Ram and Shyam are two school friends and both of them are good students. They both wish to get into the same MBA institute, Acme institute (fictional and unrelated to Wyle E. Coyote). It top MBA institute with a very good placement record. But as fate would have it while Shyam got accepted into a good college, Ram was not as fortunate. Both the friends tried to analyze why Shyam got accepted and Ram did not. After all they, had similar academic, extra-curricular and sports record. They even had similar admission test scores and work experiences. The one difference that they found after deliberation was the statement of purpose. It turned out Ram had included a lot of information which Shyam had not and in spite of that was not selected. So what information did Shyam include and exclude that made the difference, let’s find out.
Statement of Purpose
Many people get confused regarding the exact purpose behind this. They have no idea why and how to write a SOP. In simple terms, through a statement of purpose, college applicants can tell an MBA institute why it should accept them. But that does not necessarily mean including every single detail of one’s life. There has to be a filter to include only pertinent information. So what information should be considered as pertinent while writing a statement of purpose for MBA?
Do not take ‘statement’ literally
We understand that it is a statement of purpose but that does not mean writing precise statements. A better and proven method is drafting your experiences and achievements into a story. A story is more captivating as it paints a wonderful picture whereas statements would be monotonous. One has to write a statement of purpose in a manner where you are the main character and describe your journey. But bear in mind that the story shouldn’t turn into a novel and should have a point.
Don’t Dilly Dally
While you are writing a story, don’t waste your time dawdling on minor details to expand your content. Get to the point quickly but in a meaningful and articulate manner including details that support your decision. Remember that while writing a statement of purpose for MBA you should include information and stories which underline your decision to pursue a MBA institute. Frame your story in a way that it becomes memorable but remains formal as well.
Depiction
The way you depict yourself is crucial. A statement of purpose is the perfect medium of expressing your character, personality and attitude. This is all essential information that you should include in the statement of purpose for MBA. It is imperative that you include anecdotes which exemplify your passion for the field. You should also include example of your ability to handle multiple tasks and academic workload. The best way to convince selectors of your passion is to narrate real incidents that justify your choices.
Honesty
‘Honesty is the best policy’, we know that it is a cliché but it is apt while writing a SOP. Yes, you have to be creative and you have to write a story but do not embellish. Don’t say you had a magical education even if you were in a wizarding school (no you weren’t). The stories have to be believable but above all else they have to be true. Do not pretend to have qualities and attributes, as the officers of admission office are experts in weeding out false applicants.
But don’t be blunt
Yes, one should be honest but to a certain degree. For example, do not mention that you want to get into a MBA institute for a higher salary. Additionally, do not mention that you could not think of what else to do in life or that your parents compelled you. Everyone knows that majority pursue MBA for the allure of a higher salary and the pressures of family. But there is no need to include that in the statement of purpose. Instead focus on creating a premise where your passion is the fuel which propelled you towards MBA. Similarly, do not say that you are passionate about a particular field. Your written content should indirectly mean it and convince the admissions committee of that.
Admit your shortcomings
No manual says that you have to mention only your strengths. Accept the fact that you have shortcomings and use them in a manner that depicts growth and maturity. Colleges expect you to mention an incident of failure or dejection. Remember that being honest is an essential factor. You should clearly explain the reason for your failure. Also, mention in the statement of purpose how it affected you and the way you overcame it. Additionally, mention what you gained from the experience including how to avoid a similar situation in the future.
Homework
No, not the one that you got during classes. But this homework refers to the research about the MBA institutes for whom you are writing a SOP. Mentioning specific and relevant information about the college goes a long way in strengthening your case. Examples include, a particular resource or facility specific to the MBA institute or an eminent professor who is a hero to you. But make sure that these are generic statement about the college. They should not pertain to the salary offered after MBA.
What not to include
We have covered almost every factor that should not be included while writing a statement of purpose for MBA. But the last one is very important. DO NOT CONFUSE A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE WITH A RESUME! The emphasis and all-caps might seem over the top but it is necessary. There are many students that still write a statement of purpose as if it is a resume. Do not repeat the information from your resume.
Now you must have a clear idea on how to write a SOP. To sum-up, if you consider and apply the information given above, your SOP will be alluring and captivating. Additionally, it will leave a lasting impact (the right kind) on the admission committee and will increase your chances of getting accepted.
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