What is a SOP?
(The
introduction below refers to educational environment prevalent in India)
There
were days when secondary school leaving certificate (S.S.L.C) was the end of an
academic career. There were also days when people stopped their academic career
with a bachelor degree. Because jobs were available for those with an SSLC or a
BA. Further academic learning wasn’t necessary for office promotions unless the
profession was teaching in a college. Even MPhil was unheard of till perhaps
the early 1980s.
But
today, for the past or decade or so, that is, expectations of employees,
employers and students are sky high, knowledge explosion, job opportunities,
life ambitions have all been responsible for this. A PG degree in the right
discipline is necessary for smooth entry and quick growth.
This
is especially true of students with a bachelor degree in engineering. They all
know the value of an MS from a foreign university, an MTech from India, an MBA
from a foreign or Indian institution. Even when they are in the middle of that
UG courses they prepare themselves thoroughly to get through qualifying
examinations and proceed further to send applications for admission.
This
is where the Statement of Purpose enters the picture. Most applicants are
required to send a write-up about themselves, their studies and the reason for
wishing to join a PG course.
This
write-up is known as a statement of purpose or simply SOP.
What
do the institutions expect in write-up? A brief, crisp, clear presentation of
information relevant to the course being applied for. This will facilitate the
selection process because the application contains only statistics and does not
create a mental image of the candidate. The SOP will provide this. It will show
the candidate as a person, as a learner, as a thinker. It will indicate the
candidate’s expectations, achievements, ambitions.
The
SOP is a short essay of not more than two pages. The information should be
presented in paragraphs. The first forms the introduction. Generally speaking,
this contains the area of interest
of the candidate in a given discipline. The body would deal in complete detail
with subjects studied in the UG course, the knowledge gained, the projects
taken up with a brief description of goals, development and conclusion. Both
these should be linked to area of interest if possible. Or the candidate should
talk about the analytical skills gained—a necessary trait for pursuing a PG
course. The concluding paragraph should close with the reasons for choosing
that particular institution and for wishing to join it.
Throughout
the write-up, the candidate should present the information in such a way that
the selecting institution can see and visualize the candidate’s capabilities as
pursuer of knowledge and one who will add to the good name of the institution.
Here
are a few samples. Those wishing to write a SOP can follow the method they see
here.
Sample
1
As
I approach the final stages of my undergraduate student life, I have a very
important decision to make. A decision that will shape the future course of my
further education. But I am clear in my mind where my interests lie. I believe
a career in research and development is where I will be most happy.
I
have always shown good proficiency in mathematics and pure sciences. With the
encouragement of my teachers and parents, I participated in a number of quizzes
and talent tests. I was among the few students who were awarded distinction in
the Australian talent test and in the Maths Olympiad. My strong performance (94.57) enabled me to enter the
portals of ... (your present institution’s name)
During
the first two years, I was given solid grounding in mathematics and was
introduced to various areas of electronics—electronic power, analog
electronics, digital systems, solid state devices. Each of these is like an
ocean in itself and I realised the need to narrow down my area of interest and
specialise in it.
The
turning point in my career came when I attended a series of lectures given by
world renowned professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala (Indian Institute of Technology,
Madras) on CORDECT wireless in local loop technology (WLL). This was developed
by a group of faculty and students at IIT Madras. It gives a subscriber a fixed
wireless connection providing both a telephone as well as a 35/90 Kpbs internet
connection. This new technology has ushered in a rural telecom revolution in
India along with a cyber boom by reducing the cost of rural telephony by over
50% besides keeping the maintenance cost to the minimum. I was fascinated by
this technology and its usefulness to developing countries like mine. Since
then, it has been my desire to work on technologies that can make a difference
to society.
During
the fifth and sixth semesters, I credited three courses ‘analog modulation and
systems’, ‘communication systems’ and ‘satellite communications’ which introduced
me to the world of communications. I began to develop an interest in this
field. To improve my practical knowledge I did a miniproject with Cognizant
Technology Solutions. It involved integrating EPBAX system to the computer. We
developed the software which would accept the data given by the BPABX systems
and then generate reports as well as update the existing records. I have also
authored a research paper entitled ‘Prototype for optimizing web browsing in
wireless environment’. It describes a prototype that makes it possible to run
web applications in wireless networks. This prototype reduces the response time
by intercepting the HTTP data stream and by performing various optimizations
including file caching, protocol reduction and elimination of the redundant
HTTP protocol.
