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Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Basics

What is a statement of purpose (sop).

An SOP is a formal document required for graduate school applications. It’s where you describe your academic journey. You highlight why you’re interested in a particular program. It’s your chance to showcase your passion for the subject. The SOP should reflect your research interests. It also shows how you can contribute to the program.

Role in Graduate Program Applications: The SOP is vital in grad school applications. It helps the admissions committee understand you better. They learn about your academic interests and goals. It’s more than just your grades and scores. The SOP paints a picture of you as a prospective student.

Emphasis on Academic Background and Research Interests: In the SOP, your academic history is crucial. You talk about key research projects you’ve been part of. Discuss how these experiences have shaped your career goals. The SOP should connect your past studies to your future plans.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a professional letter used in job applications. It complements your resume. The cover letter gives a personal touch to your application. It’s where you connect your skills to the job requirements.

Usage in Job Applications: In job searches, a cover letter is often required. It’s your first direct communication with a potential employer. The cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. It’s a chance to show why you’re a good fit for the job.

Focus on Past Experiences and Relevance to the Specific Job Opening: In your cover letter, highlight your work experience. Link your skills to the job description. Show how your past roles have prepared you for this new position. It’s about making a clear connection between your abilities and the employer’s needs.

Key Differences between Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter

Purpose and Audience: Firstly, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) specifically targets admission committees. Students use it for graduate school applications. It’s a tool to showcase academic potential and research aspirations. On the other hand, a cover letter addresses potential employers or hiring managers. Its goal is to connect the applicant with a job opportunity.

Content and Structure: Furthermore, the SOP involves a detailed discussion. It delves into your academic and research projects, along with future plans. This document allows you to elaborate on your educational journey and aspirations. Conversely, the cover letter aligns your professional experience with the job’s requirements. It relates your past roles and skills to what the employer seeks.

Tone and Style: Additionally, the tone of an SOP is notably academic. It focuses on intellectual pursuits and academic achievements. This style suits the purpose of impressing an admissions committee. In contrast, a cover letter adopts a professional tone. It’s tailored to demonstrate how you’re a good fit for the company. The style is direct and geared towards convincing an employer of your suitability for the job.

Importance in Application Processes

Statement of Purpose (SOP): The Gatekeeper for Graduate School Applications Primarily, the SOP serves as a gatekeeper in the graduate school application process. It plays a crucial role in determining your admission. This document allows you to showcase your academic strengths and research interests. Importantly, it gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your potential as a graduate student. Essentially, the SOP can make or break your application. Therefore, crafting an impactful SOP is critical for aspiring graduate students.

Cover Letter: Essential for a Strong First Impression in Job Searches Similarly, in the realm of job searches, the cover letter holds immense importance. It acts as your first point of contact with a potential employer. The cover letter provides a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression. It enables you to highlight how your experiences align with the job requirements. Effectively, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. As such, dedicating time to personalize and polish your cover letter is key to a successful job application.

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose

Discussing Career Goals, Motivation, and Relevant Experiences First and foremost, clearly articulate your career goals in your Statement of Purpose (SOP). Explain why you are passionate about the specific degree program. Additionally, connect these goals to your motivation for pursuing higher education. Moreover, don’t forget to include relevant experiences. These could be academic projects, internships, or relevant work experience. These details provide a solid foundation for your SOP.

Tips for Highlighting Particular Interests and Connections Furthermore, it’s beneficial to highlight your specific research interests. This approach shows the admissions committee that you have a clear direction. Also, if applicable, mention any connection with specific professors or schools. For instance, you might be interested in a particular professor’s research. Or, you might find a school’s program aligns perfectly with your interests. Importantly, such details make your SOP stand out. They demonstrate your commitment and thorough research about the program.

Personalizing Your SOP Lastly, personalize your SOP. It should reflect your unique journey and aspirations. Avoid generic statements. Instead, offer a compelling narrative about your academic pursuits. This personal touch can greatly enhance the impact of your SOP.

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

Matching Skills and Experiences with the Job Description Firstly, when crafting a cover letter, it’s crucial to align your skills and experiences with the job description. Carefully analyze the job posting. Identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, reflect these in your cover letter. For example, if the job emphasizes teamwork, include a relevant experience where you excelled in a team setting.

Addressing the Letter and Including Contact Information Moreover, the way you address your cover letter sets the tone. Use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” This approach is respectful and universally appropriate. Also, ensure your contact information is clearly visible. Typically, include this at the top of the letter. This makes it easy for potential employers to reach out to you.

Enhancing Your Cover Letter with Professional Help Additionally, for those seeking an extra edge, Simply Great Resumes offers an invaluable resource. Their all-in-one bundle includes four professional resume and matching cover letter templates. These templates provide a unified and polished look. Notably, they are ATS optimized. This means they are designed for maximum compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems. Moreover, the templates offer user-friendly customization. This allows you to easily adapt them to showcase your unique skills and experiences. For a one-time purchase of $29.99, you gain immediate, lifetime access to all these templates. This is an excellent value for those looking to streamline their application process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Overlaps in Content between SOP and Cover Letter Firstly, a common mistake is overlapping content between your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and cover letter. Although they may seem similar, it’s crucial to differentiate the two. The SOP should focus on your academic interests and research goals. In contrast, your cover letter should align your professional experiences with the job you’re applying for. Therefore, tailor each document to its specific purpose to avoid redundancy.

Steering Clear of Generic Statements Moreover, generic statements are a pitfall in both SOPs and cover letters. They lack personalization and fail to engage the reader. Instead, customize your content to the specific position or graduate program. For a cover letter, relate directly to the job description and company culture. For an SOP, discuss specific aspects of the graduate program that excite you. This approach shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.

Emphasizing Unique Personal and Professional Qualities Furthermore, it’s important to highlight what makes you unique. In your SOP, share personal stories or experiences that led you to your academic interests. In your cover letter, mention specific professional achievements that make you stand out. This personal touch can make a significant difference in catching the reader’s attention.

Additional Considerations

Incorporating Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Activities, and Relevant Skills Firstly, when crafting your Statement of Purpose or cover letter, consider including volunteer work and extracurricular activities. These experiences often demonstrate skills that are valuable in both academic and professional settings. Additionally, they can showcase your character and personal values. Moreover, don’t forget to highlight other relevant skills that may not be directly related to your field of study or work but still add value to your profile.

The Importance of Tailoring Each Document Furthermore, tailoring each document to a specific company, school, or program is crucial. For the SOP, research the particular school or program. Then, mention aspects of it that align with your academic goals. Also, show how you can contribute to their academic community. Similarly, for the cover letter, study the company and the job description. Subsequently, align your experiences and skills with what the company seeks. Tailoring documents in this way not only demonstrates your interest but also shows that you have put thought and effort into your application.

Reflecting a Well-Rounded Personality Lastly, it’s important to present a well-rounded image of yourself. Both in the SOP and the cover letter, balancing professional achievements with personal qualities is key. This holistic approach can significantly enhance the appeal of your application, making you more memorable to the committee or potential employer.

Final Thoughts: Sealing Your Academic and Professional Journey

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a cover letter is crucial for your success, whether in academia or the job market. The SOP, targeting admissions committees, emphasizes your academic journey and research aspirations. It’s your platform to showcase intellectual curiosity and suitability for a graduate program. Conversely, the cover letter, aimed at potential employers, highlights how your experiences and skills align with a specific job’s requirements. It’s your chance to demonstrate professional fit and interest in a particular role.

The key differences in purpose, audience, content, structure, tone, and style between these two documents cannot be overstated. A well-crafted SOP can open doors to academic opportunities, while an effective cover letter can pave the way to your dream job. Therefore, investing time and effort into personalizing these documents is essential. Tailoring them to specific programs or job descriptions, and ensuring they reflect your unique skills and experiences, will significantly enhance your applications.

Remember, these documents are more than just formalities; they are opportunities to make a meaningful impression. So, take the time to craft them thoughtfully, making sure they authentically represent your ambitions and abilities. With the right approach, your SOP and cover letter can become powerful tools for achieving your academic and professional goals.

Additional Resources

Here are links to resources for further reading on crafting excellent Statements of Purpose:

Purdue OWL’s Guide on Drafting Your Statement of Purpose : A comprehensive guide from Purdue University offering detailed advice on writing Statements of Purpose for graduate school applications. Access it here: Purdue OWL – Statements of Purpose: Drafting Your Statement .
Northeastern University’s Guide on Writing a Statement of Purpose : This article from Northeastern University breaks down the SOP writing process into manageable steps, providing insights on how to impress admissions committees. You can find it here: Northeastern University – How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Graduate School .
Scribbr’s Example and Guide for Statement of Purpose : Scribbr offers a detailed example of a successful Statement of Purpose for a Classical Archaeology program, highlighting key aspects to include in your SOP. Explore it here: Scribbr – How to Write a Statement of Purpose .

Statement of Purpose vs. Cover Letter: Understanding the Differences and How to Write Them Effectively

This blog post highlights the differences between a Statement of Purpose and a Cover Letter, two crucial documents for international students aspiring to study abroad. It provides valuable insights on how to write them effectively, including tips, dos and don'ts, and examples, to help you create compelling and persuasive application documents. Whether you're a first-time applicant or seeking to improve your application package, this blog post is an essential guide to enhance your chances of acceptance.

Express Content

Jun 29, 2023

Table of Contents

Understanding the Differences

Statement of purpose: defining your academic journey, crafting a compelling cover letter for study abroad applications, introduction and personalization, highlighting relevant experiences and skills, demonstrating passion and fit, professional tone and clarity, closing with gratitude and contact information, final thoughts, writing tips for an effective cover letter, dos and don'ts for both documents, dos for statement of purpose, don'ts for statement of purpose, dos for cover letter, don'ts for cover letter, tips and examples for writing, using clear and concise language, showcasing achievements and impact, demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability, including specific examples and anecdotes, seeking feedback and proofreading, other important considerations, understanding the university's specific requirements, meeting the application deadlines, seeking assistance from study abroad consultants or mentors, utilizing online resources and samples.

Tailor the cover letter for each university and program: Customize your Cover Letter to align with the university's values, program offerings, and specific requirements. Highlight why you are interested in that particular institution and how it fits into your academic and career aspirations.
Showcase relevant skills and experiences: Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the program. Discuss any relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.
Express enthusiasm and passion for the chosen program: Use your Cover Letter to express your genuine excitement about the program and convey your motivation to contribute to the academic community. Share specific aspects of the curriculum or faculty members that attracted you to the program.
Address any potential red flags or gaps in academic history: If you have any gaps in your academic history or lower grades in certain subjects, use the Cover Letter to explain the circumstances and show how you have grown or overcome those challenges.
Keep the tone professional and concise: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and avoid using overly casual language. Be concise and focused, highlighting the most relevant information that showcases your qualifications and potential.
Do conduct thorough research on the university and program you are applying to.
Do showcase your academic and research goals clearly.
Do personalize your statement and tailor it to each university.
Do highlight your relevant experiences and achievements.
Do proofread and edit your statement carefully before submission.
Don't use generic statements or clichés.
Don't exceed the recommended word limit.
Don't focus solely on your past achievements; instead, emphasize your future aspirations.
Don't neglect to show your enthusiasm for the program and the field of study.
Don't forget to seek feedback from mentors or study abroad consultants.
Do customize your Cover Letter for each university and program.
Do showcase your relevant skills and experiences.
Do express enthusiasm and passion for the chosen program.
Do address any potential red flags or gaps in academic history.
Do keep the tone professional and concise.
Don't use a generic template for all your cover letters.
Don't repeat information already provided in your Statement of Purpose.
Don't make the letter too lengthy or overly detailed.
Don't forget to proofread and edit your Cover Letter carefully.
Don't underestimate the importance of a well-written and personalized Cover Letter.
Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively.
Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.
Write in a straightforward manner, ensuring your message is easily understood.
Provide specific examples of your achievements, such as research projects, publications, or leadership roles.
Highlight the impact of your work and how it relates to your future goals.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate your skills and abilities.
Showcase your cultural awareness and ability to adapt to new environments.
Discuss experiences where you have engaged with diverse communities or demonstrated cross-cultural understanding.
Emphasize your openness to learning from different perspectives and embracing new challenges.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your experiences and skills.
Paint a vivid picture for the reader, allowing them to understand your journey and motivations.
Connect these examples to your future aspirations and how they align with the program you are applying to.
Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or study abroad consultants.
Ask for their input on your Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter.
Proofread your documents multiple times to eliminate any errors or typos.
Consider using online proofreading tools to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and guidelines of each university and program you are applying to.
Pay attention to word limits, formatting instructions, and any additional documents or forms required.
Be aware of the application deadlines for each university and program.
Give yourself enough time to complete and review your documents before submission.
Submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
Consider reaching out to study abroad consultants or mentors who can provide valuable guidance throughout the application process.
They can offer insights, review your documents, and help you present yourself in the best possible way.
Take advantage of online resources, such as university websites, writing guides, and sample Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter templates.
These resources can provide inspiration and help you understand the expected format and tone.

Inspiring Words, Expertly Crafted!

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

When it comes to applying for a job or a graduate program, you may come across two common requirements: a cover letter and a personal statement. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two that every applicant should be aware of. In this article, we'll explore what a personal statement and a cover letter are, when they are used, their similarities and differences, and provide examples of each.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay that highlights your skills, experiences, and goals. It is usually required for graduate school applications, but it can also be requested by employers. The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate your fit for a program or a position by showcasing your unique qualifications and motivations.

A personal statement should be well-crafted and tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for. It should showcase your strengths and demonstrate your passion for your field. Your personal statement should also highlight any relevant experiences, such as research projects or internships, that have prepared you for the program or position you are applying for.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is a formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer and explains why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

A cover letter should be personalized for each job application and should not simply restate your resume. It should highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and explain how you will add value to the organization. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and can increase your chances of getting an interview.

When is Each Used?

A personal statement is typically used for graduate school applications, while a cover letter is used for job applications. However, there may be some overlap in certain situations, such as when applying for a job in academia or research, where a personal statement may be requested instead of a cover letter.

Similarities

Both a personal statement and a cover letter are used to showcase your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for a program or a position. They are both formal documents that require careful attention to detail and should be tailored to the specific program or position you are applying for.

Differences

The main difference between a personal statement and a cover letter is their purpose. A personal statement is meant to demonstrate your fit for a program and showcase your unique qualifications and motivations, while a cover letter is meant to introduce you to a potential employer and explain why you are interested in the job and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position.

