland, importance of an sop, what should be included in a good sop, sop guidelines for ireland, mistakes to avoid when writing an sop.

• 5 March 2023

For every family, it is a dream that a child from their family studies well and does well in life, be a successful professional, and achieves greater heights, and parents do not leave any stone unturned to ensure that their son or daughter is given the best of education. At the same time, they are equally confused while selecting higher studies and seek a lot of options, destinations, and universities and choose the best, doesn’t matter if they need to go the extra mile.

Now if you have already gone through counselling sessions and chosen Ireland as your next destination for higher studies then you are at the right place. Today we will tell you about one of the most important documents that you need to attach while applying to Universities in Ireland. You would have heard of a word called “SOP” or Statement of Purpose , so let’s have a look at how to write an SOP and what you need to keep in mind while writing one.

With an excellent academic reputation, pristine landscape, friendly people, and rich culture, Ireland is a perfect destination for higher studies. There are many reasons to study in Ireland out of which some lie mainly in areas like skill development, entrepreneurial skills, and high-class international syllabus.

The country has many top universities like the Dublin International University , which provides a wide array of courses in the field of Science and Technology, Humanities, and Economics. Some other reasons like low tuition fees and living costs, and post-study visa ease, make it one of the top destinations in the world to study.

Also, if we talk about reports published by various agencies, then Ireland is ranked No.3 in the Global peace index with a GPI index of 1.288 only next to Iceland and New Zealand, which means the country is crime and corruption free. According to the OECD education report, Ireland ranks at No.4 for the highest standard of education.

SOP – the Statement of purpose is an important document that a student submits while applying for a student visa. It essentially depicts the mindset and aspiration of a candidate or applicant, who want to apply for the same. Every student puts in a lot of effort to get into the best of colleges for having a bright future and this written statement would describe the best of you in front of the authorities, hence this is considered an essential phase of student visa application where you need to put your best foot forward.

Your genuineness, hard work, future, and career path are your USP and hence if this needs to be portrayed, this SOP enables the deciding visa authorities in giving you the student visa. The entire idea is to compose a written statement that describes the best of your motivation to join a particular course and depicts the fundamental reasoning behind your selection. Often many students overlook the importance of SOP and there are cases where your visa is not approved because you haven’t portrayed the intent clearly, hence this becomes a certain mandatory document.

So when we say that it’s an important and mandatory document in your visa application let’s look at some important aspects that you should include in your SOP.

Depicts personality : The SOP should be in brief depict your personality and what you have done in past, what you would do in the future, and what you stand for.

Motivation, aspiration, and perseverance : As you would have read, the 3 words, in a nutshell, should show your motivation, Aspiration, and Perseverance to join a particular course.

Creative, original thought : The letter itself should be creative and original, depicting your past life and future ideas as a student. As we say, avoid copying.

Key aspects: Combine all thoughts based on your talent, experiences, and ideas and tell the deciding authorities how you are important in their system.

Financial stability : Well, goes without saying, you should explain to the authorities that how stable are you or your family financially to help you go through this phase of student life, which will be a deciding factor for your visa application.

Extra-curricular activities : Life is more than studying as a student. And hence you would notice that your family will always want you to do something extra, hence if you have excelled in something apart from your studies, like extra-curricular activities then have it mentioned in your profile.

Intention of application : Your intent to join a particular course, what inspired you to take the course, and your future career path should all be included in the SOP.

Works : If you have in past submitted or published any papers, works then including the same in it, goes a long way.

About yourself : Interests and Hobbies goes a long way in shaping your personality and you should mention the same in your statement, this will talk more about “YOU”

Here are the guidelines you should follow for a perfect SOP

Planning: As it goes without saying, planning on how to construct your SOP is important. The same goes for Ireland’s SOP as well. Collects facts, details, and additional information and makes a skeletal draft, have a good idea of what to write and what not to.

Stand-out approach: The aim here is to ensure that you do not give a regular SOP. To ensure this, you can think of adding personal elements and touch, the overall tone of SOP has to be professional and crystal clear.

Easy to understand and read: Whenever you want the reader to read all that you have written, you need to keep things simple and easy. Also, you need to engage the reader, it should not be boring and timid. The admission counsels go through such SOPs every day hence you need to ensure that your document is not generic or lengthy.

Sentence build-up: Just ensure that you don’t write a long essay, keep it crisp and in short sentence format. It is important to keep the interest of the reader alive, hence ensuring things are simply put.

Word Count: It is widely believed that an Ireland SOP should be constructed between 900 to 1000 words or up to 2 pages unless the university specifies otherwise.

Avoid Jargon: Usage of complicated words, Jargon is universally believed to be a put-off. It’s generally told to be avoided and is the same here.

Technical Skills and knowledge acquired: You would have done this a lot while preparing your CV and it’s not different here. Technical skills and knowledge go a long way as everyone wants to know a little bit more about you, hence you should mention it in your SOP.

University Contribution: Though is not highly required, but talks more about your personality, universities may never ask you to disclose but it’s always good to tell the University how you can contribute to the university. For example, if you are good at some extracurricular activities or have done social service the same can be a contribution that you can mention in your SOP which can be an attractive aspect to tell the university apart from your studies.

Informal writing: Style of writing matters a lot. It should be professional, precise, and appealing. Maintain your composure and write in a formal approachable manner. The informal style of writing is the sort of writing we use to speak to our friends or while putting up a post on Social Media platforms.

Dull introduction: A candidate should always remember that an engaging introduction will go a long way. If your introduction or the opening sentence is dull and unappealing, then the reader may not go much further. Do not focus much on self-introduction, rather discuss your academic interests and background.

Last-minute writing: As you know that any job you rush with, you may not be able to put your best foot forward in urgency. We recommend you at least write your SOP 30 days before your deadline.

Complimentary words: The purpose of SOP is to tell about yourself, and express your thoughts. But do not be over complimentary about the University or its faculty, complimentary words may sound like you being much desperate to get in and might put off the reader. If you like something about the University, just be precise in a few lines.

Not adhering to the word limit: This is one of the most common mistakes one makes, not adhering to the word limit. This puts an impression that you will be judged on your ability and capability. Another aspect of this is, you respect the time of the reader, which if you don’t stick to might put the wrong impression on the reader and hence question your preparedness for writing an SOP.

Proofreading: This is the most common error a candidate makes. You would have put your time and thought into writing a well-constructed SOP, but mistakes may also be visible. These mistakes can range from being grammatical to punctuation, repetition of some sentences, etc. Of course, you would have devoted much time to gathering your thoughts, and making good valid points, but to ensure that there are no errors or silly mistakes, take your time to read what you have written and correct if anything is wrong or unnecessary. You can try the below techniques:

Read it multiple times, revise if required

Read it again after a day or two

Tell a third party to proofread 

False information: This is a red flag in any SOP, never mention something that you don’t know or have done. Polarised or copied information in your SOP might lead to a direct rejection of your application and may also put you on a blacklist.

So, we believe that the above information would be sufficient for you to create a good, appealing SOP. Also, you can research well and create a well-drafted SOP, but simultaneously you can take the help of an expert or outside agency to create a good SOP where you will understand the difference between an SOP written by a rookie compared to an experienced person, in any circumstances we would be happy to assist you further and wishing you all the best for your future endeavours.

一個帳號滿足你所有的留學需求

建立您的個人檔案，解鎖各種功能，包括個性化建議、快速申請等等。

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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