How to write a perfect SOP for PhD ? [Optimized]

If you are looking forward to writing your first Statement of Purpose for a Ph.D. application, and do not know where to quite start, you have come to the right place. I know it can be overwhelming to write an SOP, but today I am here to help you with it. If you follow through, by the end of this article, you will understand how you can write a perfect statement of purpose for your Ph.D. application.

The Fundamentals

Let us start with the basics and the fundamentals, which are true to almost every kind of writing. These are the things you already know, but these are also the things that slip your mind when you actually sit down to write. These are the things like accuracy, grammar, the way your sentences are structured, how relevant the information provided by you is, and how convincing does it appear to the examiner. A Ph.D. piece cannot have a lapse in language. That is among the most important aspects. Ahead of that, there cannot be spelling mistakes too. 

Do not write about your personal life, no one cares about that in your Ph.D. application. Only write things related to your experience with research, if you enjoyed it, and do not talk in circles. Stick to the point and keep it simple and straightforward. When someone is examining your Ph.D. application, the key thing that they are looking for is your research potential and how capable you can prove to be after you finish your studies. The objective is the research as stated and the result. Therefore, a Ph.D. piece must have the necessary information only. It is indeed among the best Ph.D. papers to stick back to the basics of functioning among the information related to the topic.

Be very clear and read your draft multiple times to make sure that there are no errors (either typos or grammatical errors). Simplicity is magnificence, never write more than you need to. Write to the point, and make sure that your draft is easily readable. People should be able to easily analyze your draft. And make sure that you present it well. Do not write it as a big plain block of text, which is really uninviting to read. Use short paragraphs and subheadings to make your statement of purpose easy to navigate.

When they are evaluating your application, they should have all the points discussed in your statement of purpose that they need to consider, before they approve you. And present it well, it gives the impression that you can write well. Writing is a huge part of research, and writing is a skill that can not be taught very easily. If you can demonstrate that you are already a good writer, it is a plus point in your favor. A student who can write well is a very compelling Ph.D. applicant.

Talk about things like your motivation for research, how and why you think you will be a good fit as a professional researcher. And be painfully clear on what you want, do not come off as someone who is not sure about what they actually want. Do your research on the program before you turn in your statement of purpose, and if there is a certain professor that you would like to work with, you can mention that in your SOP. You can also consider reaching out to him and ask him for advice on your SOP.

Research potential

Your research potential is a very big factor in your application getting approved. Research is the main thing that you will be doing as a Ph.D. holder. So, you want your examiners to see that you are truly passionate about research and are looking forward to pursuing a career in it. If you have written any papers in the past that got published or worked on any projects (solo or in a group), do mention that in your statement of purpose. Talk about things like, how much you enjoy research, how was your first hand experience with it, and how getting a Ph.D. helps you achieve your long term dreams and goals.

Explaining a research potential in the midst of your Ph.D. paper explains to the committee that you enjoy and can dedicate yourself to research. The most effective point in this context is the fact that there are various papers on various subjects but research and observation and deduction is their ulterior motive.

Be specific in what you want

Try to keep your draft interesting, talk about things that people may find interesting about you (with respect to its relevance to research). And be specific about your goals, do not write your draft too vaguely. Share your ideas about the particular things that interest you and how you wish to add more information on that topic than what is available to the world right now.

Even if you do not have a lot of experience in research, talk about how you know that it is what you want to do. What motivates you about it, and what you find exciting about research.

Why that particular program

You want to demonstrate that you have done your research while deciding on a program and that the program that you are applying for is a very good fit for you. Even if you are applying to multiple programs in multiple institutes, make sure that you write separate SOPs for them individually. Do not send the same SOP everywhere, it is very easy to see through when you have done that. Let them see your efforts and demonstrate that you have done in depth research for the programs that you are applying for.

As I mentioned before, if there is a certain professor, whose work you have been following previously, you should mention it in your SOP. You can mention how that person and his work appeals to you, and how you would like to work with or under him. And you should reach out to that person before you turn in your statement of purpose. It shows the authorities that you have done your research and that you are serious about it.

How to write well?

If you can write, present that skill well. Writing is a skill that always compliments research. Even if writing is not your strong suit, writing with good narration and no mistakes can take you a long way. Do not confuse the examiner, simplify things, and do not state any information bluntly. The information you present should have a consistent reading flow. A paper must have the narrative well sorted and marked. The entire observation must be presented in a systematic and organized manner where one page would lead to the next. Thus having a writer’s expert advice on the matter can be very helpful.

It is very easy to miss out on your own mistakes, so, after you have finished your draft, run it through some of your friends. Have at least five people proofread your draft. They can advise you on some things as well. Although, do not let a lot of opinions confuse you. Stick to what you believe is the best course of action for you, because in the end, it affects you the most.

Is outside help a good idea?

Well, it depends on your particular situation. But if you think you need some help with your SOP, most of the time, it is a good idea to get it. It can be anyone, you can ask your friends, family, or even your teachers for that. If you are not confident about your writing abilities and do not anyone who is a good writer, you can consider getting some professional help as well.

There are a lot of writing agencies out there that can help you find great writers in the comfort of your homes. Although, finding good agencies can be harder than it sounds. You can ask your friends or someone in your contacts to recommend a good content writing service that they have previously worked with. But do not leave the entire job to them, take their help to write your perfect SOP instead.

