The admission officers are looking for the you behind the
exam marks, the GRE/GMAT scores. The you not revealed by the rest of
the application. Try not the repeat information available in other
parts of the application, unless you have a strong reason to.
An SOP can swing decisions. It can also help crystallize an
impression of you that the faculty has developed after going through
other parts of the application. So don't come out looking like a
person lost.
What you write is indicative of you, of your judgment. Much
time & thinking should go into your SOP (even weeks).
Be specific. So you want to be a Doctor. Why ? Give logical reasons.
Explain the origin and growth of your interest. An application to
Graduate School should emerge as a logical conclusion to your story.
Thoughtfulness: Show that you have not just got all the info about
the college from the brochure. Don't get too abstract. Explain why a
course means something to you.
One of the worst things that you can do is bore the committee. Be
lively, fresh, articulate, different. Make yourself memorable.
Answer the questions:
"What's unique / impressive about your life story - family
problems, history, people who changed your life and goals" ?
What sets you apart from other applicants ?
When did you originally become interested in this field and what
have you learnt about it (and yourself) that has further
stimulated your interest ?
How have you learned about this field - classes, reading, work
or people already in the field ?
What are your career goals ?
Have you overcome any hardships (economical, familial, physical)
in your life ?
What personal characteristics of yours enhance your prospects
for success in your field ?
What is the most compelling reason for them to take you ?
Don't include:
References to experiences in school unless v. relevant (after
all that was so long ago, haven't you done anything better since
then ?)
Potentially controversial topics
Political views
Hello friends,
This is my compilation of the USEFI seminar on SOP
writing.
Writing a Winning SOP
SOP is the part of ur application which tells the
admission officer who and what u are. It also
demonstrates ur writing skills. Portray yourself as an
interesting, committed student who will contribute
immensely towards their program.
* Purpose
> To persuade the admissions committee to choose U.
> U have the ability & motivation to succeed in ur
field.
> Experience ( if applicable ) in ur field.
Explicitly state the purpose in the SOP.
* Content
Answer any direct questions fully. Analyze and answer
all parts.
eg : "What are ur strengths & weaknesses in setting
and achieving goals and working thru people?" Here,
there are 6 parts - strengths/weaknesses in setting
goals, strengths/weaknesses in achieving goals,
strengths/weaknesses in working thru people. Also
instead of "thru" people it could be "with" people
and
your answer changes.
Do proper research & homework for questions specific
to the institution.
Besides Purpose & Area of specialization (
qualifications & preparedness ) u must also explain
Problems & inconsistencies in ur records. Some special
conditions not mentioned elsewhere can also be
addressed.
> What career have u chosen? What factors led to the
decision?
> Justify Correctness of ur choice.( Also Why US, Why
that Univ )
Your SOP must explain the worth & significance of ur
experiences wrt your field, future goals. Document ur
concerns by linking them with specific instances.
> Anything U have done that stands out? How did u
achieve it?
> Activities U have been involved in? What capacity?
> Relevant work experience? What was the job? How did
U carry it out?
> Relevant publications? Workshops? Major Awards?
(Forget Modesty but these should be recent ones)
> Special fancy for another academic field?
* What NOT to do
Avoid Jargon ( could be misunderstood )
Avoid obvious statements
Do not exceed the stipulated pg/word limit
Do not duplicate ur CV
Proofread your work
Avoid words like
Significant, interesting, satisfying, challenging,
rewarding, gratifying, meaningful, stimulating,
incredible, invaluable, exciting, enjoyable, helpful,
useful, remarkable, fascinating, etc.
