Let me help you to understand the definition of Statement of Purpose(SOP). And what are those key factors that can help you to stand out of the competition if you are planning to move abroad for education or visa approval.
What Is Statement Of Purpose Or SOP?
A Statement Of Purpose(SOP) Also Known As Intent Letter, Is A Long Essay Written By An Individual To Impress The Higher Committee By Presenting Your Educational Background, Skills Or Personal Abilities. In Simple Words, Statement Of Purpose Shows Who Are You, What You Do, Who You Want To Become And How Much Capable You Are To Pursue A Certain Course In An Institution.
The main reason of SOP is understand the candidate’s life, the reason or motivation to choose a particular course and his/her future goals. Hence, it is crucial to mention all the past incidents that have influenced you go for that career path and where you see yourself in future.
Why Is Statement Of Purpose (SOP) Important?
The statement of Purpose is extremely important as it will help the committee to make a final decision on your application based on your personal life, personality, qualities, beliefs and future goals and whether you are a suitable candidate or not for the university. A good SOP works great for weak academic profile where you can compensate by highlighting your work experience, courses and future goals which help you to prove that you have something unique among the other applicants. A well – written SOP also shows your ability to express you thoughts in words.
What Are The Important Thing To Mention In Statement Of Purpose (SOP)?
A Statement of Purpose(SOP) consists of several elements depending upon your course/college. For example, SOP for MBA student will be different compared to BBA student. So, it is important for you understand yourself before writing as any extra information may create a negative impact on your application.
The important things to mention are:
- Personal Background
- Financial Background
- Academic Details
- English Proficiency Details( IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT )
- Reason for choosing that course
- Reason for selecting that particular college or university
- Extra curricular activities
- Immediate or long term goal
- Papers Submitted
How To Write A Great Statement Of Purpose(SOP)?
Writing a great Statement of Purpose(SOP) is an art where you have to showcase different part of your educational background and personal life precisely so that a reader can understand the reason behind the purpose of SOP. You may be applying for Masters, Bachelors, Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma , but the strategy of writing will always be focused towards your main goal.
The SOP essay will always go in flow covering all the different aspects your life like your past experience, current involvement and future goals in educational or professional life. The most crucial part of Statement of Purpose is to divide the whole essay into paragraph. Here is the guide that you should definitely follow.
1st Paragraph – Introduction Of SOP
A lot of people confuse that part with personal introduction but here you have to write about your present and future goals.
- A short introduction about your selected course and its value for your professional life (2-3 lines)
- Explain about your background and connect it with your future plans
- How this particular course will contribute in your future
2nd & 3rd Paragraph – Academic Background And Professional Experience
This paragraph consists of various things which will be your educational and professional experience. For example, what you have done, what you want to do, how was your academic(maybe high school or college), In which field you have work and for how many years, what you have learnt as an employee and where you see yourself in future.
4th Paragraph – Why You Have Selected This Course? Future Goals?
This paragraph required a detailed information about the selected course and you must show its relevancy with your previous education back in your country. You can do courses or short diploma which help you to convince the Higher Committee of University/College and Visa Officer to believe that you are a genuine student.
Also write about what are you short and long terms goals just after completing your education. You can discuss about an internship or a job that you may do after your education and then move to a well recognized company as a permanent employee back in your country.
6th Paragraph – Why This University?
This is the crucial part where you can convince the university’s committee by elaborating how much suitable candidate you are for the selected course. Here write the information about the University and what made your mind to go for this university only. You have to write a brief information about the University’s courses, research project, campus, extra-curricular activities, faculty names, professor that you like and want to study from him/her.
7th Paragraph– How You Will Manage Your Finances?
In this paragraph you have to mention how you are going to manage your expenses from paying your tuition fees to managing your living expenses.
8th Paragraph – Closing Paragraph
Here you have to sound serious and focused on your course or college. You must show how much you desire to study at that university and be ready to face challenges that will come on your way. You have to convince them that you have that quality to achieve if you get a chance to study at this university