How to write your dream SoP & LoR?

Statement of purpose (SOP) is a very important document when it comes to the application procedure, while your GRE/GMAT score shows your aptitude and problem-solving skills, your SOP shows your intent.

It is the only true subjective aspect of your application.

Coming back to the question, How to write an effective SOP?

• It must reflect your aspirations and potential dream clearly, you wouldn’t want to seem as if you have no vision for your future.
• Don’t flood the document with high-vocab words just to impress the recipient. Be yourself, that’s what makes it unique.
• Your SOP should have a personal touch to it, it shouldn’t come off as a general essay.
• Avoid deliberately addressing all of your weaknesses, but elaborate all of your strengths.
• Do not start your SOP with cliche quotes such as “We only live once, but if done right, once is enough”.
• You should really emphasise on the reasons involved for you to take up this course, it shouldn’t seem like you’re opting it just for the heck of it.

Here are a few details that you can keep in mind while preparing these important documents-

SOP

• An inclination to pursue Masters in the chosen discipline.
• Aptitude for the course.
• Academically equipped for the course.
• What have you done so far that is in resonance with the course applied for?
• Why do you want to pursue MS?
• Clearly laid out career plan - at least the short-term goals.
• Not just academic and technical capabilities but also mental preparedness for the rigours of the graduate program.
• Why this University?
• Why you? How will you enrich and positively impact the student bodies at the university with your talent and skillsets?
• How you fit into the university’s expectation and that you will go on to become a good brand ambassador for the university.

How can you draft your SOP? [ A sample format used widely]

1. First Paragraph– Your introduction, and your industry introduction and letting them know that you want to pursue a graduate major.
2. Second Paragraph– Introduction to undergrad and how it improved your skills and mentioning your academics and your background which made you pursue this major.
3. Third Paragraph– Your academic projects
4. Fourth paragraph– Internships
5. Fifth Paragraph– Any other research works and achievements or extra-curricular
6. Sixth Paragraph– Final note mentioning how their graduate program helps you and professors whom you want to work under and how their research interests incline with yours and thank them for considering your application.

You can not expect college to give admissions to if you can not even write proper English. I used Grammarly for that. Actually, while I was writing my thesis of Masters, I used Grammarly premium.

I bought the one-month subscription for 29 USD. I know that is INR 2100 for one software but it helped me so much. Also, I used it for 450 pages thesis so it was totally worth it. It checks plagiarism as well. Now I do not have a premium account but I use the free one when I am writing for my articles or blogs.

Also, this blog is written using Grammarly. I challenge you to find grammatical errors! Here is the link for Grammarly - https://grammarly.go2cloud.org/SH266

Getting a good SOP is very important. Thus get A Professional SOP help now.

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To summarise a few ‘do’s and don’ts of a grad school Statement of Purpose:

Do's:

• Start early, statement of purpose writing calls for self- introspection which takes time. You have to answer questions about yourself, questions you may not have thought about earlier.
• Clearly state what field and specialization you intend to pursue.
• Be honest. Only offer information that’s relevant to your field.
• Use formal English. Make sure you proofread your statement of purpose. Follow any specific instructions the university gives about word-count or questions.

Don’ts:

• Do not make up an anecdote
• Avoid sentimentality
• Avoid controversial statements as it relates to politics or religion
• It’s not a must to include quotes in the statement of purpose
• Do not sound too critical about your country

If you need help with SOP drafting and mentors' review, get help HERE!

LOR

• Current / Final standing in your undergraduate class
• Comparison with the students who have gone for graduation in the same university
• Communication skills (Oral and written skills)
• Creativity
• How well you understand the subject
• Teaching Potential
• Emotional Maturity
• The recommendation with Financial aid or not
• How strongly they recommend you (Very strongly, strongly, moderately, etc.

Note-There might be many recommenders from whom you can get a Recommendation Letter. But choosing the best recommender is very important. Usually, the recommenders are from your undergraduate institute (your respective department especially) and work/internship place (if any). So, does the designation of the recommender matter for LoR? Honestly, it does. You can’t take a recommendation from a teacher who has just joined the institution and has experience of a year or two. An LoR from your institution’s dean or principal holds a lot of weight. An LoR from the company’s manager makes a difference. In most applications, the following are the recommenders -

1. Your final year project guide
2. A professor who has taught you during your undergrad course and you have scored well in that subject
3. Any project guide/companies you have worked
4. Project Managers/Corporate Officials where you've worked/interned.

Hope this helps in building your SOP more effectively.

If you need help with SOP drafting and mentors' review, get help HERE!

If you need help with LoR drafting and mentors' review, get help HERE!

Looking for even more help? 

Take a look at the Complete Application Help service instead where we handle every bit of your application for you including SOPs, LORs, Profile Evaluation, University Shortlisting, and application portals.

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