What role does a statement of purpose (SOP) / personal essay play in admission to an MS program in U.S. universities and what should the essay focus on?A statement of purpose / personal essay is a very important component of your application for admission to a MS / graduate program in universities in U.S.A.
A well-written graduate school essay sheds light on your personal traits and ambitions in an effective way. In essence, your essay should convince the admission committee of your need for advanced education and talent to succeed in and contribute to the MS / PhD program.
Remember, your SOP can make or break your application. It’s essential, therefore, you craft an essay that serve as a stepping stone for admission to the MS program in U.S. universities. Further your essay can give you a competitive edge, when applicants with the same percentage / GPA and test scores as you apply for admission and financial aid.
Focus of a SOP / Personal Essay for Admission to an MS Program in U.S. Universities
Write about you: The admission committee wants to know more about you, beyond your academic and work accomplishments, test scores and recommendation letters.
Your essay should have info on such things as the opportunities and difficulties you’ve faced in your life and how these have made you a better person; educational and professional accomplishments and academic areas of aptitude and passion and how you will use these academic specializations to nurture your career goals.
Write Relevant Answers: In case of a close-ended essay where you’ve to answer specific questions, read each question twice, if not thrice. Then, answer the same. After you’re finished, review your answers to ensure these aptly give the info sought by the application, and just that.
Write in a Clear and Concise Way: Use simple and straightforward words to pen your essay. Grand vocabulary don’t impress the admission committee. Polish your essay by pruning redundant or irrelevant phrases and sentences. Make sure to link your paragraphs cohesively.
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