Another key difference is their length. A personal statement is typically longer than a cover letter and may be several pages, while a cover letter is usually one page or less.

Cover Letter Examples

Example 1: marketing coordinator cover letter.

Why this works: This cover letter is tailored to the specific job and company, highlighting the candidate's relevant experience and achievements. The tone is professional and enthusiastic, showing the candidate's passion for the industry and desire to contribute to the company's success.

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter focuses on the candidate's sales experience and achievements, emphasizing their ability to meet and exceed targets and build strong relationships with clients. The language is confident and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to sell themselves and their skills.

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter highlights the candidate's extensive HR experience and achievements, showing their ability to lead and innovate in the field. The tone is professional and confident, demonstrating the candidate's ability to establish credibility and build relationships with stakeholders.

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Why this works: This cover letter showcases the candidate's design skills and experience, emphasizing their ability to create compelling visuals and drive user engagement. The tone is enthusiastic and passionate, conveying the candidate's love for design and eagerness to contribute to the company's creative vision.

Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: medical school personal statement.

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for medicine, demonstrating their commitment to the field and their desire to make a difference. The language is clear and concise, showing the candidate's ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's motivation and passion for law, demonstrating their commitment to social justice and their desire to use the law as a tool for positive change. The language is clear and persuasive, showing the candidate's ability to make a compelling argument.

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's professional experience and goals, demonstrating their commitment to business leadership and their desire to use the MBA program as a platform for growth and development. The language is clear and results-oriented, showing the candidate's ability to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Why this works: This personal statement is focused on the candidate's experience and goals as an educator, showing their commitment to teaching, learning, and innovation. The language is clear and enthusiastic, demonstrating the candidate's ability to inspire and motivate both students and colleagues.

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference

If you’re applying to graduate school, then you might remember the headaches of that application process that you encountered many years ago. Maybe you struggled to decide on a topic for the personal statement, maybe you debated which extracurriculars were worth listing, or maybe you were torn between taking the ACT or SAT. But for all the anxieties induced by college applications, at least those applications (especially, if you remember, those sent through the Common App) spoke the same language: that is, most schools needed the same essential materials, asked the same kinds of questions, and expected the same kinds of answers.

Graduate school applications, by contrast, are far less universal. Since many programs are highly specialized, you may be applying to several programs that each require their own unique statements and supporting materials. Even if you are applying to seemingly identical programs, one school may ask for a one-page statement while another asks for three pages, one school may ask for five recommendations while another asks for three; the variations are endless! Just wrapping your head around the different application requirements can be tiring.

In this post, I want to de-mystify one difference that I found particularly disorienting when I applied to graduate school: the distinction between the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement.” Most graduate schools will ask for a statement of purpose, and only some will ask for a personal statement, so in the majority of cases, the statement of purpose is considerably more important. But pointing out the difference between the two statements also emphasizes what exactly a statement of purpose is (and what it is not!).

As I mentioned earlier, the confusing lack of common terms across graduate school applications means that the following distinction might not even hold for all applications. You may, for example, come across a program that asks for a “personal statement,” but the actual essay prompt essentially describes the more standard “statement of purpose.” Or you might encounter a request for a very specific kind of personal statement--one that, for example, only focuses on your ethnic background. Be sure to fully read each application and any accompanying resources so that you address exactly what each application requires. With that important caveat aside, here are the distinctions for what are most commonly called the “statement of purpose” and the “personal statement:”

Statement of Purpose

Think of the statement of purpose like a cover letter. You might start off with something autobiographical or anecdotal, but most of the essay should be about your relevant training and technical career goals.

A strong statement of purpose should:

Focus on your specific research interests within a particular field
Detail how your academic and professional experiences have developed those research interests and prepared you to pursue them at a higher academic level
Explain how those research interests can be pursued at this particular institution in this particular program

Here are some tips for writing an effective statement of purpose:

Spend at least a paragraph discussing your interest in the specific program to which you’re applying. List specific professors whose work aligns with your own academic experience or research interests (and explain that connection). List specific institutions, programs, and opportunities associated with the program and explain how you would utilize them.
Be as specific as possible about your research interests. This doesn’t mean you should know exactly what your dissertation topic will be in five years, but you should be able to identify a specific field within the department and professors who work in that field. Often admissions decisions are based on specialties (an English department probably doesn’t want an entire class studying Victorian literature and a biology department probably doesn’t want an entire class researching genetics), so narrowing your field can be essential.
Anecdotes and autobiography can be effective in your introduction, but make sure the bulk of your statement is technical and academic. Only include extra-curriculars if they directly relate to your research interests. In all likelihood, your personal history has shaped your research interests, and your statement of purpose shouldn’t sound like a generic, lifeless script. But you primarily want to prove to the committee that you can succeed in coursework, excel in lab, finish a dissertation, or teach an undergraduate class.

Personal Statement

Think of the personal statement, by contrast, as more of a bio. You still want to mention your research interests and the specific program you’re applying to, but you also have an opportunity to flesh out your personal history.

A strong personal statement should:

Focus on the intersection of your personal, academic, and professional lives
Detail various life experiences that have developed your character, work-ethic, and perspective
Explain how your background particularly suits your for this program and/or will allow you to contribute a unique perspective to the community

Some tips for writing an effective personal statement:

Some institutions use the personal statement to assign various fellowships based on students’ backgrounds. If you’ve overcome or still face any barriers to education, this is an opportunity to explain those experiences.
If you haven’t overcome any significant barriers, don’t stretch the truth. Instead, you might talk about how certain experiences have shaped your perspective or widened your understanding of the barriers that others face. Maybe you haven’t experienced any significant hardships but are still driven to help others who do, and you can discuss how this program will help you to achieve that goal. Or you might explain how you look forward to learning from a diverse and dynamic academic community.
Though the personal statement is an opportunity to share information about yourself that might not directly map onto your academic career, you should still explain how your personal experiences ultimately make you a stronger student, colleague, and/or teacher.

Hopefully these distinctions have helped to clarify some key terms you’ll encounter while applying to graduate school. While these essays are usually the hardest part of applications, they can also be the most rewarding. If you think carefully about why exactly you want to apply to a program, what exactly you would study while there, and how that experience fits into your larger personal history, you’ll be both a stronger candidate and graduate student.

TopAdmit- Online Application Essay Editing

College admissions essay editing, statement of purpose, personal statement & study plan.

When applying to any school, whether it’s undergraduate or graduate, you will always be required to submit one or more written documents. The purpose of these documents is to allow the admissions committee to find out more about the students on a personal level. Looking at your test scores, credentials, class rank, and similar data is not enough. There are thousands of students applying from all over the world with a similar application to yours. Therefore, your writing is arguably more important than anything else you submit, as it gives you the chance to express what makes you stand out from the rest of the applicants.

However, different schools ask for different formats, and this tends to confuse students, which leads to off-topic writing. Writing off-topic, no matter how creative and special your story is, could lead to automatic filtering by the admissions committee because you have failed to read the requirements and deliver what they are asking for.

Let’s look at the differences individually.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Just by looking at the title, we should already know that this paper is focused on your purpose, or the reasons why you want to study a particular course/major at this university. Usually, schools will assign what they call “prompts,” which are focused questions which you need to answer in detail. Failure to answer the question automatically marks you as an unfit candidate. It is very important to direct your response to the particular questions at hand. Don’t go off topic and start talking in detail about your past achievements, hopes, or dreams. Effective SOP writing discusses your career plan and future goals. This must be well thought out, as it takes focus and determination to pursue a degree, especially if you are applying for a master’s or doctorate degree. The admissions committee wants to see how well organized and prepared you are. Your readers need to know that you are serious about the degree program. They do not want slackers; they want well-defined research interests. A well-written SOP formally expresses the candidate’s background (education, interests, credentials, etc.), but the candidate does not brag. The candidate explains in detail his or her desire to gain acceptance into the program of choice. Check out free Statement of Purpose essay samples here .

Personal Statement – The keyword “personal” already tells you how different this is from an SOP. Here is your chance to show off what you have accomplished in your academics, any major skills you have, and any extracurricular activities in which you have participated. In this paper, you have the chance to represent yourself to stand out from the other students; you have the freedom to talk about anything and everything in your life, as long as it is relevant to the program to which you are applying. A common mistake with this type of document is that some applicants have too much to say, and they do not know how to choose relevant details or transition fluidly from idea to idea. Jumping from one story to another in one paragraph will put off the admissions committee, so organize your thoughts in advance. Plan what you want to write and structure your essay logically. Most importantly, don’t lie! The best personal statements are straightforward, reflective, and honest, so don’t overthink the task. Just express yourself.

Study Plan – A study plan is just another way some schools around the world, particularly in Asia, refer to a personal statement/SOP. They are looking to learn about your personality, past achievements, present roles, and future goals. There may be a shorter word limit for a study plan or no limit at all, depending on each individual school’s guidelines. When you are reading through the requirements, pay special attention to what the school is asking for so that you can focus the essay accordingly. If you do research on how to write a study plan, notice that the term “study plan” can also refer to a planned schedule to help students prepare for tests and exams. For instance, some students make study plans or schedules to determine how many words per day they should review for the SAT, GRE, or TOEFL. However, this use of the term “study plan” is unrelated to the application essay, so make sure you do not confuse these two meanings. One way to avoid confusion is to read about personal statements and use those guidelines instead.

To simplify the differences, you can think of them this way. An SOP describes why you want to attend a university while offering some details about your fit for the program, whereas a personal statement or study plan is all about representing yourself, your skills and accomplishments, and why this university should choose you.

It is always useful to read other people’s work to get a sense of what good essays are. To assist you, TopAdmit provides you some college admissions essay samples written by counselors and editors hailing from prestigious schools including Harvard. This page contains personal statement samples, statement of purpose samples, and application essay samples for college. But please remember, these are for your reference only; it is not to your benefit to copy their style or concepts. It not only violates academic ethics and could lead to an automatic rejection by the admissions committee — the point of our service is to help you construct a unique essay — not one similar to other essays.

How to Write an Impressive and Attractive Personal Statement

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SOP (Statement of Purpose): Format, Samples, and Tips

Updated on
Feb 17, 2024

To aesthetically present a movie on the screen, great actors are the requisites. Similar is the case when one is carving their own career path. From choosing the right course to getting into your dream university, you need to take each step carefully. As a crucial part of the eligibility criteria, the universities often demand LOR s, SOPs or entrance test scores to assess the candidates and their suitability for the chosen course. A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is one such element that beholds great value in the admission process of those aspiring to study abroad. Creating an alluring SOP is essential to help the assessment committee understand your willingness for the program you have applied for. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on drafting a statement of purpose that can help you sail smoothly through the assessment process and get entry into your dream academic institution.

This Blog Includes:

What is a statement of purpose (sop), why is sop important, sop format, 2. formulate, 3. revise and modify, what do colleges look for in an sop, how to write a perfect statement of purpose (sop / admissions essay), introduction, academic background and professional experience, career goals, why this course, why this university, how long should an sop be, what to include in an sop, what not to include in an sop, 10 tips to write a successful statement of purpose, sop sample for business analytics, sample statement of purpose for mba , sample statement of purpose for masters, sop formats for usa, canada, uk, and australia, top 5 mistakes to avoid while writing an sop, how can you reduce your chances of rejection from your chosen university, can sops help with scholarships, sop vs letter of motivation, sop vs personal statement.

A Statement of Purpose can be referred to as an informative document, containing personal statements, and is essentially required as part of the admission procedure of study abroad programs. Also referred to as an application essay, it comprises the basic details of a candidate along with their professional and personal interests, academic highlights as well as future aspirations. An SOP plays an integral role in the application process of a study abroad program as it provides the admission board with the key information about the candidate and why they want to study a particular course at their institution. It not only describes who you are as an individual but also gives an idea about your writing skills and proficiency in the English language.

A well-written SOP is an extremely significant element during your admission process. While the academic record and other exam scorecards, academic transcripts and backlog certificates are essentially objective in nature, an SOP is the only truly subjective aspect of your application. It is the only document in your application that allows you to prove that you have something unique which makes you stand out from the crowd. As such, it is the document of your application docket that can hugely determine your admission.

Also Read: Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement

As such, there is no particular or proper format for writing a statement of purpose or an SOP. Students have to write an SOP just like an elaborative and descriptive English essay dividing the whole context into different paragraphs. Each paragraph must be having distinctive features describing different scenarios, features or characteristics about yourself. You can take the help of the below-provided structure and get started with writing an SOP for the university you want to study in.


	Self-introduction Your background, in brief, Your long term goals/vision Purpose to opt for this university and course (briefly)Remember: the first impression is the last impression
	Past academic background Professional experience (if any)
	Academic achievements Strengths Opportunities Academic recognition Projects undertook Professional achievements Industrial exposure
	Discuss in detail, Why do you want to study this course or program. Discuss your goals and your future expectations from this course or program.
	Where do you see yourself in 5 years after you will be graduate from this university/college? Discuss your future objectives and your career plans and goals.
	Why this university/college? Mention about different departments, different university activities, recognition, awards, faculty members, environment, infrastructure, the methodology adopted etc.
	Ending/ closure of the SOP on a thankful note.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose?

As a pivotal document for any study abroad application, an SOP needs to be precisely well-written. To help you understand the different elements of this document, we have curated a step-by-step procedure that you can follow to curate an impressive statement of purpose.

The first step of the process of drafting a statement of purpose is to think about the varied aspects of your candidature that you should mention in it. The mandatory inclusions of an SOP are academic achievements (especially at the undergraduate level), prior work exposure or volunteering experiences. Start with framing an outline for the document and ask yourself the following questions:

Which field of study excites me the most?
Why do I want to pursue this degree?
What are my expectations from this degree?
What outgrowth can this degree offer me?
Where can this degree take me, personally and professionally?
Through my pre-requisites, what values can I add to this program?

Once you have made key pointers for most of the questions mentioned above, you can begin jotting them down in a thorough and comprehensive manner.

Now that you know what you want to mention in your SOP, it’s time to curate a rough outline for the document. Here is a list of some essential tips you need to keep in mind while formulating your statement of purpose:

Since the admission committee strives to understand your candidature through the SOP, you need to be honest in describing your career aspirations and objectives. Focus centrally on maintaining the authenticity of your mentioned details. Duly elaborate on your advantageous perception of the chosen course.
Creatively cite your personal and professional interests. Mention what you are passionate about and what excites you. Then, sensibly connect it with your chosen program and how it will assist you in grooming your skills. For instance, you can state that you are aspiring to gain experiential learning or training in your desired industry through the course.
What brought you here should be a sure-shot mention in your SOP. You can begin with stating those features of your chosen course that convinced you to opt for it. Then, write down the objectives you want to fulfil by studying the program. It can be personal growth or professional upliftment or even both. Try to be unique and precise when listing your reasons.

