Common SOP Mistakes a Few Wise Idiots Make

Even the wisest of the bunch end up making a few mistakes in their SOPs, akhir insaan toh galtiyo ka putla hai, but we can avoid a lot of those miniscule mistakes and we truly should try to because let’s not forget, our dream future university is on the line here. 

Keep this blog in mind and take a second look at your SOP because there may be a few mistakes that even an excellent writer and storyteller like you might be making.

1. Bad Grammar Can Be a Harmer

Read it once, then read it again, read it so many times that memorisation then begins. Okay not exactly that much, but yes, simple language and good grammar can make your SOP, but flowery language with godforsaken grammar can do much more harm than good. Keep your statement of purpose simple, if you need, run it through Grammarly, you could even send it to your old English teacher to glance at, they could even help you out with other university application tips. Be sure to avoid grammatical errors at all costs.

2. Don’t Be a Side Character in Your Own SOP

You are the protagonist, don’t try to be Farhan Akhtar from Kartik Calling Kartik, you have only one personality so stay focused on it. Be clear and straight, keeping yourself in the centre of your SOP because after all, you are the hero of your own story and what will make your SOP stand out will be you. Tell them about your journey till that stage, about what fascinates you relating to this field, speak about how your life experiences have helped you reach that particular university. Remember, you have to put that ‘U’ in Unique SOP.

3. Cast a Spell to Fix All Your Spellings

It’s very easy to make simple spelling mistakes because you were floating over your article instead of paying the dire attention it deserves. Even the smallest of mistakes, such as using US English while applying to Queens University in the UK, can be perceived as erroneous in terms of both spelling and, at times, grammar. I’ve personally seen people messing up the names of their professors when writing an SOP, now imagine that same person reading your SOP and forming an impression of you as a recruiter. Scary right?

4. If It’s a Good Pitch, You’re a Good Catch

It can be easy to sound needy when, practically, your entire career is on the line, but this is exactly when you need to be confident and remember your own worth, don’t request, beg or sell yourself, the last one is actually illegal as well. You do need to pitch yourself, but the right way of doing that is telling the university how you can truly be an asset to them, what you can bring to the table, and how that particular university is the perfect conducive environment for you to grow and excel. Back up all the claims made in your SOP with reference to your experiences and create value for yourself in the mind of your university recruiter. Pitch it well, catch your dream university and you’ll score that homerun. (Weak baseball references, ik)

5. Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

So, no one is really going to set your pants on fire for lying in your SOP but can you tell me what’s worse? Having your pants on fire, or losing your dream university because of some small and maybe not so white lies you may have told in your SOP. Stick to the truth because when you state experience that you don’t have, you may not live up to the expectations you’ve created when practically tested. Keep in mind, if you’re copying from the first page of google, the university probably has 100 other applicants doing such smart (stupid) work. Avoid it at all costs.

6. You Don’t Need Dr. Strange to Fix a Strange SOP

Feel free to ask for help when you need it, you don’t really need a superhero to help you with your SOP, just someone who might be super good with framing and writing things. Try to approach that scholar friend of yours for help, ask your friends or elder siblings who are already studying in a foreign university how they structured and wrote their SOP.

Caution: too many cooks spoil the broth. Approaching too many people may lead to you having conflicting thoughts. When asking for help, trust a few people who you’re certain are well informed.

 Writer’s block is a very real thing and if you’re still struggling to write your SOP, just approach your friendly neighbourhood wise idiot (that means us).

7. Be an Arranged Amy and a Gigantic Gina

You have to remember to be organised and well-arranged like Amy. Maintain a good flow and structure when preparing your SOP and remember to create a list of pointers that will help you mark off all the things you want to mention in your SOP. Don’t forget to dazzle the recruiters with your charm and confidence when focused on the organisation and layout of your SOP. You shouldn’t freak out when approaching the captain like Amy, rather be charismatic and in control like Gina.

At the end of the day, your aim remains simple – getting into your dream university. An SOP is vital for getting you there and frankly, it does a lot to help you remember your entire journey till that point, the question is, are you the absolute best person to frame and explain that journey to your recruiter? If you’re still confused facing the conundrums around your SOP or if you believe you’re beyond excellent in your field but need a little bit of help in framing your experience and story, reach out to us today!