There are many universities in Australia that provide MS degrees to students from all over the world. MS or Master of Science is a professional course that enables students to learn the art of innovation and expand their knowledge base so that they can progress towards a brighter future. An SOP is like a gateway to such prestigious universities. The following article includes information needed to write an impressive SOP for MS in Australia. Before we discuss the steps for writing an impressive SOP, we should understand what an SOP is.
An SOP or Statement of Purpose is an essay that highlights the intent of an applicant. It is a mandatory part of a student’s application for studying abroad. Usually, an SOP is a crisp but informative essay that focuses on the applicant’s personal background, academic background, achievements, professional experiences, prospects, and intentions regarding the course. The applicant must invest time and effort to produce an impactful SOP to merit a seat in any prestigious university abroad. This article will provide you with relevant information like the format, guidelines, do’s & don’ts, and a sample SOP for MS in Australia.
An SOP is usually written in paragraphs and does not usually exceed 1,000 words. The essay entails a brief but informative description of the applicant’s intentions, prospects, academic and professional backgrounds. Not all SOP structures are the same and universities sometimes provide specific instructions based on their preferences. The standard SOP structure and the SOP for universities in Australia can be different.
Format:
Paragraph 1 – Introduction and personal background
Paragraph 2 – Academic background and achievements
Paragraph 3 – Personal and professional experiences
Paragraph 4 – Career goals and prospects
Paragraph 5 – Reasons for choosing this particular course, reasons for selecting the particular university, and reasons for choosing Australia.
Difference between standard SOP and SOP for Australian institutions:
Even though most SOPs follow a similar pattern some differences arise due to the guidelines of universities. SOPs for universities in Australia usually tend to emphasize evidence and facts. Standard SOPs usually look at the storytelling ability of the applicant and pay more attention to the narrative.
The following section will also provide certain specifics that need to be focused on while crafting an SOP for MS in Australia.
The essay should be crisp and comprehensive with a positive tone and focus on the positive traits of the applicant. It has to be relevant to the course.
Any prior work experience should be mentioned as it adds value to the SOP.
All information regarding professional experiences and academic or other achievements should be verifiable.
Exaggeration or lying is an absolute “no”. Misinformation is considered a serious offense by Australian universities.
Do’s and Don’ts:
Do’s
SOPs should have an interesting beginning and an inspiring end.
Mention only relevant information.
Maintain a formal tone.
Be positive and sensible throughout your essay.
Make others read your SOP and get feedback.
Provide information on personal and professional experiences to make your essay more interesting.
Include a few anecdotes.
Maintain coherence within the essay with the information provided.
Follow the guidelines provided by the university on fonts and word count.
Check and recheck for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
Don’ts
Do not exceed the word limit.
Do not use the same SOP for all applications.
Refrain from including irrelevant information about family, etc.
Avoid using a passive voice.
Do not lie or provide exaggerated information. This compromises the integrity of the SOP.
Avoid using vague and random statements.
You do not need to mention your GRE, SAT, GMAT, or IELTS scores, as they are a part of your application process and will add no value to the SOP.
Avoid repetition or plagiarism.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) with respect to countries
It was at a very young age that I realized my inclination towards science. I have always been an excellent student with a keen interest in physics and chemistry. My teachers at school managed to inculcate a deep love for science and scientific thinking. It was towards the end of school that I realized my true calling. I have always been interested in Physics and I hope to achieve enough in this realm so that I can give back to society.
My journey towards my ambition began with my introduction to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur. I was selected as a candidate for mechanical engineering after I aced the AIEEE entrance exam. It is a competitive exam for admission to graduate engineering programs in India. I was able to increase my knowledge base and further identify my interests through this program. I developed a deep inclination towards subjects like fluid mechanics and applied thermodynamics.
My graduate program created a competitive atmosphere that allowed me to assess myself and work on my weaknesses. The challenging ethos prepared me to adapt and perform under stressful situations and attain satisfactory outcomes. I was also awarded the ‘student of the year’ recognition for the year 2017 for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. My extracurricular achievements in the field of music and sports fabricated my personality as a leader and innovator.
My academic performance and practical knowledge about various subjects merited me an internship and eventually a job at Larsen and Toubro as a mechanical engineer in research and development. After working for two years, I realized that further education is the only way to expand my opportunities and scope to diversify.
The infrastructure at the XYZ university and the credibility of the faculty there has intrigued my interest. I aspire to expand my horizon and achieve my goals. My understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject coupled with my work experience makes me an ideal candidate for the MS program at your prestigious university.
On a concluding note, I would like to say that my future lies within the domain of engineering. I wish to utilize most of my time and the opportunities at your esteemed institution to build it. My access to world-class infrastructure and guidance shall complement my intelligence and make me a dynamic individual ready for the future. I hope that my statement of purpose manages to grasp your attention and win me a seat at your renowned university as I proceed towards a brighter tomorrow.
In conclusion, it is crucial to point out the importance of the SOP in the admissions process. The right amount of time and effort invested will enable you to create an impressive and creative SOP so that you can earn a seat at any prestigious university. You can find all the information you need while applying for higher education abroad on the upGrad Abroad website.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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