I personally would like to recommend Write Right. Write Right is a content writing service based in Gujarat, India. They have skilled writers for any kind of writing job, and they specialize in the statement of purpose writing. I still contact them when I need help with my assignments, or if I am working on a deadline. They have the best writers, and I have never been disappointed working with them. The best thing about them is, that they are not as expensive as most of the other content writing services are. Anyone can afford them, and their writers are skilled and co-operative. They always help me whenever I need any writing related help. And they are punctual, so, I never need to worry about deadlines.

But you should not take my word for it, you should do your own research. Consider doing a bit of research on Write Right as well, and soon you will understand what I am talking about. They also have two subsidiaries which go by the names, Estorytellers and Taletel. So, do consider checking them out. And if you know any other good content writing services, make sure you mention them in the comments below, we would love to know about them as well.

If you have anything that you would like to add to the article, you can write that in the comment section below and we will respond as soon as we can. Thank you for giving us your valuable time, and we always look forward to hearing from you. Your feedback is always appreciated, so, do not be shy about writing to us.

Good luck, and have a wonderful day. 😊

 

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How to write a top-notch SOP for MBA and PhD?

How to write the best sop for MBA [Augmented]

If you have never written a Statement of Purpose yourself, it can seem very intimidating. But it is really not as difficult as it seems. Today, we will discuss how you can write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SoP) for an MBA application. An MBA application is a little different from other applications, so if you are a student aspiring to apply to an MBA institution, here are the things you need to know. Even if you have already written your draft, you can use this article as a checklist, to make sure that you did not miss out on anything. So, let us now talk about how you can write your perfect statement of purpose for an MBA application.

Be precise and clear

When you are writing a statement of purpose, it can be any type of SOP, it is always a good idea to be precise and clear. Do not write more than what is asked of you. A lot of times, there is a word limit on SOPs, even if there is not a word limit, your SOP should not be too lengthy. Do not talk too much about your personal life. Although, if your personality and past experiences are relevant to and complement getting an MBA, it is a good idea to mention them. Your SOP should reflect your personal touch in your essay, about who you are and whom you want to become. An MBA scholar is expected to be very crisp regarding his skills of writing and expression. Therefore, the SOP for and MBA scholar should not face any shortcomings in expression.

Meet all the qualifications and requirements

You should mention how you are qualified to study the program, how you meet all the requirements, and will prove to be a good fit for the program. You can mention where you have studied previously and if you were a good student. If the college knows that you are a good student and will prove to be an asset to the college, it increases the odds of your application getting approved. It is a two-way process, you want a good college, and the college wants good students. The motive is to highlight the qualifications and requirements that are directly linked to the course so that the candidate receives prior preference. Ahead of that, there is also the link with the course and previous educational endeavors, and it becomes necessary to establish a bond between the two. Thus professional help is necessary.

Why that college and program?

Make sure you do your research properly. You need to demonstrate why you chose that particular college and program and what you wish to obtain from it. Talk about how it complements what you wish to do in your life, and how it helps you excel in your career. Make a convincing argument and be realistic and genuine. You do not have to brag at any point in your SOP. Be authentic and genuine and do not pretend to be something or someone that you are not. It is advisable to pick up your favorite modules from the curriculum and explain why it is the most liked. This shows that the candidate is genuinely interested in the course and how he or she can relate to the same through their work.

How well can you write?

Now, this is something that is evaluated everywhere, and that is the case with your statement of purpose as well. When the examiner is analyzing your application, the way your SOP is written and how it is presented makes a huge difference. If you do it right, it makes the examiner feel confident about your personality and it makes a strong first impression.

The little things make the most difference, things like having a good narrative, no typos, grammar mistakes, or capitalization errors can make your draft look professional and appealing. You want to do everything professionally. MBA applicants usually have a few years’ worth of work experience already, so you want to show the college authorities that you can handle responsibilities well and can work professionally if needed. It gives them more confidence in you.

When we talk about your writing capability, we do not mean that you need to be Shakespeare, the point is, that your draft should not have any mistakes, and should be simple and clear. So, it does not confuse the examiners, when they are evaluating it. And the points that they are looking for should be mentioned very clearly, so they do not feel that the information is incomplete.

Your motivation behind it

Everyone wants a driven and passionate person working for or with them. If you can demonstrate how passionate you are about pursuing the program and how you are sure that this is what you truly believe you should be doing, you can make a very good impression on the authorities. These are the things that make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Ambition, focus, and determination can take you anywhere you want to go.

Be clear about where you want to go and how you plan to achieve your goals and how getting an MBA will help you with it. Talk about your immediate goals, as well as your long term aspirations. And, one very important thing that does not get talked about enough. Every MBA program is different, so even if you are applying to more than one MBA program, make sure you never use the same SOP everywhere. Write an SOP specific to the program you are applying for and do your research before you set out to do it. If you are applying to three different programs, make sure that you write three different SOPs.

Follow rules

I know being unique is important to stand out, but you should never disobey the authorities to do so. Always function within the rules. Bottom line is, never go against the guidelines given by the college.

