The 1500-2500 word Statement of Purpose a.k.a (SOP) basically highlights the 3Ws i.e. Who are you, What are your academic qualifications, and Why you are the right person. Statement of Purpose at a Canadian DLI is more about your interest in the academic field and should reflect your uniqueness compared to other candidates. While each university’s approach towards the Statement of purpose or statement of intent may vary, there are a few elements that all Canadian universities check in an applicant’s essay:
- Academic Scores: Universities give extra emphasis to academic scores, especially in the case of business & engineering programs. So if you are applying for such programs, talk about your academic grades and experience to get an edge.
- Volunteering activities: Though it is particularly important for those applying for social or public administration programs, every applicant should include their volunteer and community contributions as Canadian DLIs value that a lot.
- Previous Work Experience (as applicable): While most undergraduate degrees don’t require this, graduate programs especially at top schools like York and University of Toronto generally require 3-5 years of work experience.
THE GENERAL SOP FORMAT:
1st paragraph: Introduction
This section is not all about self-introduction but more about introducing yourself to the chosen academic field. You need to express your future expectations from this course. Once you have selected a course, you are expected to gain some knowledge about that particular field. You need to express your interest in the programs.
You can also discuss your long-term goals, connect your goals with your chosen course and describe your understanding of the chosen course. This is where you can also mention your interest in your post-study work or study opportunities. For instance, some candidates prefer to start working after the completion of the course while some prefer to pursue higher education and research.
2nd Paragraph: Academic background
You need to provide information about your school or college. In case, you have a study gap try to emphasize your work achievements or published reports (if any).
3rd Paragraph: Professional experience
Students wanting to study overseas generally have some kind of work experience. It may be a part-time job, training projects, some freelancing work, or a full-time job. Share your work experience along with your skills.
4th paragraph: Reasons to pursue the particular course
Specify the reasons why you want to pursue the particular course. Mention the syllabus of the course and explain the skills you want to improve. Explain how it will help you achieve your goals and benefit your future plans.
5th paragraph: Career goals
This is the most important section where you should explain the job profile you will be working on. Try to explain your long-term career goals and plans. Do not mention anything which might make supervisors feel that you want to study abroad so that you can settle in a foreign country.
You may speak about your desire to work in a top company or if you want to start your own business. You can also discuss your business ideas, aims, ethics, and what impact it will have on the industry.
6th paragraph: Why did you choose the particular university?
This is the paragraph where you need to tell the academic committee why you are an ideal candidate for the university. You should also mention faculty names, course curriculum, research work, as well as university-specific activities that will help you to enhance your profile.
Closing paragraph:
In the final paragraph, you need to seem focused and prepared for the challenges that can come in your way of study abroad. You should also show the panel that you are confident enough to succeed in the particular field of interest and you will make a tangible difference in the industry from the global point of view.
SAMPLE SOP FOR A BACHELORS DEGREE
There is no fixed pattern to be followed for an SOP in any university. That is why the students can find many SOP samples for undergraduate and graduate courses online. But some universities do provide the candidates with certain specific rules to follow. Accordingly, here is a sample statement of purpose for undergraduate admission of a student aspiring for an engineering degree:
“I was very young when I started developing an interest in automobiles and their parts. This appreciation for these machines remained at the back of my mind all through the years as I grew up. I gradually decided to study to be a mechanical engineer. After clearing my 10th grade with excellent marks, I was sure that the engineering field will suit me. That is why I opted for entrance coaching during my 12th studies to crack the tests to enter the top colleges in India.
I recently came across a lot of studies and research published at your esteemed university. That is how I understood that it is one of the best in the world and can help me achieve my goals. Apart from the awards and recognitions, I also learned about students from this institute who have attained great success bringing glory to the institution. All these reasons inspired me to opt for this university as the preferred institution to pursue my further studies and get an engineering degree.
Since I already had the dream of pursuing engineering as my career, I started taking extra interest in the coaching available for this field through the best classes available. I have made engineering a prime focus area in my life. That is why I can assure you that once I am a part of your university, I will give my best to be a student worthy of your institution. I also plan to complete my master’s in the same field. I want to take myself to the highest levels of gaining knowledge and wish to serve not only my country but the world too.
Just as a vehicle requires quality fuel to run smoothly and for long, my dream of becoming an engineer requires the best education. With the right guidance and my skills, we can make the world a better place to live in. I hope that you will consider my application and provide me a seat in your prestigious institution for a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.”
SAMPLE SOP FOR A MASTERS DEGREE
“MBA is the most sought-after degree for anyone who analyzes business activities and is needed to run an enterprise profitably. Driven by the urge of being a successful business leader, I want to take admission in MBA with a specialization in marketing at XYZ college in Canada.
I achieved the first milestone when I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration degree (BBA) with the highest marks in ‘my institute’. After that, I applied for 3 months paid internship program at ABC company. My skills were much appreciated and the company offered me work, initially for half-day and then as a full-time employee. I started working as a management trainee and now after 6 months, I am working in a managerial profile.
I understand that for building a successful career, only a BBA degree is not sufficient. I discussed my concerns with the seniors at the company. It was one of them who encouraged me to explore institutions for management education in Canada. He also suggested the XABCXX University.
Therefore, to get the global perspective and desired business skills, I am applying to your university. It will not only help me transform into a marketing manager but also help me become a leader in handling the concerns of the business. My interpersonal skills, problem-solving expertise, and aspirations to be a leader make me an ideal candidate for being a part of the university.
I am applying to your institute because it is a reputed institute that offers practical learning and project familiarization. This will help me focus on important business practices of the real world in real time. I am also aware of the Canadian culture and have learned about it from close friends and relatives who have been here. I can adjust to it quite easily.
After completion of the course, I will be able to materialize my long-term goals of becoming a marketing leader. This is a life-changing opportunity and I hope to get a positive response from your esteemed university.”
