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| Guidelines For
Statement Of Purpose (SOP) |
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This
is the most difficult part of a student's application
and a crucial one as well.. The SOP is that part of your application
that helps the admissions offer get a better understanding
of who and what you are . Look
back at your experiences and accomplishments and think how
these have influenced your values, perception, thinking and
approach to life. It demonstrate your writing ability
as which U.S. institution value .This is your chance
to choose parts of your past and yourself to highlight and
to determines how people should view them. Use this opportunity
to color your reader's interpretations. The personal
statement should be written in a manner that makes the student
distinguish herself/himself from other applicants.
You are an unknown product and therefore it is important that
you portray yourself as an interesting, committed student
who will contribute immensely towards their program.
This must be well-written with clear conviction. |
| WHY
IS IT ASKED : |
| Schools
want to ensure that you have given serious thought to your
future career.
They want to be sure that their program fits with the future
that you have envisaged for yourself.
They want to know whether you have the academic preparation.
They want to know why this is the appropriate time. |
| ASK
YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: |
| 1. |
What details of your
life have shaped you and influenced your goals?
What are your short-term/long -term goals? |
| 2. |
What about your field
encouraged you and gave you the conviction that you
are best suited for the field? |
| 3. |
When did you first
become interested in your current career direction and
how has the interest evolved ? |
| 4. |
How will the U.S.
education facilitate your plans? (particularly the school
that you intend applying to ) |
| 5. |
What is your academic
background and experience? Have you learned this through
classes, work experience, important readings, related
extra-curricular activities. Explain any gaps
in academic records. Have you overcome any obstacles?
|
| 6. |
What personal characteristics
you have that will enhance your prospects for success?
Analyze your strengths. |
| 7. |
What special skills
do you possess-communication, leadership, analytical,
creativity etc. Relate these skills to your background.
|
| 8. |
Why do you consider
yourself to be a strong candidate and more successful
and effective in the field than other applicants.
In other a words, what qualities are you bringing to
the U.S. university. |
| 9. |
Which writer and which
articles in your field of study have influenced your
development of thought. |
| 10. |
Think of any person/professor
who influenced you in any way ? What is the most important
concept you learned in college? |
|
| Some
important tips : |
| Prepare
the skeleton - |
| 1. |
Write the SOP yourself. Start by
writing down points in any particular order. |
| 2. |
Read your application
carefully and go through the program information in
detail. This will enable you in organizing your thoughts
well. Do not duplicate your C. V. |
| 3. |
Recall your
achievements and analyse your strengths. Forget
modesty. |
| 4. |
Avoid writing about
accomplishments during your high school or school days. |
| 5. |
Keep a positive
note and include important and relevant facts to show
that you are prepared for graduate studies. |
| 6. |
Convey your ideas
clearly. Outline your objectives and goals. |
| 7. |
The professors
want to know your specific interests. |
| 8. |
Why are you
interested in this particular program . Why do you find
this field interesting. What is your reason for selecting
this school . How will this program further your
professional and personal goals. Find compelling
reasons to these questions. |
| 9. |
State your future plans.
Avoid obvious statements.
|
|
| Clothe
the skeleton : |
| 1. |
Prepare a draft and keep improvising
till you are able to come with a convincing one that
fits within the required length. |
| 2. |
Use professional language and avoid
class text. Be articulate in the way you convey
ideas. |
| 3. |
Your first paragraph is extremely
important as it capture's the readers attention. |
| 4. |
Avoid repetition and keep a check
on the flow of thoughts. Express your thoughts
clearly. Read it repeatedly. Support your strengths
by relating them with events significant to you. |
| 5. |
Show your first draft to a counselor
or a professor. Incorporate their suggestions and
make 2/3 drafts to counselor or a professor. Incorporate
their suggestion and make 2/3 drafts if necessary. |
| 6. |
Ensure that your statement of purpose
is proof-read and grammatically correct before the final
version is prepared. |
| 7. |
The Statement of Purpose shows
how well one can express ideas clearly. Writing
skills are extremely important to a student's academic
success as American universities are looking for students
who are able to think clearly. |
|
| FINALLY
STRING ALL YOUR POINTS TOGETHER OR BUILD YOUR ESSAY AROUND A
THEME. |