Once you have jotted down your SOP as per the above-mentioned necessary tips, the final and concluding step is to revise and make changes accordingly. Go through the list that you created in the beginning and ensure that you have added all of them.

The word limit for a statement of purpose is between 500-1000.
Do not miss out the predefined sizes for spacing, margins and font size.
Try getting a second opinion but getting your SOP read from a friend or an experienced professional.

Many foreign and even national universities ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) from candidates wanting to enrol in suitable courses that the university has to offer. They ask for the SOP from candidates in order to check and look at the following things:

The writing capabilities of the writer or the candidate
The X factor that makes their writing stand out from the crowd
Choice of thoughts and ideas that has been explained in the SOP
The unique personality of the candidate
Candidate’s talent, previous experiences, interests and potential
How and what can the candidate contribute to the department of the college/university
Candidate’s motivation or inspiration to study a selected course must be evident and justified
The reason behind to choose a particular university/college and a particular course of study
Academic and extracurricular achievements and recognitions (if any)
Originality and clarity of the SOP as a whole.

To know more, read our blog on – How to Write an SOP?

Check out the video on the same below!

How to Write a Powerful and Convincing SOP?

Whether applying for undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programmes, the strategy of writing a powerful statement of purpose should be sound focused throughout. Starting from your academic and professional background to your career aspirations, you need to carefully connect all the dots between reaching your goals through your choice of school and course. The essay should always go in a flow covering your past experience, present involvements, and future plans. An important point to remember while writing your SOP would be to divide it into paragraphs that cover all the pointers. Here is a look at how you may write the SOP presenting your profile strongly:

This paragraph is often confused with self-introduction. It should not introduce you but should discuss what you are about to discuss in your SOP. There are multiple approaches you may adopt to go about this paragraph:

Discuss your long-term goal and connect it with your idea of pursuing the course you are applying to
Present your understanding of the chosen field and write how you want to contribute to that field
Explain your background in 2-3 lines and connect it with your future goals
Write about an anecdote that helped you realise your professional interest in the chosen field

This comprises of your academic background: what you have done so far, what you are currently pursuing, your academic strengths and projects, and the industrial exposure you have attained.

This is the most important paragraph, where you should discuss your short and long-term goals. Your immediate goal would be where you would want to work right after completing this course. You should be able to name some companies within India along with the designation you see yourself working at. This should explain the kind of job profile you would be working on.

Then comes your long-term goal, wherein you should mention where you see yourself from 10-12 or 15 years down the line. This may include your desire of working at the CEO/CFO/CTO level or maybe establish a firm that you own. It may also include your dream of expanding your existing family business overseas. You may also be interested in further studies like a PhD which can be included here.

More in this section may include your desire of becoming a professor or researcher. In any case, it is suggested that you discuss your business aim, principles, and core values or how you would influence the young aspirants of this industry. You should be able to portray ‘how you wish to make a difference in the industry keeping in mind the current industrial scenarios and emerging trends.

In this paragraph, you should discuss why you want to join a course and what modules would you tap during this course. It should also cover the skills you would acquire in this duration along with the exposure that would help in developing the skills desired to realise your goals.

This is a specific paragraph wherein you can convince a university as in how they are suitable for your profile and you are an ideal candidate for their university. You should discuss the course curriculum, research work, faculty names, as well as the university-specific activities that would help you in enhancing your profile.

Also Read: How to Write a Best Statement of Purpose?

Ideally, if considering an internationally renowned university, then the statement of purpose should be at least 1-2 pages long. In terms of word count, then the same should be around 1000 words. Having said that, the word limit and the length may also sometimes depend on the university that the candidate is targeting and also on the level of degree. Like for example, a candidate who is writing an SOP for an undergraduate program may not exceed 800 to 1000 words whereas a candidate who is writing an SOP for a PhD or M.Phil degree course has to write it in around 1200 words and sometimes even more. Some universities even have a fixed length and word count which is uniform for all the programs and courses.


Bachelors and Masters	800-1000	1-2 pages
Doctoral (Ph.D)/ Research	1000-1200	2-3 pages

There are many elements to an SOP. Universities could ask question-based essays or simply a general statement of purpose. Until and unless categorically asked, an SOP must include your goals and the career path you have taken up so far as well as your academic progress. Other elements that are further important to the SOP are also the personal motivations that lead you to choose the university/course you have applied to as well as how you intend to use that experience to achieve that goal.

Following are a few things that you must do in order to make your SOP application strong:

Your Statement of Purpose should have a unique and engaging beginning as well as an end. It must be original, a reflection of you.
Explain your academic background, present and future aspirations. Through this, you must justify your choice of a particular course for masters or doctorate courses.
Upon reading your SOP, the admission officer should be able to understand how you can contribute to the university in terms of research and further scope in your chosen area.
Always write your SOP in an active voice and ensure you provide information in a manner that is a reflection of your passion and optimism. If you have any statements or references, try quoting them with relevant examples rather than being direct.

Often universities come across a lengthy statement of purpose and yet they reject it. Even when you cannot find one grammatical error, the seemingly excellent SOP would be rejected. And the primary reason is – too much unnecessary information. For instance, just because you might want to talk about your family, does not mean you go on and on to talk about only your family. While your SOP should be a brag sheet, it should be a brag sheet with a substance. You need to pick and choose what to include. Pick a theme and mention the accomplishments that make the most sense to your candidacy.

Weave your career path into a story, not statements.
Do not write what you think should be written. Personalise the SOP and make it your own.
Do not stress over it. Although it is an important part of your application, the SOP should be a direct reflection of you.
Find the deeper meaning behind the events of your life and pen them down.
Give a strong reason as to why you chose the particular school and course.
Be specific in the timeline of events.
Use a formal but conversational tone.
Accept your mistakes and explain how you are willing to act on improving. Use action items.
Give yourself enough time to write the SOP and edit it constantly.
Proofread, edit, re-edit and then edit it again! There is always room for improvement, remember that.

Statement of Purpose Samples

Here are some good examples of well structured SOPs that you can refer to while writing your own.

“ A successful career in Business Management requires adequate knowledge to utilise the strengths and weaknesses of an individual. In my undergraduate degree, I majored in economics and psychology because I believe that understanding these two fields is important for leading a successful business. I want to increase my experiences and knowledge further by pursuing an Executive MBA, which will equip me with advanced skills that are necessary to achieve my career goals.

As I have carried out various leadership positions, I have learned how to efficiently work in teams and pursue the specified goals. In my previous company, ABC, I successfully implemented the strength-cum-weakness finder software which helped us assign projects to the groups based on the mapped data. As employees got allotted tasks as per their efficiency, it resulted in a 30% net gain for the company over the following year. I believe that a successful business leader understands the importance of strategically utilizing a company’s resources to ensure the maximum potential and development of the company. Further, the pivotal thing I learned about myself by taking up leadership roles is that teamwork is a crucial element of successfully achieving an organisation’s objectives. An Executive MBA will help me furnish my leadership skills imparting me with the knowledge of hierarchical structures and how to work with other leaders of different domains in an effective manner.

Studying for an Executive MBA, I plan to take charge of multiple team projects throughout the duration of the degree so that I can polish my teamwork skills. I aspire to work under industry leaders and attain global exposure. Pursuing this degree from your institution, I aim to gain professional as well as personal skills that can help me soar through my career journey. ”

I had a keen interest in Biology since childhood. I was eager to learn about the living organisms around my surroundings and how they function. I took this interest forward and decided to pursue my higher education in biology. When I was first introduced to the field of biotechnology, I was mesmerized by what technology can do to improve the life of any living organism. This inspired me to look at various research programmes in biotechnology and how we are moving towards a phase where technology can alter even the basic fragments of any living organism and change the course of life an organism goes through. I observed the various research patterns that have been taking place in the agricultural industry with the advent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) giving birth to the Green Revolution. This was only one potential achievement in the extensive list of achievements that biotechnology was progressing towards. I worked with a reputed biotech firm which gave me an insight into how fast-paced the research in biotechnology is. The firm gave me the necessary exposure leading me to decide that I want to pursue MS in Biotechnology. My ambition to work in this field lies essentially in bringing changes in the lifestyle of people in a way that I can research and extensively study the required positive steps towards climate change. My goal is to achieve a sustainable lifestyle for every individual. The exposure that your esteemed institution will give me in the field of research will help me achieve this goal by working at a reputed platform

Sample SOP for Australian Student Visa
SOP for MIM
SOP Samples for MS
SOP for Business Analytics
Sample SOP for MS in CS
SOP for PG Diploma in Canada
SOP for MBA: Essentials to Mention & Samples
SOP for Australia

Here is the basic format for USA, Canada, UK and Australia:

If you are planning to study abroad and want to write a good and outstanding statement of purpose for the university that you are targeting, then here are some of the common mistakes that you can avoid from the very beginning while writing an SOP:

Writing the SOP at the last moment without any plan of action or a roadmap
Writing a weak and vague introduction and conclusion
Using informal language, slangs, short forms in your SOP
Exceeding the word limit and not reaching the correct word limit at all
Making your SOP excessively flashy and flattery

If you are eligible for any college-specific scholarships, then during the application process you will be required to write a separate essay/SOP. Either you will be given an essay prompt/question along with a word limit or they would simply ask for an SOP stating the reasons why you think you deserve this scholarship and/or what makes you unique from the rest of the candidates? Thus, a generic SOP is different from a scholarship SOP.

Must Read: LOR: Types, Format, Sample and Tip s

A Letter of Motivation is a letter directly addressed to the admission committee/department faculty explaining your objectives, motivation and goals related to the course. The SOP is not addressed to any specific person or department, it is drafted in an essay format, whereas, the motivational letter is always addressed to a professor or department under whose guidance you will be studying.

Also Read: How to Write a Motivation Letter?

Very much similar to an SOP, Personal Statements are an on-page essay where you write about your motivation, inspiration, goals, and achievements. Personal Statements usually have a more intimate tone than SOP as it talks about the highlighted incidents of your life. Another crucial difference between an SOP and a Personal Statement is that an SOP is addressed to no one in particular, while a Personal Statement is addressed to a professor or department under who you choose to study.

Relevant Reads:

Only your LORs need to be attested by your college or company. An SOP need not be attested/self-attested until and unless specified by the university. If you take a LOR from your college professor/school teacher or a Principal/Dean, then that LOR needs to be signed by the recommender along with the college/school stamp and letterhead. Similarly, for professional LORs, they need to be signed by their respective recommenders on the company’s letterhead and company stamp.

Once you have finalised your SOP draft, give it a double-check for grammatical and formatting mistakes. Your next step should be to analyse and critique your essay. Look at your SOP through the eyes of the Adcom and see what you find lacking. For more effective inputs, you can show your drafts to your friends and family and see how they react to them. Accordingly, you can make some changes but do not overdo it or deviate from the format. Lastly, check for spacing errors and save the final SOP which you will be using for the application process.

You should avoid mentioning any low marks or shortcomings about yourself in any of the application documents, including SOP. There are very few universities that ask you about your gap year. For them, you can mention the reason for the gap between your studies. Generally, no university asks about low grades during your study period as your selection depends on various criteria like exam scores, student profile, financials, and so on. Thus, it is advised against mentioning any flaws or low marks.

Hence, we hope that now you are geared up with all the quintessential tips to start carving out your SOP. If you still have doubts or need further professional guidance, you can always reach out to our Leverage Edu experts and we’ll assist you throughout the admission process, be it selecting a suitable course and university or drafting impressive SOPs and LORs. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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How to Write a Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP)

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Now that you have made up your mind to study abroad, there's something important we want you to know. Every bird and bee knows you need a list of documents to present to your school before they can gain admission. While gathering these documents is easy, a Motivation Letter or Statement of Purpose (SOP) might require more than you can imagine.

Read: 10 Tuition-Free Nursing Schools Abroad

Olusegun had the documents and funds but could not define why he wanted to relocate to Canada for his master's. He paid an agency to write a Statement of Purpose but didn't read through this essay to find many loopholes in this document. Unfortunately, the agency had used artificial intelligence to write the SOP, and his choice school banned him from applying.

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a letter of intent refers to a letter written to an institution's admission committee, submitted as an essay to discuss your goals, career route, professional contributions, and why you want to study there.

Why is the Statement of Purpose important?

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) helps an admission panel assess a student’s personality and allows pitching the purpose and reasons for studying in a particular school. If you have a weak academic profile, an SOP can be your compensation to rank higher in an admission process.

Read: 10 Best European Universities for International Students

What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?

You can add the following to your SOP:

1. Personal background

2. Financial background

3. Academic details

4. Immediate and long-term goals

5. Reasons for picking a particular field

6. Professional experience

7. Why you wish to study at this specific institution

8. Extra-curricular activities

9. Published works/papers submitted, if any

10. Interests, hobbies

11. Volunteer work

12. Career expectations from the school

13. Internship: If any

14. Anecdotes of leadership, corporate, or teamwork qualities

Tips to Write a Successful SOP

1. An introduction: You should have an introduction that stands out from other applicants with your personality .

2. What are your goals? You have to impress your university that you understand what your course is about.

3. Why did you pick your chosen subject? You must show how passionate you are about the subject in question.

4. Show how you can immerse yourself in the subject outside the classroom: There should be evidence that your interest in your subject continues outside the classroom.

5. Participation in clubs/societies : Do you know that an admission panel values your intellectual and creative ability to relate your experiences to your subject of choice?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Personal Statement

1. Avoid using complex or sophisticated words in your application to show off.

2. Ensure you avoid plagiarism. UCAS and other organizations use software designed to detect plagiarism on personal statements.

3. Do not lie.

4. Don’t procrastinate with getting started on your statement to make time for proofreading and submitting before the deadline.

5. Stay away from humour and quotes.

6. Don’t write a complete family history.

Do not exceed the given word limit.

What is a Motivation Letter?

