A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the only document that shows your desired university abroad about how unique and motivated you are to pursue the selected course. Hence SOP is one of the important factors that lead to your acceptance in your desired study abroad destination. Write a perfect SOP by expressing your goals and achievements to impress the admission officers. Here is everything you need to know about SOP and how to write a perfect Statement of Purpose.

What is an SOP?

A statement of purpose (SOP) is usually a long essay that is required by universities abroad during the application process. SOP gives a brief idea to your desired university about your academic and professional records to date, the purpose of applying to that particular course in that university, what are your goals after the completion of the course, motivation for the chosen career path and so on.

In short, the statement of purpose gives a gist of who you are, your motivation to pursue the course in the desired university and your future goals. The SOP essay approximately ranges between 500-1500 words and a well-written SOP can often boost your chances of achieving your dreams.

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Why is SOP important?

A well-written SOP is one of the prime factors that contribute to your chances of admissions. The Statement of Purpose is the only subjective aspect of your application that gives you an opportunity to prove how unique you are from the rest. This document lets the readers know about your strengths, weaknesses, achievements and future goals. Writing the best SOP is the only way to impress the admission officers and grab a chance in your desired university abroad. Since we now know how important an SOP is for the university application process, it is also equally important to write a perfect SOP.

How to write the perfect SOP?

There is a specific format to write the Statement of Purpose. Though most universities across the globe follow a standard format/template, it is important to check the appropriate departmental website to check if they mentioned any additional requirements. If you want to draft the best SOP that sounds brilliant and original, it is necessary to follow a specific strategy. Whatever the course you are applying for, your SOP should have a good flow of covering your past experience, present motivations and future plans. Here are some important tips to consider while drafting your Statement of Purpose

1. SOP 1st Paragraph: Introduction

Introduce about yourself and what you are going to discuss in your SOP. Explain your background in 2-3 lines and tell them about your interests, motivations and future goals. This should be short and on point.

2. SOP 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs: Summarize your academic background and professional experience

This comprises of your previous graduate career and professional experience. If you have any prior work experience discuss about your role in the company, your work and responsibilities, what you have learned and how it helped you.  In this section mention about

• What have you done so far

• What are you currently pursuing

• What are your academic strengths

• Projects, research or important thesis you completed

• Your work experience

3. SOP 4th Paragraph: Write about the reason why you chose this course and your academic interests

In this section discuss why you choose this specific course and mention what modules you are going to select. Indicate your areas of interest and cover the skills you would acquire during this period. Also discuss about how the skills you acquired would help you to realise and focus on your goals.

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4. SOP 5th paragraph: Future goals

In this most important section, you should discuss about your immediate and long-term goals. Immediate goals should include, name some companies you would like to work for right after the completion of the course. Explain the kind of job profile and responsibilities in that role.

Then comes your long-term goals, where you should mention about your future goals, where you want to see yourself in the next 10-15 years if you have any idea of further studies, your plans of taking up your family business or establishing your own firm.

5. SOP 6th Paragraph: Discuss why you chose this specific university

In this paragraph, you should be able to convince the university that you have the potential t make the best of the education you receive and you will be an asset to the university. Discuss about the course profile, faculty names, course-specific activities and let them know that you are an ideal candidate for the profile. Discuss your positive attitude, urge to learn, ability to adapt quickly, and other qualities that you think are relevant for the profile.

6. Closing paragraph:

In this last paragraph of SOP, express your readiness to join the course. You should sound focused and motivated to face any new challenges that come your way. You should also show that you will make most of the opportunity by making a difference in the industry in a global perspective. Always end your SOP positively.

Tips to write the best Statement of Purpose

In your SOP, clearly articulate your goals and interests, portray your personality and how motivated you are to pursue the selected course. Here are few tips to help you draft a good SOP.

• Write stories and quantify your stories.

• Be yourself

• Write in an active not a passive voice.

• Customize your essay

• Use a formal but conversational tone

• Share examples of your work

• Portray your attitude, personality and character rightly

• Be honest and address your problems and failures if any

• Make sure there is a good continuity and focus

• Do your homework, take advice from professors

• Proofread and re-edit till you are satisfied with the result.

Why do universities ask for SOP?

The SOP helps colleges and universities to decide if the applicant is really interested in pursuing the applied program. Based on the SOP, the admission council and the faculty members get to know the applicant's ability, self-motivation and competence. A good SOP helps to showcase their strengths during the admission process into their desired university abroad. A perfect SOP shows your potential and attracts admission officers.

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