Thread by @AaronAkpuPhilip

WRITING A WINNING STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (SOP)

PART A

This VERY long thread will break down the process of writing an SOP using six questions that have worked for me in the several admissions and scholarships I have secured.

Get a drink and let us begin.

Writing an SOP requires thorough research and planning. Writing an SOP involves writing a story of your academic and professional experience.

Remember that volunteering or internship roles also count when you are writing your SOP.

It is important to tell a coherent story from start to finish of your SOP. This allows the assessors to link your passion with your academic and professional trajectory.

It is also very significant that you allow others (mentors, friends, professionals) to review your essays.

This is important because, your essay might be coherent and convincing but if it is laced with grammatical errors, you are likely to lose points.

You can also use editing software or websites to assess your writing.

I will be providing six questions that I aim to answer when I write my SOPs. I will also expand on the questions as we go along. Part A will speak to four out of the six questions. Part B will continue from Q4.

1. WHAT IS/ARE YOUR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS?:

You will need to state clearly from the outset your academic qualification. Also, highlight your class of degree with any awards or recognition you received while undertaking your studies.

Also, capture your thesis and its significance. It will be great to state why you decided to undertake that research.

Also clearly state the outcome of your thesis. Were you able to publish it? Highlight this clearly.

Additionally, mention the skills you developed while you were undertaking your studies.

Examples of skills you could have developed are research skills, facilitation skills, budgeting skills, critical thinking skills, use of statistical software etc.

2. WHY DID YOU STUDY THE COURSE YOU DID?

For example, if you are writing an SOP for a master’s degree admission, state why you studied the course you did for your first degree.

Was it as a result of an incident that happened in your life? Tell the story emotively & critically.

Was it as a result of an event you participated in that sparked up the interest in you?

Similarly, if you are applying for a PhD, highlight why you studied the course you did for your master’s degree. In doing this, you show the connection between 1 and 2.

3. WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?

It is important to demonstrate some level of experience in your field. In saying this, highlight the most relatable places you have worked, interned or volunteered.

The word “Relatable” refers to the places or positions you have held professionally that relates to the course you are applying for.

This applies to both M.Sc and PhD prospective applicants. While working in those positions, what skills did you develop?

What were your achievements? How did your academic qualifications and skills help you achieve all you did? This shows the connection between 1, 2 & 3.

4. WHY DO YOU WANT TO UNDERTAKE THE PROPOSED COURSE?

This is an important component of the SOP. In this section, you will need to show that you are looking to address a gap or improve your knowledge in your field.

This is not about simply writing that you want to “improve your knowledge”. You will need to be strategic.

While you might have gained skills and competencies from your academic and professional journey (as highlighted in 1, 2 and 3)...,

it is possible that you have picked up interest in a particular subject or issue from your academic or professional path.

Show that you have numerous skills, but you desire to learn more.

This is also a good place to strategically mention your limitation.

Mentioning your limitation is a strength-based approach in SOPs.

TO BE CONTD IN PART B.

cc: @Oludeewon @arawu_samuel @MICHAELSEGZY @ritapurity @olumuyiwaayo @Ijesha_canadian @dr_olubamiji @Okpala_IU @drhammed @particular6 @MichAdebayo

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