A Motivation letter is a one-page letter used by students to prove that they are the perfect candidate for a particular position in a university. It comes in four specific scenarios:

1. When applying for an educational program at a university.

2. When applying, work as a volunteer in an organization.

3. When seeking an internship in a company.

4. When looking to apply to a non-profit organization (NGO).

Tips to Consider Before Writing a Motivational Letter

1. Research well and have a detailed understanding of why you are writing a motivation letter. You must be crisp and concise with information

2. Include a pinch of impromptu personal information and reveal your personal style and personality in the text.

3. Go straight to the point and avoid beating around the bush.

4. State your purpose clearly

5. Avoid using controversial statements.

6. Use the art of persuasion for this letter.

7. Don’t use generic statements.

8. You should know whom to address.

Structure of a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Write briefly about yourself and why you are writing the letter. In addition, give an outline of the content. You should start with greetings like “Dear Sir/Madam” and add names if available.

i. Personal information. Name, address, email address, and home institution.

ii. What university/organization are you applying to?

iii. Specify what you’re applying for . It should be your title and bolded.

Academic/Professional Profile: You should include your achievements and professional career induced with a timeline view. Don't forget to give reasons why you picked a particular course.

Why this Course: A motivation letter must include why you are pursuing your chosen course.

Long/Short-Term Goals: You should clarify the goals you want to achieve in a specific timeline.

Conclusion: You should summarize the letter's main points and goal to be accepted for the programme.

Proofreading: Ensure that it is error-free and grammatically correct before sending it.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

a) Introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction.

b) Provide a clear picture of yourself

In the body

a) Highlight and describe your achievements

How to End a Letter of Motivation

1. You should include all the essential points

2. Summarize your goals with the interest that made you apply for the programme.

3. Showcase gratitude in advance.

What are the Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Motivation Letter?

1. Don’t include certain setbacks.

2. Address the letter to the concerned person.

3. State your offerings, goals, and perspectives matching your chosen university and career.

How to Write a Motivation Letter for Study Abroad

Here are some common characteristics to look for in a motivation letter for study abroad:

1. Why do you want to study abroad?

Make a valid argument to the admissions officers about why you want to study abroad.

2. Whether you have any previous international exposure

Don’t bluntly reveal that you have never lived abroad but that you are adaptable and have done enough research on the country to settle there.

3. Why your personality is a match for study abroad

You should highlight why you are meant to be a part of a global community and the ability to fit into groups and tolerate others.

4. Why did you apply to this university?

Talk about what you discovered during your research about the school and praise them on things that are worthy of praise. However, be honest.

5. Why do you want to study this programme?

We recommend you go through the curriculum for all the academic years and see why it interests you.

6. What do you want to do after graduation?

Talk about your ambitions and intentions for the future.

7. Why should we give you this opportunity?

Talk about your educational experience and how it has prepared you for the future. Also, show you are committed and ready to experience a new culture. This question is for you to prove you are an ideal candidate.

How to Write a Study Abroad Motivation Letter with No Experience

Emphasize your academic achievements

a) Interesting courses

b) Challenging papers written

c) Books that have inspired you to study your chosen subject.

d) Independent research done

e) Lectures or conferences attended

2. Focus on informal experiences you have

a) Soft skills you learned

b) Foreign language knowledge

c) Teamwork or community engagements

What is the D ifference Between a Motivation Letter, SOP, Cover Letter, and Personal Statement?

1) Motivation Letter is written by applicants applying for a particular position at an institution or organization.

2) Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an essay written by a student that reveals their interests in the respective academic field.

3) Cover Letter is meant to speak of your competence and how the skill set you possess is apt for the position you are applying for.

4) Your personal statement speaks promptly about your perfect fit for the position.

In Conclusion:

You must not copy someone when writing your motivation letter or SOP. Everyone is unique, which makes a difference during the selection process. This guide will help you create a successful essay and motivate you to pick that pen and paper for your study abroad journey.

Read: How to Work With Your UK Tourist Visa

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SOP & LOR

Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: What is the Difference between Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose?

Aspirants who wish to study abroad often have this question in mind: what is the difference between a statement of purpose vs personal statement? Most of us don't care enough to understand and use the two terms interchangeably. However, there’s much more to the two being different; they have different forms, structures, and intentions.

In this article, we explore the differences between the two key documents at the time of registration to colleges: difference between personal statement and statement of purpose . And, by the end of this article, you should be able to craft your masterpiece without external aid.

Let us have a look at the meanings of a statement of purpose vs personal statement, their differences and similarities, ending with an overview of which is the best choice for you. Stay tuned.

What is a Statement of Purpose?

A statement of purpose is usually a two-page essay encompassing your virtues as an academic candidate. You put forth various details like personality traits, achievements, goals, aspirations, background, challenges, etc. and draw a vivid picture of yourself as an individual. An SOP encompasses every aspect of your life that other official documents might have overlooked.

An SOP is an important document for studying abroad. Be it a bachelor’s or a master’s program, every university requires you to write an SOP for them that helps them decide if you’re the better candidate in a group of options.

How to Write an SOP for UG?

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is keenly different from a statement of purpose. You can consider it a summary, a brisker version of your SOP, that focuses mainly on your personal information, skills and talents, and professional strengths. A personal statement should be engaging, and crisp, and should convey to the reader exactly what they’re looking for. Minus all the unnecessary details.

How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement?

Moving on, let us understand the difference between SOP and personal statement:

What is the Difference between SOP and Personal Statement?

We now have a basic understanding of what an SOP and a Personal Statement individually are. Let us go through the difference between personal statement vs SOP in a table:


Purpose	Application to graduate, post graduate, and other academic fields.	Application for jobs, internships, certificate programs, diplomas, etc.
How to Write	Remain formal and follow a chronological order of writing. Good command of English and an expansive vocabulary is the way to go. Sound professional but engaging.	You can switch between formal and informal to match your tone. Add a personal touch but remain professional. Engage your audience but keep the content easy to consume.
Content	Widely focused: Goals, achievements, contributions, etc.	Narrowly confined to personal goals, talents, achievements, and beliefs.
Length	Usually double the length of a personal statement	Usually one-page long
Formality	Strictly formal	Varies from person to person, organisation to organisation
Outlook	Looks forward to the future	Looks back at the past

In a gist, the situation you’re in and the program you’re applying to will decide whether you have to write an SOP or a personal statement.

SOP vs Personal Statement: Similarities

After seeing the difference between sop and personal statement, we know that while the two terms are distinct, there are certain similarities that compel users to use the two terms as synonyms. Here are a few aspects where the two closely resemble each other.

Both reflect on your virtues and values, just in different tones
Both are required when applying to a university/immigration program
Both documents are smartly crafted
Both should be engaging and should compel the reader to read more
The documents often remain in a second-person tonality

Making the Choice: Personal Statement vs SOP

An SOP is used to apply to graduate or undergraduate programs of study. These revolve around your virtues, academic achievements, talents, and why you should get admission. These will usually be more in demand for most of the programs you apply to. Any full-time degree course usually calls for an SOP, and you can always summarise and edit the SOP to make a personal statement.

On the contrary, a personal statement is used in gaps between employment, jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and a few academic fields. Personal statements might also be useful for certification and diploma courses. The program you apply to will usually clarify the nature of the document you need.

It is advisable for students to go for a statement of purpose when choosing between a personal statement vs SOP. The latter is far more versatile and flexible and replaces a personal statement more often than vice versa.

Tips to Write the Best SOP and Personal Statement

Now that we’re acquainted with the differences between an SOP and a personal statement, let us look at the tips you should keep in mind while crafting them to maximise your intake chances.

Tips to write an SOP:

Start with your introduction
Talk about your achievements
Talk about your talents and aspirations
Give the reader a reason to consider you an able candidate
Make the SOP look professional
Use good vocabulary, structure sentences neatly, avoid fluff
Break the content into paragraphs
Make a connection with the reader and engage them

Tips to write a personal statement:

Talk about your personal inclinations, motivations, talents, etc.
Switch between tones as it feels natural
Don’t overfill the content with uncommon words
Keep gaps in between
End and begin strongly

How to Write an SOP for USA?

An SOP and a personal statement are briefly distinct terms. Often misunderstood to be the same, the difference can be quite significant if you pay enough attention. While most people pass them to be the same, understanding the difference and crafting your letters specifically make a better impression of your profile as an able candidate.

If you need professional assistance with your SOP or PS drafting and want to maximise your acceptance chances, enrol on our top-notch expert assistance for free now! Talk to experts, get your profile evaluated, and find more tips and tricks to make your SOP or PS groundbreaking.

SOP Format for Canada
SOP for MBA in USA
SOP for the UK

Frequently Asked Questions about SOP vs Personal Statement

What is better: personal statement vs SOP?

An SOP is more versatile and can be used to craft a personal statement. A personal statement is only applicable in a few places.

What is the difference between SOP and personal statement?

An SOP is more comprehensive, while a PS is largely very crisp. Additionally, an SOP is less personal than a PS.

Is an SOP necessarily in English?

Most of the time, yes. But otherwise, Hindi and other languages are also acceptable.

Can someone else write my SOP?

Although this is a common practice, you should write your SOP yourself. The amount of affection, personal touch, and details you enter into your SOP or PS will never be paralleled to anybody else who does it.

How important is SOP vs personal statement?

An SOP vs personal statement, both are fairly important. At least one of these documents is required at all times, and you should have these ready. Other than that, the choice between a personal statement vs SOP is absolutely dependent on your situation and field.

Rohan Deshmukh

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Is cover letter another name for the statement of purpose for a PhD position?

US Universities typically ask for a formal "Statement of Purpose" while European universities have no such specific requirement. Instead, most of the times they ask for a cover letter. I've been told that cover letters should describe what you have done, what you are currently doing and your future plans. They should also be personalized to the university you are applying to. The description looks similar to the statement of purpose.

Are they both the same thing? If no, what are the differences?

statement-of-purpose
application-cover-letter

Short answer: Between academia and industry they differ in usage, but amount to the same thing between academic institutions.

I've been told that cover letters should describe what you have done, what you are currently doing and your future plans. They should also be personalized to the university you are applying to.

This is basically true. A professional cover letter follows what amounts to a three-section format:

1) What is the position at company X, where did you see the listing, and why does the position interest you?

2) What qualifies you for the position? Without rehashing your resume/CV, give mention to what it is you've actively done at your previous positions in an effort to draw attention to your resume.

3) This is where things differ: In a professional cover letter, the last section is where you want set up a workflow that allows the hiring company to follow up with you should they wish to contact you. They aren't really interested in your future plans, and I've seen applications that, for example, want you to list faculty you want to work with and why in your academic SOP... there's no room for any of that in a professional cover letter.

So it's essentially the same, with some difference because of the difference in audience.

Between the terms being interchangeably used between academic institutions, however, they amount to the same thing.

I should add that I'm talking exclusively from general usages in the US. – CKM Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 16:46
1 I cannot answer in general, but having been on 20+ hiring committees I know what I expect in a cover letter: an explanation how the applicant's skills will be useful at my school--this requires evidence the understand what type of an institution we are. It should not summarize what you have done generically (I can read the vita for that), but personalize this information for the institution you are applying to. We often have 400 applications for a single position, so this personalization may be the only reason the candidate make the top 10% which we examine more closely. – Chris K. Caldwell Commented Feb 12, 2016 at 20:41

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Gre prep online guides and tips, statement of purpose vs personal statement: the 2 big differences.

Applying to grad school means having to write a killer statement. This statement can be either a statement of purpose or a personal statement (or both, as we’ll explain later). But what exactly is the difference between these two types of essays?

In this guide to the statement of purpose vs personal statement, we take an in-depth look at the unique purposes of the grad school statement of purpose and personal statement, how the two essays are different and alike, and what you can do to ensure you produce an essay that’s guaranteed to get you into grad school.

What’s the Difference Between a Personal Statement and a Statement of Purpose?

First off, what is the main difference between a statement of purpose and a personal statement for grad school?

The short answer is that a statement of purpose is about what you want to do, while a personal statement is about who you are. Each essay has its own goals in what it’s supposed to do for you and the program you’re applying to.

Whereas the statement of purpose showcases your academic strengths and background, career goals, research interests, and fit with the program, the personal statement highlights your personal motivations for applying to the program and any major accomplishments you’ve had or challenges you’ve faced along the way.

In spite of these big differences, both statements essentially serve the same overarching purpose: to make the admissions committee think you are a good fit and will be successful in the program to which you’re applying.

Here’s a brief overview of the biggest differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose:

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	Academic and professional background, skills, and accomplishments; research interests; academic/career goals; why this program is a good fit for you	Personal motivation for applying; how you developed your research interests; any relevant experiences, challenges, or accomplishments
	Formal	Less Formal
	Varies, but typically 1-3 double-spaced pages

Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: Which Do You Need to Write?

Now that you know the main difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose, which one will you have to actually write for your grad school applications?

The answer to this question depends on what documents your school requires and how it defines the two types of essays.

While some grad schools, such as Michigan State University and the UC system , clearly distinguish between the two essays and require two separate statements for admission, other schools don’t distinguish at all between the personal statement and statement of purpose. In fact, many grad programs use the terms interchangeably!

Meanwhile, some grad schools combine qualities from both statements into one comprehensive statement. Notre Dame’s Creative Writing MFA program , for instance, requires an essay that’s really a combination of the personal statement and statement of purpose: it asks applicants to talk about their future academic and professional goals as well as any personal aspects of their identity that influence their writing.

Generally, most grad programs will require at least one essay. For research-based programs, this will likely be the more academic, more formal statement of purpose.

To figure out which essay you’ll need to write for your program (and whether you’ll need to write more than one), check the program’s official website. You should be able to find details on either the program’s application requirements page or the application itself. I also advise checking the FAQ page to see whether anyone has asked a question about the program’s essay requirements.

If you’re still confused about what your grad school admissions essay should focus on and/or what type of essay you’re required to write for your application, contact the program directly by email or phone.

How to Approach the Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: 11 Tips

In light of these major differences between the personal statement and statement of purpose, it’s important that you also know the differences in how you approach each essay.

In this section, we give you our top tips for how to write a truly effective and compelling personal statement and statement of purpose for grad school. We also give you some general tips you can use for both essays.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose

We’ll start with the statement of purpose—the more formal, more academic essay.

Tip 1: Consider Your Future Goals

Most statements of purpose will require you to introduce your future goals (academic, professional, or both) and describe how this particular program will help you achieve these goals. Therefore, it’s important that you clearly lay out in your essay the ambitions you have, and explain how these relate to the field you want to enter and the program to which you’re applying.