Explain any backlogs or gaps in your SOP

If there are any backlogs or an unexplained gap in your resume, explain it properly and be honest about it. Everyone has failures and hardships, and you should be upfront about these things. The college is going to notice any unexplained gap, and it can give the impression that you are hiding something or avoiding a topic. So, it is always a good idea to just admit to your failures, and truthfully explain, if there is a gap in your education. Given a proper definition of the same, the assessment will be completed considering your ability to own up to your mistakes and rectify them accordingly. This trait pays very well in character determination of a candidate.

Talk about your specific game plan

Do not just assume that you will decide your exact career path as you go forward. No one is going to hand it down to you. Show the authorities that you have done your research, that you have some dreams or goals, and you have made a step by step career plan, that you are going to follow. If the college understands what your goals are, it can help you achieve them faster. Do not be too vague when it comes to your goals. Be specific, and talk about your immediate goals as well, along with your long term goals.

What if you can not write?

Let us be real, not every one of us is a good writer. And everyone does not feel confident in their writing. Writing is a skill that anyone can develop and refine upon, but sometimes, there is not enough time to do everything on your own. Sometimes, the opportunity is at your door, and you just have to take it. So, in a situation like that, never say no to outside help.

You can use all the help you can get. Be it your parents, spouse, friends, teachers, anyone. If you think someone can help you improve on your draft, go seek help. Most people will be more than willing to help you if you approach them humbly.

 And if you want to take a notch higher, you can even get some professional help. There are many content writing services out there, and we live in the age of technology, where everything is accessible from the comfort of our homes. Do your research on the matter, and find a reputed and trusted content writing agency to help you with your writing.

I personally like to work with Write Right. It is a very good content writing service, based in India. You can throw pretty much any kind of work at them. But they specialize in SOPs, for this particular reason, I would like to recommend them if you are seeking some professional help.

Write Right has two subsidiaries which go by the names Estroytellers and Taletel. This content writing service is really premium and affordable at the same time. There are many content writing services out there, but they are not accessible to everyone. Some of them are really good too, but they are often very expensive to afford. Write Right is the perfect combination of the two, where the services are not too expensive and the quality of work is not compromised.

If you can write your SOP yourself, that is the best case scenario. But if you choose to not do it yourself, I think you should give Write Right a chance to serve you. And believe me, you would not be disappointed.

Thank you so much for sitting through it and reading the entire article, if you have any closing remarks, you can mention them in the comment section below. I hope the read was worth your time. If you have any questions, you can state them down below as well. We always look forward to hearing from you, and we hope you get into the colleges of your choice.

Thank you, and have a nice day.

 

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How to write a perfect statement of purpose (SOP)? [Verified]

The greatest of humanity, paired with the smartest, what did they all have in common? The ones who revolutionized a particular field, or a multitude of fields, what are the traits they shared that made them stand out of the crowd? Bring particularly into consideration, the melodious world of musicians and singers. The legends are told and articles are written about all of the ones who made it to the glorious halls of fame. “What makes this singer better than everyone else?” people ask. Is it the determination? It is the talent? Maybe it is their ardent understanding and response to music, or perhaps it is the narcotics in the backstage that makes the metal genre what it is. But for a moment, think about the ones who did not make it there. They too possessed the traits inscribed in gold in the magazines, the articles, and the interviews. They too had an understanding of music, determination, and maybe worked even harder than the legends we hear of even today. For every one that made it, there stand a thousand before him that did not. The writer takes the liberty to ask you, what separated the group from the individual? For myself, it is the way they present themselves when it mattered.

First things first, what is a Statement of Purpose document? It is a way of conveying to the selection committee, details pertaining to your professional, educational, and personal background. An SOP document is the most important part of the university application process. It comprises your achievements, your relevant projects, job descriptions, and education. More importantly, not only does it describe that the above-mentioned traits, but also bring to life your personality in a beautiful flow of words. The order of the above-mentioned attributes will be explained in the following paragraphs, along with a few key points.

Writing a Statement of Purpose is no ordinary task, and not unlike most things in the world, it is an art form. An SOP not only provides an account of your core competencies but also allows the selection committee to take a look at what kind of person you are. Writing an SOP, as daunting as it might sound, is a simple process if you adhere to the basics of it. Add a little element of your distinct self, and voila! You have yourself a document you can be proud of. Something to keep in mind whilst penning down your life relevant to the course is that people are allured toward stories, and not novellas and novels. What I am trying to explain to you, dear reader is that your life should be molded into a story, and not just bullet points of important events. Take a look at these sentences:

“I am observant and empathetic. I am pursuing a career in Psychology.”

 “My observational skills and empathy lead me into pursuing a rewarding career in Psychology.”

The difference between the two sentences must now be apparent. Write an interesting story, not a research paper.

