Everything you need to know about the Statement of Purpose

INTRODUCTION
In our series of e-books to help students with their preparations to study abroad; we now present
our latest e-book on the ‘Statement of Purpose’.
The Statement of Purpose or the SoP as it is popularly known as is essentially an essay of sorts in
which the applicant to a course writes about his or her academic and professional goals and why
he or she has opted to apply for a specific course and study at a specific institution.
The e-book is divided into convenient modules covering various topics like the components of an
ideally written SoP, dos and don’ts of writing a SoP and most importantly sample SoPs for your
reference.

CONTENT
What is a Statement of Purpose/SOP? - 5
Components of an SOP - 7
Tips to write an effective SOP - 10
SOP –What not to do? - 12
SOP – Samples - 14

CHAPTER 1
What is a Statement of
Purpose?

Everything you need to know about the Statement of Purpose 6
As the name signifies, the Statement of Purpose is your personal statement about who you are,
what has influenced your career path so far, your professional interests and where you plan to go
from here.
This is usually required for students applying to universities, colleges and research studies. A SoP
usually narrates one’s purpose of studying that particular course, area of specialization, future
career goals, and achievements in the past and so on.
The SoP is your chance to talk directly to the admissions committee and make you stand out from
among a multitude of similarly qualified candidates. The SoP should convince the admissions
team that you are the best applicant they could choose for the seat. You must show that you have
the motivation and ability to succeed and perform excellently. Your SoP should highlight any
experience related to the course to which you are applying.
“Keep in mind that your audience comprises experts in the field and make your SoP as close to
facts as possible. Include your research plans, academic goals, and describe your aptitude.”
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CHAPTER 2
Components of a Statement of
Purpose

Make a list that of all the main important topics that you want to cover and list out supporting
material under each topic. You must remember that information about your past is crucial but it’s
more vital to include how it led you to focus on your present area of interest. The admissions
team considers your current and future areas of research interest.
You can divide your SoP into three parts - the introduction, body and conclusion.
1. Introduction
You should pen down personal reasons for why you have chosen this area of interest or list out
how you have overcome difficulties. You can even go on to include how certain incidents in your
life played a part in influencing your aspirations.
2. The Body
Professional Goals
Here you should look to answer some of these questions:
• Why is it that you want to become a mathematician or a physicist (for example)?
• Which were the life experiences that made you realise you wanted to become one?
• What are your plans after you obtain the degree from the university – talk about your future
goals - both educational and professional.
• Why have you chosen this university?
• Why do you make a good candidate - talk about your triumphs and how committed you are to
academics.
Education - Background
Include a summary of what you did as a high school or an undergraduate student. Here, ensure
you list out the specific classes or projects you had taken that enhanced your interest in the field
that you desire to pursue study in. Mention the skills that you have acquired through the projects
that you have worked on and stress the ones that are relevant to your future graduate work.

Everything You Need to Know About the ‘Statement of Purpose’ 9
Related Experience
Provide all details of relevant research that you might have performed with all required details such
as the project title, the project responsibilities and the project outcome.
If you have obtained any relevant work experience related to your professional area of interest -
ensure you include them.
Outstanding Triumphs
If you have been the winner of any regional, state, or even international events or competitions,
then mention them - needless to say. This could include any form of achievement including special
fellowships to special nominations or awards.
3. Conclusion
The conclusion is also an important part of the essay - it must bring in the essence of what you
are trying to say overall.

