Writing a statement of purpose while applying to universities can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the entire admissions process. If you’re applying to multiple universities, the task can be even more arduous, considering you might have to write a different SOP for each university, catering to the interest of the specific requirements of different universities.
Universities abroad require students applying to write a statement of purpose articulating their future career path and goals. It also includes mentioning interests, professional contributions, and the driving force behind pursuing the particular program in their university.
A statement of purpose, or an SOP is one of the most important aspects of your application, and many admission committee members have emphasized how an SOP can be the deciding factor when choosing an applicant. It is one part of the application process that students are completely in control of, and hence, they should spend as much time as they can on it to perfect it, which is why it is better to start early and go through drafts.
Writing a good SOP starts with writing your story. The person reading your essay should be able to put a face to your application and should be able to understand the kind of person you are. In terms of eligibility, make sure you include your academic background and achievements, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. If you have any sort of work experience related to the program you’re applying for, talk about that as well. The aim is to understand how all these experiences and achievements have prepared you for their program, so including why you prefer their program over similar programs at other universities is also worth mentioning. A student’s passion for the subject and enthusiasm to learn is also something professors are interested in.
Different universities may have different requirements for what should be included in an SOP, so make sure you don’t write a one-size-fits-all essay, because professors can usually gauge the inconsistencies and this may not work in your favor. Customize your personal statement depending on the university you’re applying to, and make your essay unique and fresh, because if you include generic details or copy an online format, your SOP is bound to get monotonous and boring.
It is important to understand that writing an SOP is like trial and error, you will have multiple drafts until you’re satisfied with the final product, and it also helps in consulting your friends and family for constructive criticism throughout the process. Let them read your essay and tell you what they like and don’t like; you could also show it to your current professors as they might have a clearer understanding of what is required.
Lastly, you can never have enough proofreading, so do it one more time. The last thing you want is for your essay to be misjudged because of a grammatical error or an inconsistency in a sentence. If you think you’ve proofread it enough, give it to a friend and let them do it once, just to be sure.
Even though writing a personal statement may seem like a difficult task, it becomes easier once you get started with planning and writing. So, take that first step, and good luck with your essay!
