Every Statement of Purpose is different. Each essay is supposed to be individualistic in nature and no one can actually give you a recipe of a great SOP. What works for one individual would not be work for another! However, the process of how to write a SOP remains same across the board. All would include the basic 5 steps of creating a list, following a theme and so on. These processes can be, further customized on the basis of the general course you would be applying for.
For instance, the steps on how to write a SOP for a management program would be categorically different from the process of writing a SOP for an undergraduate course. And again, a SOP for a Master’s course would include the 5 steps…but the approach would be different. Let us look at how to write a SOP for a Masters’ program in the same 5 basic steps…but modified.
Step 1: Prepare a list of your achievements.
Write down your academic achievements, your co-scholastic achievements, and instances as well as a list of your personal instances. Creating separate lists would help you look at them in an objective manner. The lists could be expansive and include anything related to your graduation, your school or even seminars. The lists of what all you can include in your SOP for MS/MSc.Courses are rather comprehensive. Simply think back and list down all the points. You need not worry about the chronology either. You should write whatever comes to your mind.
Step 2: Think clearly about your goals.
This is one of the biggest differences between a SOP for MBA and a SOP for a Masters’ course. While in MBA you would want to talk about your professional and personal goals in details, a SOP for your Masters need not necessarily be driven towards a professional job/ employment. It could be a continuous journey of learning the subject and simply the next step towards your goals of the research. It could also be a means to find fruitful employment. Whatever the case be, at this stage you need to clearly define what is it that you would want to do and accordingly decide on
the theme of your SOP.
Step 3: Compare, classify and crop the list.
This is perhaps the most important step. Remember, WHILE stating your purpose in life is very important for your SOP, what is even more important is to do so within the specified word limits. Not exceeding the word limit is the most important Don’t of a SOP writing. Hence, it is crucial to compare the lists, classify the various points and then crop the lists. You need to find out the right balance of what all you would want to include in the SOP.
Step 4: Explore the faculty and research projects in the university you are applying to.
Usually, Universities abroad are working on some or the other research project. It would help to find out if you can relate to any of the projects. Linking your SOP with an ongoing research would always be a great add.
Step 5: Write the SOP, edit it and write again.
This is a principal step to all your statement of purposes. Always and always prepare a rough draft, edit it and let it be. After few days, revisit the draft and write another fresh draft. It is important to write your essay again. Doing this would help you eliminate most of the unwanted elements. Comparing the two drafts would at times inspire you to do more. So, start off and get writing. Just keep in mind what all you must include in a SOP for your Masters and more importantly, what not to include in your SOP for Masters Programs.
Step-by-step method of including information:
- While developing an SOP for MS or Masters or Graduate Programme, what needs to be considered is the kind of course you are applying to.
- Discussing about the industry we plan to join and relating it to your long-term goal is the best way to begin an SOP.
- Explaining about your background, academic and professional, highlighting all your relatedendeavours and achievements when combined with a motivation covers the next almost 2-3 paragraphs.
- Then explaining about how your background when complemented with the course of your choice will help you in achieving your goals would be the ideal next step.
- All the information discussed above should lead your decision of applying to the chosen course and college, where you would discuss the opportunities you would get by studying under some professors and contributing to their research work.
- How you would utilise the college facilities to enhance your knowledge and develop new while sharpening your existing skills needs to be written with precision.
- This would include talking about the college and country you wish to study in relating to the industry you wish to work in the coming future