Finally, we start with the first paragraph. A question for you, how long is your attention span? 2 minutes? 10 minutes? Interesting fact, the average attention span of a human is 8-12 seconds. What I am desperately trying to convey is that your first paragraph must be as catchy as can be. The person who reads your SOP has hundreds, if not thousands of other documents to read. So if we want to get the attention of someone with piles upon piles of work, what trick do we use? Generally to start, people use the first paragraphs as an ice breaker, which, not the best route to pursue. What would probably be successful in getting the reader’s attention would be something compelling enough for someone to stay. The first option is a simple yet attractive anecdote, maybe about how you got interested in the field you’re pursuing, or maybe a major life event that molded you into your present beautiful self. The second option, although tricky, is very effective for the long haul if you’d want to spice up your first paragraph and grab the reader’s attention right from the start. Start with an interesting historical or field-related anecdote (not belonging to the writer) which, upon reading, not just gives an insight into one’s interests in the field but also would be a delight to read. For example, here is an excerpt from the first paragraph of a student applying for an M.S. in Pharmacy:

”From the very first human who exposed a wound to the juice of a succulent leaf, we have come a very long way to digitizing and automating processes. And it is interesting to note that ancient civilizations over the globe did not hold back. The Greeks fashioned their myths based on delegating tasks to their idols to mix compounds that heal people. Apothecary as they would come to call it, and a Pharmacist for us mortals. It interests me that there was no huge varying degree between a physician and a pharmacist back then.”

Interesting, simple, and further elaborated upon to explain why this is what allures them toward this course.

The second paragraph, however, would have to be the most technical of the remaining paragraphs in the document. The second paragraph is generally utilized to introduce and elaborate upon your academic and professional career. First, skilfully pen down your academic journey, and keep everything to the point aiming toward not adding unnecessary details. If you have indulged in any important ventures you find vital to mention, such as research projects, papers, other relevant projects, you can mention them in this paragraph. In the case of research, write down as much as you can fit in a small word limit. This consists of the title of the research project/thesis (anything in addition to your curricular requirement), your responsibility and contribution, and the outcome. Again, keep in mind not to go on and on about it due to reasons that will be mentioned at the end of the article. If anything affected your grades, make sure not to ask for pity but to use it positively as evidence of how you wish to get back up on your feet and cross obstacles.

As for your professional career, be smart about it. One would not delve too much into the details about one’s work. Instead, just provide a quick and impactful overview of the work you completed and the responsibilities assigned to you. It is key that you mention any work experience of researching, designing, or interning in any area similar to your field of interest. Most importantly, slightly nudge in between some sentences about what you learned from projects and your work. Just mentioning that you are ‘analytical’ and ‘vigilant’ would not be in your best interest. What would be effective though is mentioning something you have done and then further describing what you learned from it.

The third paragraph should generally focus on the important points. This paragraph should include, in slight detail, why you are opting for the course you are opting for. It should include in good detail what motivates you and what all makes you well suited to pursue a course such as this one. It should also include what your short-term and long-term goals are, for the reader to understand your alignment with this course. Remember, everything you write should be relevant and in promotion of the degree you want to take up. For example, for a leadership-like course, one would hone the managerial skills that they have developed in their life and their experiences of the same. Write only about what increases your chances of getting into the university for the course.

The very last paragraph requires a little bit of research about the university one is applying for, which I am sure you have done since you are hoping to write an SOP. The last paragraph glorifies the details of why you want to enroll in this particular institution or university, and no other. Elaborate about why this university aligns perfectly with your needs, and why this is the university that serves your best interests. Describe in general what you love about the university you are applying to, and maybe add the name(s) of faculty members you would be looking forward to being taught by and/or conduct research with. Keep in mind not to just flatter the university with all your might, for that is very counterproductive and in some cases might severely backfire.

FAQs

What is the need for SOP?
A SOP is a long-term essay required by international colleges and, increasingly, by some Indian universities. This essay is about who you are, who you want to be, and what you’re willing to do in school. As a result, a statement of purpose that sets you apart from the throng may go a long way toward gaining acceptance.

  • What is the best way to write a strong statement of purpose?
    1. Make a list of your reasons and interests.
    2. Write a summary of your degree and previous work experience.
    3. Discuss the significance of your current and recent work.
    4. Develop your scholarly interests.
  • Is a Title Required for a Statement of Purpose?
    Don’t tailor your statement to what colleges think they want to hear. Sincerity is essential and appreciated. Do not use quotation marks or a title for your message.
  • What is the ideal length for a statement of purpose?
    A statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words long. It should usually be no more than one page long.

Conclusion

In the past, writing a SOP was a simple effort. The selection procedure at top colleges throughout the world has gotten much more severe as a result of the fast increase in the number of candidates each year. As a result, developing and writing an engaging, thorough, yet concise SOP has taken on a considerably larger role than before.

As a result, developing and writing a compelling, comprehensive, yet brief SOP has taken on a much larger role than it did previously, making it one of the most crucial variables in deciding your chances of acceptance.

I hope you found this blog useful. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours!

If you have any other questions on creating the perfect SOP that gets you your dream admits, please leave them in the comments area below, and I’ll respond as soon as possible!

Key Notes

An ideal essay is 500-1000 words unless your course specifies otherwise. It is important to note that whatever work or skill you mention in your document, make sure you slightly nudge in what learning you were able to gain from it. This not only provides evidence to what skill you want to hone but also creates an opening to mention all behavioral traits you inculcated from the said skill. Additionally, avoid writing in passive voice and use mostly an active voice. End in a positive message of enthusiasm and hope.

