So, you want to write a great SOP?

Admissions officers are often tired and bored. Engaging their interest is not easy, but you cannot do it by mashing a dictionary into your writing. This is a common mistake, and it will have exactly the opposite effect.

Many candidates fill their essays with words they think are ‘cool’, ‘fancy’, and ‘dynamic’. They pepper their text with words like ‘imaginative’, ‘curious’, ‘handled’, ‘managed’. But here’s the thing – telling someone you are imaginative and creative shows you aren’t imaginative and creative enough.

How do I begin?

What an essay needs is a unique approach. And unique does not mean using those long fancy words, or a event that cuts deeply. Just remember, all of us are unique. We all have a different face and a different voice. We all have a different life and different backgrounds. Even twins can have different lives and different likes. Understand that.

After reading the first sentence, does it give the reader a picture of who you are? Or are they left without a clue?

The reader’s concentration should be held by consistent and logical flow. Remember, it does not have to spell things out for the reader (it is not a resume, so do not make a list of things or names). It needs to be interesting and unique.

So, will a good essay get me accepted?

The truth is that an essay will not make an unqualified student acceptable. But, a good essay can help a qualified applicant stand out.  A good essay has the power to turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”

A good essay has the power to turn a 'maybe' into a 'yes'.

When do I begin writing an essay?

The answer is as early as possible. Application process takes time, preparation and creativity. Do not rush your essay. Start a good 6 months before the application deadline. You read that right – 6 months is an ideal time.

Build an outline, keep rereading it and revisiting over the first three months. And in the last three months, give it the final touches. If you are looking for a simpler answer still, start writing your essay the moment you decide to start applying. That will give you time to think about why you are applying and why you want to do the course.

The heat of the moment when you decide to apply also works best because 'heat of the moment' and 'passion' are at the highest and they usually translate into clear writing. Even if they do not, you will have a lot of time to hammer it into perfection.

What is the recipe for a perfect essay?

A good essay is like a piece of art. It cannot be rushed. 6 months is the ideal time to plan, refine, and articulate your thoughts.

There is no magic formula, but there are a few essentials.

Write about yourself. Do not make it a history paper by listing out things you have done. Make your personality shine through. Use your own voice - admissions officers can tell the difference between the voice of a professor and a recent graduate.  Don’t try to impress the reader. Say what is important to you and also say why it is important. Remember that not every applicant needs to save the world.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts:

1. Consider a simple topic.  It doesn’t have to be a life-changing event to be interesting and informative – it has to reflect what you do every day. It could be as simple as a bus ride you take through traffic to reach your workplace/school/college
2. Don’t be afraid to be humorous. If you are a naturally funny person, be the same! You do not always have to be serious. Essays that have sentiment and humor and passionate are easy to sell.
3. Appeal to the broadest audience possible – do not be too one sided.
4. Tell a good story. Show the readers; don’t tell them. Show that you have overcome great difficulty; don’t say “I have overcome great difficulties.”
5. Don’t repeat what is already in your application. Do not relist all the things that are already there in your resume or your application. Do not make a list of your scores or your projects.
6. Tell the reader something they cannot know just from reading the other parts ofn.
   

Are there any sample essays that made the cut?

There are quite a few. If you are looking for a great sample of an SOP. Then you need to look no further. This post has a SAMPLE SOP that will check all the right boxes!