Statement of Purpose

What is a Statement of Purpose?
A Statement of Purpose (SoP), also known as personal statement, is an essay which is to be submitted by the applicant for gaining admission to a particular course of study in a graduate school or a university. A majority of programs and courses require a statement of purpose. An SoP is a brief essay, generally about 1-2 pages, which lets the admission committee know about your past career and future goals, logical thinking abilities, aspirations, and professional interests.

How to Write Statement of Purpose?
A statement of purpose needs to be written with realizing that you are applying for an educational program which is a perfect match for you and can help you in shaping your career. For writing a good SoP, write an opening that would immediately attract the reader's attention. Keep in mind to focus on only those points that make your profile stronger, do not emphasize much on your inabilities or weaknesses. It is a good idea to mention an experience that made you choose the field of study which you are applying for. Read more on sample letter of intent for graduate school.

Do not be get too personal or away from what is SoP is meant for. Describe all points in a brief and honest manner. Assure the educational committee about your confidence, abilities, skills, and professional motives. If needed, you may give a very description about your shortcomings. Do not include irrelevant and unnecessary information in the SoP. After you complete writing your SoP, get it checked by one who has submitted it in the past. It is all the better to use simple words and sentences instead of complicated vocabulary and grammar and composition.

Statement of Purpose Format
Generally, there are three parts in the statement of purpose; such as introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction section, you are required to mention your academic and career goals in short. In the body section, you are required to mention your academic background that consists of your previous courses and programs and other necessary details of such programs. Give a concise explanation of how the intended program will help you in improving your future career. Mention your long-term plans after completing the degree and your professional ambitions. In the conclusion section, simply give a short summary of what you said in the body regarding your goals and the anticipated degree or program.

Statement of Purpose Sample
A professional course like an MBA would really help me in succeeding in my future assignments. It will help me enhancing my skills for facing the challenges that come in business administration. My primary ambition is to understand all the managerial and administrative scenarios that are present in the corporate world and excel in the related field.

As I have completed BBA from ABC University of Management, I think this program is the correct match for me as it will give me further information and knowledge about business administration. I have chosen the business administration field as I have had a little experience of managing day-to-day business activities in XYZ consulting company. After completing this course, I intend to do a Ph.D. in business management.

I am certain that an MBA degree in your college will open new doors for my career to go further. I am ready to take the challenges and projects that are affiliated with this course of study.

Applicant: (Your Name)
Date:

The above statement of purpose sample is just a generalized format of how the SoP is to be written. The actual SoP should be around 1-2 pages long and contain more specific and detailed information regarding your study, programs, career goals, etc. One of the most important writing tips is to use persuasive writing tactics in the SoP for convincing the committee about your career goals and ambitions.