Think deeply about what you hope this grad program will do for you, academically and/or professionally. For example, if you’re applying for a master’s program in computer science, you could talk about how you plan to leave your career as a real estate agent to become a freelance web developer.

Make sure that you also explain why this program in particular will help you. Perhaps you enjoy the grad program’s emphasis on internships and believe these will let you more easily enter the professional world upon graduation, for example.

Tip 2: Research the Program and Its Professors

You likely already did some research on the program—why else would you be applying?—but it’s important to dig even deeper so you can write about specific aspects of the program that interest you.

Here are some examples of features you could write about:

Professors with whom you wish to work
Certain classes you hope to take
Internships, networking events, and/or other professionally oriented events offered by the program or school
The program’s emphasis on a certain topic, idea, or skill
Any other attributes of the program, such as its small class sizes, its emphasis on group projects, its contests or competitions in your field, etc.

Note that it’s best NOT to mention these things in your essay:

The program’s selectivity or acceptance rate
The program’s ranking

The best way to begin research on your program is to simply look at the program’s official website. This should give you all the information you need on what the program requires, what it focuses on, what types of students it’s geared toward, and so on.

I also recommend visiting websites such as The Grad Cafe and Reddit . With these websites, you can get the inside scoop by reading what real students have to say about the program you’re applying to.

Tip 3: Explain How You’re a Good Match

Grad programs must make sure that the applicants they admit will be able to study what they want to research and will fit well with the program’s overall focus and its faculty members’ areas of expertise.

This point is especially important for those applying to doctoral programs, since you’re most likely going to be working one-on-one with a specific faculty member on a major research project or dissertation.

Here are some things you can write about in your statement of purpose to highlight your “fit” with the program:

A professor whose research areas and expertise align with your research interests, background, and/or skills
The academic or professional focus of the program and how this matches your future goals (see Tip 1)

For example, maybe you hope to work with a professor whose research areas match the general topic you want to write about for your dissertation.

Tip 4: Emphasize Your Accomplishments

The statement of purpose isn’t just for explaining your goals and fit but also for talking about your (relevant) academic and professional accomplishments.

You don’t want to repeat what’s already on your undergraduate transcript or CV/resume, so try to be extremely specific here about what you’ve done and how this achievement has influenced your decision to get a graduate degree in this field.

How to Write a Personal Statement

Now that we’ve covered how to write a statement of purpose, let’s look at how your approach might differ for the personal statement.

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Tip 5: Tell a Story

Since the personal statement is less formal and more personal, you’ll want to ensure you’re telling a compelling story. In other words, you have more free rein to be creative with the personal statement than you do with the statement of purpose.

The personal statement is the one part of your grad school application where you can really flex your creative muscles. For instance, you don’t need to stick with the conventional chronological format (though there’s nothing wrong with this, of course).

A good way to show off your creativity is to use a variety of literary techniques , from imagery and metaphors to dialogue and colloquialisms. It’s also OK to write a little less formally than you would in a statement of purpose. So go ahead and tell that joke, or share that eccentric story!

Just be careful to not go overboard with informalities, and make sure you’re still clearly presenting yourself as a serious applicant who is an ideal fit for the program.

Tip 6: Focus On Your Personal Motivations

Since the personal statement allows you to be a bit more personal than the statement of purpose does, it’s best to use this space to focus more on your own personal reasons for developing an interest in this field and applying to this grad program specifically.

Take time to consider what motivated you to apply to grad school and to continue schooling in this particular field. Don’t just focus on grad school in general but on the specific program you are applying to. What initially drew you to this program and at this time?

Tip 7: Explain Any Weaknesses/Challenges You’ve Overcome

You can also use your grad school personal statement to discuss any major weaknesses in your application or any challenges or barriers you’ve overcome in recent years. These can be personal struggles with things such as your career, school, health, money, etc.

For example, maybe your undergraduate GPA wasn’t that high your freshman year because you struggled with living away from home and not knowing anyone at your college. In your personal statement, you could discuss how joining your school’s badminton team helped you make friends and more easily adjust to college life.

Regardless of the challenge you write about, put a positive spin on it. This will prove to the grad admissions committee that you’re able to overcome challenges on your own and can push forward to be successful.

General Tips for Both the Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

In this final section, we give you some general tips you can use for both grad school statements.

Tip 8: Read the Instructions Carefully

The #1 most important rule for any statement for grad school is that you follow all the instructions for the essay. Specifically, this means you should do the following:

Answer the prompt and all the questions in it —some prompts won’t require you to answer every single question it asks, though it’s best to answer most if you can
Adhere to the length requirements —most grad school essays will give you either a word limit (e.g., 500 words) or a page limit (e.g., two to three double-spaced pages), so don’t go over this!
Include any information the program requires you to put on each page of your essay —this will most likely be your full name and might also include the document type, page number, etc.

If you have any questions about the requirements for your personal statement or statement of purpose, contact the grad program directly to ask.

Tip 9: Use Specific Details

In any essay you write, it’s important to be as specific as possible. And in a grad school personal statement and statement of purpose, it’s critical that you include the names of people and places, as well as vivid descriptions of people, ideas, events, and emotions. Doing this will make your essay not only more realistic but also more relatable to the admissions committee.

Moreover, try to touch on specific aspects of the grad program, including your research interests and what drew you to this field of study. Don’t just write, “I developed an interest in psychology after taking an introductory psychology class in college.” Tell us who taught the class, the topics you studied that were most fascinating to you, and why you initially decided to enroll in this class.

Tip 10: Be Authentic

While a statement of purpose is more formal than a personal statement is, you still want to sound authentic in both essays. So make an effort to write in your real, honest voice. Don’t feel the need to grab a thesaurus to look up difficult vocab words to include in your essay—the admissions committee will be able to tell you’re just trying to sound smart!

Ultimately, you want to write in a sophisticated yet natural-sounding voice that shows off your personality while also highlighting your intelligence and maturity.

Tip 11: Edit and Proofread

Finally, give yourself plenty of time to edit and proofread your essays for your grad school applications. A big part of the personal statement and statement of purpose is showing off your superior, grad-level writing skills, so take your time to craft a compelling (and technically correct!) statement.

Once you’ve got a rough draft completed, look it over for any typos; errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation; and awkward or irrelevant areas. After you’ve done your own edit, give your essay to someone else to read, such as a former professor (if he or she has agreed to look at it for you), and ask for some feedback on what you could improve or change.

Conclusion: The Critical Difference Between a Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

When it comes down to the statement of purpose vs personal statement for grad school, how exactly are the two different—and how are they alike? While both essays are meant to make the grad admissions committee want to admit you, they each contain pretty different information.

The statement of purpose is the more formal of the two, highlighting your academic/professional background and accomplishments, your future goals, and how you see yourself fitting with the program you’re applying to.

By contrast, the personal statement is less formal and focuses more on who you are as a person, including what motivated you to apply to grad school (and this program) and what kinds of obstacles you’ve faced in life.

Most grad programs require at least one statement; this could be either a personal statement, a statement of purpose, or a statement that’s some sort of combination of the two. And some programs require both essays.

Because a statement of purpose differs from a personal statement, the way you approach each statement is also different.

Here’s what you want to do for a statement of purpose:

Consider your future goals
Research the program and professors
Explain how you’re a good match
Emphasize your accomplishments

For a personal statement, on the other hand, you’ll want to do the following:

Tell a story
Focus on your personal motivations
Explain any weaknesses or challenges you’ve overcome

Finally, for both statements, be sure to take these four steps:

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Read the instructions carefully
Use specific details
Be authentic
Edit and proofread

Now that you understand the major difference between a statement of purpose and personal statement, you can get started on writing an amazing grad school admissions essay!

What’s Next?

Still not sure how to approach the grad school statement? Then check out our collections of real examples of statements of purpose and personal statements .

For even more tips on how to write a killer grad school essay, take a look at our expert guides to how to write the statement of purpose and how to write the personal statement .

What does a grad school application look like? Learn more about grad school application requirements , and get tips on how to find acceptance rates for the grad programs you’re applying to .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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11 Tips for Writing a Powerful Statement of Purpose [Sample SOP Included]

By Jitta Raghavender Rao • GradSchool Admissions

The Statement of Purpose is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of graduate applications. Most students pass it off like it is just another essay about themselves, and naturally, write monotonous stuff that doesn’t stand out. That is why, the university admissions committee puts a hefty weight on statement of purposes and their structure – they want to see whether you take the interest in letting them know how much you want to study at their university.

Most Statements Of Purpose Start Off Like This:

“I am applying to the Master of Science program in Something Engineering at the University of Example because I believe my technical skills will blossom at your program as it is a place where I will be challenged and where I can develop my scientific and technical knowledge.”

Or Like This:

“I am honored to apply for the Master of Science program at the University of Example because for as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with science. Since I was a kid in school, I have known I wanted to be a scientist/engineer.”

Now, almost 99% of the statements are structured similarly, and often times, students copy-paste, and edit statement of purposes from their seniors or friends, making it sound even more generic or irrelevant to their applications. If you want to stand out from the crowd; if you want the admissions committee to remember your essay at the end of the day, even after going through hundreds of applications; if you want to gain that extra advantage by being somewhat special and unique, you will have to draft a great statement of purpose. Great, but original .

How Can Your Statement Of Purpose Stand Out From The Crowd?

How do you write a great statement of purpose that sounds original, but at the same time gives the admissions committee what they are looking for? Simple. Basically, every university expects a student to answer to some basic questions that the admissions committee has. They may not ask you openly, but these are generally what they expect you to answer:

What you want to study at graduate school?
Why you want to study only this degree?
Why do you want to study at this particular college? What do you like in us?
Why did you choose to study in this particular country? What do you like about it?
How much and what kind of experience you have in your field?
Is your experience related to you choice of degree?
If you are already experienced, what additional skills are you planning to gain from the degree?
What you plan to do with your degree after graduation?
Would you choose to end up with a job or take up research?
What are your expectations from both the graduate program, and the university?
Would you like to study or do research under any particular professor? If yes, why only them?
How can you contribute to our university and our program? What specific skills do you bring to the table?
Apart from work and education, what are your hobbies, interests, and habits? What are you like, as a person?
What do you understand about our student community and culture? Why do you think you will fit in?
What is that one unique aspect/characteristic about you that we should know? Why does it matter to us or to the fellow students of your class?

Now, these are the questions you will have to consider before starting off with your statement of purpose. Write down answers separately to each of the questions asked above, and try to build a story that the admissions committee would love to read. Remember, unlike an MBA program, you won’t be having any personal interviews for a graduate program, so the only way to impress the admissions officers is by telling your story through the statement of purpose . You will have to convey your story in the best possible way, such that the committee finds you interesting enough. And if you are interesting enough to them, you will end up with not only admission, but also a decent scholarship as well .

Strategies to Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose

It is important that you follow a specific strategy when it comes to drafting your statement of purpose. Though most students write whatever comes to their mind, or whatever they see on the internet, you are not most people. You would want your statement of purpose to sound brilliant, and original . And for that, you’ll need some strategies.

1. Write Stories. Not Statements

If given a choice, would you prefer reading a novel or a newspaper?

A novel, without a doubt. Do you know why?

Because while a newspaper gives you mere news and some eye-catching headlines, a novel tells you a story; a beautifully written piece of literature that you will be emotionally connected to . It brings those humanly feelings out of you, and involves you in its storyline. You imagine yourself in place of the narrator/character, and understand why he/she has done that, or taken such decisions. We remember stories much easier than statements.

Because stories connect to us, statements don’t.

For example, most people say this:

“I used to work in a multinational software company in the development team, and I had to do the same job every day: code stuff. There was nothing new for me to learn at work, and there was nothing very exciting about going to the office. One day I decided that I had to get out of there, so I applied to college to study higher courses and get a better job.”

Doesn’t that sound like most stories? Albeit, a very normal story? Instead, how about saying this:

“Late in the night one Monday, I had found myself in the middle of a deserted office, and fifteen thousand lines of code. Full of caffeine in my bloodstream, and an empty life beyond office, I realized that the computers started coding my brain, and controlling my life. No longer wanting to let the machines feed on me, I decided that college would be my salvation.”

Both the stories come to about four lines. But which narrative do you think will keep the admissions committee reading? Which story do you think will be remembered by them even after reading 5000 applications?

Think again. Do you want your statement of purpose to read like a novel or a newspaper? If the former is your answer, then you need to put in a lot of effort to tell your story. Think about ‘why’ you want to study what you want to study. Is there a strong reason behind it? Is the reason emotional, economical, or any other? Think hard, and you will find a connection. The reason might not seem obvious in plain sight, but when you think hard enough, you will understand that there is strong reason why you want to study a particular course/degree.

Now, when you have found this strong reason, tell it as a story. Write a short, but great narrative about what made you make this choice. About why you have chosen to study this course at this university. Impress the committee with your creative storyline, and you will reap the benefits big time.

2. Quantify Your Stories

Even though we asked you to write a story, you will have to remember that your story should not read like a thesis . It should rather serve as the best source of information about you. And when it comes to information, numbers play a key role. Your story should be not only qualitative, but also quantitative. And that means, your story must contain measurable quantities instead of just stories, so the reader can understand the depth of it.

For example, if you have worked for a local NGO teaching math to primary kids, you could say:

“During my engineering days, I helped a local NGO by joining as a math tutor, where I taught basic math concepts to school children.”

Now even though this sounds really good, it doesn’t give the reader the entire picture and they certainly do not know how much of an impact you made on those children.

So, you could change that bit to something like this:

“During my second year of engineering, I joined ‘Teach Math’, a local NGO, where I was a part of the Math tutoring team. For a period of 10 months , I taught basic math like algebra, geometry and arithmetic to more than thirty 5th and 6th grade students. And every single student I taught to, secured an A in math that year. I’ve never been prouder in my life.”

Do you see the difference? These numbers suddenly give a whole new perspective to the readers, and their respect for you is suddenly multiplied. That’s the power of numbers; they add authenticity, and authority to your stories . If you can quantify your stories properly, and show the results instead of just actions, the committee will not forget your name. You can use the same strategy for the rest of your story, no matter what it is about.

Whether it is a research project you did, or a college fest you organized, or a college sports team you led, whatever it is, add numbers to your stories, and make them sound more realistic, and more beautiful.

