Structure/outline of a Statement of Purpose
Introduce yourself-your goals/interests/express briefly why you are drawn to the
same/weave a brief story/mention a background
Summarise your academic background (past)-coursework, internship, research,
project etc. Ensure that it is not a rehash of your CV.
Futuristic-what would you like to study/why?
Professional goals-express a synergy-reasons for choosing course/institute/country, if
applicable
How will the institute further your goals and vice-versa
Statement of Purpose (Sample)
Write an SOP for admission into a prestigious university to study Literature.
My goal is to attend a well-respected University with a strong Literature graduate degree. I
want to be involved in this prestigious institution that will both provide and allow me the
opportunity to grow, develop and be challenged in my understanding of a subject area that I
feel is my niche. During the final months of my class 12th at Bluebells Public School, I
attended a guest lecture on American Literature, delivered by Professor Klein, which
attracted me towards literature and aroused in me a keen interest to pursue an undergraduate
course in the same.
I was immediately fascinated by the idea that the written word is immortal and capable of
altering not only individual lives but also nations on the whole. I realised that literature is
something more than what we have been comprehending. Ruminating over the lecture, I
could sense the vitality in me to create a tangible impact on my life and future.
I have achieved 96.5% in the ICSE examination, scored 96.6% in the ISC examination and
have performed well in Competitive Examination. I have won the creative writing
competition held at St. Pious College in 2015 and 2016. I have represented my school in
Basketball and Table Tennis in the years 2015 and 2016.
The undergraduate program in English Literature which is being offered at Mumbai
University is well equipped to guide me towards my objective. It will not only accommodate
my inter disciplinary interests but also give me an insight into the history of literature right
from the Middle ages upto the present.
Mumbai University provides education par excellence and legendary alumni of the university
has been a constant inspiration. I am confident that I will greatly benefit under the able
guidance of your learned faculty. Hence I conclude by urging you to consider my application,
assuring you that I will prove to be an asset to the university.
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