Free sample SOPs (Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement) in several different subjects, for applications to MS Program or graduate school degree programs.
The sample SOPs are this page are useful guides for helping you write your own SOP. These SOPs were used for non-native (ESL) English speakers, but they contain useful phrases and ideas for anyone applying to graduate school. Looking at successful graduate school statement of purpose samples can help
Download Statement of Purpose
Sample SOP Community and Development
Sample SOP Production Engineering
11. Take Advice From Professors. If you know a professor at your undergrad institution, don’t hesitate to approach him/her for advice regarding your statement of purpose. They are of course very experienced prospects, and they might have seen thousands of statement of purposes and students in their careers. So, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for their opinion. Plus, since unlike your family, they are technically sound, they can also provide you valuable insights on how to project your technical expertise and project works in the statement. After all, a professor knows what another professor looks for in a prospective student, so it would only help if you approach your college professors. And, if they are really close to you, you can also ask them for a really good letter of recommendation. So whichever way you look at it, there are only benefits for you. Checklist for a Powerful Statement of Purpose Here’s a basic checklist designed to help you draft a flawless Statement of Purpose. Make sure you write in an organized manner, and cover your points in a proper order. We have given this checklist so that you can write your statement of purpose without confusing yourself and the readers. Following a meticulous order like this will make your statement of purpose a lot better to read and understand about you and your story. Feel free to add anything else to the list if you think it will boost your chances, but remember to not write too much because you would then be exceeding the word limit. Organization: Introducing yourself in a unique manner. Demonstrating your passion for the field. Story about your background or experience in the field you’ve chosen. Description of your academic background in the field you’ve chosen. Specific classes or special courses you have taken, that are related to your field of interest. Some of the professors you have studied under, especially if they are well-known in that field. Co-curricular and Extracurricular activities in the field of you interest. Publications or other professional accomplishments in the field (perhaps conference presentations or public readings) Any community service or leadership experience while in college. Explanations about problems in background (if needed) Explanation of why you have chosen the specific grad school and other related questions as discussed in the beginning of this article. Mention what you like about the university you are applying for, and why: facilities, infrastructure, etc. Mention names of one or two professors in that school and what you know of and appreciate about their work, and why you want to study or work under their guidance. Specific features of the grad program and the university, which attract you personally. And why. Get advice from several of your professors, family, and close friends. Ask for stories about yourself. Proofread and edit; ask friends and family to proofread for you as well. Now Its Your Turn So, those are some strategies and tips for you to write a powerful statement of purpose, impress the committee, and thereby ace the admissions process. Make sure you do every one of these things, and you won’t be far away from the college of your dreams. Do you have any strategies that worked well for you? Do let us know in the comments section. We almost forgot! We are giving away a sample Statement of Purpose for download, so you can get an actual glimpse of how the aforementioned tips and strategies have been incorporated in a real Statement Of Purpose. But remember, this should serve only as an inspiration to your own Statement of Purpose, but not a source to copy from. Close to 10000 students check this space regularly, and if every single one of them uses the same phrases in their own statement of purposes, very soon, everyone will be held for plagiarism. So, try and copy only the framework and the organization, but not the actual content. Happy Writing!