The Spring season. These are the few days when some people are out on their spring breaks or enjoying the crisp smell of nature, while the others are aspiring students who are filling out hundreds of applications to get a step closer to their dream career. Only if fate was as kind to let everyone get into their dream university. The “lucky ones” always manage to make the cut, but that’s further from the truth. This is the story of a young, independent girl: Ayesha.

Ayesha was an intelligent student who pursued Arts and passed her HSC and SATs with flying colors. She dreamed of pursuing Psychology from Yale University and becoming a Child Psychologist. A girl, who had her entire life planned out, found herself at crossroads when she had to take the first step – writing a good SoP (Statement of Purpose). Even though her goals were clear she couldn’t pen down her thoughts and ideas. 

She shared her trepidation about the same with her close friend Naina. “Did you try searching for the right format on the internet? You get everything there. I’m sure this is true with SoPs too,” said Naina. Later, Ayesha pulled out her laptop and found herself browsing through the internet trying to find the right format. However, she found herself more perplexed than before as the internet had so much to offer. Some of the sample essays were brilliant, but she couldn’t copy them due to the fear of plagiarism. She then decided to take help from her college professor. Mrs. Mukherjee after hearing Ayesha’s dilemma decided to get her in contact with Shreya, one of her ex-students who faced the same problem a year ago, who was now studying at Nottingham University. 

Ayesha was nervous to talk to Shreya (new-people syndrome). But, eventually, she called her. Shreya understood her problem easily as she had been through the same. “I agree it can be confusing but don’t worry I’ll help you out with it,” she said, which was a huge sigh of relief for Ayesha.

“The most important thing to remember is to start your SoP with a bang! If it is engaging from the beginning only then will the admissions committee want to read further and get to know you more,” said Shreya. Furthermore, she asked Ayesha to state her academic and extracurricular achievements in the essay. 

“It is better to not lie in your application. Make sure to mention whatever you have achieved with accuracy. But you can take the creative liberty to spice things up for greater impact.”

Shreya then advised her to keep the Statement of Purpose short and precise but at the same time mention all the important events in a smooth flow using good vocabulary along with strategic placement of the right keywords. The fact that Ayesha’s purpose was clear made the entire process easier. Shreya suggested that she write the same as long as there weren’t any subsequent materialistic needs associated with it. 

“Since Yale isn’t the only university that you’re applying to, customize your SOP to fit the requirements laid down by each institution. Hunt for keywords that the universities look for by going through their website and peppering your SoP with the same. Lastly, stick to the word count. Go through your essay, proofread and edit it a thousand times, and end it like you’re their only chance of having a good alumni batch! I will also share my SoP for you to get a gist of the ideal flow and tone of the essay. But, make sure you don’t copy the same as your application is supposed to be a reflection of your personality, not mine,” said Shreya. 

Ayesha was relieved and motivated to start writing her SoP. Not only was she successful in writing her SoP but she also got admission to Yale University. Later, she went on to pursue her dream career from her desired university. 

Students often fail to realize the importance of writing a good SOP and end up losing the chance of getting enrolled in their coveted university. By just keeping a few points in mind you will have an edge over others and this will get you closer to your dream career. 

PS: No, this is not an after-school special

This story is not a work of Fiction, the names, of course, have been changed.

Yes, we can help you gain admission at Yale University if that’s your dream college destination.