Statement of Purpose mistakes to avoid

With your academic career on the line, getting your Statement of Purpose right is the biggest priority as a part of your college application. For every lost, and aspiring student who doesn’t know where they are going wrong, here is a list of everything you have to keep in mind.

Perfect your purpose
Such a crucial aspect of your college application needs time, effort and hard work. Irrespective of your academic background, not only you but every applicant, needs to take this task seriously to increase your chances of getting admission.

Eleventh-Hour work is not your friend

via GIPHY

To start working on your statement of purpose at the eleventh hour is a rookie mistake made by most applicants. Give yourself the time to write and rewrite your statement of purpose till you are completely satisfied with it. Procrastination here will kill your chances of getting into your dream college.

You are the hero of your own story
Rather than letting the creativity flow, most students are afraid of taking risks with their statement of purpose. Sticking to a basic template just shows to your application reviewers that you haven’t given your essay much thought and do not have the uniqueness they are looking for.

Grammar Nazi

via GIPHY

U myt txt lyke ths, but your statement of purpose should not have a single – big or small grammatical mistake. Check for mistakes and then proofread some more because the content of your essay will not matter if it is filled with spelling errors. Bring out the grammar nazi in you.

Trust Your Gut
Advisors or ghostwriters can be a blessing in disguise when you can’t seem to perfect your statement of purpose. Let yourself trust their expertise and skills but do not immediately let common sense go out the window. Remember to always follow your instincts to do what you feel is best.

Follow the TWTNBT principle
TWTNBT is nothing but Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth. Can’t seem to think of any of your weaknesses? Think harder. Reviewers want to know a wholesome picture of your personality and abilities and that means showing them that you aren’t afraid to recognize your own flaws. Justify your lack of experience or high grades and convince them that you can do better.

Ask for help

via GIPHY

Everyone isn’t a gifted storyteller or writer, but there are experts available everywhere who can help you write the perfect statement of purpose. Be it your sibling, a friend, an old teacher or a ghostwriter – outsourcing is the way to go if you’re stuck and can’t seem to get out.

Don’t be *that* guy
While you should expect a certain standard of writing if you are outsourcing your statement of purpose, don’t be a miser when it comes to the price. With your future at stake, the quality of the service should be your priority and not the price. If you feel you are being unfairly charged, talk to the people you are working with, but don’t spend a month (or more) trying to negotiate.

Patience is Key

via GIPHY

A perfect statement of purpose is not perfect in its first draft. Your first piece of writing is always The Ugly First Draft (TUFD). Like you’ve planned where and your preferred college, you need to start writing your SOP at least 3 months before the deadline and take the time to hone your essay. The end result might be completely different from your initial expectation, and that is okay.

Lists are your new best friend
Your general attitude towards life may be carefree and breezy, but not having a list of your academic history, work profile, projects and social causes you have partaken in will make your statement of purpose writing process messier.

Don’t Forget
An obvious but a very important thing to remember is the timelines and deadlines different colleges set for their applicants. Being methodical will help you remember the correct dates for all. Maybe, you could use your reminder app or the calendar in your room to keep track of all the dates.

Here’s the bottom line – getting into your dream college or course. These tricks and tips will not only make sure that you write a flawless statement of purpose, but also make you realize it’s value in your college application. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, from agencies or otherwise, especially if you do not know how to tell your story in the best way possible.