What is a Statement of Purpose

• Basics of a Statement of Purpose
• The Importance of a Statement of Purpose
• Challenges when Writing a Statement of Purpose
• Structure and Content of a Statement of Purpose
• Writing Style of a Statement of Purpose
• Editing and Translation Services

Basics of a Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose (SOP) is an essay in which prospective students explain who they are, what their academic and professional interests are, and what they’ll contribute to the graduate program if they are admitted. Sometimes also known as a personal statement, this essay is a required part of most admissions application packages for graduate school, whether for a Masters in a liberal arts program or for an MBA at a business school. The idea behind the statement of purpose, according to MIT, is for applicants to show how they are “a good match” with the department or program. In the most practical terms, it is an opportunity for prospective students to tell the admissions office why they want to go to the school and why they should be accepted.

The Importance of a Statement of Purpose

This is a student’s first chance to make an impression on a personal level. The admissions panel is receiving lots of information about each candidate, but the majority of it is a collection of grades and test scores. This is the first opportunity for them to actually hear from the students themselves — their words, their aspirations, their goals. Some schools no longer require in-person interviews, so this may be students’ only chance to present themselves.

Challenges when Writing a Statement of Purpose

Writing a Statement of Purpose is deceptively difficult for many applicants. Even with clear goals and a true desire to study in that program, prospective students often have trouble putting these aspirations down in an essay.

This step in the application process is uniquely difficult because it requires significant soul-searching and introspection. Students often stall out when writing because of the challenge of laying out a blueprint for the rest of their lives, a blueprint that ironically only works if they are admitted to the school.

Students also often have trouble finding the right tone for the essay. The goal is to be confident but respectful, but many students struggle to find a balance between coming off as either arrogant or overly deferential.

Structure and Content of a Statement of Purpose

Each individual school will provide specific instructions and approximate word count, which may range from 500 all the way up to 1,250 words. Though word counts vary, the majority request that applicants limit the SOP to 1,000 words. This is college-level writing, and essays should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

The introductory paragraph should generally start with a hook – something that grabs the reader’s attention, be it something surprising about the applicant or a short, relevant quote. This paragraph should distinguish the writer from other applicants in some way.

The body paragraphs should focus on the student’s academic and professional achievements, highlight personal strengths and areas of interest, and also discuss career goals. These paragraphs should connect the applicant’s experiences with the intended program of study, and then show how that combination can lead to a successful academic and professional career.

The concluding paragraph should restate why the applicant is a good match for this program, summarize the essay’s content, and highlight the individual’s motivation to study at that school.

Writing Style of a Statement of Purpose

The writing should have a professional tone, but be personable and interesting. Applicants are obviously writing to an educated audience, but an authentic approach will go much further than a mishmash of fancy words. For a Liberal Arts program, applicants should focus on their research interests and academic pursuits. For an MBA, students should emphasize their business acumen and experience, then focus more on their intended career path.

Some of the best SOPs take all the necessary parts – academics, work experience, career goals, etc. – and turn them into an engaging story. Keep in mind that admissions boards read many, many of these essays, and a dry presentation is not going to make any impression at all.

Editing and Translation Services

Provided that a student is not hiring someone to write a statement of purpose on his or her behalf, contracting professional services is a valuable option for students who are non-native English speakers, uncertain of their writing skills, or want to ensure that their statement of purpose gives them the best chance possible at being accepted into the program.

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