Statement of Purpose (SOP) Guidelines for Canada

Your intent to study abroad is stated in a letter called a statement of purpose (SOP). Once it is submitted, the admissions committee reviews it. Typically, it contains information about your career path, interests, professional contributions, goals, and what motivated you to pursue a particular course in Canada. Simply put, the SOP introduces you to the university as a prospective student and conveys your personality, intent, and ambitions to the admissions committee.

It is frequently prepared in the form of an essay, but there are exceptions too, as some colleges prefer to maintain it as question based. It also becomes a determining factor for your admission into an institution of your choice. Do not forget that an SOP is different from a personal statement.

You can showcase your complete personality to the university via an SOP. A strong essay makes up for a weak profile by showing your ambitions and long-term objectives. Instead of focusing on your past success, the institution evaluates you based on your objectives for the future. A well-written SOP also demonstrates how well you can communicate your ideas through writing.

An SOP is an important component of your application and needs to be written carefully. Here’s how you should write an SOP:

• Start the SOP with a self-overview and include the program, institution, and intake you are applying for.

• Explain your academic background: Relevancy is very important. Mention the program you have completed and explain if you have any gaps or backlogs in studies along with reasoning. Explain key points from your academic background which inspire or connect you through the program you have opted for in a university. Mention your proficiency in the subjects and your learning experience. How has it motivated you to pursue advanced study in that field?

• Why Canada and why this Institution: Some key benefits and motivations to choose Canada as your study destination and some specific features of the institutions that suit your requirements. (You might add names of any faculty and their research areas in this program (give names), program content, research labs/centres, clubs, activities, subjects in the curriculum/electives, and the scope of these in enhancing your profile. For giving these details you need to visit the university and program website.

• Explain your work experience and projects in short also mention any publications, additional courses, workshops, industrial training, internships, etc.

• Explain your understanding of the proposed program and how this is going to add value to your future career goal and professional skills enhancement.

• Explain well: Relevancy of the program with your academic/professional program, GAP, Work experience, Backlogs, Previous Rejection (any country), Previous travel / PG applications / Family ties in Canada etc.

• Write a note on your intentions of returning to your home country after program completion.

Before writing an SOP make a list of things to be included. This will help you make an organised write up. Here’s what needs to be there in your SOP:

• Avoid copying from samples available on the internet.

• Not more than 300-400 words. Should be covered in one page.

• Your SOP should be unique to yourself and represent you.

• Do not repeat the resume in the SOP. The resume describes only the facts (what was done), the SOP should trace the stories behind those facts (why and how it was done).

• It is important to understand the program requirements and establish the skills relevant to the program in the SOP.

• The focus of the SOP should be on the student and his experiences.

• The background, goals, and university-specific paragraphs should all flow in one line and revolve primarily around the specialization within the broad domain.

• Do not use quotes in the SOP.

• An SOP must not be written in the format of a letter.

Here are the guidelines to write a perfect essay for university admission:

What is the objective of an Essay?

• Distinguish yourself from other applicants.

• Present a picture of your personality

• Highlight your accomplishments, experiences, potential, and plan

What are the critical factors that universities look for in an Undergraduate (UG) statement of interest in Canada?

• Colleges want to build communities of creative, interactive, well-rounded individuals including a focus on non-academic strengths, interests, extra-curricular activities, etc.

• Colleges look for the best minds in a subject area

What’s important in an essay?

• Organisation

• Description of your overall personality

• Academic background and work experience

• Commitment and motivation

• Communication skills

• Writing style

• Correct spelling and good grammar

• Format and neatness

If you face any doubt or difficulty while writing your SOP, you can get in touch with our international education experts, who will guide you through the procedure to help your secure admission to the university of your choice.