3. Be Specific

You have to make sure that whatever you say in your statement of purpose, you need to be very specific with it. Don’t just say something because you think it will impress the admissions committee. Whatever you say, you have to really dig into details . Be introspective. Don’t just say “I chose this degree because I love this field.” Explain clearly why you love this field, what made you decide that you want to work in this field for the rest of your life, what skills you are trying to amass, why it completes you as a person, etc.

Don’t beat around the bush like you normally would, when you talk to your friends. Don’t use ideal sentences like ‘I want to change the world’ or ‘I want to find my inner self’ or any of those cheesy lines. Just be straightforward and always to the point, but not so much as to come off as arrogant. Find your reasons and then find a nice, memorable way to say it .

Grad school admissions officers require the statement of purpose not just because they want to find about you and your dreams. More importantly, they want you to think for yourself , as to why you are taking such a life-changing step; why you think this is the best thing that can happen to you; and why you think you truly need it to succeed in life.

The ‘why’ is always profoundly important , and also an extremely difficult question to answer, which is why, if you can find answers to all the whys, then you are almost in.

4. Customize Your Essay

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to prepare a basic template for their statement of purpose, and if they are applying to more than one university, they simply change the relevant names and details. But the rest of the statement is an exact copy.

This is never a good idea, because though they might seem quite similar to each other, every university is vastly different from the others. Each of them has a diverse set of characteristics that define them, and their cultures, methodologies, visions, values, mottos, strengths, weaknesses , etc., vary greatly. These things are much more important than the departments, or university rankings, or number of Ph.D.’s or other materialistic qualities.

So, if you are applying to multiple universities, you need to factor in all these qualities of every university, and customize your statement accordingly. Mere changes in names and details won’t suffice. You need to tailor your essay such that the admissions officers think you will fit in well into their community. Remember, every student community is like a family , and if you give hints that you cannot fit into a family or their culture, you may not be welcomed easily.

Speaking of cultures, different countries obviously have different cultures, but even a large country like the US has different cultures in different parts of the country. So, before you begin writing, try and research the general culture within the region in which your target university is, and learn something about it. It may also help in aiding your decision process; if a culture doesn’t attract you much, then there’s no point in wasting an application .

5. Use a Formal But Conversational Tone

Nearly all statements or essays come under two categories: The super formal, and the super friendly . The first category is when you write a statement of purpose that is so formal, it looks like you are writing to your lieutenant in the military. The second one, of course, looks like a casual email to a friend. Now, when asked which one seems like a better choice, most students say the formal way is the way to go, and super friendliness is a big no. And still, a minor set of applicants think they can outsmart the admissions committee by sounding friendly, welcoming, and funny.

But, on further reflection, you would understand that neither of the approaches is ideal . And you are right, neither of them is right. Like we talked about it already, your statement of purpose should read like a novel: slightly formal language, but still a tinge of fun and uniqueness. That is what you need. A conversational tone is the best and the safest way to go. Write like you are talking to someone, but avoid using casual language.

Imagine you are talking to your dean, or the director of your college . What would your language be like? That’s how your statement of purpose should sound. Now, occasional humor is okay, but you shouldn’t try to sound too funny or too smart. No intentional jokes or funny lines should find their way into your statement. After all, it’s a statement of purpose, and the purpose is to pursue a graduate degree , not to impress people with your sense of humor. So, if what you write brings a smile on the readers face, then it’s perfectly alright. But it shouldn’t make them throw away your application because you didn’t seem serious enough to them.

6. Decide How You Want To Portray Yourself. And Learn How to Portray Indirectly.

You must see that the statement of purpose serves as a medium to convey your attitude, your personality and your character. Alright, those are some heavy words, and it can actually be difficult to them on paper. So, what you can do is, learn what your statement of purpose should portray you as , in terms of a few criteria, which tell the admissions committee that you are:

Very passionate about the field of study you have chosen.
An Intelligent student who can withstand the academic workload of a graduate program.
Well-prepared academically and personally, and eager to study new courses.
Able to take on the challenges of studying at an international graduate school.
Able to build and maintain a good rapport with professors and fellow grad students.
Able to finish the graduate degree within time, and graduate with a good percentage.
A potential remarkable representative of that grad school in your future career.
A successful alumni of the grad school who in the future can help in recruiting graduates.
A responsible alumni who in the future will help raise funds for the grad school, to spend on research, infrastructure, facilities, student scholarships, etc.

These are basically the parameters that grad school admissions officers look at, when they decide who is joining their class.

Now, you might be wondering that the statement of purpose can only be as long as 1000 words, and that there’s quite a lot to cover in that little space. This is where your writing skills should come in. You simply can’t just go ahead and write “I am very passionate about the field of study I have chosen.” That is the last think you would want to write. What you should instead write is a sentence that indirectly means the same. You will have to choose your words wisely so as to indirectly communicate your “passion. You can use brief examples to show why you are so passionate about it.

For example, you can say something like:

“My grandfather was a car mechanic. I remember when I was nine, he took me to his garage for the first time and showed me how he could repair my damaged bicycle so I could ride it again. When he passed away a few years later, he left me the entire garage. It was a turning point in my life. Some of my best days were spent inside the garage, where after coming back from school, I tried fixing various appliances in the house. That was what led me to choose to be a Mechanical Engineer.”

The above paragraph speaks volumes about you as a person and your passion for Mechanical Engineering without you actually saying it. Any admissions officer in the world wouldn’t reject an applicant with such a deep reason , and such a wonderful story behind him/her. Now, remember, you don’t have to lie. Try and remember stories from your life that have shaped your decisions. And connect them beautifully to your goals and dreams.

Now similarly, your “intelligence” can be conveyed by how you write . The quality of the statement of purpose, the organization, expression, etc. of your statement tells how intelligent you are. Demonstrating knowledge of the field, and using related jargon shows that you are “well-prepared”. Showing what you have done already describes your ability “to take on the challenges of grad school”. Your grades and your previous performance prove your ability “to finish the graduate program in time”. Being a “future remarkable alumni” can be implied by your being a commendable representative of your previous institutions, like your high school, or undergraduate school. Similarly, you will have to try and represent all the qualities mentioned above in an indirect, but powerful way.

7. Don’t Create Stories. Be Yourself

Because we asked you to write stories, there would naturally be an inclination to “create” stories out of thin air. Do not do this at all. Write great stories only if you have great stories . Some people might come from normal backgrounds, who had normal lives, and probably didn’t achieve anything spectacular. It’s completely okay. If you don’t have anything great to write, don’t write it . Be normal, and write normal stories.

It is better to be normal than to pretend to be someone you are not. The admissions officers are expert psychologists, and they can spot a true applicant from a false applicant with just one reading. So, you will badly hurt your chances of getting into your dream school if you try to be someone else. Just be yourself, and write only about the things that have happened to you, and the things that you are passionate about.

For instance, saying “I love research” just because you think they will like it, isn’t going to help you a lot. Whatever you say just for the sake of it, won’t appeal much to the committee, as they would look for relevant evidences in your stories and in your past . So, don’t even think about fooling the committee with a false storyline. Try and be yourself throughout the essay.

8. Address Your Problems

The Statement of Purpose is a great opportunity for you to address some of your problems. If you have had any problematic academic background, or a gap year in your career, or if you had any work-related problems, you can address them on the statement of purpose in order to reassure the admissions committee. You must try and be as honest as possible , and talk about your problems in a matured manner.

Instead of trying to defend yourself, you can point out the actual reasons that led to the problems, but more importantly, you should highlight ‘how’ you overcame the situation, and ‘what’ you have learnt from the experience. For example, let’s say that you got all C’s or all D’s in one semester. This normally isn’t the kind of academic profile a good grad school would want from you, unless there is a strong reason behind it. So, take some time and dedicate a few lines to explain whatever happened .

If you had a health problem during your semester exams, or if you faced any emotional setback during that time, if you experience any personal loss, or if you had to take up additional family responsibilities other than studying, you can mention that in your statement. But, more importantly, you should not forget to demonstrate how your grades have been steadily improving since then, and that you now have a decent grade-point average in the discipline.

If you can spin this story well enough for the committee to empathize with you, then your story will enhance the admissions committee’s image of you as a matured student , with the abilities to “take on additional challenges” and “to finish on time”, even when things are against you.

9. Do Your Homework

This is one very important point you should exercise while you are writing a statement of purpose. You should be thorough with the details of all the universities you are applying to, and list down all the things you like about each university, before you write the essays.

Most students simply write generic sentences like “I am impressed by the importance your university gives to research” or “I would like to study here because you have 100 Ph.D.’s and 20 Nobel prize winners.” etc. No, that is not how you do it. The admissions committee knows how great their college is; you don’t have to remind them again and again . But, you should let them know what exactly you like about them, that you so badly want to be there. The specifics are really important .

For example, you could say something like this. (Excuse the random jargon, it is only to give you an idea.)

“I would fully utilize the resources that the Wallenberg Hall provides, as I am particularly interested in the field of molecular chemistry. The special 24/7 laboratories provided for student research on molecular processing is exactly the kind of opportunity I am looking for, as I could totally see myself working in the labs day and night.”

And something like:

“I especially want to study under Dr. Mark Adams, Ph.D., as I have been an avid follower and admirer of his work in the field of quantum chemistry, which is not only the field I would choose for my research study, but also is a topic that I am zealous about, personally. I would be more than honoured if I can earn a spot in his research group.”

Do you see how professional it sounds? Such things show how well prepared you are, and how eager you are to study at that university. Now, to write something like this, you obviously need to do lots of research both online and offline, and be very thorough about the college, its facilities, courses, and professors. Yes, it is very difficult, but you better believe it is completely worth all the hard work.

10. Proofread, Edit, and Re-edit. Ask Friends and Family To Grade Your Essay

Another mistake students make is, they try and keep their essays to themselves. Maybe they are shy, or maybe they think their friends and family aren’t necessarily experts on the subject. So they think there’s no point in asking friends and family to critique on their essays. Wrong. Your statement of purpose speaks about you as a student, as an individual. Yes, there is technical slang involved, and yes your family members may not be experts on that. But, they sure are experts on ‘you’ . Which is exactly why you should approach them.

They can not only give you additional points to add, but they can give you valuable stories about your childhood or schooling days, which you probably won’t remember. Plus, it’s very easy to say something about others, but at the same time, it’s painfully difficult to describe yourself to someone. Which is why someone very close to you, like friends and family, can describe you accurately. You will get new perspectives on your stories , which sometimes are better than your own versions, and including them in your statement of purpose will do you a lot of good. Also, remember to proofread your statement time and again, and keep on re-editing content until you, your family and friends think you have the best statement in the world.

Remember that your statement of purpose is a literary picture of ‘you’ as a person , and it is representing on your behalf. So, make it a top priority to avoid typos, misplaced commas and semicolons, overused quotes, being too wordy, using too many complex words and sentences, and being too straightforward. Be careful. Be a perfectionist when it comes to writing . It shows how much you care about going to a particular college. And, once you are done with everything, do not forget to ask your friends and family to grade your statement of purpose, and ask them to criticize it accurately, so you can avoid submitting a less than perfect copy of your statement.

11. Take Advice From Professors.

If you know a professor at your undergrad institution, don’t hesitate to approach him/her for advice regarding your statement of purpose. They are of course very experienced prospects, and they might have seen thousands of statement of purposes and students in their careers. So, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for their opinion. Plus, since unlike your family, they are technically sound, they can also provide you valuable insights on how to project your technical expertise and project works in the statement.

After all, a professor knows what another professor looks for in a prospective student , so it would only help if you approach your college professors. And, if they are really close to you, you can also ask them for a really good letter of recommendation . So whichever way you look at it, there are only benefits for you.

Checklist for a Powerful Statement of Purpose

Here’s a basic checklist designed to help you draft a flawless Statement of Purpose. Make sure you write in an organized manner, and cover your points in a proper order. We have given this checklist so that you can write your statement of purpose without confusing yourself and the readers. Following a meticulous order like this will make your statement of purpose a lot better to read and understand about you and your story. Feel free to add anything else to the list if you think it will boost your chances, but remember to not write too much because you would then be exceeding the word limit.

Organization:

Introducing yourself in a unique manner.
Demonstrating your passion for the field.
Story about your background or experience in the field you’ve chosen.
Description of your academic background in the field you’ve chosen.
Specific classes or special courses you have taken, that are related to your field of interest.
Some of the professors you have studied under, especially if they are well-known in that field.
Co-curricular and Extracurricular activities in the field of you interest.
Publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference presentations or public readings)
Any community service or leadership experience while in college.
Explanations about problems in background (if needed)
Explanation of why you have chosen the specific grad school and other related questions as discussed in the beginning of this article.
Mention what you like about the university you are applying for, and why: facilities, infrastructure, etc.
Mention names of one or two professors in that school and what you know of and appreciate about their work, and why you want to study or work under their guidance.
Specific features of the grad program and the university, which attract you personally. And why.
Get advice from several of your professors, family, and close friends. Ask for stories about yourself.
Proofread and edit; ask friends and family to proofread for you as well.

So, those are some strategies and tips for you to write a powerful statement of purpose, impress the committee, and thereby ace the admissions process. Make sure you do every one of these things, and you won’t be far away from the college of your dreams. Do you have any strategies that worked well for you? Do let us know in the comments section.

We almost forgot! We are giving away a sample Statement of Purpose for download, so you can get an actual glimpse of how the aforementioned tips and strategies have been incorporated in a real Statement Of Purpose. But remember, this should serve only as an inspiration to your own Statement of Purpose, but not a source to copy from. Close to 10000 students check this space regularly, and if every single one of them uses the same phrases in their own statement of purposes, very soon, everyone will be held for plagiarism. So, try and copy only the framework and the organization, but not the actual content. Happy Writing!

Download your free sample SOP now:

Download Free Sample Statement of Purpose

Download Sample Statement Of Purpose

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127 Comments to “11 Tips for Writing a Powerful Statement of Purpose [Sample SOP Included]”

I am confused about a question that why you want to pursue MS in CS ? I don’t have any research paper for technical work. But i have solid final year system project. and i want to go for higher education.

Need Help….

It’s a question many students face when applying for a Computer Science program. In your case, if your final year project is related to Computer Science, try and emphasise how doing that project made you realize your interest for Computers. If you have any relevant work experience (software) then it will be easy for you to convince them about your choice of study. If you are applying for a top program, this is really important.

Try and build stories around your interest for computers, and use all the techniques given above. If you are still unsure, then maybe you should take a break, work for a year or two in a relevant field, and apply again. But, if you really want to go ‘now’, you should emphasise your project really well. Be positive! Good luck! 🙂

Hi Sachin, Thanks for useful insight on difficult doubt. I have tried hard for my SOP. i need someone could just refer it so i could get more correction and may help me build a good SOP.

