Things to Talk About in Your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

by Study Overseas Global Study Abroad Consultant

Usually it is seen that no two personal statements should be the same. However, by making some smart inclusions, you will be able to make your essay stand out among the admissions committee regardless of the vocation you are applying to. Keep in mind, what you write can be used by a committee member make that critical decision on an applicant and whether or not he or she must be given a chance to get into the program of his or her dreams.

Application Process and Deadlines in the USA

What do you mean by Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a comprehensive essay about your own self and an integral part of your application for many universities abroad. While many applicants may apply with similar grades as you, you come with unique passions, experiences as well as thoughts which can be highlighted through this essay. The goal is to stand out as an authentic individual to the admissions committee, as opposed to just another candidate! Your personal statement is where you can differentiate your own self from other applicants, create a picture for the committee and leave a genuine feeling that makes them want to meet you or offer you a place in their program.

What should go in a personal statement?

1. Clarify your reasons why you want to study the course

What inspires you to take this course at a university level? Talk about how your interest developed, what you’ve done to follow it or how you’ve drawn encouragement from your present studies. Or, just demonstrate your eagerness for it.

2. Elucidate how you're best suited for the course

Provide confirmation that you fit the bill – not only that, you convene the selection criteria. Also find a way to showcase that you have researched the course or profession and appreciate what studying the subject at university level will entail, and that you are prepared for this. Stay on issue and show that you’ve actually done your research and know why you want to do the course.

3. Highlight what you’ve done outside the classroom

Make sure to outline how you have pursued your interest in your preferred subject beyond your existing syllabus. For instance, talk about any additional reading you’ve done around the subject and give your decisive views or thoughtful opinions about it. This could be from books, websites, quality newspapers, periodicals or scientific journals or from documentaries, films, radio programmes, blogs, podcasts, attending public lectures and so on. Avoid mentioning wider reading, which everybody else is doing.

4. Why it’s Pertinent to your Course

Reflect on your experiences, elucidating what you’ve learned from them or how they’ve helped expand your interest in the subject – this could be in the form of work experience, volunteering, a university taster meeting or outreach program, museum, summer schools, gallery or theatre visits, archaeological digs, visits to the local courts, travel, competitions or even a math challenge.

Make Sure the Statement of Purpose is relevant to your chosen career

Reflecting on experience or observation will be necessary for some professional courses where, in effect, you’re applying for the career and at the same time for the course. You can also get in touch with overseas education consultants in Mumbai and get to know about other viable suggestions.

Summary

Read this blog for more insights on how best to write your statement of purpose to make an impression on the admissions committee of a university of your choice.