Steps to write Statement of Purpose (SoP) for MS Courses

 

5 Steps to write Statement of Purpose (SOP) for MS Courses

Every Statement of Purpose is different. Each essay is supposed to be individualistic in nature and no one can give you a recipe for a great SOP. What works for one individual would not work for another! However, the process of how to write an SOP remains the same across the board. All would include the basic 5 steps of creating a list, following a theme, and so on. These processes can be, further customized based on the general course you would be applying for. For instance, the steps on how to write an SOP for a management program would be categorically different from the process of writing an SOP for an undergraduate course. And again, an SOP for a Master’s course would include the 5 steps…but the approach would be different. Let us look at how to write an SOP for a master’ program in the same 5 basic steps, but modified.

Step 1: Prepare a list of your achievements.

Write down your academic achievements, your co-scholastic achievements, and instances as well as a list of your instances. Creating separate lists would help you objectively look at them. The lists could be expansive and include anything related to your graduation, even seminars or other activities. This is a list of what all you can include in your SOP for MS/MSc. Courses are rather comprehensive. Simply think back and list down all the points. You need not worry about the chronology either. You should write whatever comes to your mind.

Step 2: Think clearly about your goals.

This is one of the biggest differences between an SOP for MBA and an SOP for a master’ course. While in MBA you would want to talk about your professional and personal goals in detail, an SOP for your Master's need not necessarily be driven towards a professional job/ employment. It could be a continuous journey of learning the subject and simply the next step towards your goals of research. It could also be a means to find fruitful employment. Whatever the case be, at this stage you need to clearly define what is it that you would want to do and accordingly decide on the theme of your SOP.

Step 3: Compare, classify and crop the list.

This is perhaps the most important step. Remember, WHILE stating your purpose in life is very important for your SOP, what is even more important is to do so within the specified word limits. Not exceeding the word limit is the most important Don’t of an SOP writing. Hence, it is crucial to compare the lists, classify the various points and then crop the content. You need to find out the right balance of what you would want to include in the SOP.

Step 4: Explore the faculty and research projects in the university to which you are applying to.

Usually, Universities abroad are working on various research projects. It would help to find out if you can relate to any of the projects. Linking your SOP with ongoing research would always be a great addition.

Step 5: Write the SOP, edit it and write again.

This is a principal step to all your statement of purpose. Always and always prepare a rough draft, edit it and let it be. After a few days, revisit the draft and write another fresh draft. It is important to write your essay again. Doing this would help you eliminate most of the unwanted elements. Comparing the two drafts would at times inspire you to do more. So, start off and get writing. Just keep in mind what all you must include in an SOP for your Master's and more importantly, what not to include in your SOP for Master's Programs.



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