What not to include in your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

What not to include in your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

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Aprant
Aprant Agarwal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Feb 24, 2023 12:01 IST

A Statement of Purpose, or SOP, as it is commonly referred to, is easily the most important 1000 words that stand between your application and admission to that dream program. As important as it may be to know what you should include in your SOP, it is equally, or perhaps more important, to understand what not to include in this crucial document.

It is not rare that universities come across a lengthy statement of purpose that is rejected, despite being descriptive and thoroughly proofread. The primary reason why universities turn down such seemingly excellent SOPs is too much unnecessary information. For instance, just because you find it significant to mention something about your family, it does not mean you ramble on about your family only. This is not because a candidate is not aware of what to include. Rather, what they fail to understand is what not to include.

What not to include in your Statement of Purpose

Here are a few pointers to help you write a winning SOP by focusing on what you should NOT include:

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1) All your accomplishments

Yes, we understand that you were an ace in your academics and a star hockey, tennis and volleyball player. We also understand that you were the lead vocalist of your college band and have at least 50 medals and endless recommendations from your teachers and other prominent people in your life. However, while your SOP can be a brag sheet, it should be a brag sheet with a substance. You need to pick and choose what to include and what to discard. Pick a theme and highlight the accomplishments that are most relevant to your candidacy.

Remember, your resume is the place for listing down your accomplishments; SOP is all about what shaped you into the person you are. 

2) Your Family History

We say, do not waste too many precious words to describe your maternal and paternal family to the admission committee. They have no consideration if your forefathers descended from royalty (until that has something to do with the personality that you wish to highlight). Rather, the committee is interested in understanding you as a person, period. Don’t go on and on about how hardworking your father is or how devoted your mother is. A small sentence, if absolutely necessary, should be enough to enclose your family overview. To recapitulate, no family histories, please!

3) Financial Details

Often, universities require separate documentation for your financial status/data. When it comes to scholarships, most universities would ask the candidates to provide a separate essay for the same. Hence, including details about your financial status and requirements is not necessary for your SOP. So, avoid getting into lengthy details about finances (unless money has truly shaped your personality).

4) Details about your Academic Projects/Jobs

Yes, it is important to include your academic projects, in addition to overall performance. What, however, you should avoid is explaining in detail about your project and what you did. The same applies to your work experience. It is important to make a reference, perhaps an illustration to the incident, and then talk about what you learned from it. Remember, it is always important to make your SOP narrative. Focus on your key learning and how they made you into what you are. Leave the lengthy detailing to your resume.

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Additional Points to Consider

  • Do not include any irrelevant information that is not even remotely connected to your admission.
  • Do not use a casual or overly flowery tone.
  • Do not write vague statements that may confuse the admissions committee.
  • Avoid using clichés or overly dramatic language.
  • Avoid flattery or over-complementing the university. They already know why they are good. However, if there is something that is genuinely good about the university, you can mention it in brief.
  • Do not sound like a dreamer who is lost in his/her dreams. A university looks for realistic and pragmatic candidates who can do justice to the course.
  • Do not provide any false information. If you are unable to justify it, you stand a chance of getting blacklisted.
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Useful Links:

What to include in your MBA SOP What to include in your MS SOP
Academic Resume Writing Tips for Study Abroad SOP for Course Change

What not to include in a Statement of Purpose FAQs

Q. What are some points that I need to take care of while writing an SOP?

A. Avoiding extraneous details or stories from your own life that are unrelated to your statement of purpose is crucial while drafting one. A casual or too flowery tone should also be avoided because it may turn off admissions committee members. Also, it's critical to refrain from using overly general or ambiguous language because doing so might make it challenging for admissions authorities to comprehend your unique objectives and qualifications. Lastly, it is crucial to refrain from utilising clichés and unnecessarily dramatic or accented language.

