Statement of Purpose (SoP)
What is SoP? A Statement of Purpose (SOP), sometimes referred to as a personal statement, is a critical piece of a graduate school application that tells admissions committees who you are, what your academic and professional interests are, and how you'll add value to the graduate program you're applying to. “Your statement of purpose is where you tell your story about who you are and why you deserve to be a part of the [university’s] community. It gives the admissions committee the chance to get to know you and understand how you’ll add value to the classroom,” he says. How long is a statement of purpose? How to Write a Statement of Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide 1. Brainstorm your ideas. Why do I want this degree? What are my expectations for this degree? What courses or program features excite me the most? Where do I want this degree to take me, professionally and personally? How will my unique professional and personal experiences add value to the program? 2. Develop an out