Looking forward to studying in the U.K. and can’t figure out what to include in your S.O.P? This blog talks about a few tips to create a clear perception of the whole process. Every new student who is aspiring to study abroad often gets confused about writing SOPs, LORs, essays, resumes, etc. Making sure that everything gets right in the first place is a dream for all.
The statement of purpose, or SOP, is a chance for you to convey your interest and knowledge about the program to the admission committee, making you a suitable candidate for that program at the university. In other words, an SOP is your chance to shine and make yourself stand out.
The importance of a S.O.P
Human beings function on good communication, most admission committees in the U.K. are looking forward to seeing letters which have clarity of purpose and motivation. Students should be clear as to why they want to join the university and must have a skillful understanding of the courses under consideration. A S.O.P can help your hidden talents, societal abilities and individual experience to reach the admissions committee, all done in an effort to keep your motivations and goals communicated.
- Word Limit
Always keep in mind the word limit , usually specified by the university, comes around 4000 characters (700-800 words) . Surpassing it may result in rejection or negative grading, which we always want to avoid.
- Centers of focus
A Masters program requires academic uniqueness and achievement, which must be highlighted. More than half of your S.O.P shall center around academic results and course related work experience. The student’s proficiency in the English language is the next center of focus for you, always keeping in mind the audience try and be very precise, expressive of all the badges of educational work you’ve accumulated.
- Structure and Aesthetics
The format of the S.O.P (always under the word limit ) is pretty basic; Introduction, Body & Conclusion. The flow and overall synchronous web of your words make a better aesthetic impact on the committee which gives you a slight edge over other stale applications.
- The Introduction : Keep it short, resolute and eye-catchy
The Body : This is the part where you elaborate your academic and individual experience, your interest in the degree, details about the seminars or workshops you’ve attended, some personal goals and achievements. Highlighting your prospects relating and understanding of the course and aptitude to study in the university.
The Conclusion : Any reader must wonder why the student must be accepted, highlighting your personal acceleration through life and the reasons why the University should be lucky to provide you with education shall be clearly stated.
- UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service’s (UCAS) guidelines are a must to follow whenever writing a personal application, starting with a bang also underlining academic uniqueness.
Some tips to avoid rejection
- Plagiarism is not tolerated. UCAS & UK universities perform a plagiarism check on all SOPs. If there is a match of more than 8%, the candidate will be questioned or the application will be rejected.
- You should narrow down what you want to write early on, otherwise, your SOP will be vague and distorted.
- An error-free SOP is critical, but there is no need for elaborate vocabulary. Admission officers read multiple SOP every day, so they know when you are overcompensating.
- Highlight your academic achievements in your UK Statement of Purpose, but don’t exaggerate too much.
- The universities already have your CV and admission application. Be careful not to repeat the same facts in your SOP.
- Seek feedback specifically from an academic professional and (not from) a peer. These people will be able to analyze your essay properly since SOP is based on academics.
They are familiar with what they are looking for because they read hundreds of SOPs every year. Thus, keep in mind that your Statement of Purpose should be a well-written essay that convinces them why they should select you over someone else with similar (or better) accomplishment.
Concluding remarks
All good applications have a string that binds the whole package, a unique standard of your own statement, the student must be very expressive about one’s involvement in the subject matter and how being a part of the academic community around the university may prove an asset for the student’s own education and growth.
About Visawebs
Visawebs is an education startup founded in 2018, which provides a one-stop solution for students planning to study abroad. We promote sensible education choices which help students be placed at the best-fit career abroad for their profile and in settling in the destination country in the best way. Having registered over 5000 students, tied up with 50+ international universities (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland and more), the company aims to provide services to the students right from IELTS to finding the right mix(country, course and institution) to VISA applications to a soft landing. It also includes help with education loans, forex, airport transfers, part time and accommodation. Visawebs is a community-driven team for international education and learning.
For more information, contact: info@visawebs.com