I
was introduced to another interesting medium of communication—‘ham radio’ by a
professional ham radio operator. In spite of the advent of wireless communications,
internet telephony ham radio is a distinct joyful experience in itself. The
very fact that we are allocated a particular frequency and that our voice goes
on air is fascinating. I have listened to a number of technical discussions and
talks carried out by ham operators. I have decided to design and construct a
ham radio receiver in the next few months. After that I plan to appear for the
ham radio operator’s exam in order to get a license from the government to
become a licensed ham operator.
Today
there is a communications revolution. This revolution has meant that people can
communicate with people thousands of miles away and access information from all
over the world. However, this revolution is confined only to developed nations
and the majority of people in the developing world remain untouched. It is my
desire and ambition to come up with disruptive technologies that would reduce the cost and make the technology
accessible to all.
To
achieve the above objective, I need to have total mastery of current knowledge
in the area. My undergraduate course offers only a glimpse of the various
fields in electronics. Hence doing my Masters is of utmost importance to expose
myself to greater depth in my field of interest. I strongly feel that graduate study
will further enhance my knowledge, hone my skills and enable me to achieve my
goals.
After
browsing the websites of several universities, I have Xeroxed in on Clemson
University, I am impressed with its world class facilities. I have read with interest
the wireless communications and networks programme at your university. I feel
that it closely matches my interest and I also understand that the faculty for
the ireless communication program comprises some of the best professors in this
field. It would be a privilege to work under them. I keenly look forward to
joining the wireless communication research group of your University.
__________________________________________________________________________
Sample
2
‘Discovery
consists of seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody has
thought.’
Computer
scientists are software engineers. They design and implement efficient software
solutions to computer-solvable problems. Computer scientists are the
behind-the-scene programmers who make the present technological advancements
possible. I am inclined towards these infinite possibilities; hence, graduate
studies in computer science.
My
interest in computers blossomed in my school days. So I opted for Science group
(Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) at higher secondary level. During that
time the world was becoming increasingly depended on the advancements in
science and technology to fuel our future. I opted for Information Technology
as my major in undergraduate studies.
In
my undergraduate studies, the girth of...(institute name) (Approved by AICTE
and affiliated to the University of Madras) a premier institute in India, with
its vast syllabi and wide-ranging curriculum has enabled me to probe, core
areas of computer science and get a strong grasp of fundamentals of the same.
Subjects like Microporcessors, C, C++
programming, ORACLE, Computer Network, Operating Systems and Artifical Intelligence
interest me the most. I have worked on DOS,
Unix and Windows platforms.
Because
of the fast growing need for computer technology in areas such as high-speed networks,
multimedia technologies, virtual reality, and voice recognition systems, I
would like to become a specialist in these fields. To be an authority in a
chosen field it is imperative that one goes through a profound and structured
study dealing with every aspect related to it. Research is such a means and it
epitomizes the application of theoretical principles. Having keen interest in
Computer Networks, Operating System and Artifical Intelligence, I wish to do an
MS computer science program with a PhD to pursue a career in research and thus
experience the ensuing pleasure and fulfilment.
At
... (name of the institution) one has avenues for developing technical skill,
updating knowledge, personality development. If one were to ask my faculty to
describe me they would say I am a hard worker, a very pleasant, diverse,
active, intelligent and sincere person. My project in pre-final year ‘STUDENTS
QUIZ’ under the MOU between a leading software company Cognizant Technology Solutions, Chennai and my College was declared
THE BEST PROJECT from over 50
projects. I have consistently ranked in the top 5% of the students of my class,
in school. During my undergraduate studies, I have been a keen participant in
extra-curricular activities. I was in National
Cadet Corps (Army Wing) EME Wing
(Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) during the period 1998-2000, and also
played an energetic part in the national level symposium, PROTOCOL, conducted by our Department.
A
really distinctive faculty, a milieu replete with academic activity and
research facilities are just three of the many reasons to choose your esteemed Institution
for the pursuit of my Graduate studies. I believe that becoming part of your
reputable organization one will acquire versatility to become a full-fledged
engineer and sould satisfying experience. I also have a passion for travel and
understanding different cultures. All these rudiments have given me a
revelation and encouraged me to apply to your University.
Having
a broad outlook, with varying degrees of knowledge in a range of topics, a zest
for challenges and animated desire to learn all I can, I strongly believe that
although some are not related directly, all these qualities will influence me
to become part of your rational atmosphere, which will be very conducive to
match my aspirations, when I return after finishing my studies. I would be
grateful to you if I am accorded the chance to pursue my graduate studies with
financial aid at your Institution.
