How to write a successful statement of purpose_2022

A successful statement of purpose is the most important document when you are applying for an admission or a scholarship. The Statement of Purpose Sample commonly abbreviated as SOP is as important as a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Interestingly, many believe that a Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the same as a Letter of Motivation. Well, up to some extent they are, but they are somehow different as well. The difference mainly comes from the name, as explained below:

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is normally a one-to-two page document (size depends upon the requirements of its final destination). It is actually more focused on ‘The Purpose’ of a specific application.
A Letter of Motivation, on the other hand, is more focused on ‘Applicant’s Motivation’ to apply for a specific position, scholarship, or admission.
There only exists a thin line difference between these two, with both sometimes serving the same purpose.
Interestingly, it is being treated same if one is applying in a non-English-Speaking country.

This blog focuses on Five important parts of a one-page long Statement of Purpose (SOP). The generic structure presented here is almost acceptable in most of the institutions of the world.

Paragraph 1: Your Introduction and Academics / Professionals Experience (3-4 Lines)
Step 2: Your achievements in Academics or professional expertise (3-4 Lines)
Paragraph 3: Your interest and knowledge about your field of interest. And how it is related to your academic or professional background. (5-10 Lines)
Paragraph 4: Why are you interested to conduct your MS/PhD research with any specific professor (or Lab) and in this University (e.g .KAIST)? (3-4 Lines)
Paragraph 5: Conclude with your future ambitions, aim. Explain what you want to achieve after conducting research in your field of interest. (3-4 Lines)

How to make your SOP more improved?

Following important parameters must be considered while you are designing/developing a Statement of Purpose (SOP):

A SOP should be very concise and clear.
It should reflect the most important parts of your academic and professional background.
Do not make repetitive statements.
The statement of purpose should strictly be free of grammatical mistakes.

See Sample SOP: Sample Outline for the Statement of Purpose

Best Regards

ISST Team members