Writing a Statement of Purpose

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

“A statement of purpose, or personal statement, is a brief and focused essay about one's career or research
goals, and is frequently required for applicants to universities, graduate schools, and professional schools. An
SOP is a concise essay about one's career goals, identified means to achieve them and accomplishments so far
towards those goals. It is a required document when applying for admission to most professional programs in the
United States. Often, SOP is used as a yardstick to assess the capabilities of a prospective student in terms of
critical thinking, analytical abilities, interests, aims and aspirations. It is a good way for an applicant to
communicate with the admissions committee. Most admissions committees look for a short, crisp and
ideologically clear SOP.”

What are the various types of SOP requested by U.S. Universities?

1. Essays on specific topics

2. Graduate and undergraduate essays
3. Letter of intent
4. Statement of interest
5. Essays in specific fields (business, law, engineering, medicine, etc.)
6. Essays for specific programs

What is the objective of a SOP / Essay / Letter of intent?

 To distinguish yourself from other applicants

 To present a picture of your personality
 To highlight your accomplishments, experiences, potential, future plans

Which are the critical factors which institutions look for an UG statement of interest?

 Schools want to build communities of creative, interactive, well-rounded individuals including focus on
non-academic strengths, interests, extra-curricular activities, etc.
 Schools look for the best minds in a subject area.

How important is the Essay?

 The level of importance varies between institutions

 Some institutions use the essays to assess a students writing competency
 For highly selective schools, the essay is the distinguishing factor.
 There needs to be consistency between essays and grades.

What’s Important?

 Organization
 Picture of your overall personality
 Academic background and work experience
  Commitment and motivation
 Communication skills
 Writing style
 Correct spelling / good grammar
 Format / Neatness

Working on Your Essay

 Carefully read the questions and essay instructions in the application form
 Research additional material on the topic
 Search the Internet, read other essays, read books on essays, check out the college’s website, etc.
 Brainstorm questions
 Compose several drafts, write a final but ORIGINAL version
 Revise and edit the essay
 Refrain from copying from other essays

Answer the following questions in your SOP

 What makes you unique among applicants applying for the same program? Why should an admissions
committee select you?
 Why are you interested in this particular field?
 How have you learned about the institution and program?
 Why would you like to study in this particular college / university?
 What are your career plans?
 What skills, talents or personal characteristics do you possess which improve your chances for success
in this field?
 How can you contribute to the program?
 Are there any inconsistencies in your academic record? If so, discuss them briefly and mention how you
plan to excel in your chosen program.
 Consider your favorite fictional characters, historical figures, books, movies, works of art, music, etc.
that have influenced your life in a meaningful and positive way.

How should you structure your SOP?

The SOP has an introduction, body and conclusion. It must NOT be written in the format of a letter. Also the
structure should NOT be that of an autobiography.

 Short is better than long

 First few sentences are very important to catch the reader’s attention
 Transition appropriately from one paragraph to another

Writing Strategy, Theme & Content Dos

 Take a lot of time to consider the content

 Read the question carefully
 Follow the recommended length
  Write an original essay that is based on personal experience or observations. Write about something
important to you.
 Convey a positive overall image.
 Keep your essay focused: Do not try to mention everything you are interested in. Get to the point fast.
 Be concrete, specific, interesting, and persuasive.
 Mention achievements relevant to undergraduate / graduate admission.
 Mention work, volunteer or extra-curricular activities that relate to your field.
 Use the full and correct name of the program you are applying for.
 Research each university and let them know why you want to come to that particular university
 Revise your essay several times.
 Read your essay aloud.
 Find an editor.

Structure, Theme & Content Don’ts

 Don’t start your essay with, “I was born in …,” “My name is…,”
 Don’t try to second-guess or flatter admissions staff.
 Don’t try to impress your reader with your vocabulary. Don’t use unnecessary words, slang, or words
you don’t understand.
 Don’t write in a flowery, complicated manner. Keep it simple.
 Don't include a lot of dates. This makes an essay sound like a timeline.
 Don’t sound hesitant. Do not use expressions like, ”I hope to do that,” or, “It seems like the experiment
has given good results.”
 Don’t use generic statements or platitudes. Eg, “While at graduate school, I worked for many
organizations on many different projects...”
 Don’t include an undergraduate-style paragraph about how well-rounded you are when applying to a
graduate school. (Some PhD candidates spend a lot of time describing their high school achievements!)
 Don’t repeat information already mentioned in the application (GPA, test scores, etc.)
 Don't spend your time describing your English proficiency.
 Don’t set and describe unrealistic plans.
 Don't simply state ideas, support them.
 Supply concrete evidence of your achievements:

Good luck with your application!

Remember that your personal IDP counselor is with you every step of the way.