SOP
Second most important thing in my experience was
to make ready the statement of purpose (SOP). Statement of purpose/Intent/
reasons for graduate study all are the same. Statement of purpose is nothing
but to reasoning, why one is interested in that particular program for what he
has intended to apply. It also serves some other purposes like, it becomes an
example of one’s ability of writing and expressing oneself clearly in writing.
It helps the program faculty to select candidates matching with their interests.
If you are the applicant then I want to say that, it should basically answer
the question …. “Why should the graduate school admit you? ….what makes you
special?
It is to remember that the SOP is the tool by
which faculty gauge if one have what it takes to succeed in grad school and
later in the academic discipline as a professional.
The whole purpose of SOP is to convince or
persuade the admission committee and make one’s application stand out from the
crowd. It should be the tool to express oneself. The statement of intent should
focus almost solely on the academic subject being pursued. Admissions
committees are not interested in whether the subject was enjoyable (that would
be assumed) or the graduate school would be interesting, challenging,
fulfilling, etc. They want to know how committed a candidate one is and if he
is prepared – and motivated – to pursue more rigorous study. This should be a
professional statement and it is the opportunity to present oneself as a
serious applicant.
Information to be included
The admission committee goes through atleast
40-50 SOPs at a time. So the first few lines should be catchy. In brief, a SOP
should contain -
Why are you applying to this program?
How has your experience (academic, work, etc.)
prepared you to enter this program?
What do you plan to do – professionally – with
this degree?
Major areas of interests
Personal uniqueness
SOP should be a demonstration of the knowledge
and should not be a boring lecture because some highly trained professionals
will read it and well known about the required skills which are important to
the field. It should focus on the purpose of graduate study and the specific academic
interests. That’s why the knowledge about the field should be well enough to
state a preference, without being simplistic or pedantic. Research experiences,
special achievements enhance the ranking of the applicant among others. So
these should include. Again it is not advised to limit the SOP to a reaction of
achievements, it’s not actually a CV. It is better to be honest or atleast
sound honest while writing SOP. It should be university specific.
Length and Format of a SOP
At first it’s better to check is there any
specific format or length recommended in the application instructions. If no
guidelines are given than just a reliable and reliable statement with
information stated above would be enough. Generally a SOP takes one to two
pages of A4 size pages in length but length is not a problem while it is well
written. There is no correlation between the length of SOP and the acceptance
rate in practical.
In this case I like to share my personal
experience here as what I have done for myself rather than advising. At the
beginning, I have collected some samples of SOP from the seniors to know the
general writing guidelines. I have also downloaded some pdf files regarding
writing guidelines, but I think it will not be necessary while I have written
the general guidelines already in the beginning of this page. Then I just
started drafting on my own language. After finishing the full statement I used
to read it out infront of some of my friends and expect their comments over it.
These comments helped my most in preparing my final SOP.
Do:
Have a strong introductory paragraph. Catch the reader's
attention.
Keep it within a reasonable length. Unless
prescribed, plan on no more than two pages.
Use spell check, but do not depend on it
completely.
Include your name on each page.
Be specific, accurate and truthful.
Make certain that your statement supports and is
supported by the rest of your application
Turn negatives into positives.
Ask several people to review your statement
before submitting it.
Don't :
Use the statement to explain a low exam score or
GPA. These issues should be addressed in an addendum, which can be attached to
your application.
Overuse the thesaurus.
Use cliches or quote others
extensively.
Use the third person.
Send multimedia presentations, copies of papers
or theses.
Philosophize.
Pat yourself on the back too much.
Be cynical or overly humorous.
List activities that are already on the
application.
Repeat what is on your resume.
I am attaching some SOPs with this page. Hope it
will be helpful.
Sample SOP Civil Engineering [ Click here
for Download]
Sample SOP Electrical and Electronic Engineering
[ Click here for Download]
Sample SOP Computer Science and Engineering
[ Click here for Download]
*** note : don't make common SOP and
send copies to different Universities.