  • An SOP document is the most important part of the university application process. It comprises of your achievements, your relevant projects, job descriptions and education.
  • An SOP not only provides an account of your core competencies, but also allows the selection committee to take a look at what kind of person you are.
  • Your first paragraph must be as catchy as can be.
  • The second paragraph is generally utilized to introduce and elaborate upon your academic and professional career.
  • This paragraph should include why you are opting for the course you are opting for, what makes you well suited to pursue a course such as this one. It should also include what your short-term and long-term goals.
  • The last paragraph glorifies the details of why you want to enroll in this particular institution or university, and no other. Elaborate about why this university aligns perfectly with your needs.
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How to write a top quality and perfect Canadian visa sop? [Fact-Checked]

Even the legendary classical musician Mozart had once stolen someone’s work, although at the tender age of 14. Listening to Gregorio Allegri’s choral work in the churches, he sat there once and transcribed the entire work on sheets of paper. These songs were a closely guarded concoction until this 14-year-old boy came along. Having listened to it only once, he penned the work down and published it a year later, which lead to him receiving the honor of Knighthood from Pope Clement XIV. Why do I tell you this? This is because even though Mozart did not have the quality of uniqueness in one of his endeavors, what he did have was skill. And that is all you need to keep in mind while attempting most tasks ahead in life. Skill is what matters, and without it, all the creativity and uniqueness don’t matter. 

How important is a Visa SOP?

Rapidly rising as an educational hub for students all around the world, Canada allures an enormous number of international students. Immigrating from their home countries, students have to pen down and provide a letter of intent, or a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for an educational Canadian Visa. An SOP, as the name suggests, is a document you write to express your purpose or intent toward doing something. In this article, I would be explaining in slight detail, the format of this document. An SOP should be something out of the box, something that you need to put your mark on.

Upon expressing the intent to enter Canada, Visa Officers tend not to interview every applicant in the Visa process. Therefore, the responsibility of getting you into the country falls upon your precious SOP. This is why writing a unique, to the point and genuine SOP becomes the top priority of anyone applying for a student visa in the Canadian country. It holds the power to get you the university and education of your dreams and also can be the reason they are snatched away from you, so tread lightly.

SOP for Universities in Canada

In comparison to the SOP for a Canada Student Visa, the Statement of Purpose at Canadian universities is more personal. While each university’s approach to the Statement of Purpose or Statement of Intent may differ, there are a few characteristics in an applicant’s essay that all Canadian colleges look for:

  •  Academic Scores: Universities place a premium on academic performance, particularly in business and engineering degrees. If you’re applying for one of these programmes, emphasise your academic achievements and work experience to gain an advantage.
  • Community Culture & Volunteering: While it should be included in every PG applicant’s SOP, it should be prioritised for those applying to programmes such as social service and public administration.
  • Job Experience: At Canadian colleges such as UBC and UToronto, PG applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience.

Applicants must adhere to a stringent word count because Canadian colleges are very strict about it.

It is also advised that students respond to the following aspects in addition to answering these questions:

  • How will you pay for your studies in Canada? Mention if you have a scholarship or a sponsorship or if your parents will pay your study. Affidavits, information, and bank announcements pertaining to financial support should be attached.
  • As an international student, are you aware of all your responsibilities? During an academic semester, students can work part-time and off-campus for a total of 20 hours each week.

It is strongly advised that all applicants write a good essay in their SOP for a Canada visa, stressing their ambitions, expectations, and financial resources.

What format to follow?

Normally, a regular SOP includes normal details such as who you are, what education you have pursued, your interest in the program, and why you want to enter the country and the particular university. But upon taking a deeper dive into its intricacies, an SOP needs to have a lot more than what is mentioned above. All the details and achievements serve to establish your individuality. In the next few paragraphs, I will explain in adequate detail, what goes into the making of an SOP and the best way to express the same.

Introduction

The first few lines or the first paragraph should consist of your introduction. Your introduction encompasses your name, generalized details about your education, and every other detail that you deem necessary when making a first impression. Remember to stick to the point, and not stray away much because officers normally appreciate paragraphs that are rife with information and do not have unnecessary details.

It is important to note that in the continuation of your introduction, there is no real format to follow as such. But it is also vital to understand that after this, there are a few crucial questions that need to be answered to the best of your abilities.

What answers should my SOP contain?

This forms the main content of your SOP and should be structured strategically and clearly.

The questions that will need to be answered are:

Why are you choosing Canada?

Saying that you want to pursue an education here doesn’t count as an amazing answer per se. Note that your writing should not only include and express your intentions of higher education but should also convey the reason for choosing the country of Canada. Due to there being a plethora of choices for education abroad, it greatly helps to express why you thought Canada to be the best fit for your educational journey.

What are your educational and professional qualifications?

As I have mentioned above, the introduction should only have generalized details about your education. Here, you are free to elaborate on your educational qualifications, achievements, and endeavors you have undertaken. Refer to the papers you have written, thesis work you have taken up, and don’t miss out on the relevant details. Feel free to express as many qualities you inculcated from the experience for the officer to get a good idea of who you are as a person. Although that is the case, keep in mind that a normal Visa SOP is 1000-1500 words.

After this, it is also important to mention all professional work that is relevant to the course you plan to opt for. Following this, elaborate about your work profile, and slyly nudge in what you learned everywhere. Go on to mention your relevant work, whatever you find worth mentioning. After each job, do not forget to pen down what you learned from the fruitful experience you gained while employed there. This would be a great section to nudge any professional or academic accomplishments that seem relevant to the course material.

What is the reason behind your choice of university and program?

