A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the only document that shows your desired university abroad about how unique and motivated you are to pursue the selected course. Hence SOP is one of the important factors that lead to your acceptance in your desired study abroad destination. Write a perfect SOP by expressing your goals and achievements to impress the admission officers. Here is everything you need to know about SOP and how to write a perfect Statement of Purpose.

What is an SOP?

A statement of purpose (SOP) is usually a long essay that is required by universities abroad during the application process. SOP gives a brief idea to your desired university about your academic and professional records to date, the purpose of applying to that particular course in that university, what are your goals after the completion of the course, motivation for the chosen career path and so on.

In short, the statement of purpose gives a gist of who you are, your motivation to pursue the course in the desired university and your future goals. The SOP essay approximately ranges between 500-1500 words and a well-written SOP can often boost your chances of achieving your dreams.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

We are the Official Representative for Top Ireland Universities

Why is SOP important?

A well-written SOP is one of the prime factors that contribute to your chances of admissions. The Statement of Purpose is the only subjective aspect of your application that gives you an opportunity to prove how unique you are from the rest. This document lets the readers know about your strengths, weaknesses, achievements and future goals. Writing the best SOP is the only way to impress the admission officers and grab a chance in your desired university abroad. Since we now know how important an SOP is for the university application process, it is also equally important to write a perfect SOP.

How to write the perfect SOP?

There is a specific format to write the Statement of Purpose. Though most universities across the globe follow a standard format/template, it is important to check the appropriate departmental website to check if they mentioned any additional requirements. If you want to draft the best SOP that sounds brilliant and original, it is necessary to follow a specific strategy. Whatever the course you are applying for, your SOP should have a good flow of covering your past experience, present motivations and future plans. Here are some important tips to consider while drafting your Statement of Purpose

1. SOP 1st Paragraph: Introduction

Introduce about yourself and what you are going to discuss in your SOP. Explain your background in 2-3 lines and tell them about your interests, motivations and future goals. This should be short and on point.

2. SOP 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs: Summarize your academic background and professional experience

This comprises of your previous graduate career and professional experience. If you have any prior work experience discuss about your role in the company, your work and responsibilities, what you have learned and how it helped you.  In this section mention about

• What have you done so far

• What are you currently pursuing

• What are your academic strengths

• Projects, research or important thesis you completed

• Your work experience

3. SOP 4th Paragraph: Write about the reason why you chose this course and your academic interests

In this section discuss why you choose this specific course and mention what modules you are going to select. Indicate your areas of interest and cover the skills you would acquire during this period. Also discuss about how the skills you acquired would help you to realise and focus on your goals.

GoIreland's Extensive Footprint in India

Offices across India

250+ Experienced Consultants

Chennai (Anna Nagar, Nungambakkam, Adyar, Velachery, Ashok Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Tambaram), Coimbatore, Bangalore, Cochin, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and many more

4. SOP 5th paragraph: Future goals

In this most important section, you should discuss about your immediate and long-term goals. Immediate goals should include, name some companies you would like to work for right after the completion of the course. Explain the kind of job profile and responsibilities in that role.

Then comes your long-term goals, where you should mention about your future goals, where you want to see yourself in the next 10-15 years if you have any idea of further studies, your plans of taking up your family business or establishing your own firm.

5. SOP 6th Paragraph: Discuss why you chose this specific university

In this paragraph, you should be able to convince the university that you have the potential t make the best of the education you receive and you will be an asset to the university. Discuss about the course profile, faculty names, course-specific activities and let them know that you are an ideal candidate for the profile. Discuss your positive attitude, urge to learn, ability to adapt quickly, and other qualities that you think are relevant for the profile.

6. Closing paragraph:

In this last paragraph of SOP, express your readiness to join the course. You should sound focused and motivated to face any new challenges that come your way. You should also show that you will make most of the opportunity by making a difference in the industry in a global perspective. Always end your SOP positively.

Tips to write the best Statement of Purpose

In your SOP, clearly articulate your goals and interests, portray your personality and how motivated you are to pursue the selected course. Here are few tips to help you draft a good SOP.

• Write stories and quantify your stories.

• Be yourself

• Write in an active not a passive voice.

• Customize your essay

• Use a formal but conversational tone

• Share examples of your work

• Portray your attitude, personality and character rightly

• Be honest and address your problems and failures if any

• Make sure there is a good continuity and focus

• Do your homework, take advice from professors

• Proofread and re-edit till you are satisfied with the result.

Why do universities ask for SOP?

The SOP helps colleges and universities to decide if the applicant is really interested in pursuing the applied program. Based on the SOP, the admission council and the faculty members get to know the applicant's ability, self-motivation and competence. A good SOP helps to showcase their strengths during the admission process into their desired university abroad. A perfect SOP shows your potential and attracts admission officers.

Related Programs

Computer Science

Looking to take up exciting Computer Science courses in Ireland? Contact our expert counsellors to get to know more about MSc in Computer Science in Ireland.

Cyber Security

Explore the top colleges for MSc in cyber security in Ireland, it’s always helpful to know as much as possible about the types of jobs that will be available to you once you earn your MSc in cyber security in Ireland

Information Technology

Know all about MSc in IT in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in IT, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for IT professionals.

Software Engineering

Know all about Masters in software engineering in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in software engineering, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for software engineering.

Management Information Systems

Know all about Masters in information systems management in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in management information system, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for information systems manager

Information Systems

Know all about Masters in information systems in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in information systems, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for information systems.

Information Security

Know all about Masters in information security in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in information security, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for information security

Data Analytics

GoIreland proveds the professional body for Data Analytics and Data Science professionals in Ireland. Located in Chennai we promote innovation in Analytics. Masters course to provide skills across area such as programming, Data Analytics and Databases, and data.

Data Science

Make it big in your career with masters in data science in Ireland. Learn more about the universities in Ireland for data science, eligibility, fees and companies that hire data scientists.

Big Data Management

Know all about Masters in big data management in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in big data management, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for big data management.

Artificial Intelligence

Know all about Masters in artificial intelligence in Ireland, the colleges that offer MSc in AI, the career prospects of the course and the companies in Ireland for AI.

Business Analytics

Looking to Study Business Analytics in Ireland? Talk to our expert counsellors who can guide you step by step to study MSc in Business Analytics in Ireland

Biotechnology

Ireland is popular for it's Biotech companies. Get admit in top universities for MSc in Biotechnology in Ireland & and kick start your career

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering in Ireland, the home of the top biomedical engineering companies can be a turning point for an amazing career. Specialization in biomedical engineering with a master degree in Ireland can get you into the top biomedical companies in Ireland.

Pharmaceutical Sciences

If you aspire to study Pharmaceutical Sciences, call our expert counsellors for free advice on MS Pharma in Ireland.

Pharmaceutical Engineering

Pharmacist or graduates in pharmacology are in huge demand in Ireland as the country houses 9 out of the ten top global pharma companies. Master degree in pharmacology in Ireland will assure you a career in the pharmacology industry

Chemical Engineering

Masters in Chemical Engineering in Ireland can get you into Ireland's top pharma companies. Talk to our experts for personalized guidance

Bioinformatics

If you are looking to analyse and interpret biological data, then Bioinformatics in Ireland is the best choice. Talk to us today!