How to write an Statement Of Purpose(SOP) for IIM?

The SOP (Statement of Purpose) is your opportunity to explain why you want to pursue an MBA and how it will help you achieve your career goals. It is also essential to describe your experience and why you would like to pursue your MBA. It is necessary to write an effective SOP that will catch the attention of your interviewer/recruiter.

While the interview process in business schools revolves mainly around WAT-PIs and group discussions, one part of the process that MBA applicants often overlook is the statement of purpose (SOP). The SOP, which is required for many B-school job interviews, is basically a summary of you and your decisions that allows the admissions team to get to know you better. So, how do you properly craft a memorable statement of purpose? What basic rules should not be followed when writing an SOP? In this article, IIM graduates explain what it takes to make the perfect statement of purpose!

Some important points to keep in mind when writing SOPs are:

• Include the hook-

A Hook can be an accident, challenge, achievement failure, or even a quote (not an overly dramatic and exaggerated quote). “Hooks” define you and can help you influence readers. Stories instead of vague statements help readers remember your application for a long time, which can have a positive effect on your acceptance.

• Focus on your success (and failure) –

SOPs can help you demonstrate your work style and your ability to overcome challenges and overcome failures. It can increase your strengths and emphasize how you can be the class advantage. Focus on essential experiences, and don’t try to create a “fictional” story.

• Define a clear career path before and after the program:

Use SOPs to highlight why you quit your job, took a break, or chose a particular career. It would be best if you also used your SOP to define a clear career path for you after the MBA (or any other program to which you are applying) that demonstrates your clarity of thought and supports your ambitions for the program.

• Understand the program and its features:

When you apply for a program, the first thing you should do is read more about the program (using the school’s website, blog, etc.) and its main features. These points can then be used to highlight why you chose this program and why it is right for you.

• Numbers in your SOPs:

Don’t “create” numbers to add to your SOPs; only include them in your SOP if you can justify it. It’s just that adding a quantitative statement doesn’t add any value to your SOP.

• Focus on Grammar:

Your SOP must have no spelling errors or grammar problems. If you’re not sure, find a friend or expert who can improve your grammar and improve your sentences.

• Glossary: ​​

Don’t add complicated words to make your SOP look more scientific. Avoid unnecessary use of complex vocabulary and instead focus on presenting your points in a simple, easy-to-read format. Remember that no one is judging you based on your vocabulary, just making sure that the admissions committee understands your point of view.

• Don’t Repeat:

With a limited word count, don’t repeat points or lose valuable “real estate” on your resume.

• Don’t Lie:

The admissions committee has evaluated thousands of SOPs and can spot lies or exaggerations very quickly. Most of them are exposed to the industry and understand the profile clearly, so avoid lying.

• Read-Edit-Repeat:

Read your SOPs over and over and make others read and understand them. Keep editing until it’s perfect!

Why MBA and why IIM

Once you have a clear idea of ​​your goals and skills, it is time to start thinking about how the business school can help you bridge the gap between your goals and your current state. Most importantly, it would be best if you could find out how IIM, B in particular, can help you achieve your goals. To do this, you need to visit the school’s website to contact current students/alums/teachers. An essential aspect of your research is what values ​​the school holds and stands for in the candidates.

Armed with these building blocks, you can now start putting them together interestingly and engagingly.

Write a Statement Of Purpose

Word format and distribution

Before writing an SOP, choose an appropriate format to convey your story well. Once this is fixed, assign a few words to each section of the SOP. Make sure you cover all of the above. There should be a brief introduction highlighting your passions, interests, and what you stand for as a person. Don’t embellish with colorful quotes/words, keep it simple and short. The contents of the introduction and closing are detailed below.

Chronological – previous experiences leading to the goal and then IIMB EPGP.

OR

Goals are stated first, followed by experience, and then IIMB EPGP.

Content

Your goals, job highlights, and reasons for the MBA degree should be stated. Write down your goals carefully and emphasize short-term and long-term goals. Most SOPs should consist of your professional and personal successes – what you learned from them and what qualities you have demonstrated. These qualities and values ​​need to be in line with the school’s values ​​to show that you are a good fit for the school. Then, write about the school and program and how it will help you achieve your goals. Do targeted research here and enter the name of the professor, subject, professional/social association, event, or case competition that interests you.

Style

Your writing style should reflect who you are and sound authentic. Avoid complicated words, and express yourself clearly. Check for grammatical errors, as they will affect your app. Your SOPs should appear to be well-written and researched. Make sure that every word in the SOP is correct and that nothing is redundant or redundant.

Get expert help to write the perfect SOP

SOPs can not only explain the reasons for your choice and your plans but also act as an essential separator for the admissions committee and show that you are ready for the next step in your career. It is necessary to get help from the best assignment writing services because if you are unable to justify your MBA choice, your chances of graduating will decrease.