If possible give me your mail-id. so i could mail to you !!!

I sincerely appreciate the time and the effort you put to carefully explaining these steps, I am really grateful.

Thank you for all you do.

I have mailed my SOP on mentioned Email-Id. Could you please let me know any improvements in my SOP asap…..

Just sent you a mail with steps you should take to improve your SOP. Let me know if you need help! 🙂

Just had a look around your suggestion. I would surely work around it. But I am confused which content to be removed because I have had much extracurricular activities and projects too!

Still I will concise it and will make improvements soon.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Jitta/ Sachin,

I have revised my SOP. Made necessary changes as suggested by you, Jitta. Thanks for your help! 🙂

I sincerely appreciate the team that up this wonderful work together which I we take my time to follow accordingly but and I get a direct SOP format on my mail or something to prove read for me when done with it

Sachin yar , why you guys do not send the pdf man . I get a message that I will be delivered on the mail but I never receive it

Geat advice. Thank you so much!

Where is the sample sop? Can you please give me the download link?

The download link is available right at the end of the blog post. Hope you have found it already.

The essay is not available from the download link. I received one sample sop as a .vcf file which is not opening.

Paul, I just checked and the download link is working. Mind trying again?

Ok im trying again . but i told you that i got the mail after i clicked on the link. the mail has a .vcf file attached, which is not opening.

Could you check your email? We have sent you the direct download link. Happy Studying! 🙂

got it 🙂 Thanks so much 🙂

Awesome! Would love to hear how it helped you 🙂

Hey Sachin,

Thanks for the article! I really appreciate it!

I have already confirmed my email but can’t download the sample SOP.If you can send me the direct link as you did with “shaoni paul”, this will be nice .

Please re-enter your mail id and you will taken to the download page. Let me know if it doesn’t work 🙂

I hope you find the sample SOP helpful!

Just sending a .vcf file and downloading the same. Tried it twice.

Hey Keerthi,

I am sorry to hear that you had to go through this process twice. I just checked and it looks like your email isn’t confirmed yet. Please re-enter your email and make sure you confirm your subscription. You should receive an email with a link to the SOP after a few minutes. Let me know if you don’t receive this mail 🙂

Hello, what is an ideal length for SOP? Please reply quickly as I need to finalize my SOP within this week. This article helped me a lot. Thanks in Advance.

Shrawan, there is no definitive ideal length for a statement of purpose. It entirely depends on the course you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying for an engineering school and send a 5 page SOP, the admissions committee may conclude that you are unable to express yourself concisely. And if you are applying for a literature school and send a 1 page SOP, that would again be a disaster too.

The general norm is a two to three pages statement of purpose. If you are going beyond that, it just means you are writing things that are totally unnecessary and would only act as a hindrance to your admission.

It was great to me~ It’s so helpful~

This article was really helpful and readable. It was very surprising that your article actually answered what I was asking inwardly! I think you just have an insight into a person’s mind! Thank you very much 🙂

Thanks for the kind words, Sarah, I’m happy to hear that the article helped you answer your questions.

Let me know if there is anything I can do 🙂

Hi Thanks for your useful post. I made my SOP based on your tips and I emailed it now. Could you please kindly review my SOP and give notes about it? I’m in a hurry, because I’m going to apply tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow for universities where their deadlines are 5 Jan. So I appreciate if you do me the favor urgently 🙂

Hey Ali, Please check your inbox and let me know if there is anything else I can do 🙂

The blog is excellently written and I am confident that it will certainly help me with my personal statement. Thanks.

Thank you very much for the article. It was very useful! Last year, I applied to a couple of grad schools and got rejected, which I believe was in part due to my weak SOP. This year, I’ve tried to improve it and would be grateful if you could please review it for me, and let me know of its flaws. Thanks. Keep the good work going.

Thanks for the write-up. I really need the sample SOP. Thank you.

I really needed some advise and you really provided with excellent explanation and SOP. And want to tell you thank you very much for all this. Now I know what was the biggest mistake in my prior SOP and why University did not admit me. Thank you very much again!!! ^_^

Excellent information with unique content and it is very useful to know about the information based on blogs.

Hi, Thanks for such a wonderful article being made. It helped me in stating the exact way of writing and proposing in the way the reader expects….. Thanks a lot…. 🙂

Thank u immensely for that great inside on SOP,I HV a better idea now on what to write.

There’s definitely a lot to know about this issue. I like all the points you made.

Thank you very much For such a creative blog,its much helpful. I really found answers of my all questions in this pretty written blog and it really awakened my mind to show that creativity which i had once before 3 years. Thanks once more dude.

it’s really helpful, thank you!

These tips are damn cool and intuitive hope so this will push me to touch zenith

This is the best blog i have seen so far that fully explains how to write a SOP. Most blogs show you a lot of wordy stuff which forces you to copy since you don’t understand the structure instead of writing something original for yourself. With this information, it really bring out the saying; “Teach a man how to fish rather than giving him fish…” Thanks for all the help.

Thank you for the tips and strategies am hopeful to write a good SOP and I have just started preparing my SOP and will continue to seek for your guide indue course.

This article is quite amazing and full of insight. I am going to take to the above instructions with due attention to details.

Thank you so much! Very helpful.

This blog is excellently written, wished I found you earlier.

High sachin, Thank you for your wonderful explanations on how to write a powerful SOP, To be sincere with you I really understand everything that you just explained and how you articulated it, I believed that it’s really going to help me a lots but the issues that I am having right now is that I don’t know if it’s actually possible for a computer science undergraduate that is currently in final year now at University to apply for any scholarship to pursue his MS in CS because I don’t have any research work though I’m still doing my project work

Thank You So Much For Helping The World.

Happy to help, Adikalie! Glad to know you found it useful. 🙂

Thank you so much for this guide.

Hello plz when can I get a reply yet?

Hi, Thank you for this wonderful information on writing SOP. It covers everything I was looking for

Very informative…Thanks.

Hy. Thank you, it is very helpful. now, I work on my own SOP for student exchange and this article solved my problem.

Simply wonderful!

Thank you for sharing this great source of information! I will prepare my statement accordingly!

Hi, I find this article really impressive and useful.I hope this will help me a lot writing my SOP.

GOOD JOB HERE.

Thanks for the detailed tips

Thanks for the detailed tips. Am so grateful for this.

This article is so informative! Thanks a lot for such useful tips! Some students underestimate the role of the statement of purpose and as a result, they get rejections. So, without an appealing, error-free, interesting and sweet SOP it is almost impossible to get a place at grad school or any other institution. Some students prefer writing this piece of paper on their own while others consider hiring professional SOP writers to help them out and make their lives a bit easier. Anyway, as the author said, a statement of purpose is a chance to impress the assessing committee and distinguish yourself from the crowd. Let’s do this 🙂

Fantastic SOP guide! I’m gonna apply to top universities this year so it’s going to be useful.

Hi! the instructions are amazing and gave me great insights on how to write my ideal SOP! Thank you so much!

Hello The post was wonderful and so much helpful

Thank you very much

What a nice guidance… Thank you… I like the way you explain

Sop writing is not a piece of cake but you have jotted down all the points in beautiful way. Keep It UP

Your article is very helpful!

Thank you, Ray

Hi, thank you for your helpful guidance.

Hi! Thank you so much for these useful tips. They really helped me with getting started.

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Thank you very much for great advices and tips!

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Helpful tips!

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As much as I am still left tensed and pumped to work towards my SOP, this helped me calm down and have a sit-down with my own brain and work my way around it more steadily! Thank you so much!!!

Hi,thank you for this, I’ve been thinking of how to compose my sop, but with this guide I believe I will be able to come up with something that’ll impress the grad school committee and gain my place in the university.

Thanks for the detailed information.

Helpful information

The guide is excellent. All students aspiring to write SOP must get it. THANKS SIR

I found this article very useful and I appreciate the effort you put into it to keep us abreast. Cheers.

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Have a good day !

That was great, complete and truly helpful.

Thanks for this write up.

Thank you for the useful article. An ever-increasing number of students will utilize this to compose their personal statement. The admissions committee will utilize this to enable them to see exactly your identity and to judge your reasonableness for their school, so it should be composed consummately. This will be the most critical piece of your application necessities and should be composed superbly. The application process for whichever school you’re applying for will expect you to supply a personal statement as a major aspect of your application. Thank you.

Thank you for this wonderful steps in achieving a better SOP.

Thank you very much for this important information. Actually I have realized that most of the mistakes I have been making are here mentioned. This time I will not repeat the mistakes. Thank you very much.

Hi, Thanks, the tips are beautiful and really helpful

Hi, thank you for the amazing article. I will apply these tips and tricks as soon as possible.

Thanks for this brilliant article;

I have always wondered how should my SOP look like ? I always wanted to have my own unique version as I am applying now. Though I had a rough idea, after going through this blog,I must say that I am more clear about what the contents should be and how the SOP should sound. Thanks a lot for sharing the tips.

You are the best for sure! i am satisfied and i hope that i am going to make a very good SOP

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We all appreciate your kind helpfulness,continue your good work.thanks

This Piece was well put together. Thanks

This is a valuable article so I hope to get a free sample SOP as you have mentioned above. Thank you in advance

WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for Help Writing Essay Homework

Thank you very much for this post. It is extremely helpful.

Thanks & regards, Debanjana Dey

Nowadays it’s very rare to come across an article like this. And it’s even rarer that I read a full article without getting bored. I read this one beginning to end. Brilliant!

Glad you enjoyed it, Flyod! Feel free to message us if you have any questions! 🙂

It’s has been very helpful

It’s has been very helpful, educative and interesting

This has lighten my burden about SOP to a great extent. Thanks for these tips.

Thanks for these wonderful tips.

Really helpful post. This post has the all the information which I need. Thank you so much.

Hi! Thank you very much for such priceless tips.

Again, thanks a lot

Excellent article..its a good site to explore ..Thanks for the blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged..

Very good post. I think these tips are helpful and needed. Writers often struggle with purpose statements, yet they are so important. What I like about your post is that you delve into various ideas and explain them well. Thank you for helping writers!!

I am writing my SOP with the help of your brilliant tips. Thank you

Thank you so much for what you’ve given us!

Such a great help!

Wow, the concept of writing the statement of purpose for graduate programme admission vividly explained and well understood

Great job ! I’m thoroughly impressed with your tips here. Thanks!

This article is excellent and helpful.

Thanks for this great post. It exposed a lot of flaws in my SOP and made me to believe that what caused the rejection of my grad application is the SOP. The admission committee states in the comment section that I met the minimum requirements but my application is not competitive.

Sure, I will do a hard think and find answers to all the why questions.

Thank you for such nice tips. SOP are now becoming a requirement of every reputable college and university. I am also very worried as I want to apply for my masters in a reputable US university but I fear that my SOP writing skills are not very good. I hope these tips help and I get into a reputable university.

Hey! I found the article to be AMAZING and so helpful! Thank you!

It was great reading the writing skills of SOP, more in a story manner rather a statement. I will try to work on these lines. Thank you.

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You may be asked to provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a Personal Statement (PS) when applying to graduate school. Although the two documents may sound similar, they have different purposes and distinct structures. Understanding the differences between an SOP and a PS can help you tailor your application and improve your chances of acceptance. Here are the key differences between a Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement:

The main difference between an SOP and a PS is their purpose. An SOP is typically used for graduate school applications. It serves as a formal document outlining your academic and professional background, your research interests, and your goals for graduate school and beyond. A PS, on the other hand, is typically used for undergraduate applications and serves as a more personal document that highlights your life experiences, values, and character.

An SOP is focused on your academic and professional goals. In contrast, a PS is focused on your personal experiences and qualities. An SOP should provide evidence of your academic preparation and intellectual curiosity, as well as your research interests and career goals. A PS should showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and values and provide insight into your character and personality.

3. Length and Structure

An SOP is typically longer than a PS and has a more formal structure. SOPs usually range from 500 to 1000 words and are divided into sections that cover your background, research interests, academic achievements, and future plans. A PS, on the other hand, is usually shorter (around 500 words) and has a more flexible structure. It may be divided into paragraphs that cover your personal experiences, values, and goals.

An SOP has a more formal and professional tone than a PS. It should be written clearly and concisely, and avoid using personal anecdotes or casual language. A PS, on the other hand, may include personal stories and a more conversational tone. It should still be written professionally but can showcase your personality and writing style.

5. Audience

An SOP is primarily aimed at the admissions committee, while a PS may be read by a wider audience. Since an SOP is a more formal document, it is essential to use technical terms and jargon that are relevant to your field. A PS, on the other hand, should be accessible to a wider audience and should avoid using technical terms or jargon.

In conclusion, an SOP and a PS have different purposes and distinct structures. While an SOP is focused on your academic and professional goals, a PS is focused on your personal experiences and qualities. An SOP is longer and has a more formal structure and tone, while a PS is shorter and has a more flexible structure and tone. Understanding the differences between these two documents can help you tailor your application and showcase your strengths and unique qualities.

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Letter of Motivation (LOM) vs Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

Some institutions ask for a statement of purpose (SOP) and some prefer letters of motivation. Generally, the graduate courses have this requirement and the applicant has to write about his choice and what motivated him to make that choice about the course and the institution in this letter.

How is LOM different from SOP?

The immediate question that comes to any applicant’s mind is that what the difference between SOP and LOM is. Normally both the documents are written for the purpose of seeking admission to any foreign institution and tell about the candidate and his background and reasons for opting for the course.

These two documents may sound and seem similar but in reality, both of them have a distinguished purpose and convey different messages.

Institutions ask for a letter of motivation from graduate and doctorate students when they want to judge the ability of the applicant to craft a statement precisely for a specific purpose. The LOM reflects skills of understanding and shows the ability to be competent for advanced studies at a particular institution.

SOP	LOM
This is a more generalized statement.	This is a relatively specific statement.
This is to know the background and overall achievements and abilities of the applicant.	This judges the ability to articulate a specified purpose statement to find out the suitability to study advanced courses.
The SOP may contain some information not related to the program.	LOM can not contain any information not related to the program.
This talks about background, skills and abilities, choice of institution, choice of course, and future vision.	This talk about things that you will be bringing to the program with your skills and studies, and an internship or work experience that you have and how that is helpful in further studies.
SOP is like your personal interview.	LOM is going to be only a part of that interview but a more detailed one.

