One of the most important pieces of a strong postsecondary application for international students is your statement of purpose (SOP). Writing the perfect SOP might feel daunting, but don’t worry: we’re here to help.
Below, we’ll go over what a statement of purpose is, its basic structure, and how you can make yours stand out. Remember, the most challenging part of writing an SOP is often getting started!
Curious about other parts of the study abroad application process? Ace your application with our deep-dive series on resume tips, proof of financial support, transcripts, and study gap statements.
What is a Statement of Purpose?
A statement of purpose is basically a short essay that highlights your academic background, achievements, and goals. While the content of an SOP can change whether you’re applying to institutions in North America or in the UK, it should always include why you want to study your desired program.
A strong statement of purpose helps you stand out among the many applications schools receive. Plus, it can distinguish you from your grades (because you’re more than just your GPA)! Use your SOP to highlight your extracurricular achievements and enthusiasm for studying at a specific post-secondary institution. Your SOP gives the admissions team a look at your personality and helps determine if you’re a good fit for the campus culture. It can also be a creative way to showcase your writing skills.
Ultimately, a statement of purpose is an important piece in the application puzzle because it can affect whether you receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the institutions you apply to. Whether you need to know how to write a statement of purpose for grad school, or for your first degree or diploma, approaching your SOP thoughtfully is crucial.
After you receive your Letter of Acceptance, what’s next? Find out in our Pre-Departure Guide for International Students.
Two Important Rules for Your Statement of Purpose
Avoid Plagiarism
Write your statement of purpose in your own words. This means it needs to be written by you and only you. Don’t copy anything from external sites, general templates, or a statement written by someone else (not even ChatGPT).
Using any of these shortcuts can be considered plagiarism, which is a serious academic offence. To avoid writing a statement of purpose that is generic or plagiarized, focus on highlighting ambitions and goals that are uniquely yours. Remember, the admissions team wants to know what makes you stand out! Nobody can tell your story better than you can.
Keep Things Clear and Follow Instructions
Admissions teams read hundreds of applications, so details count. Your statement of purpose should be concise and use clear language with proper grammar.
Guidelines for the length of your SOP will always be provided with application materials. In most cases, it’s no more than one page long. You’ll also likely have guidelines for the SOP’s word count, spacing, and structure. It’s important to follow these guidelines, as that demonstrates to the institution that you can follow instructions and pay attention to detail.
To polish up your application, use strategies from our International Application Tips for Canadian and American Schools blog.
What Should I Write in My Statement of Purpose?
Where possible, we recommend customizing every statement of purpose to each program you apply to. Sending a general statement of purpose can actually hurt your chances of acceptance as it can appear careless. So, while you’ll adapt your SOP as needed, most institutions will ask you to answer at least some of the questions below.
Paragraph 1: What’s Your Story?
In your opening paragraph, give a brief introduction of who you are. Then, talk about which program you’re applying to and your desired intake date. Next, give a brief summary of what you’ll talk about in your statement of purpose (similar to writing an introductory paragraph for high school essays).
Paragraph 2: What Inspires You?
In the second paragraph, focus on what motivated you to pursue the program you’re interested in. Perhaps you’re inspired by your parents’ medical careers and want to become a doctor too. Or, did a school trip to a museum spark your interest in archaeology?
Whatever your reason, make sure it’s unique to your personal experience and relevant to your program.
Paragraph 3: What Can You Bring to The Table?
This is where you can write about past experiences related to your desired field of study. Include any work experience, sports teams, or clubs that have helped develop your knowledge and perspective, and how you can bring that to your classes.
You have limited space, so don’t mention every club or accomplishment. Instead, choose experiences that you believe are relevant, then discuss how the skills you picked up from that experience make you a great candidate. For example, if you plan to start an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, highlight your previous experience working with children. Maybe you were a summer camp counsellor and can share how that helped you learn skills like management and event coordination. Or, if you were a lifeguard, share how you honed your attention to detail and your ability to prioritize.
Paragraph 4: Why Do You Want to Study Here?
In this section, discuss why you chose that particular institution and what you value about it. Does it have a renowned engineering program, with a strong reputation for field research? Does the campus have top-tier studios and industry connections for the fine arts program you’re applying to? Sharing your knowledge of the institution’s pertinent history, resources, and global impact can strengthen your application.
Also, as a potential international student, share why you want to study in that particular country. For instance, do you want to study in Canada because of its multicultural communities, and to practice English or French language skills? An international education also exposes you to a new culture and way of life, offering learning opportunities that go beyond academics. Including these reasons in your SOP can make it more well-rounded.
Paragraph 5: What Are Your Next Steps?
In the last paragraph of your statement of purpose, discuss what you hope to achieve with this program. This is where you outline your next steps and what you plan to take away from this study experience.
Talk about your intended career path, or if you plan to pursue further education. Do you plan on returning to your home country to bring back what you’ve learned, or do you wish to work internationally? The institution wants to know how completing one of their programs will help your career plans.
In the closing sentence, thank the admissions officers for taking the time to review your application. Showcase your enthusiasm for a new chapter in your life!
Once you’ve finished writing your statement of purpose, proofread it to catch any errors. We also recommend reading your SOP out loud. You’ll pick up on different things than you would when you read it silently (bonus points if you read it to a friend, family member, or school counsellor, who can provide feedback). Once you’re ready, add your SOP to the rest of your application documents and submit them.
By following this outline, starting your own statement of purpose should feel less intimidating and more motivating. You’ve got this!
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