SOP Guide
SOP Guide
SOP Guide
Letter of Intent
Disclaimer:
The following document has been prepared based on the guidelines released by graduate schools
including MIT, UC Berkley and San Jose State University. foreignadmits makes no claim for the
originality of the content. The original content is Open Source Information available on the websites
of these graduate schools. The intention of the following document is to assist students to prepare a
stellar SOP for their applications. This document will be updated from time to time and students are
requested to follow the changes in the latest version of the draft available on the website.
Essential Tips:
What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation, competence,
potential as a graduate student.
Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice.
Demonstrate everything by example; dont say directly that youre a persistent person, show
it.
If there is something important that happened to you that affected your grades, such as
poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, showing your perseverance
despite obstacles. You can elaborate more in your personal statement.
Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.
Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say
everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2
single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor
organization.