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How to write a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?
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The statement of purpose is included in the application documents for each country, school and department for undergraduate or graduate applications. A statement of purpose, also known as Personal statement is an article that explains why you preferred the school and the department you applied for, your work experience, your expectations, all your character and personality traits, your achievements, your interests, your career plans after graduation. The statement of purpose, which is one of the most important steps of the university application, can provide you with a better grade average and even help you get ahead of a candidate with a better score. In the statement of purpose you should also include why the university should prefer you and the contributions you can provide to the school.
What questions should be answered in the statement of purpose?
- In which department do you want to study?
- Why do you want to study in this department and in this school?
- Do you have any experience in this field, if any, what are they?
- What do you think to do when you finish your education, what are your career plans?
How should the statement of purpose, how should it not be?
- It must be personal, original and persuasive.
- The length of the letter, which may vary depending on the university and department, should not exceed 500 words.
- It should be clear and written according to grammar rules, it shouldn't have long sentences and be confusing.
- It should have an academic and plain language, not a humorous language to be sincere.
- It should not contain inaccurate information.
- It should not mention negative features and examples.
- Academic and social achievements, awards you have received, competitions and events you have participated in should be explained by giving concrete examples, not by praising oneself.
- If there are any social responsibility projects studied, they should be added.
- The details of internship, seminar, summer courses should not only consist of name and date, you should include what you learned from these activities and what they added to you.
Also, if you see sample letters written for the school or department where the statement of purpose is to be written, we recommend that you review it. Keep in mind; the statement of purpose may take you one step forward or one step back among other students.
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