10 Awesome Ways to write the Best Statement of Purpose

As someone on the hunt for tips to write the best statement of purpose, this is something that you were looking for and with one big question in your mind.

What the hell is an SoP? Why do I need it? More importantly, how do I write it?

Even more importantly, where do I begin?

We’ve heard your plea for help, and we have something in store for you. But, let’s unravel the mystery of what a statement of purpose is.

What is this “SoP”?

Well, to put it nicely, a SoP or Statement of Purpose is the key to the pearly gates of heaven. Or, to put it more colloquially –

It’s the piece of paper that will get you into your dream university.

Why is it almighty?

Because the heavenly power of a Statement of Purpose can get you into any university or the educational program of your choice. Columbia University shouldn’t turn into Colum-bye-a University by drafting a subpar essay according to what you *think* it should be.

Here are a few tips on how to write a good SoP:

Think carefully, note down YOUR purpose

No pressure, but this little document can make or break your admission into your dream college. The very first thing that should be on your Statement of Purpose Planner is to sit down, preferably in a quiet zen-like area, and think about the reason for your choosing that particular university. Jot down your reasons, or your purpose, and this will function as a framework for your SOP.

“I’d like to join this university, get a well-paying job, and buy a Ferrari” – NO

Your goals should never be profit-related. Furthermore, you should NEVER write about how your goal is to get a well-paying job to be able to afford the Rolls Royce. Even though this might really be your goal – nothing wrong with a Rolls Royce – your SoP shouldn’t have a monetary, profit-related goal in it. It’s a big turn-off for the admissions committee.

You’re cooler than you think

The life that you have lived so far is more significant than you think. Keep in mind that experiences that you deem to be normal may actually be unique and extraordinary for others, so it’s always good to talk about those life experiences in short. This could maybe take the form of instances when you experienced discrimination and how you fought it, or even your early years of helping the needy every now and then. It is essential to stress your strengths, or even brag about yourself every now and then.

Always look at the big picture. Writing about your grades and scores – not so significant; they already have all those figures with them. It is best to leave those unnecessary details out.

Start with a bang

How you start your SoP is crucial. Your initial or introductory statements should be so enticing that the person reading it would crave to know more about you. It should not be boring or mundane. Think about how you can capture someone’s attention in your SoP with just the first few lines. Yes, you might need to channel your inner Sanjay Leela Bhansali or Steven Spielberg to begin your admission essay with a bang.

“If it doesn’t add value, it’s a waste” – Henry Ford

Never forget to talk about how you would add value to the university or country you wish to study in. What’s in it for them? Why should they accept you? The answer to these questions should be compelling enough that without a student like you in that university, things may not be the same.

Details are a good thing

Make your SoP as detailed as possible without crossing the word limit (if there is one). It goes without saying that you have to be prepared to give it the time it needs. It’s not your school essay that you can copy off Wikipedia and finish in minutes. This one might take hours, or even days to finish. Let it cook for some time.

You may think you’re Superman, but you’re Clark Kent

Your SOP should ideally glorify you, but not to the point that you come across as arrogant. So, try to maintain that balance of humbleness throughout the essay. Write about the Clark Kent that you are with a little insight into your Superman side, but DO NOT write as if you ARE Superman.

Sincerity is key

If you are insincere while writing, it will reflect in your admissions essay, and the person reading it will totally detect it. Pour your heart out. Give them to you on paper (if that makes sense). Do not make the mistake of copying somebody else’s SoP. Just like we’re all unique snowflakes, your SoP should be unique, too. Plagiarism is a big no-no, and while you may take some inspiration from some best statement of purpose samples others have written, you still need to write this with a touch of you.

Let your closest people proofread it

Once you think you’ve written your SoP perfectly, ask your loved ones to read it. They should finish reading with the impression that the essay screams “That’s so you!”, and it should make them feel as if they would be the exceptional student the committee approves to admit into the university.

Rewriting it is okay!

Don’t shy away from re-writing it. Generally, your first attempt is the TUFD (The Ugly First Draft), and you’ll find that if you read it again on a different day, you’ll come across errors you hadn’t noticed before, and polish it. Do this a couple of times and voila – the perfect statement of purpose.

These are just a few tips on how to write a good SoP. However, since the definition of ‘good’ can vary from one university to another, it’s a good idea to read university guidelines and any samples that they have showcased from other successful applicants for inspiration.

However, if this entire fiasco seems too complicated for you, or you don’t know if you have that secret writer’s talent, you can always hire someone else to write it for you.