Are you planning on applying for a postgraduate program and looking for tips for writing a competitive personal statement, or you have applied and got denied because the admission recruiter felt your reasons for choosing the university were not good enough to leave your home country for?

Well, you clicked on the right post.

We would be uncovering the exact details you need to include in your personal statement to maximize your chances of getting that offer letter you so much desire.

There are a lot of things to consider when writing a personal statement if you don’t want your application ignored or rejected.

So, what are those things? Read through this article to find out.

Before we get into it,

What is a statement of purpose (SOP)?

It is an essay stating the reason for applying for a particular course at a particular University.

It is your chance to describe your goals, skills, ambitions, and experience to the institution’s admission staff.

Writing a good personal statement gives you the opportunity to sell yourself, to tell the University’s admission staff why you are the best candidate for the course you’re applying for. Your personal statement must include an interesting introduction that acts as a framework for the rest of your statement. It is however important to outline your personal achievements if it is related to the program as this gives the University an idea of who you are and helps them determine if you are a good fit for the campus culture. Hence writing a personal statement can either hinder or improve your chances of getting an offer from the University.

So now let’s get into it, here are the 7 success defining tips you need when composing your personal statement

YOUR INTRODUCTION

This is the most important part of your personal statement as it should be eye-catching and engaging, you don’t want the recruitment officer losing interest from the start, do you? Do not reference the University as you may use this same SOP for other institutions you want to apply to. Use headings like ‘why this university’, ‘why this course’ ‘what are my career aspirations. There should be a leading statement that would make the reader interested in the body of your SOP.

YOUR REASON(S) FOR CHOOSING THE COURSE, SCHOOL, AND COUNTRY

Prior to your resolve on choosing a particular program, school, and country to study, it is important for you to factor in variables such as course modules, medium of instruction, medium of assessment, career opportunities, social-cultural environment, and career opportunities upon the completion of your studies in a particular school and country.

THE BACKGROUND TO YOUR INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT(S) YOU WISH TO STUDY

Due to the competitiveness of a graduate program, it is advantageous to display relevant academic or professional background in line with your program of interest. This will strengthen your application and gives the Graduate Decision Committee a strong application to review.

DETAILS OF ANY CORE SKILLS DEVELOPED

Perhaps, you may have acquired professional certifications and skills that are relevant to your area of interest, it gives your application the ingredients needed to be considered among the many applications under review.

OTHER FORMS OF EVIDENCE OF ACHIEVEMENTS

A Statement of Purpose is a veritable tool to promote your academic brand and professional feats. Hence, you are advised to highlight your academic and/or professional achievements to make your statement of purpose very competitive.

YOUR CAREER ASPIRATIONS

Identifying a program, school, and country to study can be very demanding and it comes at a cost. You would not want to go through the rigorous process and financial burden if you do not have a goal to pursue. Hence, it is very important to highlight how the stress and cost implications of studying abroad will influence your immediate and long-term career goals.

Conclusion

This should hammer the key points you have already made, giving your Statement a satisfying closure. You can include your future goals and how these goals can impact the institution positively.

By adhering to this guideline, writing a competitive Statement of Purpose should be less of a herculean task and more of a motivating writing experience.