How to Write an Sop for Grad School

HOW TO WRITE A WINNING STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR A GRADUATE SCHOOL

Compiled by

Shoukat Iqbal Khattak Faculty Member Bahria University of Management Sciences-Karachi campus E-mail: [e-mail]

Developed & Created by

Anthony O. Okobi using:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Table of Content

1. Introduction: What, Why and How of Statement of Purpose.

2. Stage I: Do your Homework

3. Stage II: Reflect and Brainstorm (on paper)

4. Stage III: Outline your Statement of Purpose

5. Stage IV: Write Draft of Statement of Purpose

6. Stage V: Ask for Critique, Revise and Edit

7. Example: Sample Statement of Purpose

Introduction

A written statement of purpose is a standard requirement for graduate school admission. It is a tool for the faculty on graduate school admissions committees to assess the knowledge, experience, motivation, intellectual maturity and readiness of applicants to pursue graduate education at their institution. The statement of purpose is a crucial component of the graduate school admissions process. It can determine whether an applicant is accepted or rejected, irrespective of their other qualifications.

This document outlines the 5 stages that a graduate school applicant should go through in order to write an impressive and successful statement of purpose.

Stage I: Do your Homework

1. Browse through the websites of the schools/departments/programs of interest to you. Obtain brochures and booklets and read through them carefully. Highlight the aspects of the programs that appeal to you.

2. Read up on the research interests and projects of the faculty in the schools/departments/programs. Read