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Statement of Purpose - SOP - SOP Format

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

Statement of Purpose - SOP - SOP Format

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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Statement of Purpose Format

The Statement of Purpose format is also referred to as an SOP format. The SOP shows your personality that you reflect in front of the admission committee. The Statement of Purpose format helps you to get enrolled in universities abroad. This is your chance of impressing committee for getting admission by presenting your profile. Basically, The Statement of Purpose is a long essay that reflects your personality. 

Format of Statement of Purpose

The general format of statement of purpose is as follows – 

  • You need to write 12 points in Times New Roman font
  • There should be 1-inch margins on all sides
  • 1.5-line spacing
  • The SOP runs in paragraph format
  • A standard format of statement of purpose should have the word count between 800 to 1000 words
  • In the first paragraph write the introduction and goals of the statement
  • In the second paragraph write about your progression and history of your career
  • In the third paragraph, you need to write about the reason why you wish to do that specific course
  • In the fourth paragraph write about the plan for achieving your goal and end the essay

Statement of Purpose Format – Why is it important?

The Statement of Purpose format is extremely important for your admission. 

  • The professionals check many aspects of the candidate’s application to finalize the decision
  • The SOP is the properly subjective aspect of your application
  • The SOP is the only document which makes your application more powerful and unique
  • The SOP makes you stand out of the crowd
  •  The admission is mainly dependent on SOP only

Statement of Purpose Graduate School Format

The candidates applying for graduate courses need to write an essay about their personality and why they wish to opt for the course. The career goals and planning for achieving the goals. The application is known as Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose format increases your admission chances.

How to format a Statement of Purpose for Grad Schools 

SOP for Grad schools shows the different tips which you need to write in your application.

  • The Grad Schools format of SOP is as simple as an essay.
  • The format main part includes the reason behind choosing the course, about the experience which you have in your field and what is the plan for achieving your career goals.
  • Make sure that your application should be creative and unique. The idea about your field should be intellectual.
  • Always write your academic details and qualifications.
  • Also, discuss your research and interests. The work and knowledge which you have in your field.

Statement of Purpose for MS

The statement of purpose format is as follows – 

  • Introductory paragraph – The introductory paragraph must be powerful of your SOP. To do this always start with a quote that shows and presents your dreams and goals. This shows that the choice of your course is not arbitrary and you have knowledge about your field.
  • Academic Achievements – In this write about your academic achievements in a professional manner. You need to write about interest and best academic performance in particular subjects. Also, write about the laboratory work in which subject you are the best.
  • Extracurricular Activities – In this write about your extra curriculum activities in which you won some medals. You need to write about your achievements in different curricular activities which are outside the classroom.
  • Goals and Aspirations – In this you need to mention your goals and career aspirations. You need to write about the future planning of your goal in a particular subject of MS. Also, brief your knowledge about the particular MS subject which proves that you are some who already done the research and then applying for the course.
  • Concluding Paragraph – This paragraph should make a memorable impact on your application. In this conclude with the reason why you are the proper candidate and how you forward their legacy of the university by your actions.

Statement of Purpose for PhD

The Statement of Purpose for a PhD is as follows – 

  • Be straight forward – You need to be straight forward about your research interest. Write about your research topic for the PhD course and even if you are not clear about the research topic, you can write about the particular field or course in which you have your interest.
  • Academic and Research background – Now mention your academic background briefly. You need to write from bachelor to master researches. You need to discuss your researches which you have already done previously.
  • Reason to join the specific course and university – In this, you need to clear your thoughts about opting the particular course. You also need to discuss why you are choosing the particular university and why you care to do specialization in the specific course only.
  • Career goals – In this you need to mention your career goals. The goals of your career are whether long term or short term. Also, write about your plan for achieving the goals.

Statement of Purpose Format Header

The Statement of Purpose format header is as follows:

  • Introductory part
  • Summarize Academic details
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Career goals 
  • Conclude the application

FAQs

✅How to write a statement of purpose?

A: The Statement of Purpose is an essay in which you need to show your creativity. You have to mention your choice of subject, academic details, career goals and achievements. The SOP should be written in different paragraphs. 

✅ How do you format a statement?

Ans: The format of a statement is as first, we write the header of one line. Then we will write the body of the essay. Use 12-line point in Times New Roman font. Use 1-inch margins all around. Double-space your essay.

✅ What is the word limit for SOP?

Ans: The word limit for SOP is 800-1000 words.

✅ What is the best font for a statement of purpose?

Ans: The Times New Roman is the best font for a statement of purpose.

✅ How many words should a statement of purpose be?

Ans: The statement of purpose should be between 800-1000 words.

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About the Author & Expert

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Rachit Agrawal

author • MBA • 2 years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.