__________________________________________________________________________
Sample
3
Program
applying to: Masters in Computer Science
Discipline : Computer Networks and
Distributed Systems
It
is said, ‘you are magnetized towards
what you think.’ It’s quite true in my case.
I
have always been in situations where I wanted to be. I passed out of school
with a state rank in Mathematics and was ranked in the top --% of my class at
DAV Chennai, India on my major subjects of Mathematics, physics and Chemistry
and Computer Science. I was admitted into... (institution name) affiliated to
the University of Madras, a highly revered Institution in India in the field of
my choice. I am right now completing my final year in Computer Science and
Engineering under the guidance of excellent faculty.
This
positive experience has strengthened my wish to pursue Masters in Computer
Science with a special emphasis on
Networking. Networking has opened up a whole new range of services like email,
internet telephony, video conferencing and e-coomerce that have a tremendous
impact on our lives. It emphasizes the fact that “Users should have computing
power at their disposal irrespective of their location”. The state of the art
equipment, huge information databases and essential resource have to be shared
or else the whole idea of having them at a particular node or system would be
meaningless. Mobile computing will lend a new dimension to the services currently
used. Of course, before computers can be interconnected in such an ubiquitous
manner, power networking techniques must evolve, such as the ability to support
hight data rate, wireless communications and other ‘real-time’ connections.
My
real interest in UNIX helped me to get exposed to the field of Networking. The
quest to know more in these area made me acquaint myself with Professors in my
College regarding the TCP/Ip and OSI reference model even before it was taught
to me. During my sophomore year I presented my first paper on TCP/IP in my
College, which mainly talks about the two separate protocols, TCP and IP. This
study not only helped me to understand the basic concepts, but also drew me
deeper into the field.
My
project mate and I got the opportunity to present a working model of a “PC
Based Remote Control System” at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanput. It
is basically an extension of X10 Automation Systems. My part was to design the
protocol and to do the coding. The Centronics Interface was used for the
transmission of the data from the computer to the interface card and the entire
coding was done in C++. It was widely appreciated at we had done this project
as sophomores. This gave a boost to my confidence and further initiated me to
hone my research skills.
I
had taken Computer Networks and Data Communication in my previous semester as
part of the academic curriculum and I plan to take Distributed Computing
Systems in my current semester. To put in practice what I have learnt I
undertook two projects. One was in the area of Network Security and other is “implemtation
of a Multicast Protocol”.
Under
the guidance of the Systems Administrator of the Unix Lab in my College. I
undertook a project on Rectification of Security Breaches in a Network. It
basically involved detecting the holes in the network and using appropriate
rectification procedures for each case. This was an opportunity for me to learn
about Spoofing, NAK attacks and Trojan horses. I had to practically penetrate
into the network to check for the Security Breaches. I had also learnt in
detail about Encryption/ Decryption Techniques as part of the project. The
second project on multicasting involved setting up user groups over various
Linux networks in our College. Linux being one of my favourite Operating
Systems, I found the project to be stimulating and also learned a lot about how
multitask works.
During
my entire undergraduate studies, I enriched myself by attending many technical
symposiums and participating in competitions like quiz and programming. My
academic performance has been consistent and my aggregate in the
computer-related courses in 81.4%. The coursework, combined with projects has
made me very confident and has strengthened my resolve to speculate in Computer
Networking.
I
also have substantial teaching experience. I was the inter-port student
representing India and a guest lecturer in topics related to my country at the ‘semester
at Sea’ Programme of Institute For Shipboard Education, USA for over 600
undergraduate students from vaiours universities. I love teaching and I always
look forward to giving seminars and presentations.
The
breadth and depth of networking and allied courses offered by SUNY, Buffalo
were a strong factor in my decision to apply. The infrastructure facilities,
the faculty and their research-oriented activities at your University are
excellent and I think I can ease myself into the activities of the Department
of Computer Science and Engineering. Projects in the research topic ‘Advanced
Network Design and Evaluation’ a LANDER in your Department headed by Dr
Chunming Qiao interests me and I would be very much willing to be a part of it.
Particularly I am interested in mobile/wireless networks and in fact I plan to
do my final year project in the area of Wireless Application Protocol.
My
long-term goal is to have my own start-up and tackle the real world problems in
addition to purely academic ones. An alternative scenario is to join an
industrial lab, which should offer the right mix of theoretical research and
practical applications to satisfy my appetite. In any case, my first step would
be to pursue my graduate study.
