Statement of Purpose (SoP) is one of the most significant components of your application package to a foreign institution and this should convey in a lucid style what you intend to gain from undergoing the programme. It should logically and convincingly explain why you seek admission to the programme in the university or institution. The statement should cover the basic details about your background, interests, achievements, capabilities, career objectives, dreams and future plans. It should be prepared thoughtfully. At any stage, if a question is raised by the admitting authority on any of the points, you should be able to answer it with confidence and clarity, in an honest manner.

You need not dwell too much on your autobiography.Do not start with a narrative like “I was born in the village…” The write-up should make it clear what type of person you are. It should convey the message that you are earnest in pursuing the study and that you are enthusiastic about the programme. It need not be an insipid statement of facts; there may be anecdotes, stories or short descriptions of interesting situations that are relevant. The statement should be revised and edited patiently again and again to make it attractive and meaningful. You should stand out among a multitude of well-qualified applicants; you should be an asset to the class. The admission committee should feel that you are the right person for the institution. Perhaps you could keep the script as if in a cold storage for a few days and then go back to it and read it as if you were the professor considering your admission. You may find room for modification.

If you find that your score in GRE or TOEFL or other test does not measure up to your potential, do not hesitate to improve it with a second attempt. The scores are crucial not only in the evaluation by the admission committee, but also in securing scholarships.
 
Before trying to explain why you choose a particular institution or university for your higher studies, have a deep look into the type of work and environment prevailing there. Try to learnthe facilities in the department concerned, the areas in which research is in progress, the significant attainments of the faculty and so on. This will help you to give a convincing explanation. Try to write in the statement what the admission committee expects from a desirable candidate. Do not try to flatter the institution.

The SoP should have the undercurrent of a specific theme evolved from your goal. The essay should have a clear direction. You may cite concrete examples from your experience in life. You should show your exciting interests. Whereas it is important to include significant information that

would enhance the value of the piece, irrelevant material will damage its utility. Information that does not support your thesis need not be included.

As in writing a fine essay, you may open with an appealing description. The concluding lines may refer to the opening lead. Your piece should not have any error in spelling or grammar. Never try to impress the reader by flaunting your vocabulary; make the reading effortless and easy. Do not put forward excuses for your low scores in tests or examinations. You should get it read by a knowledgeable and empathetic teacher or friend. Suggestions if any should be considered appropriately, so that your essay attains the best possible shape. It is often said that the SoP is the only element in your application packet over which you have full control. Even the letter of recommendation is written by someone else. Never make the SoP a last-minute writing exercise.

No one can produce his best possible writing in a hurry. The admitting authorities will certainly evaluate you based on your essay. Perhaps a well-written telling essay may sometimes compensate for your low scores in examinations and enhance your chance for selection. A poorly made essay on the other hand may push down your chance, despite your fine test scores. This should not happen to you.

The statement can include indications on the following. Every SoP may not cover all these elements.

• Academic qualification or scores
• Adaptability
• Analytical mind
• Aptitude
• Co-curricular activities
• Commitment to your field of study
• Computers skills
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Financial resources, funding
• Inherent abilities
• Intellectual curiosity
• Intermediate and long range goals
• Interest in research
• Language skills
• Leadership qualities
• Personal attributes such as motivation, sincerity, maturity, integrity and reliability
• Professional achievements
• Qualifying tests like TOEFL and GMAT
• Reasons for selecting the programme
• Reasons for selecting the university or institution
• Self reliance
• Specific career goals
• Work experience
• Writing ability

You should be particularly careful to see that anything anywhere else in your application package does not contradict what you have given in the SoP. The thoughtful preparation of a statement of purpose has an indirect advantage. It will objectively tell you what you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Many of us keep high opinions of our skills and achievements. The exercise of writing carefully about you will erase such delusions and hold a mirror to you. This gives you an opportunity to get an objective feedback, improve yourself and make corrections wherever necessary. Further, it helps you in refining your approach and polishing your style while you are readying yourself for a foreign university.

The admission committee will have several criteria while selecting candidates. Your scores or grades in the tests and examinations, country of origin, the reputation of the institution from where you secured your qualification, the letters of recommendation, your co-curricular activities and attainments, your work experience and your personality as reflected in the statement of purpose are some of the significant factors. Sometimes you may have to modify your SoP in tune with the conventions in the university or institution of your choice.
 
Remember that a few experts in the line would go through your essay; they will easily spot any attempt to misguide them through falsehood in the statement of purpose. Your claims should be honest and genuine. If a candidate without any significant achievement in social work claims that he is propelled by altruistic motives to serve society and improve the lot of his people through the skills gained through overseas studies, the admitting authorities will hear a ring of duplicity. Honesty is the best policy in drafting your essay. You can prove your credibility through genuine claims. Even a small personal achievement will boost up your chances for selection than unsubstantiated tall claims. A well-written SoP is a visa.

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