The Statement of Purpose is likely one of the most misunderstood sections of graduate applications. Most understudies pass it off like it is just another essay about themselves, but there is much more to it than that. The university admissions committee puts a hefty weight on each Statement of Purpose and their structure, as they want to see whether you have an interest in letting them know how much you want to study at their university. According to Vince Gotera, this is what a typical example of a first draft: “I am applying to the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at the University of Okoboji because I believe my writing will blossom at your program since it is a place where I will be challenged and I can hone my writing skills.” Though it may seem to be ‘clear’ and ‘direct’ it is all too obvious too. Presently, around 99% of the statements are organized like this, and in many cases, understudies copy-paste, and alter statement of purposes from their seniors or companions, making it sound significantly more generic or irrelevant to their applications. If you wish to stand out from the group and want the entrance advisory board to remember your article by the day's end, even in the wake of going through many applications, you need to gain that additional preferred standpoint by being fairly unique and special. We have come up with some useful and universal tips for writing a great Statement of Purpose.
 

Follow the Guidelines


It should go without saying that you ought to exhibit to the admissions committee the same capacity to follow directions that you would expect of your students. Exhibit pizazz and creativity, yet do it while shading inside the lines. Using any other approach can often appear to be more of a high-risk strategy.
 

Share experiences, not statements


If you could choose, would you lean toward reading a novel or a newspaper? A novel, of course. Do you know why? A newspaper gives you colorless news and some attractive headlines while a novel tells a story; a perfectly composed bit of writing that you will be candidly associated with. It brings those human emotions out of you and includes you in its storyline. You get to imagine yourself as the storyteller/character and comprehend why he/she has done that, or made certain choices. We remember stories and experiences much easier than statements. Since stories appeal to us, statements don't.
 

Write for your audience


Admissions officers will read an inhumane amount of statements of purpose during application season, including the redundant, uninteresting, formulaic essays that will not have a lasting impression on your audience. Be specific, whatever you say on your statement of purpose, be on point. Go into detail professionally and explain with great emotion why you love the field you’re applying for and what it would do for you and your future.
 

Show your interest in the school


In case you're applying to numerous schools, chances are that you'll draft a general statement of purpose and after that, adjust it for every individual application. The keyword in that sentence is adjusted. Get your work done, do your homework on each establishment you apply to. Make the admissions officers think destiny has conveyed you to their doorstep, regardless of the fact that you're applying to ten different schools.   A statement of purpose is not a platform to show off your academic writing skills. This is your opportunity to write effectively enough for them to get to know you, without knowing you. Lastly, here are some of the universal questions to answer when writing your SOP:

  • Why you would like to study in Canada in the program for which you’ve been accepted?
  • What are your educational goals?
  • Why have you not chosen to study in your homeland?
  • How this program will benefit your employment opportunities in your own land?
  • What tied do you have to your home country?
  • If you’ve been out of school for more than 2 years, provide your resume.
  • If you’re a minor, what are your reasons to study in Canada?
  • Add job experience and possible reasons for your study gaps.
  • Speak about what selling factor lead you to choose this specific university (facilities, infrastructure, etc.)
  • If possible, mention a professor or two that you know of and compliment their work
  • Proofread and edit, edit, edit!

Happy writing!