Here are the key elements of a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School that will aid in your ability to secure financial aid at the institution of your choice.
What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
A short essay that describes:
(i) Who you are/motivation (credentials)
(ii) Your rationale for applying to a university (intent)
(iii) Soft & Hands-on skills
(iv) Your future plan
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Part I: Introduction
- Your interest/motivation for graduate study
- You can connect this with your long-term goals
- This should be short and concise
Part II : Summarize your undergraduate or graduate study projects
- Research you conducted
- Publications or thesis project-short summary and contribution to knowledge
- Work/ hands-on experience
- Avoid unrelated work or research experience
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Part III: Discuss the relevance of your experiences to the future position
- Working experience
- Soft skills (volunteering, communication, and leadership skills, etc)
- Highlight the connection to your intended study/long-term goal
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Part IV: Why the university or program?
- You can include a statement problem as the basis of your curiosity and be confident that the faculty/ department has the necessary platform to solve this
- Focus on how the intended course of study or targeted group aligns with your interest
- Mention the name of at least 1 faculty member that you would like to work with ( importance of cold emailing before you start)
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Part V: Conclusion
End with a positive note
Tips to note When Writing Statement of Purpose ( SOP ) For Graduate School
- Stay away from informal language
- Your statement of purpose shouldn’t have any spelling or grammatical errors
- Use strong, clear, and concise writing- not fictional
- Avoid cliches and repetitive language
- Stay away from informal language
- Keep a positive and confident tone
- Avoid stories that touch/ emotional blackmail (I had no food or water while growing up)
- Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words and not more unless otherwise stated
- How to write a perfect Statement of Purpose for Scholarship & Admission Applications
