You have investigated the potential opportunities for you and determined to chase your dream of studying abroad. Thousands of students across the world apply to these universities to chase their dreams. For that, you have to apply for admission and at that time, a document named Statement of Purpose is required which will assist you to stand out from thousands of students. Some students don’t recognize the importance of this document but this is like a distance interview of yours. Along with your IELTS and GRE scores which depict your academic strength only, SOP defines your personality and professional interests which are neither in your resume nor in any scores.

PURPOSE OF SOP

Through SOP, you can directly talk with the admission committee of the university in which you are seeking admission. They can peek into your background. It all depends on how you draft it. Some SOPs are written in a way that they convince the committee altogether for acceptance of your admission. Sometimes, it can also downplay your vulnerabilities. SOP is usually written in essay form but some universities structure it in the question-based form so as to get the relevant information about the student. 

COMPONENTS OF SOP

SOPs are the fundamental part of your application for admission. Its components define what should be included and whatnot. 

1. Personal background 

2. Some academic details

3. Interests and hobbies

4. Short term and long term goals

5. Any professional experience 

6. Any published work or articles

7. Reasons why you choose this course

8. Reasons why you choose this university 

9. Extracurricular activities

STRUCTURE OF SOP

 Generally, SOP is written in three to four paragraphs. In the first paragraph, you should start with a catchy line that will encourage the reader to read more. Then, you should give your introduction in a very unique way. In the introduction, you should include your personal background, interest, and hobbies, etc. In the second paragraph, while defining your goals, you should write about the reasons that made you choose a particular course and how it is going to help you to accomplish future goals. In the third paragraph, you should state the reasons for preferring a particular university and will you be able to adapt to their surroundings or not. In the fourth and last paragraphs, you should conclude why they should select you. The reason why you are best among others. Some refined qualities are unique. 

WHAT DO COLLEGES EXPECT IN SOP? 

While drafting an SOP, you should remember that the Admission Committee reviews thousands of SOPs, so your SOP should be precise and to the point. It should not include any irrelevant information. You should adhere to the pointers. It should be unique and appealing and grammatically correct. 

Colleges look for 

1. Your Talents, interests, and goals

2. Your motivation and inspirations

3. Your writing skills and vocabulary

4. Examples to validate your talents and other things

5. What makes you shine among thousands of applicants

6. Familiarity with university’s facilities and academics