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How to write a winning SOP (Statement of Purpose – Exclusive Examples)

Why is it crucial to get your statement of purpose (SOP) right? Simply put, it is because this is the only component in your university application where you have full control, making it one of the single most important elements in your application.

Is there a ‘correct’ way to write an SOP? The answer is, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to an SOP since the requirements can vary from one country to the other, and from one university to another. However, there are set of general instructions that will help the student express his intention clearer for his application to the university.

To help students grasp an idea, this article discusses at length how to write a winning statement of purpose, and also cite a few examples for better clarity.

The ABC of a Statement of Purpose (SOP)

What is an SOP?

It is a personal statement that is required during the university application so that the admissions committee will understand who you are, your learning and work experiences and your future career aspirations.

What should an ideal SOP Communicate?

The purpose of an SOP is to convince the university’s faculty i.e. Selection committee, that you have the potential to succeed is the chosen graduate study. It should reflect you as someone who is:

  • Passionately interested in the field
  • Intelligent and well prepared academically and personally
  • Capable of taking on the challenges of grad school
  • Capable of coordinating with the professors and college-mates
  • Capable of completing the graduate degree on time
  • A potential student who will be able to make the institute proud of your career

That said, you must state clearly your intentions to go overseas.

Here are the four W’s your statement should explain:

  1. Why are you applying to the university?
  2. Why should they want you as a student?
  3. Why are you interested in your chosen subjects?
  4. What impact will it bring on your career aspirations?

What is the ideal length of an SOP?

As an ideal length of an SOP is an A4 sheet, one side only which is about 500 words, both for a post-graduate or an undergraduate study. however, post-graduate students have the freedom to write up to three A4 sheets.

The length may vary for some universities or courses, so also, countries. In the case of the UK, the undergraduates are required to write 4000 characters (including space) through the UCAS and can apply in five universities for the same course.

Deconstructing an SOP with Examples

To explain better, let us look at re-constructing as SOP with introduction, body and conclusion by citing examples with reference from SOPs that stood out and secured the applicant an admission in top universities. That said, you shouldn’t COPY this content or paraphrase it.

INTRODUCTION: What it should answer

The introduction of an SOP should be clear and precise.

You can open the statement by straightforwardly stating the course applied for. This is important to help the concerned university identify the concerned Selection committee for the respective program.

Example 1:

“I am applying to the [Graduate/Undergraduate programme/ course] in [course] at your university as I come from a business background.”

Example 2:

“The reason I chose [Programme/ Course] as my career path was that I knew it is the only field that allows a wholesome development of one’s personality.”

You can also open the statement with a quote that is directly related to the course you are applying for or by summarizing your life events that have inspired you to pursue the course.

Example 1:

“Injustice Anywhere is a threat to justice Everywhere”- Martin Luther King, Jr. Indian Panel Code, 1860 – it defines nearly every crime possible and also specifies the punishments. Life seemed a lot easier when I studied this as a subject in the third semester.

Example 2:

“When I was young, every vacation meant a daily trip to the factory with my father. The hustle bustle of a manufacturing unit roused an interest in me. That interest is what drives me to want to know how does it business and globalization, the economy works. And maybe, one day, even I might have a business to call my own.”

It is advisable to mention in the introduction why the course is being chosen and why you are interested in it. If your family business/ social background gives you an added advantage for choosing this course, then cite that. You should prove your suitability for the course right from the start.

BODY: What it should talk about

Here are the list of things you can mention in the body:

  • Your academic background
  • Academic Projects
  • Co-curricular activities
  • Internships and work experiences

The trick is that you should mention your experiences, training or projects that can establish a connection with the course of study to show that you have the practical knowledge as well as the academic knowledge to excel in the chosen course.

Example 1:

“I have participated in various [respective activity] and have represented my college in the [competition details]. All these experiences gave me practical insights into the subjects, boosting my love for [course].”

Here, you can also talk about:

  1. Academic goal
  2. Future Goal
  3. Career Aspirations
Example 2:

“My academic goal is to graduate in your [course] as it is a [subject area] and a broader concept as I’ll get to study everything in detail. Once I complete my Graduation, I wish to do my Masters having specialization in [course of work] finance which would help me in my [line of business] further.”

If you have a family business that gives you a job prospect where is you can either help in expanding or go back to being in the business; you should mention that as well.

Example 3:

“I have seen first-hand how people till today prefer to solve their disputes outside the legal system with age-old methods such as the formation of Panchayats or going village Chieftains… Being part of the family of a village Chieftain, myself, I have experienced this practice right before my eyes…”

These are not at all. Since SOP is expressing yourself on what you are, what you have done, what you want to do, and what you are capable of, you have the liberty to express your competence.

CONCLUSION: How to close an SOP

Cliche but also important, always end your SOP with a positive note that will present you as an ardent learner, capable of personal development and the possibility of excelling in the chosen field. Your conclusion should identify the particular path of study that appealed to you and why you wish to take it further. Express your genuine interest to pursue the field of study in the mentioned country and the particular university.

Example 1:

“The course will enable me to gather complete theoretical knowledge and develop analytical skills which would help me a lot in my family business.”

Example 2:

“This is where I dream to be; this is what I have been striving to do all my life. My confidence, skill set, communication skills, perseverance, leadership qualities, collaboration skills, troubleshooting skills, vision and personality, all contribute to make me a perfect fit for this prestigious and renowned course.”

Example 3:

“Therefore, looking at the module of [course] and the array of subjects offered under it, gives me the perfect platform to enhance my understanding and knowledge with a global perspective.”

Remember that your SOP should be a story that reflects who you are, your life’s journey, experiences and your aspirations. No two statements can be the same as every person has a unique story. you must ensure that the university doesn’t flag your SOP for plagiarism.

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Pardeep Patelhttps://pardeeppatel.com/
Hi!, I am Pardeep Patel, an Indian passport holder, Traveler, Blogger, Story Writer. I completed my M-Tech (Computer Science) in 2016. I love to travel, eat different foods from various cuisines, experience different cultures, make new friends and meet other.