Guidelines for Statement of Purpose (SOP)


This is the most difficult part of a student’s application and a crucial one as well. The SOP is that part of your application that helps the admissions offer get a better understanding of who and what you are. Look back at your experiences and accomplishments and think how these have influenced your values, perception, thinking and approach to life. It demonstrate your writing ability as which U.S. institution value. This is your chance to choose parts of your past and yourself to highlight and to determines how people should view them. Use this opportunity to color your reader’s interpretations. The personal statement should be written in a manner that makes the student distinguish herself/himself from other applicants. You are an unknown product and therefore it is important that you portray yourself as an interesting, committed student who will contribute immensely towards their program. This must be well-written with clear conviction.


WHY IS IT ASKED :

Schools want to ensure that you have given serious thought to your future career.
They want to be sure that their program fits with the future that you have envisaged for yourself.
They want to know whether you have the academic preparation.
They want to know why this is the appropriate time.


ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

  1. What details of your life have shaped you and influenced your goals? What are your short-term / long term goals?
  2. What about your field encouraged you and gave you the conviction that you are best suited for the field?
  3. When did you first become interested in your current career direction and how has the interest evolved?
  4. How will the U.S. education facilitate your plans? (particularly the school that you intend  applying to)
  5. what is your academic background and experience? Have you learned this through classes, work experience, important readings, related extra-curricular activities. Explain any gaps in academic records. Have you overcome any obstacles?
  6. What personal characteristics you have that will enhance your prospects for success? Analyze your strengths
  7. What special skills do you possess-communication, leadership, analytical, creativity etc. Relate these skills to your background.
  8. Why do you consider yourself to be a strong candidate and more successful and effective in the field than other applicants. In other a words, what qualities are you bringing to the U.S. university.
  9. Which writer and which articles in your field of study have influenced your development of thought.
  10. Think of any person/ professor who influenced you in any way? What is the most important concept you learned in College?

Some important tips :

  1. Write the SOP yourself.  Start by writing down points in any particular order.
  2. Read your application carefully and go through the program information in detail. This will enable you in organizing your thoughts well. Do not duplicate your C.V.
  3. Recall your achievements and analyse your strengths. Forget modesty
  4. Avoid writting about accomplishments during your high school or school days.
  5. Keep a positive note and include important and relevant facts to show that you are prepared for graduate studies.
  6. Convey your ideas clearly. Outline your objectives and goals.
  7. The professors want to know your specific interests.
  8. Why are you interested in this particular program. Why do you find this field interesting. What is your reason for selecting this school. How will this program further your professional and personal goals. Find compelling reasons to these questions.
  9. State your future plans. Avoid obvious statements

Clothe the skeleton:

  1. Prepare a draft and keep improvising till you are able to come with a convincing one that fits within the required length.
  2. Use professional language and avoid class text. Be articulate in the way you convey ideas.
  3. Your first paragraph is extremely important as it capture’s the readers attention.
  4. Avoid repetition and keep a check on the flow of thoughts. Express your thoughts clearly.  Read it repeatedly. Support your strengths by relating them with events significant to you.
  5. Show your first draft to a counselor or a professor. Incorporate their suggestions and make 2/3 drafts to counselor or a professor. Incorporate their suggestion and make 2/3 drafts if necessary.
  6. Ensure that your statement of purpose is proof-read and grammatically correct before the final version is prepared.
  7. The Statement of Purpose shows how well one can express ideas clearly. Writing skills are extremely important to a student’s academic success as American universities are looking for students who are able to think clearly.

FINALLY STRING ALL YOUR POINTS TOGETHER OR BUILD YOUR ESSAY AROUND A THEME.

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