Tips to Follow and Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Statement of Purpose
Give Your Statement of Purpose the Utmost Attention
A statement of purpose is the most important aspect of a graduate school application. It is this piece of writing that would let the admission committee know who you are, your professional interests and the reason you chose a particular career path. Therefore, you should take it serious and make sure it grabs the attention of the admission committee.
Creating a highly acceptable sop is not a task impossible. All it requires is attention to details, care, and patience. You should be patient enough to create as many drafts as possible, get professional help for the proof-reading, editing and further guidance. Luckily, this post will show you the mistakes to avoid and the tips to follow when writing statement of purpose engineering or just any statement of purpose.
Tips to Follow/Dos For Writing Statement of Purpose
#1: Create an Outline of Topics you’re expected to Cover
One of the most essential tips and steps to take while writing your statement is to create an outline of topics you’re expected to cover, particularly the topics that the grad school expects you to cover and other essentials you want to include. Subsequently, you should write out supporting material under every topic.
This step is helpful and would guide you in developing your statement of purpose drafts. For instance, consider including professional career goals as one of the typical topics in your outline.
Other topics include academic objectives and interests, practical experience, research experience, as well as relevant personal material regarding your motivation. And, don’t forget to cover what influenced your decision to pursue the career path in question.
#2: Stick to Each Program’s Points
Also, when writing a statement of purpose, endeavor to stay within the boundary of the specifics of the program in question. For instance, if the course or program you wish to pursue emphasizes clinical task, research, or work experience, make sure you highlight those in your sop.
Except the instruction specifies so, try not to write philosophical discussions or episodic (lengthy) statement.
#3: Stick to Word Count or Length Instructions
Often, programs would specify one page length. Whatever length that a program requires, do your best to stay within that specification. This is why you should be straight to the point and precise. Highlight the most required topics.
#4: Write in a Positive Perspective
Also, it’s great idea to write your sop in a positive perspective. You should also avoid being passive with your words. In essence, you should write in an active voice. This would help project your points and make them more engaging.
#5: Get Information about the Professors and the Researches They’ve Embarked On
You can confirm this by looking up on the web. Alternatively, you can simply send an email to the applicable department. This is particularly necessary if those professors and their research works match yours. Indicating such essential pieces of information is a proof that you are highly motivated and have done your homework properly.
#6: Use Examples to Demonstrate Most Points
Instead of just saying things directly, why not use examples to solidify your points. For instance, don’t say you have experience in specific area, you should prove it by listing relevant projects or designs you’ve accomplished to earn such experience.
Using examples to demonstrate your points offers the following advantages;
- They grab the reader’s attention and intensify interests
- They help to stand you out from the crowd
#7: Organize Your Essay
Ensure you organize your essay excellently, with everything linked with focus as well as continuity. Give maximum attention to the first paragraph, it can make or mar your statement of purpose since it is the first port of call for your reader.
The Don’ts/Mistakes to Avoid While Writing a Statement of Purpose
- Using vague, empty and common words such as challenging, beautiful and rewarding.
- Using generic words instead of specifics that best explain who you are
- Sounding informal or humorous
- Using hackneyed phrases such as “I’ve wanted to always…”
- Making excuses. You can spell out your hurdles that impacted your life and how you were able to overcome and press on. But, don’t sound as though you’re giving excuses.
Pay attention to these tips to follow and mistakes to avoid when writing a sop.