Why Universities ask for Letter of Motivation?

The sole purpose of the universities to ask for the LOM is to see that the applicant can understand the specific instruction and deliver an articulated statement covering what is asked.

While going through advanced studies, students need to be extremely focused and need to understand precise and concise concepts to put in application. LOM is a reflection of that. If any applicant in not able to make out that thin line difference between the SOP and the LOM, the universities may deem the applicant unfit to enter the advanced study course.

LOM talks about how the applicant got into the course briefly and pays more focus to the gain that the student has already made by the studies and what else motivates him to enroll for the higher study in the same subject matter. This in other words means that what the student has to offer to the subject matter rather than what he will be taking from it.

The applicants should not misunderstand this as an unachievable task as if you are passionate about the subject, you would have a lot to offer may be by redefining the way things are said. Even that can be a great contribution.

Tips to Write Letter of Motivation

Brainstorm and think precisely what you are going to write in the LOM. Keep certain points in mind while drafting your letter.

Prepare an outline getting answers to the questions like reasons for choosing the particular course.
Your skills that helped you in studying that program and what skills you gained by studying the same.
Any internship or voluntary or professional work done by you in the field or related field of the subject and what you gained from that.
Do you have anything in mind that can make the subject more interesting or popular amongst others?

Once you have prepared this outline, just expand the points. Keep in mind that the whole letter should be written with positive language.

Sample Of a Letter of Motivation

The Admission Officer

XXXX University

Dear Sir/Madam,

I take pleasure in submitting my application for studying Masters in engineering from your university. I have finished my bachelor's in Engineering after passing the qualifying course to get into the under-graduation degree as I did my secondary education in philosophy. I got a fascination for learning languages and spent one year learning Russian. This helped in getting a job in Military services as a translator. In my military service, I was handling radio services that required knowledge of science and engineering and started getting stifled in that job.

After this, I decided to enroll back at the college and studied STEM subjects to qualify for my major in Engineering and now I am aspiring to do higher studies in the same.

All this while I was told that we should be studying what we find easy as we can be good at that and not what seems difficult as we are not so good at it. While I was working and struggling I realized that what we find difficult is actually that subject matter which we need to learn as the rest is already known to us and comes easy.

With this motivation, I started studying engineering and now after having minute knowledge about this I would like to take this to the masses to make sure that students should not shy away from learning what seems difficult. A message on how you learn to learn requires to be substantiated with the brain functioning and the science and engineering that our body has can be translated by the physical and material engineering.

I foresee myself to be an educator who is going to lead by example and shall not allow anyone to drive away students from studying what they can and they should rather than what they actually study because they are not finding it interesting.

The knowledge that I needed in my job and learned a part of it by practically struggling with it told me the importance of subject matter that is practical but seems uninteresting as the methods of teaching sometimes lack experiential learning in a fun way. Learning of a subject requires hands-on training according to the level of the child and the grade in which he is studying. By gaining the advanced knowledge of engineering I would like t break down teaching these subjects in a way that no one shall shy away from studying the same.

In view of this, it is extremely important for me to get my advanced study degree from an institute like you that believes in working with its students and taking them forward in their lives because, in turn, they can take the subject matter forward to the entire world; and I am a perfect fit to that.

Thanking you

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How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School (MS & MBA)

September 6, 2017
College Admission Guidance , MBA , Study Abroad

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)? Why do universities and colleges ask for SOP? How important is SOP in the admission process for foreign universities? How to write SOP? What to include in an SOP? What should be the ideal format (and flow) of an effective SOP? We will tackle these questions in this post.

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School

Since you are reading this, I assume you are gearing up for the application round of foreign universities and colleges. While preparing the application kit, most applicants struggle to write a good statement of purpose (SOP), which is a mandatory component of the application process. Although the SOP is required mainly for MS, MBA, and PhD admissions, colleges sometimes also ask for SOP for undergraduate admissions.

Some institutes also ask for a Personal Statement, Application Letter, or Letter of Motivation. Although there are a few minor differences, a statement of purpose, a letter of motivation, and a personal statement – all serve the same purpose. Read Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation .

What is a statement of purpose (SOP)?

The statement of purpose is an application essay a student applying for a graduate program at a foreign university is required to write in order to be admitted to the program. It’s possibly the best way to express your goals and achievements impressively to the admission officers and faculty members of your discipline.

Why do universities ask for the SOP?

The SOP helps colleges and universities to decide if the applicants are really interested in the program that they have applied for, their ability to pursue the program and complete it successfully, and whether they will be able to contribute significantly to the Institute.

Just like a good cover letter or job application letter helps candidates present themselves successfully in the job market, a good SOP helps applicants to highlight their strengths during the admission process abroad. A good SOP attracts admissions officers who wade through hundreds of applications.

Attending graduate school is an important part of your higher education. You should have a goal and you should know how you are going to get to your goal and why do you want to get to your goal too. Universities treat SOP very seriously and they read your SOP. So, you better take it very seriously.

Importance of SOP in the Admission Process

The SOP is considered to be one of the most critical components of your application; perhaps the most important part of the entire admission process. The SOP portrays the most significant impression of yourself to the admission officers.

Your SOP will say a lot of things about you silently that a strong profile might never be able to speak out. The SOP tells your attitude, your ambition, your clarity of thought, and your personality; and carries the potential of leveraging low GPA and/or average test scores (GRE or GMAT). While the GPA and test scores are essentially objective in nature, the SOP is the subjective aspect of your application. The SOP gives you the real opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

What to include in an SOP? Here is an ideal checklist of a Good SOP:

Introduction
What do you want to do (study or research?)
Why this program?
Why this university?
Why did you choose to study in this particular country? What do you like about it?
How much and what kind of experience do you have in your field?
Specific classes, special courses or projects you have taken, that are related to your field of interest.
Any community service or leadership experience while in college.
Why should you get admitted to this program?
What values will you bring to the institute and to your peers?
What do you understand about the student community and college culture? Why do you think you will fit in?
What are your career goals?
How will this program help you to achieve your career goals?
Your extracurricular activities, hobbies, and interests
What is that one unique aspect/characteristic about you that the admission officers should know? Why does it matter to the admission officers and/or to the fellow students of your class?

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How to write a good SOP for MS?

Self-reflect.

You need to start with introspection and recapitulating all the important events in your life that have influenced your thoughts, personality, and actions. You need to spend a lot of time looking inwards (well I am not suggesting meditation of Yoga though). For the majority of the MS applicants (without any work experience), there’s hardly anything outside the academic world. So, it would be best to talk about motivations, aspirations, interests, vision, values, mottos, career goals, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses, and even failures.

Tell the Purpose after performing thorough Research

When you are applying to a university, you are aiming for an academic upgrade in a specific domain. Then, it’s not only a foreign degree, but there is also a bigger purpose – getting a job (unless you plan to attend a foreign university just for traveling to foreign locations). You need to tell clearly about your expectations for your intended program and the university. Have a look at this example below.

Source: MBA Crystal Ball

The candidate has spoken his/her heart out. But, this is actually quite vague. Harvard University cannot change your life when the candidate is blaming destiny. Here comes the research part. You need to research the university, the department, the curriculum, the professors, the university culture and the current students and alumni. Now, take a look at this one below.

It might not be perfect, but this candidate is talking about specifics, and it’s more credible. The candidate has tried to connect the dots – the life events that influenced his/her thoughts and actions. It shows that the applicant has done research about the university and the faculty members.

Demonstrate Passion and Potential

Don’t just tell, you need to demonstrate your passion. You can excel in a field, only if you have a passion for it. The reader must know that you are genuinely passionate about a particular field. So, it is critical to express it in an interesting and convincing manner.

Your potential is your ability to excel at something. You should discuss the relevance of your recent activities and achievements, and summarize your undergraduate career. You need to demonstrate your potential to pursue the intended program and complete it successfully. You need to talk about accomplishments in academic and co-curricular activities. It needs to show that you are well-prepared for the program.

Add Some Uniqueness to make it Personal

The SOP is rightly called a Personal Statement as you need to give an indication of what type of person you are and express your suitability for the particular program. Don’t shy about adding some failures, if applicable.

The admission committee will accept or reject your application on the basis of your GPA, test scores, recommendation letters, etc. Usually, the MS admission process doesn’t involve interviews, unlike MBA or Undergraduate admission processes. This makes the SOP very critical in the MS admission process.

Recommended Post: How to Write SoP for Ivy League and Top Universities with GRE 320 – 340 Scores

Differences between MS SOP and MBA SOP

While most international business schools include a set of MBA essays in their MBA admissions process, some ask for an SOP as well. While MS applicants are usually freshers, MBA applicants are older and more mature. An MS SOP can be more technical in nature. MBA applicants need to do balancing the technical aspects and managerial potential in the SOP. You need to include examples of leadership, personal integrity, and attitude so college admission teams can know who you are and how you plan to contribute and make a difference to the class.

Tips for Writing a Good SOP for Graduate School

Start early and spend good enough time on introspection and brainstorming ideas and life events.
Put focus on self-motivation, passion, competence, and potential.
Write in an active voice, and not passive voice.
Use a formal, but conversational tone.
Write persuasively.

Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to in the word range of 500 – 1000 words (1-2 single-spaced pages in 12 point font).

Make it a compelling story and not a dead cold and boring statement. Have a look at this example below.

Source: CrunchPrep

Add specifics and quantify your story . Here is a relevant example.

Don’t sound vague . Introspect and add credibility to your story.

Don’t create fake stories . Be honest and original.

Do extensive research about the university, campus culture, and faculty members. Include the names of one or two faculty members in that university and what you know of and appreciate their work, and why you want to study or work under their guidance. Here is another example.

Mention what you like about the university you are applying for , and why : campus, faculty members’ research profile, facilities, labs, infrastructure, etc.

Ask your teachers and faculty members for advice .

Be creative , but don’t go overboard. Make the statement easy to read.

Proofread, edit, re-edit and ask for feedback.

Your goal is to portray the true picture of yourself. Ideally, the admission committee should think of you like this:

Need help with writing SOP? We won’t write the SOP for you. But, we can help you to brainstorm ideas, proofread, edit and review the SOP for you. You can opt for our SoP services.

If you don’t need a full-fledged service. You could also book a session to discuss the SoP strategy and pointers.

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid while Writing a Graduate SOP

The use of quotations at the start of your SOP is actually a bad idea. The admission officers want to know your thoughts and words, not someone else’s.

Writing a general statement won’t take you anywhere. Include facts and personal examples.

Putting too many details about academic grades, test scores, and technical details in the SOP is boring. The admission officers can see your GPA, test scores, and technical skills in the application kit and CV. Include new information that is not present in any other component of the application kit.

Fail to justify why this university and course are perfect for you; and how this program can help you with your career objectives.

Using acronyms is wrong. Use full forms, at least in the first place.

Inappropriate use of humor, clichés, and poems; avoid these at all costs.

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School (MS & MBA): Strategies, Tips, Common Mistakes and Real Examples of SOP Writing

Here are a few snippets of my Personal Statement that I used while applying to the University of New South Wales in Australia. Few words and phrases have been blurred for confidentiality issues.

You might also like to read the following posts:

How to approach your employers for reference letters for applying abroad?

How to Get Started and Six Important Things to Consider While Embarking on Study Abroad Journey

Top Courses to Study for Getting Jobs Abroad

Best Countries with Post-Study Work Opportunities for International Students

MS Application Deadlines and GRE Requirements for Fall 2023

Top Education Loan Providers to Study Abroad

Potential Ways to Fund your Studies for Grad School Abroad

Key Sources: CrunchPrep, MBA Crystal Ball, The Hindu, University of California Graduate School, Berkeley Graduate Division.

Cover letter vs Statement of purpose

Is there a difference between the 2?

When applying for internships, they generally require a cover letter while grad schools require a SOP, but they seem to have the same purpose.

The difference is mostly in format and style. Both have a specific format that writers tend to follow, and a different style of writing (overall cover letters tend to be more formal than statements). But you are right in that they have much the same purpose - to try to convince some admissions/hiring committee that you are the ideal choice for the position they are trying to fill.

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Statement of Purpose vs Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Basics

What is a Cover Letter?

Key Differences between Statement of Purpose and Cover Letter

Importance in Application Processes

How to Write an Effective Statement of Purpose

Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Additional Considerations

Final Thoughts: Sealing Your Academic and Professional Journey

Additional Resources

Statement of Purpose vs. Cover Letter: Understanding the Differences and How to Write Them Effectively

Understanding the Differences

Cover Letter vs Personal Statement [With Examples]

What is a Personal Statement?

What is a Cover Letter?

When is Each Used?

Similarities

Differences

Cover Letter Examples

Example 2: Sales Representative Cover Letter

Example 3: Human Resources Manager Cover Letter

Example 4: Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Personal Statement Examples

Example 2: Law School Personal Statement

Example 3: MBA Personal Statement

Example 4: Education Personal Statement

Statement of purpose vs. personal statement: knowing the difference

Statement of Purpose

A strong statement of purpose should:

Here are some tips for writing an effective statement of purpose:

Personal Statement

A strong personal statement should:

Some tips for writing an effective personal statement:

TopAdmit- Online Application Essay Editing

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SOP (Statement of Purpose): Format, Samples, and Tips

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose?

How to Write a Powerful and Convincing SOP?

Statement of Purpose Samples

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How to Write a Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose (SOP)

What is a Statement of Purpose (SOP)?

Why is the Statement of Purpose important?

What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?

Tips to Write a Successful SOP

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Personal Statement

What is a Motivation Letter?

Tips to Consider Before Writing a Motivational Letter

Structure of a Motivation Letter

How to Start a Motivation Letter

How to End a Letter of Motivation

How to Write a Motivation Letter for Study Abroad

5. Why do you want to study this programme?

6. What do you want to do after graduation?

7. Why should we give you this opportunity?

How to Write a Study Abroad Motivation Letter with No Experience

What is the D ifference Between a Motivation Letter, SOP, Cover Letter, and Personal Statement?

In Conclusion:

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Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement: What is the Difference between Personal Statement and Statement of Purpose?

What is a Statement of Purpose?

What is a Personal Statement?

What is the Difference between SOP and Personal Statement?

SOP vs Personal Statement: Similarities

Making the Choice: Personal Statement vs SOP

Tips to Write the Best SOP and Personal Statement

What is better: personal statement vs SOP?

What is the difference between SOP and personal statement?