Importance of SOP in the admission process for US universities

So you have cleared your GRE/GMAT with stellar scores. What next? Is the question, which almost all applicants are pondering on.

SOP i.e. statement of Purpose is your one shot opportunity to convey the admission committee about your fit with the MS/MBA program. The SOP basically talks about your background, academic achievements, under graduation courses and how these factors have prepared you better for higher studies in US universities. An effective SOP should cogently convey the intent behind the MS/MBA program choices.

Standardized scores such as GRE/GMAT are just one parameter in application process, albeit very pivotal but are not the only determinants in final decision. What we say at Skill Maestro is clearing GRE/GMAT is half battle won and the other half is dependent on overall profile and SOP of a candidate. Importance of SOP cannot be negated in lieu of good scores and academics. At Skill Maestro, we have helped hundreds of students to get into top ranked US universities in spite of low scores in standardized test. Is that a magic wand? Answer is NO. It is pristine art of beautifully drafted SOP that coherently captures the rationale of pursuing higher studies. Every candidate has a unique story about his academic achievements, extracurricular activities, family upbringing, future goals and struggles in life. Admission committee is all ears about unique stories of candidates which gives them a distinct perspective about candidate’s potential. At Skill Maestro, we make it a point to craft unique SOPs which has essence of each of the above mentioned factors.

Plagiarized SOPs, what consultants won’t tell you:

Majority of admission committee across several universities are using plagiarism check software such as Turnitin.com to make sure that SOPs are not copy pasted from other sources. The biggest damage somebody could do to hurt his admit chances would be to use other candidate’s SOP therefore, at Skill Maestro, we highly recommend students to come up with unique plagiarism free SOP. We have broadly defined the major Do’s and Don’ts for SOP which will help all aspiring candidates to convey a unique story beautifully.

Dos

• ·    Be specific and don’t use generalized statement to put forth the ideas. Use examples and instances to bolster your claims. Don’t simply write that pursuing MIS will help me attune to global needs and become CIO of a company. Be specific and realistic about how some particular coursework can fill in the skill gap. We have seen several rejected candidates using flowery language without an iota of relevance in SOPs. Refrain from this.
•          Introspect yourself and brainstorm with your friends and professors to include:

1. A summary of your accomplishments first
2. Background information--people and events that influenced your decision
3. Learning experience(s) that serve as a foundation for your choice of career
4. Where you picked up first-hand information/experience about the field
5. Your own appraisal of yourself (strengths, weaknesses, uniqueness)

• Let your personality and individuality show. Give insight about your hopes, goals, motivations, and dedication. Be interesting and unique. Do not be afraid to let your passion and commitment to a career shine through. 
• Keep a journal of your work and volunteer experience.
• Get an early start. This cannot be stressed enough.
• Be honest, consistent and straightforward.
• Schools prefer unique essays, so avoid copying any others.

Don't

• Don’t underestimate the importance of the essay (a very common mistake).
• Don’t underestimate the length of time it will take to write your statement.
• Don’t list everything you have ever done. There is usually a place on the application to list your activities.
• Avoid giving unnecessary details. The statement should read smoothly.
• Don’t mention your interest for one particular school in a general application that is being sent to many schools, and vice versa.

For free SOP evaluation, please send us your SOP on skillmaestro.in@gmail.com

To inquire about SOP packages call us on +919827777288, visit us on our facebook page