Guidelines for writing the Statement of Purpose (SoP)

The statement of purpose (SoP) is one of the most (if not the most) important parts of the graduate application. In this article, we aim to assist the reader in drafting the statement by pointing out the crucial parts that could make an enormous impact on the chances of getting an admit.

Ideally, the SoP should be a genuine expression of the reasons that make you the appropriate candidate. It should also not be a list-like piece that reads like a continuous form of your CV. The most common suggestion you’ll get is to draft an SoP that reads like a story. While it is true that a story-like SoP is the best way to appeal to the admissions committee, it is not a straightforward job to come up with a cohesive story.

If I were an admissions committee member, I would assume that the applicant has a strong motivation behind applying to the PhD program. Therefore, I would also expect that this motivation has a genesis or foundation. I would like to see that in the statement of purpose. Furthermore, the committee has seen hundreds of such statements and it would be a bad idea to send a conjured story that would end up raising a red flag.

We have established the importance of a cohesive story-like format but, what should the story contain?

The answer to the aforementioned question depends on the applicant’s background and history. Your story could start as early as high/senior school when you came across interesting concepts. You would also like to link the set of (research) experience(s) (in chronological order) that shaped and solidified your resolve to pursue research. Make sure you emphasize those parts of the experience(s) that challenged or thrilled you to the extent that resulted in a change in your attitude towards research. Try to maintain a balance by not getting too technical about your research experience while conveying the important details that shaped your research interests. At the same time, do emphasize your specific skills that augment your potential as a candidate.

As soon as you get to the point where you have a story in front of you, the next thing to do is to boil it all down to the present. You could add a paragraph that conveys your current motivation behind applying for a PhD in X because you’re interested in Y1, Y2, Y3 ... etc. Again, try to structure this coherently so that it doesn’t turn into a random read and include your expectations/goals in the long term.

A major portion of the SoP tries to convince the admissions committee that you can succeed in the program. But the SoP should also mention the reasons behind applying to the specific department in Z University/Research Institution.

Ending the statement of purpose properly is of utmost importance. You cannot just say that you love the department, it offers amazing facilities and people, the place is great and all. Instead, you should focus on the specifics. Make a list of points that make Z University or Research Institute the best fit for you. You could add things like —

• Faculty— There are few faculty who are working on areas that match your research experience or interests
• Facilities — Equipment or facility that is specific to the department of interest
• Courses — Unique courses that are specific to the program
• More points — You may include anything else that is hard to come by in other places and cannot be separated from University Z

Develop a paragraph that clearly conveys these points. Feel free to name professors and mention the interesting parts of their research. Also, make sure that it is not too cheesy.

Last but not least — check your grammar. Poor grammar and multiple spelling errors could indicate a lack of sincerity. Try to get hold of grammar apps and reviewers who can help you rectify any unintentional mistakes.

I have tried to cover as many points as possible but I would recommend you to consult some of the amazing material I am linking below —

• YouTube Channels — linguamarina, Breanna Lam, Lillian - AlphaGenesis, studentroom
• Articles— MIT’s Guide, Graduate Study at Oxford, Berkeley’s Guide

Good Luck!