In
order to achieve my goals I need to have a total mastery of the fundamentals in
my area. I am confident that I can bridge the gap between simple knowledge and
total mastery at your University.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sample
4
“The value of higher education is to make aware of what was and
what is, to incite them to probe into what might be” – Otto Keppler.
My Grandfather the most lovable human I had met in my life called
me one day and said “I see that the hope
of entrepreneur is declining in you. My greatest ambition was to be an
entrepreneur and I had a stamping company that manufactured vessels and cups.
It failed because I participated in the freedom struggle. Your dad was not
interested in being an entrepreneur but I see that kind of spirit I had in you.
Try to become the best industrialist, and inspire youngsters to live their
dreams”. Yes, I wanted to have my own stamping company and to become a
great industrialist in the next 10 years but no bank was willing to giving a loan.
My strong
academic background and analytical quantitative skills got me admission to Maamallan Institute of Technology, affiliated
to Anna University, Tamil Nadu as an undergraduate student of Mechanical
engineering department. My four year stay helped me get a firm grasp over the
principles underlying Mechanical Engineering. I have studied numerous courses
stretched across several related fields as dictated by the course structure
along with intensive practice in the respective laboratories. I concentrated on
major subjects like Heat Transfer, Gas Dynamics and Jet propellants, CAD/CAM,
Thermodynamics, Engineering mechanics, Automobile Engineering, Theory of
Machine Elements, Finite Element Method, Strength of Materials and Engineering
Drawing etc. I have consistently been ranked top 10 and completed my graduation without having to appear for any paper
second time.
I gained some practical experience
as well. During my undergraduate study I had completed In-Plant training in two
companies and a Project in one company:
1.
Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur for 7 days from (6.06.08-12.06.08),
Asia’s largest factory in producing
train coaches. I studied about the designing and
manufacturing of different types of
rail coaches.
2. Ashok Leyland, Ennore 10 days from
(16.06.2009-6.06.09).The second top
commercial vehicle producing in
India where I thoroughly studied about the company,
their products and how do they
manufacture a product. My involvement and study in
this company was appreciated by the
Engine Assembly Section Senior Manager and
offered me with sponsorship to do
two projects in the company.
In The final semester I
did a project in Reduction of Marine Engine Vibrations and
Modernization of Stud Stage Assembly sponsored by ASHOK LEYLAND LIMITED and the duration was 3 Months. The work is a
complete analytical investigation of the
ride vibration behaviour of marine engine intermediate commercial ship at high
speeds especially above 30 to 60 km/h by designing the parts in PRO-E
software and analysing the motion of clutch components in Ansys software.
In modernization stud stage we have reduced time, man power by changing the
process flow and implemented tools to increase the productivity.
I was also an active participant in co-curricular and
extra-curricular activities. Technical
symposiums that I had attended offered me a platform to showcase the depth of my
knowledge through various technical papers. I also
participated in National Level Technical
Symposium “JET MATRIX” and presented a paper on “Energy Resources and
consumption” and also in two national
level Technical Design competitions. THE (JETPOWER) Mechanical Association
of my college organized many state-level technical and cultural festivals and
Industrial Technical Tours. I felt proud because I was the Secretary of the Association.
From an early age, I always engaged myself in many extra-curricular activities.
I specialized in Fencing (State Medallist),
Ball Badminton (District Player) and
Cricket. I captained my school team in several inter-district school matches.
It was from these games that I learnt the importance of being a team player. I
have won prizes in several General knowledge and science quiz programs during
my school days. I have also been involved
for more than six years in ExNoRa
INTERNATIONAL (N.G.O) which is a
Voluntary Non-governmental, Non-political, Non-profit Global head environmental
service organization. I was nominated Secretary
for Thiruvallur District Youth ExNoRa
International during the year 2007. These experiences have made me realise
that “Serving nature is not a kind of work; it’s each and every human being’s
duty”. As Mahatma Gandhi said “An
ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching."
In addition to all these, I owe my desire for further studies to
Mr Mohan Swaminathan from Gestamp Plant,
Alabama, USA. I reported to him and with his guidance I learnt global
procedures and developed skills. Once when I said that I wanted to start a
globally successful company, he advised me to do a masters in Mechanical
Engineering overseas and learn about global standards, planning and gain
leadership qualities and he also added that he would provide me full support.
He also gave me a recommendation letter.
I would like to obtain an MS degree in … (mention here
specialization) from your University. I am aware that the University expects
very high standards from its students. On my part, I can assure you of my
sincerity and hard work. I am confident that my passion will enable me to meet
your expectations. I am glad and thankful for giving me this opportunity
to express myself.
______________________________________________________________________________________
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