Here, it is best to speak about how the course and the curriculum best resonate with you. Talking only about the reputation and ranking of the Canadian institution would not help you, but what will help you is expressing how the course perfectly aligns with your interests and future goals. Talk about how you are the best fit for the university, its affordability, campus, coursework, network, and anything that you find alluring. Additionally, talk about the program of your choice and mention its full name. Allude to your genuine interest in the course and why you find this course, among all others, so intriguing.

What are your short and long-term goals?

Bring up projects that you hope to take up shortly, and projects you might be interested in undertaking. Especially mention main points pertaining to your futuristic goals after you complete your education. Elaborate on what you have already done and what you plan to do to achieve your long-term goals. It is also a good idea to pen down your prospective field and the career path you aim toward acquiring. If you plan to return to your country, make it crystal clear. Attempt to put greater emphasis on the fact that you would be returning as soon as your educational journey there comes to an end. If you plan otherwise, then mention elaborate plans for the same.

Do you have a gap year?

If you do not, then there’s no real need to mention it. But in case you do, make it a point to write about your decision to take a gap year and the factors that affected it. Also, write extensively about anything academically or professionally productive you might have done. This is because Canadian Universities take gap years seriously.

Other miscellaneous questions

Coming toward the end, try to describe how you would be funding your studies in Canada. Whether it be a scholarship, sponsorship, job, or parental support, do not forget to mention it. If you feel it to be gravely important, attach letters, affidavits, and bank statements as proof to go along with it.

Mention specifically if you are re-applying for a Student Visa, and provide feasible and practical reasons for the same.

Finally, attempt to convey that you understand the nuances of living in a foreign country and the responsibilities that come with it. Being allowed to work a maximum of 20hr/week during an academic semester, make sure you understand the intricacies of your financial matters and showcase the same understanding in your SOP. The SOP for Canadian Visa is considered to be distinctive and one-of-its-kind, so my advice would be to write it accordingly, keeping in mind that the stakes are high.

  • Canada allures an enormous number of international students.
  • A regular SOP includes normal details of your profile, what education you have pursued, your interest in the program and why you want to enter the country and the particular university.
  • Visa Officers tend not to interview every applicant in the Visa process. Therefore, the responsibility of getting you into the country falls upon your precious SOP.
  • Make an attempt to convey that you understand the nuances of living in a foreign country and the responsibilities that come with it.
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How to write a valid and perfect statement of purpose (SOP)?

How to write a top-notch SOP for MBA and PhD?

Get Done With Your Statement Of Purpose: To Help Yourself Or To Seek Help [ Updated ]

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYES OF YOUR BIOGRAPHER

 

So, what is an SOP- Statement of purpose? Are we clear on that? Let’s make it simple. An SOP is an autobiographical ( or biographical) resume that you have to write as part of your admission process to an institute or a country- You write everything you have done in life, that is worth mentioning; everything you want to do with your life, that sounds real, while being little short of your own ‘I have a dream’ speech, and finally, how can ‘they’ benefit from having you. It is all about selling yourself and selling your ideas in the most compelling, brilliant and yet, humble and relatable way possible.

I know the atrocity of what I just said- compelling, brilliant, humble and relatable don’t go together. It is like winning a Ferrari from a ketchup bottle, that is also somehow organic and delicious at the same time. But that is the colossal task you have to achieve in your SOP. It is like taking your interviewers to the most expensive cinema, and having them watch the best movie of their lifetime, with you starring in the lead role.

Now, that shouldn’t be difficult. We can always enhance our self-image. We do it all the time. (Look at the many dating apps, or if I dare say, your own resume.) But can we really do it in a way that sends us to a first-world nation, an Ivy League education or just past the gates of the VISA office? That is the difficult bit. Your SOP is not just a brag- it is a controlled, disciplined, empathetic and professional brag. (Yes, all four of those spices in perfect balance; less of a document, more of a biryani!)

And trust me when I say, we really do not know how to brag. That is why most students find it so difficult to write an SOP. All your life you are compared to every other child in your class, told that you are not good enough, or that you did not work hard enough and all your dreams were too tall for your laziness to catch up with- or some version of that vicious sarcasm. And suddenly, one fine day, you are expected to write a whole ‘Statement of Purpose’ telling top-notch foreign institutes and the strictest VISA offices that you are the best, most honest, hard-worker and innovator they will ever find.

Is this even possible?

Of course, I am speaking out to people you are new, shy, and just starting out! You are still to see yourself in the glorious light of well-deserved pride. You have made it up to here, despite all odds, all hindrances, the side-eyes, humiliation and bullying. You survived it all! So, come out of the giant shadows  of those petty put-downs and let the best version of your true self shine on your SOP. Some of you might be good at it right from the start. And some of you might need a little help, a little push, a little borrowed voice and shared articulation. That is the truth- ‘Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder’ and if the ‘beholder’ wrote about us, they would probably paint a much better picture of us.

That is nothing to be embarrassed about- we all need help sometimes. Don’t be shy or untrue with your ambitions. If you cannot write about yourself without sounding too humble or too arrogant or too lost, don’t lie about it. Just let someone else hold your image on a better mirror. You are still the same, only the mirror has evolved. And our self-image is an essential part of our confidence, with which we approach the world to seek resources, admission and permission to transit into a better life.

