Statement of Purpose

How to write an effective SOP

Contents of a good SOP:

A good SOP must contain the following

1) Applicants background
2) Educational credentials including current field of study
3) Professional experience if any; or else, Project experience
4) Reason for interest in the University applying for
5) Interest in the chosen field of study if already identified or else the area of work that he / she
may be interested in
6) Extracurricular activities
7) Honours / Awards received from start till date
8) What is special about the applicant?

A good SOP gives a vivid image of the applicant to the admission officer in a university. It helps them
determine the applicants overall personality in comparison to other applicants.

They are further able to gauge if the applicant would be successful during study at the university as
well as gauge the applicants seriousness of study. Further, it is also checked if the applicant would be
able to contribute and enrich the programme he / she has opted for based on their current level of
knowledge and understanding.

The university may consider other internal aspects based on the SOP which may vary from one
university to the other.

SOP should be honest, real, distinct, and establish the personal connection for the universitys selection
committee. It must not replicate the CV or be fictitious or state the obvious reasons for choosing a
university. It must always be tailor-made based on individual preferences and desire.

The standard SOP may have a 3000 4000 word count. The aim and ambition must be clear regarding
post completion phase at the university.

The font type should be readable. Size 12 is good. Times New Roman or Garamond or Cambria is also
good. The thought must be logical and not repetitive. A spell-check is suggested for a good final
impression. Every experience shared in the SOP must be backed up by some document later on, or
should be supported with facts and figures.

Remember a good SOP is your only competitive edge over thousands of international students who
are applying for the same course at the same university. Moreover, a letter of recommendation from
your teachers also play an important role. It can also be from the industry resources where you have
done your projects. Lastly, do remember that your SOP is the road map to your personal and
professional growth and is meant to impress the admissions team with a picture of reality based on
who you are and what you are worth.

You may send in your draft SOP to ugfellowship@vishwaniketan.edu.in for editing and approval.