Structure of SOP

You can follow other structures too, but the one I compiled for my SOP, I am sharing it
with you:-

1st Paragraph: Write about your interests and motivation that derived you to your field of interest.
Then mention, why you are pursuing postgraduate work. (e.g. it can be your motivation for
pursuing a research career inspired by brilliant professors in your university) 4 - 5 lines
2nd Paragraph: lay some foundation to captivate the reader. Mention your experience
(professional and as well as academic), subjects studied in undergrad (related to your master
program and mention that they developed your interests for the field you want to pursue). Mention
different projects plus your final year project precisely (if these are the reason for your motivation
towards master/PhD program). Mention some acquired skills that’ll you have and will help you in
your postgrad work.
3rd Paragraph: Now come to the point and tell them that, how you came to know about the field
you are applying for, i.e. which things motivated you.
4th Paragraph: Mention the scope of the field you are applying for in 4-5-line paragraph which
motivated you to be a part of it. Note: Keep in mind that, things you are mentioning here should
be relevant to the program of that particular university. Different universities have same programs
but with different focus areas. So, the scope you are mentioning here should be relevant to the field
you intend to specialize and it must be offered by that university.
5th Paragraph: Now mention your motivation regarding the university you are going for. It should
contain the research part going at that university which motivated you to be the part of that
particular university’s department. Mention subjects (curriculum is given on the website of every
program) you want to opt as a part of your coursework. Mention about your thesis work too if you
have a path for that in your mind.
6th Paragraph: Now that you have comprehensively covered motivation about program particular
to that university, now show your motivation about the university. Don’t just write that, it is _____
ranked university and etc etc. Do a little research find out about its industrial ties, and mention that
you want to do internship there or if your target university has proper industrial ties then there
must be funded projects going on there, so mention that as your motivation. Check your
department’s website thoroughly and see if there is further any research event event that happens
on weekly or monthly basis that can be a motivation factor. Some programs in universities like at
TUM have honors track too. Check those, if your intended program has the same and if that can
be your motivation too.
7th Paragraph: Now conclude your SOP by writing about long-term career plans, your
expectations from your desired postgrad program. Mention a little bit about the culture too, i.e.
you belong to culturally rich country and want to spread its roots and peace. Mention also about
Why USA or the other country you are applying for (should be strong reasons).

Good Luck.

Author: Muhammad Arslan Ansari