Your SOP is the ticket to that good life, which you have always dreamt about, seen in movies and iagined yourself in when no one was watching. A leap of faith is not worth the risk, when the jump is so crucial to your dreams. Take charge, take help, and combine the two, until you see the most ideal real version of yourself etched into your SOP.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WRITING AN SOP-

There are practically two types of SOPs. One that you write for a university,  and another, that you write for acquiring a VISA permission for going into a country.  A lot of times students get really confused in differentiating them. They try to make their university SOP way too technical, which makes it boring and rather standard, because technicalities do not vary from person to person. After all, you are speaking about the same subject in different inflections and tones. But it is the same combination of jargons and that you want to see the world improve and see yourself improving with it. In the VISA SOP students usually panic that they won’t make it, and try driving the point home, that they will come back (to their humble third world nations) after passing out from (their first-world colleges). You really think the VOSA Officers have not heard it over and over (and over again). Yes they have. And all you will get out of writing these template-borne google-based SOPs is a defeated sigh and an eye-roll from the reader- whether he is a prof at a university or a screening clerk at the VISA Office.

So what should you do? Remember, your SOP is not an essay-version of your resume. Neither is it an autobiography about how much you have struggled in life, nor is it a confession about your overarcing dreams that only a first world nation can live up to, (something the students usually end up doing). An SOP is a series of short stories, filled with interesting observations, fun memories and a small take-away from each story that rolls into another story. Let me give you a small example (and this is only a skeleton)-

“My mother kept a cut-out of Princess Diana in her drawer. She would never really look at them, but every time there was a picture in any paper or magazine, you could be sure that in a week’s time (when she was sure everyone had read the paper), the cut-up would end up at the base of the bed-side chest. I noticed them when I was an infant, but never garnered the courage to ask her the purpose of this frantic exercise.

Now I know why she would do it- Regret. My mum wanted to be more than a home-maker, more than someone’s wife, more than my mother, more than her kitchen, utensils and lampshades. She would rather be someone else, anyone else. And the amazing, indomitable Princess Diana embodied the relentless fire in her belly. But since she had settled for less, she never looked at her cut-ups twice.

It taught me the most valuable lesson in life- ‘Never ever live in shame, guild, regret or fear’. I would live every dream I have ever dreamt, pursue every ambition that challenged me, jump past any hurdle that attempted to scare me. For now, I am applying to this haloed university that seems to embody all my dreams, ambitions and a precious threshold, I would put my heart and soul to step across.”

Be vulnerable, be interesting and most importantly, be a storyteller. Don’t say that you are honest. Tell a story to prove the same. In the above story, the reader realises that you are brave, diligent, deeply empathetic, discerning, familial and somewhat profound. People who read SOPs know how to pick out the ques. BUt not everyone is a storyteller. Some people are growers and not showers and there’s nothing wrong with that. BUt explain it to the universities, will you? That is where the problem happens.

Nothing is impossible. Neither is this. In the previous paragraph, I have asked you to do a lot of things. But one thing I have not asked you to be is ‘honest’. Because honestly, not all of us have led an interesting life, we like to talk about. It has mostly been grimy hard-work, tears, frustrations, dotted with random middle-class vacations, (always divided by mountain or sea- how the elders in the family were feeling like.) So how can you make up irritatingly riveting stories that universities would gulp down like a coke-and-burger.

Take help! Get someone who makes a life out of building up people from their minimal details. (Like the earlier story, it can be written by anybody for anybody. Fact is, we have all learnt the same things from the regrets of our parents. We have watched them in silence, and promised ourselves that we will never become like them, until one day, we realised what made them the way they were. But how many of us can bring ourselves to speak about those experiences, those silent devastating experiences. And no one should be judged on the basis of that. Yet your vulnerabilities are what make you the most perfect, most lean and hungry candidate for the position- the one that can’t be allowed to get away. So, you must be able to speak like that, or get someone who can convert your weaknesses into strengths through a small fairytale, that leaves a deep impression.

If you agree with me, read on. If you don’t agree with me- be empathetic to the plight of those who actually need help. Be kind- the world is a melting pot!

WHY SEEK HELP?

Here are a few reasons why you should hire an expert to write your SOP:

  •  Professionals Provide Excellent Service.
    The explanation for you to spend for your SOP is that the experienced writers who work on it aim to create it one-of-a-kind, using a careful selection of words to best highlight your personality, motivations, experiences, and objectives.
  • Using The Appropriate Pitch And Tone.
    Thousands of submissions must be sifted through by admissions committees at prestigious universities. Unless you come up with something extraordinary, the officials will dismiss you as a common applicant. In this instance, you’d only have a slim chance of surviving. When you employ professionals for SOP writing services, they will use the appropriate tone, pitch, and language.
  • The Best Part Is That You Will Save A Lot Of Time.
    You can save a lot of time by hiring professionals to write your SOP. They will work on your SOP and for them because they are specialists in the sector; it will not be a time-consuming chore for them. They would write a SOP and deliver it to you in a short period of time. If you opt to create it yourself, though, it will take a long time and you may end up with a document full of errors.
  • They Use Strong Language And Look Ahead To The Subtleties.
    The best SOP writing services will make use of the preferred language and concentrate to nuances. An authority SOP writer will ensure that your assertion stands out. While a university student is anticipated to write including the very best writers, they aren’t demanded to put in writing like them. A superb SOP writer is likely to make the statement scan without difficulty and maintain the reader fascinated with the assertion for years

KNOWING WHERE TO SEEK HELP

There are three absolutely angelic companies that we found out upon thorough research over the last one year, when Covid-19 hit. We scored the companies on the basis of empathy towards students, diversity of students background, diversity of universities in which the students finally made it into, urgency of help and last but not least, quality of student-representation (which is at the heart of an SOP). For VISA SOPs we looked into the list of financial details that the companies covered in writing the SOPs.

