Remember this for a mindblowing statement of purpose

You’ve been tirelessly working, preparing for various entrance exams, and trying to get the necessary grades and qualifications to sail into your dream university. But, there is still something standing in your way — a fantastic Statement of Purpose. If you have no idea what this is or what you’re supposed to do, you’ve come to the right place.

What is a Statement of Purpose?

A Statement of Purpose or SoP is an essay you have to write to get into any university and pursue the educational program you want. This is the only piece of paper that you have full control over and plays a significant role in getting you admission into your dream college.

Why is an SoP important?

Grades are crucial for admissions, but they provide only a one-dimensional view of you. An SoP, on the other hand, gives you a chance to tell the admissions committee your story, your dreams, ambitions, struggles, why you want to pursue this course, everything short of your life story. It provides a wholesome perspective of you and gives you a chance to speak to them directly.

A well-written SoP makes you stand out from the rest of the similarly qualified candidates.

Most universities do ask for a statement of purpose, but each universities requirements vary. Some might want you to answer a specific question, while some might have a word limit, and otherwise, it’s up to you what you want to include.

If you’re unsure about what to write in your statement of purpose, you can read about it here.

Here are a few questions a university might ask:

How would you describe yourself, focusing on those qualities, assets, and liabilities that you think will affect your graduate work?

OR

In 500 words, describe what you consider to be your most significant achievement.

OR

Discuss your plans for graduate study and your career objectives.

Whatever the question might be, the purpose of this essay is to give the university a reason to accept you. They want to know you, your experiences, your important lessons-learned, and your goals; why are they your goals, and why you want to join that university. They want to know you in about 800–1200 words. A Statement of Purpose is the only way for the admission committee to get to know you, so make it count.

There is a myth that SoPs are only required for universities abroad, which is untrue. Increasingly, Indian educational institutes have also started making it a requirement for admissions.

Other than that, SoPs are also required by some Immigration offices of particular countries. If you wish to travel abroad, you might have to write an SoP describing why you want to study/work/live there. This essay, however, will focus more on how you will be contributing to that country, and less on your professional goals. What assets do you bring along with you? How can you add value to that country? Why should they have you?

A Statement of Purpose, whether it is for a university or Immigration, is principally the same. Yet, when it comes down to its technicalities, every SoP is different and unique. Thus, they are a need for everyone who wants to broaden their scope, academically or professionally.

Furthermore, writing an SoP is an excellent opportunity to introspect and figure out what you want from life, what you consider to be essential achievements, what your goals are, and emerge with a better understanding of yourself.

Chances are, you will have to write one at some point in life, so you might as well learn about what SoP mistakes to avoid, and how to make your SoP so good that the admission committee is blown away by you. However, if you don’t think you are up for the task, you can always ask for help.