CHAPTER 3
Tips to write an effective
Statement of Purpose

Some basic tips you must be aware of before you put pen to paper!
• Use active voice and always highlight everything from a positive angle and if the program
asks you for one page, stick to it strictly.
• When it comes to font, go for 11-12.
• Note that it’s always better to use examples than just making plain statements especially while
referring to yourself. If you say you’re a persistent person, back it up with an example or
demonstrate how you are one in your SoP. Examples are always more catchy and hold the
reader’s attention compared to general statements. Don’t hold back from drawing on situation
from your very own life and adding them. This will put you above other superficial applicants
who may have just made statements with no content to back them up.
• The key of the SoP is focus and continuity; have your essay proof-read and checked a couple
of times before submission. A fresh perspective always helps. If you’re looking to apply to the
US, it would be great to get someone who’s currently studying in a grad school to have a look
at your essay- as they would be in the best place to know what grad schools would be looking
for in a prospective student.
• Tailor your SoP for every school you apply to; make sure your essay is convincing enough to
prove you belong there.

CHAPTER 4
SOP – What NOT to do?

What NOT to Do?
Steer clear of these!
• There are some words that are painfully over-used and just sound empty and vague – such as
challenging; rewarding; beautiful; meaningful. Make sure these don’t end up in your SoP.
• Non-specific information and common phrases are definitely not going to get you any closer to
getting you noticed. Stay away from them as much as you can. It’s useful to ask yourself if you
have just put down what a hundred other students would have too.
• Do NOT repeat information from your application unless you must.
• Humour may backfire as you don’t really know your audience. So refrain from jokes or funny
phrases.
• Slang and unoriginal phrases like “I have always wanted to become a...” won’t really help you
score either.
• Talking about mistakes unless you are referring to it as a learning experience.
• Special fonts or coloured paper are a definite no-no!
• Don’t let them mistake your confidence for arrogance - make sure your tone throughout the
essay portrays you to be a person who is open to learning.

CHAPTER 5
Statement of Purpose - Samples

“Knowledge comes by eyes always open and working hands, and there is no knowledge that is
not power”. This statement characterizes my beliefs. Ever since I attended the first industrial visit
during my sophomore year of engineering I have nurtured a dream of becoming a part of the top
level management team of a firm.
Now, after two years of relevant experience in the field of procurement in Supply chain
Management, the power of knowledge seems to call me out persuading me to seek more. The
dream I nurtured during my graduation has grown with me and I hope the day of realization is not
far off. To make this a reality I intend to pursue an M.B.A in strategy and procurement
management at your esteemed university.
Soon after my graduation I set out to realize my dream by joining Olympic Cards Private Limited
as a procurement engineer. After a year of experience I joined a top electronic manufacturing
company (Foxconn International Holdings) in order to attain global experience. The company
trained me in global procurement and appointed me as a team leader for the procurement team at
Foxconn India Private Limited which I consider as one of the biggest achievement so far in my
life.
Early in my life, at the high school level, I learnt the value of hard work and perseverance. This
led me to secure 90% in my higher secondary examination. Later this served as a foundation for
my studies in electronics and communication at B.S.A Crescent Engineering College which ranks
as one of the top accredited engineering college affiliated to Anna University in the state of Tamil
Nadu (South India). Besides this academic achievement I am an active musician and my passion
for music has helped me to further understand the importance of hard work and perseverance
required to excel. I was elected as the secretary of the college music association in the year 2004
and I performed at a number of prestigious venues around the city.
…… continues
Sample Statement of Purpose – MBA
Below is a sample statement of purpose written by a student applying to a university to study
an MBA programme.

As a part of my work experience I have gained knowledge in the following fields,
• Strategic development of suppliers
• Analyzing and negotiation of the quotation
• Management of contracts and agreements with suppliers
• Supplier performance evaluation
• Different kinds of P.O disposition
• Debit note and Credit note
• Inventory Control
• Documentation for the procurement department for TL9000
• Part of internal quality and on-site supplier auditing team
• Key user for SAP R/3 Material Management Module
This had provided me with a firm grasp of concepts and a launching pad to embark upon a
voyage of knowledge in procurement. My study of these fields has also served to further fuel my
ambition and deepen my interest in the field of strategy and procurement management.
I got some very interesting information about my field of study by browsing your website and this
has driven me to apply for the M.B.A (Strategy and procurement management) course offered at
your prestigious university. The eight modules of the M.B.A program which include the Strategic
Management, Organization & Resource Management, Strategic Marketing, Financial
Management, Operations Management, International & Risk Management, Power Regimes &
Supply Chain Management, Business Strategy and Procurement competence will help me
improve my cognizance in the field of procurement and I believe that studying at your university
will give me the means to achieve my goals and realize my dreams. I therefore make an earnest
request to consider my application for admission.