Three companies made it at the top of the list-

1. Estorytellers-

  • This is best for candidates from pure sciences and liberal arts background
  • If a student is looking to change from science to arts or arts to science this is the place to go to. That is to say, for B.Tech students looking to go for an MBA degree abroad, ‘Estorytellers’ is the place to be
  • They work on the ‘turning points’ in the lives of the students, when they realise that their present field is not suiting them well enough and a change was needed to be made. These turning points are very sensitive. This is what the interviewers stress upon in the interviews until you convince them that the change fits spontaneously into your career.
  • “The best way to do this is, get to know what was going in the minds of the students, and put that into a story that even interviewers can relate to. Something, that they may have faced in their youth and that is what makes them ask more questions to the student about his future interests.” By establishing a chord of relatable connection between the interviewer and the students, ‘Estorytellers’ brings the students closer to the decision-makers, in a strategic and yet empathetic way.
  • Students who are freshers with year gaps (of unconventional explorations), ‘Estorytellers’ is the place to be properly represented and guided by.

2. Write Right-

  • This is one of the most professional SOP writing firms on our roster. They record the highest diversity of students who avalil their help. They are also very high on the diversity of universities where their students are finally placed. What that means is that they have the highest level of customization and can work very well with a small amount of information coming from the students.
  • This was supported by the fact that many students who avail their help are freshers, who are making an early start in a foreign nation or experienced executives who are making a late transition into a foreign nation through expansion of their education.
  • “Their requirements are very different”, they say. “Freshers want to tell people all the details of what they have learnt, which is obvious because they are young. Even a small amount of knowledge seems like a mountain. So, we take care that their expression is more balanced. We make sure that their SOPs show what they have learnt from each experience, rather than trumpetting a short horn”
  • “The necessity of the experienced people is just the opposite. They have done a lot in life. But for some reason, they always want to speak about their experiences in life, like they are almost shy about it. In that case, we make sure that their SOPs speak about their body of work, through their experiences and their stories. It is all about balance, wherever you go, and whatever you want to do.”
  • We recommend ‘Write Right’ for students whose future education will be a continuity of their previous education. (Like B.Tech/ BA converting into MS. Or BA converting into MBA.). These are profiles with less diversity, less interesting material and need a lot of boost, and amping up.
  • ‘Write Right’ promises to tell stories of your arduous journey, to make them sound inspiring and warm at the same time.

3. Taletel-

  • This is a place for students with unconventional profiles, who want to study subjects that are interesting but a road less travelled. (Say, anything between aviation engineering, genetic sciences, neurosciences, nanoscience to mythology, theosophy or modal logic, or as is known in India, not computer sciences)
  • If you dream big and dream differently, this is the place for you. They learn why you believe that a subject is meant for you. And then, weave the story around your personality to prove that the decisions you have made in life justifies your selection of that discipline. This is actually no mean feat, and Taletel somehow does it really well.
  • They score highly on empathy, students’ diversity, and quality of students’ representation
  • “We have students coming here, who have been so dissuaded that they are hesitant in pitching their own ideas. That is the worst thing that can happen to a student, when he begins to question his own aptitude. We bring these students out of that mindset, by making them tell their stories, in person or through questionnaires, whatever works better.
  • Once they start telling their own stories, the effect is twofold- They gain back their confidence, and we can finally write our SOP knowing that we are being accurate. This also helps the students gain clarity about their dreams.”
  • Taletel is the place where you need sensitive personal care over time. So the more unconventional your dreams, the more should Taletel suit your needs.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR SOP WRITING

In India, we suffocate students under the burden of more tutitions than the number of hours they sleep in a day. Despite that we teach them that it is shameful to take help. So, most of our students try their best to shove their weakness under the covers. But under the experienced eyes, those covers are inadequate and the student is revealed for all the shortcomings, which he/ she cannot afford, if they want a place in a good university.

The sheer mass of students who want to move on to a different country has grown massively over the past few years. The number of good colleges has not changed equally. SO the chances of getting through are getting slimmer by the sessions. Political unrest, unforeseen ailments have only made matters worse.

So, we suggest an option. Make your own SOP. And keep it with you for 10 days (and no less). After 10 days go back to your SOP. If you find it interesting enough, do not take help. But if you stumble 3 times, in the process of reading a 1500-word SOP, then know that your interviewer shall fumble at least 6 times, because he does not know the way you write- to him, you are simply another name on the paper he has to get done with. So, 3 or more fumbles, take a snapshot of your SOP, and send it to any one of the recommended institutes or one of your choice, and seek the help you need.

Dreams are fairy-tales. But the path to achieving it is brutally real. And no form of idealism can deny that, it takes a village to raise a child and a country to sustain a dream. And for that, you need to be in that country. So, help yourself or take help from someone- either way, get done with your SOP as intricately and as optimistically as you want to see yourself in your precious future.