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Why is SOP important?

A well-written SOP is an extremely significant element during your admission process. While the academic record and other exam score cards, academic transcripts and certificates are essentially objective in nature, an SOP is the only truly subjective aspect of your application. It is the only document in your application that gives you the opportunity to prove that you have something unique which makes you stand out from the crowd. As such, it is the document of your application docket that can hugely determine your admission.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Format

Here are some points you need to keep in your SOP review checklist:

• The SOP should be written in precise paragraphs like an essay. You can use bullet points but you need to limit them to a bare minimum.
• Usually, an SOP is two pages long, written in 12-point fonts, and double-spaced. Depending upon the size and type of font used, you can write 800-1000 words.
• The complete SOP lies between 5-7 paragraphs of 150-250 words each.
• You should keep your SOP simple and should avoid using colourful text and images. If you are using pen and paper, use black ink.

What should be included in the Statement of Purpose?

There are several elements that are vital for your Statement of Purpose. These include:

• Personal background
• Financial background
• Academic details
• Professional experience (full/part time, voluntary)
• Immediate and long-term goals
• Reasons why you wish to study at this particular institution
• Reasons of being interested in the chosen field
• About extra-curricular activities
• Published works, if any
• Papers submitted, if any
• Interests, hobbies