Its boundless possibilities and instant outcomes are what I find most stimulating and appealing
about Computer Science. I believe that keeping an explorative attitude and inquisitive mind is
key to a constant learning process. As I am in the course of my final year in my undergraduate
program, I want to pursue graduate study to further refine my skills and knowledge in this area of
interest. I think the graduate programme in Mechatronics will give my career goal of becoming a
research professional the right direction at research-oriented, commercial or academic
organisations.
I believe it will also serve to give direction to my goal of a career as a research professional at an
academic or commercial, research-oriented organisation. I intend to pursue an MS degree in order
to reach that goal.
I have benefitted vastly from the breadth of Bharat University’s undergraduate syllabus and
gained a comprehensive exposure to many core areas of the field and a strong conceptual
understanding. In my four years of study at University I have learnt how to maintain an
expending independent approach in all my endeavours.
In the past two years, I found myself drawn towards the areas of Information Retrieval and
Compiler Construction. The Compiler Construction lab sessions and the subjects Formal Systems
and Automata and Compiler Construction led me to show appreciation towards the field’s
intricacies. However for my MS program, I am open to topics focussing on other areas as well.
For my B.E. project this coming semester, I would like to concentrate on Information Retrieval. I
would like to employ a technique for search engines- to increase their precision of query listings
and comprehensiveness.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as the head of the Engineering Students Body at
Bharat University is that one person’s life can influence the lives of many people. This gives us
the reason to behave responsibly and be accountable. I was the youngest head of this student body
in the history of Bharat University and the only one to have served two consecutive years as the
Head. This role taught me that self-reliance is the basis of good work and helped me learn how to
take both praise and criticism positively. This was a very distinctive and gratifying experience
which I feel will stand me in good stead if I choose to get in to the teaching line in the future.
…… continues
Sample SOP For Engineering Grad Schools
The below Statement of Purpose is written by a final year undergraduate engineering student
applying for MS programs in the USA.

I would like to say in conclusion that the essence of University education lies in the synergetic
relationship between the department and the students. I think that graduate study at your
University would be help me best with my academic pursuits and is a major step towards
achieving my objectives. I would be grateful if I am given the opportunity to pursue my graduate
study at your world-renowned institution.

Sample Statements of Purpose - For Medical Studies
The below statement is written by a practising doctor who wishes to join the MSc in
Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research at the University of Leeds..
India leads the world in the number of people suffering from diabetes and cardio-vascular
diseases; this is a fact corroborated by most medical agencies. The worrying factor is that the age
of those getting diagnosed with diabetes and cardiac issues is getting lesser. This is testimony to
the lifestyle changes in the current generation and the unhealthy eating habits of the current
generation, which is getting addicted to ‘junk food’.
I have completed my MBBS course from MGM Medical University; Ahmedabad and have
worked for two years in the Government Medical Hospital, Rajkot. I secured 83% overall in my
final exams and received a certificate of merit for being the ‘Best Medical Student’.
During my days of training as a medical student; I noticed the number of patients who were
admitted to the hospital because of lifestyle induced diabetes and cardiac complaints. The
percentage of such complaints was much higher than those of patients with age-afflicted and
hereditary medical complaints. This prompted me to conduct a survey of about 50 patients who
had been admitted to the hospital in the age-group of 23 to 40 years and I found that in nearly 15
patients; just eating proper nutritious food on time could have prevented hospitalisation for
cardiac complaints.
This reiterates the fact that healthy eating, ample exercise and regular medical check-ups can
prevent life-style diseases. I would like to focus my energies on understanding more about how
the human body reacts to herbal medical alternatives. In some tests run here I noted that blood-sugar
levels and cholesterol levels could be controlled by regular consumption of extracts from
bitter gourd and fenugreek. I noted this in some patients and this is an acknowledged practice in
many families in India.
I would like to devote time to conduct systematic research on the positive impact of bitter gourd
and fenugreek extracts on diabetic and cardiac patients. As a first step in this path, I wish to apply
for a place on the MSc in Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research offered by the University of
Leeds.
The excellent research facilities and the strong research-centric curriculum seem to be the perfect
choice for me to further my academic and professional goals. The strong Indian community in
Leeds is another factor, which draws me to Leeds. I hope that I can fulfil my dream of becoming
a certified medical specialist in diabetic and cardio-vascular diseases at the University of Leeds.

