How to Write a Killer Statement of Purpose (SOP) ?

Published date: 22 Nov 2016 Updated on: 14 Dec 2019

We may not be the brightest bulb in the tannery; unaware of current updates, how to apply for education loans or how to kill a Mockingbird. Nonetheless, there’s one skill that we all have mastered in – boasting about our achievements, no matter how insignificant they are.

Even though some studies depict that boasting can actually be counter-productive, studying abroad presents a platform to you where you can boast to your heart’s content and actually benefit!

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

An SOP is a personal letter of recommendation issued by you in your favor about you. It follows the motto of “for the people, by the people, of the people” with a minor amendment in the subject part of the phrase – you don’t have to involve people.

You’re to describe your goals, your desires, your hopes, how you became the person you are currently and what you aspire to be in an upbeat, interesting manner. Nobody likes a know-it-all stating statistics and naked facts.

What Should A Statement Of Purpose Contain?

Well, containing things is a broad topic, and quite abstract, to be frank. Containment can have many meanings.

To get a foreign education loan, your briefcase will need to contain so many documents required for education loan. Hold on, did we get off topic?

If so, we gave you an accurate example of the grave error most students get accused of committing while composing their statements of purpose.

To help you slam this task as if it was a child’s play, we’ve bulleted the exact points you must stress on:

• The student’s background – you’ll need to go back to your roots!
• Academics and professional experience have helped you a long way; go on brag about your beautiful mind.
• Extracurricular activities; all work and no play makes you a dull creep.
• Your urgent and future dreams and how you think that the particular institution will give you a much-required push towards it.
• Why do you think you’re special?

You seem like you’ve got a list of universities in USA for MS in computer science that you want to get into, the admission officers have a list of many boring applications. This article will help you avoid that pile!

How To Write A Stunning Statement Of Purpose?

The first 50-100 words are most essential and play a crucial role in helping admission officials form an opinion about you. You need to use these few words to impact how they think of you.

The first draft gets recycled very quickly, so you’re not a fool if you get it wrong in your first try. It takes over 10 to 12 drafts to get the SOP done perfectly. You’ll approximately need two months’ time, so no pressure.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. You need to be fun, enthusiastic, upbeat and interesting in your SOP-self. Try incorporating anecdotes, stories about your past and present or even something that’s so unusual that it’s amusing.

Instead of going for “I want to pursue post graduation in Physics because I’m really interested in electricity and I want to know more about it.

I believe, your institution will help me grow as a student and I’d be on top of the world if I get in”,  you could write something as weird as “Ever since I read my first book on electricity, wires have connected me to the world of Physics in a mesh. I’m positive you couldn’t resist my potential once we form a closed circuit.”

The first content is of 45 words and the second is of 34 words. Judge for yourself which one would you remember if you handed 500 similar applications.

What Do Universities Look For In An SOP

The college authorities want to know how you portray yourself, who do you look up to, what you aspire to be, how serious are you about your pursuits and how competitive can you get.

Also, instead of searching for higher education loans or education loan without security, isn’t it easier to look for financial aid for international students?

You can always ask for an international scholarship for Indian students through your SOP or how to get a scholarship for MS in the USA. But, mind you, let it be funny. Humour can’t ever be dull!

Also, after writing your SOP, it is a great idea to have it edited and analyzed by experienced reviewers so that you can enhance its quality even further. And that is why you ought to try GyanDhan's Free SOP Review Service and get your SOP analyzed by experts in the most definite manner. You can be assured that after a thorough review you will put your best foot forward and be on the path to ace your application!