SOP

An exceptional SOP comes from an individual who understands what SOPs are, what do
they intend to ask, how important are they and how they can be answered best. One can
always nail a SOP, if they only remember to hit the right spot.
I believe that, Your Statement of Purpose is perhaps the most critical element of your
application, and the entire admissions process, for a SOP, is the MOST
SIGNIFICANT IMPRESSION of you as an individual. All other elements set
aside, your SOP has the power to make or break your application.
Your Statement of Purpose assumes an even greater role, because unlike in MBA
Programs, it is the only way to tell your story to the admissions committee. (MBA
programs put a lot of importance on personal interviews).
Though a lot depends on the program, college & country where youre applying to, but
here are a few pointers that should form the crux of a good SOP. These are questions
that a SOP generally tends to ask.
1. What program you wish to study at the graduate school?
2. Why you want to study only this degree?
3. Why do you want to study at this particular college/ university? How do you
connect with our beliefs and ideology?
4. How much and what kind of experience you have in your field? Is your
experience relevant? (related to your choice of degree)
5. If you are already experienced, what additional skills do you intend to gain
from the degree?
6. What you plan to do with your degree after graduation? Would you choose to
work or take up research?
7. What are your expectations from both the graduate program, and the
university?
8. Would you like to study or do research under any particular professor? If yes,
why only them?
9. How can you contribute to our university and our program? What specific
skills do you bring to the table?
10. Apart from work and education, what are your hobbies, interests, and
habits? What are you like, as a person?
11. What do you understand about our student community and culture? Why do
you think you will fit in?
12. What is that one unique aspect/characteristic about you that we should
know? Why does it matter to us or to the fellow students of your class?
13. What are your accomplishments in life? Why should we choose you over
another individual?
The above mentioned questions pan the length & breadth of your core and thus are able
to provide best representation of yourself, thus making for a standout SOP.
There are many approaches to writing a SOP, but the best that works is individualistic. I
believe its the personal style of writing that has the ability to make sure that admissions
committee remember your story, even after reading several thousand applications.
However, you still may find the following tips useful.
1. Novel v/s Newspaper - Ever wondered what makes one stay up all night
and keep reading a good book? Its the connect that one develops (with the
plot/character/author) while reading. Can one do the same with a
newspaper? Your SOP should be interesting to read, thats one objective you

SOP
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should always keep in mind. Maybe write a story and not just some
statements.
Include Specifics - Details could make all the difference! Always make it a
point to include specifics of your experience and education. What you did,
how you did it, what was the end result. If you managed a team, how big was
it and so on. I lead a team to National Competition and I led my 40
members strong team to the National Competition, where we presented
our act, an adaptation of Ramayana, and secured first
position from 18 participating teamsWhich sounds better?
Be YOU - Think really hard about each of the pointers, I mentioned. Craft
separate answers for them, and really introspect. Though you can always
take reference from others SOPs, remember each individual is different,
with entirely different cultures, methodologies, visions, values, mottos,
strengths, weaknesses, etc.
Super Formal v/s Super Friendly - What should be the tone of your
SOP? Should it be super formal or should it be frank? Truth is your tonality
of writing gives an admission committee member, a lot of insight into your
attitude, personality & value system. Are you practical or emotional - and
sort questions get answered immediately. What you would want to do here is
not give that answer upfront, and make sure that the person evaluating your
SOP, should at least completely read it. The best way to do that is fuse both
the approaches - Be formal yet conversational. Another way to do maintain
the interest of the reader is using Indirect Writing, instead of using a more
head on kind of approach.
Address your issues - Understanding the reasons that led to something,
accepting it gracefully and striving hard to get better , are all the signs of
maturity, and top programs hunt for mature people. For something as basic
as failing an exam, a mature person will always realize where (s)he is at fault.
More than the situation itself, ad coms are interested in the experience of it
- how you overcame it and what did you learn from the entire experience.
Do your Due Diligence - Before you go on to write your SOP(s), make
sure you really understand the program and the college youre applying to.
Speak to an alum or research on web and find out what makes the college &
the program, unique to you. The members of the ad-com know how great
their program is, do not reinstate that. What you need to tell them is what
makes it truly unique to you, what it means to you and how you intend to
customize the programs offerings. Is there any professor that inspires you - If
so what has their career progression been like, what is it that impresses you
the most, etc, such specific details, do matter. If youre planning to apply to
multiple universities, try and write a different SOP altogether that projects
you as sharing the ideology of the school youre applying to.
Read & Re-Read & Re-Re-Read - Remember your first draft of the SOP
is never the final one. It is a mere framework of what youre gonna write. Do
not keep your SOP to yourself, in fact do the opposite. Share it with people
you think know you best. They could be your professors, friends, colleagues,
mentors etc who will give you great feedback and help improve your SOP.
Having said that DO NOT put it on Facebook, and ask for comments :P.
Feedback is credible, as long as it comes from people who know you and
their craft.