"The computer is the most remarkable tool we’ve ever come up with. It’s the equivalent of a
bicycle for our minds." - This quote by Steve Jobs has inspired me ever since I read about him in
a newspaper article when I was in school. The sheer passion, dedication and insight into the
future that Steve had led to the growth of Apple one of the riches technology companies in the
world. The products created by Apple Inc. from the ipod to the iphone and the ipad have all been
game-changers and have a fanatic fan-following all over the world.
My interest in computers was sparked by the story of how Jobs created Apple as a technology
firm with his friends. This led me to opt for the Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science
course at Mercy Engineering College. I rate the four years of study at the engineering college
among the best years of my life as I spent a lot of time in the computer laboratory learning
programming languages and also concepts of hardware technology and the components that make
up a computer.
As part of the project of my final semester of study; I worked on developing a portable word-processing
application that would also work on low-cost Java-based mobile phones. In
developing countries, smart-phones are still a luxury and most people still use sub-US$25 mobile
phones, which work on Java-based operating systems. The external examiner for the project rated
my project 4.5 out of a maximum of 5 rating points. I completed the engineering course with a
cumulative grade point average of 8.75 out of a maximum of 10 points.
I aspire to study the Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Melbourne
because it is amongst the most highly rated postgraduate programs offered in Australia.
Additionally, one of my lecturers Mr. Avinash Tripathi an alumnus of the University of
Melbourne recommended that I study here. I have complete faith in Mr. Avinash’s
recommendation and I hope I will get a chance to study my dream course at Melbourne.
…… continues
Sample Statement of Purpose- MS in Computer Science
The below statement of purpose is written by a student who aspires to study an MS in
Computer Science at the University of Melbourne.

My ambition is to focus on creating a low-cost yet robust computing device that can offer the full
functionalities of a personal computer. This will work on open-source technology and will help
everyone from students to farmers and the biggest USP of the device would be that it would run
on a solar-powered battery.
The process of learning is continuous and I hope that I would also be able to work on a doctoral
program at the University of Melbourne. I hope I will get admission at the University of
Melbourne and will be able to fulfill my dreams.
Caution: Please note these SOPs are for reference only. Do not copy-paste them
to write your SOPs. Institutions may refuse to acknowledge them citing
plagiarism of content.
Disclaimer – The names of institutions and students and faculty have just been used for reference. All
cases and scenarios mentioned are fictitious and have just been used for the purpose of explaining how
sample SoPs look like.

Dear readers, thanks for downloading this e-book and reading this book to learn about the various
aspects of writing a Statement of Purpose. We hope that you found this useful and now you would
get a clearer idea on how to write the perfect SoP that will help you with your admissions. If you
have any tips or suggestions or would like to suggest new topics on which you would like to read
e-books; please write to support.hotcourses.co.in.
Team Hotcourses India – With you on your study abroad mission!

Everything you need to know about the Statement of Purpose

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Everything you need to know about the Statement of Purpose