Guidelines
For Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
This is the most difficult
part of a student’s application and a crucial one as well.. The SOP is that
part of your application that helps the admissions offer get a better understanding
of who and what you are . Look back at your experiences and accomplishments and
think how these have influenced your values, perception, thinking and approach
to life. It demonstrate your writing ability as which U.S. institution value .This
is your chance to choose parts of your past and yourself to highlight and to determines
how people should view them. Use this opportunity to color your reader’s
interpretations. The personal statement should be written in a manner that makes
the student distinguish herself/himself from other applicants. You are an unknown
product and therefore it is important that you portray yourself as an interesting,
committed student who will contribute immensely towards their program. This must
be well-written with clear conviction. WHY IS IT ASKED :
Schools
want to ensure that you have given serious thought to your future career.
They
want to be sure that their program fits with the future that you have envisaged
for yourself.
They want to know whether you have the academic preparation.
They
want to know why this is the appropriate time. ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS: What details of your life have shaped you and influenced
your goals? What are your short-term/long –term goals? What about
your field encouraged you and gave you the conviction that you are best suited
for the field? When did you first become interested in your current career
direction and how has the interest evolved ? How will the U.S. education
facilitate your plans? (particularly the school that you intend applying to )
What is your academic background and experience? Have you learned this
through classes, work experience, important readings, related extra-curricular
activities. Explain any gaps in academic records. Have you overcome any obstacles?
What personal characteristics you have that will enhance your prospects
for success? Analyze your strengths. What special skills do you possess-communication,
leadership, analytical, creativity etc. Relate these skills to your background.
Why do you consider yourself to be a strong candidate and more successful
and effective in the field than other applicants. In other a words, what qualities
are you bringing to the U.S. university. Which writer and which articles
in your field of study have influenced your development of thought. Think
of any person/professor who influenced you in any way ? What is the most important
concept you learned in college?
Some important tips :
Prepare
the skeleton - Write the SOP yourself. Start by writing down points in
any particular order. Read your application carefully and go through
the program information in detail. This will enable you in organizing your thoughts
well. Do not duplicate your C.V. Recall your achievements and analyse your
strengths. Forget modesty. Avoid writing about accomplishments during your
high school or school days. Keep a positive note and include important
and relavant facts to show that you are prepared for graduate studies.
Convey
your ideas clearly. Outline your objectives and goals. The professors
want to know your specific interests. Why are you interested in this
particular program . Why do you find this field interesting. What is your reason
for selecting this school . How will this program further your professional and
personal goals. Find compelling reasons to these questions. State your
future plans. Avoid obvious statements.
Clothe the skeleton : Prepare
a draft and keep improvising till you are able to come with a convincing one that
fits within the required length. Use professional language and avoid class
text. Be articulate in the way you convey ideas. Your first paragraph is
extremely important as it capture’s the readers attention. Avoid repetition
and keep a check on the flow of thoughts. Express your thoughts clearly. Read
it repeatedly. Support your strengths by relating them with events significant
to you. Show your first draft to a counselor or a professor. Incorporate
their suggestions and make 2/3 drafts to counselor or a professor. Incorporate
their suggestion and make 2/3 drafts if necessary. Ensure that your statement
of purpose is proof-read and grammatically correct before the final version is
prepared. The Statement of Purpose shows how well one can express ideas
clearly. Writing skills are extremely important to a student’s academic success
as American universities are looking for students who are able to think clearly.
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