Q. What is the structure of an SOP?

A. An introduction, a major body, and a conclusion make up the usual organisational structure of a statement of purpose. Introduce yourself and your academic interests in the introduction. The main body should include a brief introduction to your area of interest and how you came to be interested in it, as well as specific information about your academic and professional objectives and how the programme you have selected may help you accomplish them. Your reasons and level of dedication to the field you have chosen should be summed up in the conclusion. Check your statement of purpose many times for any mistakes or discrepancies.

Q. Should I include all my personal details in the SOP?

A. No. Not every personal detail needs to be in your SOP. The Admissions Committee is not very interested in understanding every detail about your personal life or family history. Provide only the information that will help you make your decision. Keep in mind that there is a word limit for an SOP and that you are not supposed to exceed it. It is crucial that you only submit pertinent information. In addition, you must refrain from bringing up any spectacular facts that might not go down well with Adcom.

Q. Should I include all of my work experience in my SOP?

A. Work experience is an extremely important component of an SOP (unless you are applying for undergraduate courses). The practical skills and knowledge that you have gained during your professional journey is an extremely important criterion for the admissions committee to judge your candidature. However, not every work experience needs to be included. Only the "relevant work experience" must be included. Relevant work experience refers to the one that is related to your course and/or your career goals. You must be careful about the details that you want to include in your SOP.

Q. Should I mention the need for a scholarship in my SOP?

A. You should not mention the need for a scholarship in your SOP unless it is specified by the university. An SOP document is meant for your admission. Universities, usually, have different processes and applications for scholarships. Certain universities might provide a scholarship on the basis of your application document as well. However, unless it has been specifically stated, you should not mention the need for a scholarship in your SOP. Students must remember that only those details need to be mentioned that can contribute to their selection.

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About the Author
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Written by
Aprant Agarwal
Study Abroad Expert

Aprant Agarwal is a seasoned study abroad expert at Shiksha Study Abroad, specializing in countries that include Canada, the Netherlands, UAE, and Finland. He holds more than 2 years of experience in the study abroa... Read Full Bio

Comments

(10)

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Simran

9 months ago

Is there a need to mention my father if my parents are divorced and I stay with my mother? Should I mention their divorce in my sop?

Reply to Simran

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Aprant AgarwalStudy Abroad Expert

9 months ago

It is not necessary to mention these details (unless it is contributing to your admission). You may mention in brief the contribution of your mother in brief (for instance, how she has contributed to your academics). However, avoid mentioning too many personal details. Let these details be very sho

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Aliptha N

3 years ago

I am desperately looking for help in this regard , please help me on how to proceed. Thank you. The query box isn't allowing me to post the entire query at once , apologize my split of questions .

Reply to Aliptha N

7083717
Shilpa Saxena

2 years ago

Dear Aliptha I understand your concern. The foremost step for you to studying abroad would be to give a standardised exam such as IELTS or TOEFL. Thereafter, you may avail our free-of-cost counselling services. Our experts will help you with each and every step of the university and visa application

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Aliptha N

3 years ago

3) Or should i not bring up the topic and probably only talk abt certifications during that time ( I hardly have any certifications as i did not intend to continue my career back then) 4) WIll this create a negative impact on my profile.?

Reply to Aliptha N

7083717
Shilpa Saxena

2 years ago

It is recommended to be truthful in your SOP and interviews. Giving out actual and valid reasons should not have a negative impact on your profile. Also, it is suggested that you provide the information on all your certifications to show that you have the drive to learn.

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Aliptha N

3 years ago

I will have more than 3 years gap during a visa interview. Now , 1) Can i talk abt these personal reasons in my SOP ? will it justify my gap period? 2) Can i be truthful and mention that i was preparing for competitive exams in India?

Reply to Aliptha N

7083717
Shilpa Saxena

2 years ago

Yes, you must always tell the truth because everything you say or write needs to be supported with documents.

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Aliptha N

3 years ago

I graduated in 2015 and worked for 2.5 yrs in an MNC. Post that i quit my work to Prepare for masters ( CAT ) in India. However i could not resume to work as my grand mother was diagnosed with cancer hence i voluntarily chose to stay back. Currently i have a gap of 2.5yr and i'm still unemployed

Reply to Aliptha N

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