Perfecting Your Story

Be it for a Statement of Purpose or an other essay question.

This article has been written for MS/MBA students focussing on how to go about writing a SOP. But the points noted down here can be used for essay questions on application forms too.

When you check out applications for universities, it’s evident that you will come across the “statement of purpose” section. Rightly so, this is undoubtedly one of the most important elements in your application as it talks about your story – who you are and what you aspire to be. In other words your SOP can make or break your case.

But before you fire up your laptop and start typing into it, here are a few things you might find to be helpful.

The Process

At first it can seem like a daunting task. Probably because it is. Writing is tough even when you know what you want to write about. And here, you don’t even know where to begin.

However, it is okay to feel so and be worried about the process. I bet every student who has undergone this felt the same. So, it’s only natural. Reassurance- that, right there is the first step towards your goal. Your will feel unenthusiastic and lost multiple times. But keep moving on and don’t ever stop.

Where do I begin?

Your SOP is all about you. If you are ABC, your SOP should scream ABC. It has to be filled with your experiences and details. So basically its your summarisation or in other words, your story so far.

And how you want to write your story is up to you. Depending upon the course and the university – you can include bits and pieces of your life which is relevant to the program you wish to study.

What’s the Right number?

Some people I know have written 5–8 drafts before they were happy with it. As for me, I was so anxious about it, I felt stuck every time I started. I ended up writing it just before my first deadline (phew). So yeah, anything can work.

Is there a magic number?

Sadly no.

All you can do is work according to your pace.

Do you feel like writing mutilple drafts and combining them?

Do it.

Do you want to write only one piece after noting down all the relevant points?

Do it.

How long does it take?

Again, this varies from individual to individual.

You can take as much time as you want and as long as you finish it before the deadlines, you are fine.

How do I know it’s Perfect?

Ask yourself if you feel like you have given it your best?

If your brain gives out a tired, yes.

Stop right there. You have left no stone unturned and given it everything you got.

Now get your seniors or mentors to proof read it for you. Make sure you check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes before you do. Everybody is busy and on the clock – please don’t waste their time.

Read the Rules

Most universities ask for a SOP but don’t generalise just yet. Some universities have writing prompts to help you with the process. There might be specific questions in the prompt which they want you to answer such as why this course or what personal obstacles have had an impact on your life. Be vigilant and read every detail present in the application form before you start writing your answers.

Recycle – Yes or No?

Let’s face it. You are most probably applying to the same course at a reasonable number of universities. You want to be able to write custom made SOP’s for each application. But you just don’t have time. Writing custom made SOP’s are a great thing. And you deserve a pat on your back if you are able to pull it off. But most people can’t. Instead of blindly copy pasting paragraphs, there is one small thing you could do. You can add/alter a few paragraphs specific to the university and program that you are interested in while keeping the crux of it same. Your story is always going to be same but you can present it differently.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it all boils down to you – the effort you want to put in and the results to you wish to see.

Afterall, this is your story and it is dependent on how you want to write it.

All the best!

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