How To Write Statement Of Purpose

[justseyi]

So a couple of days ago, I was invited to a webinar to address how to write an SOP (Statement of Purpose). Unfortunately, 10min into the event, It was hijacked. I have decided to share some of the points here: 

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

A short essay that describes:

(i) Who you are/motivation (credentials)
(ii) Your rationale for applying to a university (intent)
(iii) Soft & Hands-on skills
(iv) Your future plan 

SOP is the most important part of the admissions process

A well-written SOP could downplay certain weaknesses such as low CGPA or lack of funding 

Essential components of a Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Part I: Introduce yourself, your interests, and your motivations
-Your interest/motivation for graduate study
– You can connect this with your long-term goals
– This should be short and concise 

Part II Summarize your undergraduate or graduate study projects
– Research you conducted
– Publications or thesis project-short summary and contribution to knowledge
– Work/ hands-on experience
– Avoid unrelated work or research experience 

Part III: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities
– Working experience
– Soft skills (volunteering, communication, and leadership skills, etc)
– Highlight the connection to your intended study/long-term goal 

Part IV: Why the university or program?
-You can include a statement problem as the basis of your curiosity and be confident that the faculty/ department has the necessary platform to solve this 

– Focus on how the intended course of study or targeted group aligns with your interest
-Mention the name of at least 1 faculty member that you would like to work with ( importance of cold emailing before you start)

Part V: Conclusion

End with a positive note 

Stay away from informal language
– Your statement of purpose shouldn’t have any spelling or grammatical errors
– Use strong, clear, and concise writing- not fictional
– Avoid cliches and repetitive language
-Stay away from informal language 

– Keep a positive and confident tone
– Avoid stories that touch/ emotional blackmail (I had no food or water while growing up)
– Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words
and not more unless otherwise stated

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