How to write a Statement of Purpose

A good personal statement can support a well focused application a poor personal
statement can undermine it, but the foundation of the application must be solid:
 Academic prerequisites must be met – any specified grades already achieved or predicted,
any required subject being followed at the right level.
 Some account must be taken of the level of competitiveness for the particular course: for
popular subjects you should have predicted grades at or above the typical offer and should
include some less competitive courses among your choices:

The university or college will want to know

 Why you want to study the subject you have applied for. Give a clear indication of your
motivation towards or relevant background for the courses applied for.
 Why you feel that you are suitable for entry - you can mention past qualifications
relevant work experience, positions of responsibility held at school, college etc.
 Explain any relevant qualifications you have giving details of the numbers of hours of
classes, how the course was examined etc
 Highlight any merit awards or rank you have achieved in your education so far.
 If you are looking for exemption from part of the course or from an English or GMAT
exam explain why you feel that this is justified.
 What professional or personal challenges you have faced in your past and how you have
dealt with them successfully.
 Any unusual gap between during your studies should be explained.
 Why you have chosen their institution to study this subject. You can also show that you
realise what the study of the subject is likely to entail.
 Why you have decided to continue your education in the UK and not your own country.
 What you plan to do after you have completed this course.

Do Not

 copy your statement from other website otherwise it can get cancelled. It is essential that
the student writes their own personal statement. All personal statements are run through
the Similarity Detection Service. Institutions will be notified if student’s personal
statement is considered to be copied from elsewhere (either on line or another student).
The institution might reject the your application.
 use words in your statement of purpose that you do not fully understand as you may be
asked about them in an interview.
 quote from famous people unless it is essential to a point you wish to make in your
statement - the statement is about you and your application to the academic course.
 try and flatter the university or college by saying it is the best in the world - as it may not
be - be realistic and be honest about yourself and your reasons for applying.

How to Present Your Statement of Purpose

Recommendations
  Make sure that your Statement of Purpose is typed. Skip a line between
paragraphs.
 Make sure that it reads well – it should have a well defined layout. Try reading
out what you have written out loud – if it does not sound correct then make some
corrections so that it reads better. Let other people read it as they may spot errors which
might have been missed by you. There should be no obvious mistakes in grammar or
spelling.
 The most important paragraphs are the 1st and last paragraphs so give these paragraphs
some extra thought. It should provide a clear indication of your motivation towards or
relevant background for the courses applied for.
 Your statement should be about 500 words or 1 to 2 sides of an A4 sheet.
 Print out your statement on good quality paper.
 Remember to sign and date it.

Ideally, a good statement of purpose will explain why you have chosen the particular course and
why you are suitable for the same. You should mention your relevant background as well as
future plans. Most importantly, how this course, if pursued, would help you bridge the gap
between the two.

Remember, the Statement of Purpose may be the only piece of written work by you, that is
viewed by the university. So it has to convey a good impression of your competence.