Studying abroad opens up many opportunities in studies and career, and can be a thrilling experience.
Starting on a journey of higher education abroad is an exciting prospect for many students. However, the path to securing admission to esteemed universities can be challenging. And one of the reasons is the college application essay.
This essay, also known as the Statement of Purpose (SOP) or a personal statement, is a significant part of your university application, along with your exam results and admissions interview.
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Students who want to study at a university must provide an SOP during an application. This statement is sent to admissions officers at your preferred college or university.
But what exactly does the SOP contain? How to write an application?
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why an SOP is needed
- Points to remember when writing one
- How to write a college application essay
Want to know how to start an application essay and get admission into some of the top universities? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why is a college essay needed?
A college application essay or a Statement of Purpose (SOP), is a short essay that prospective students write while applying for a university course. It's usually about a page long (around five paragraphs).
A well-written SOP is crucial for your admission acceptance. This is your chance to convince the university’s admissions team why you are the right candidate. It's the only document in your application to show that you stand out from the crowd.
University admissions panels will use your essay and exam results to decide if you should be granted admission to a specific course. Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing your essay.
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Points to remember when writing a college essay
Before writing your essay, keep in mind that the university admission committee will analyse thousands of applications every year.
So, they would look for something which convinces them that you can be strong academically in the course you've applied for. They would want to know your ambitions, your personality, your academics, and your achievements. In short, they want to see what value you can offer them, and be a suitable candidate.
To stand out from the other applicants, keep these in mind when writing your essay.
- Be authentic: A great college application essay requires authenticity. Admissions committees at universities value honesty about individual experiences. Your writing should be authentic and related to your experiences.
- Length: Although there isn't a set word count for college essays, it's important to follow the instructions given by each university. Essays often have a word count of 500–650, therefore it is important to convey your thoughts and experiences within that count.
- Start early: Start noting down your ideas and write your essay well in advance to give yourself plenty of time for edits and improvements. Additionally, getting started early relieves the tension of meeting deadlines.
- Focus on the questions asked: Take note of the essay instructions or questions that each university provides, and write your responses accordingly.
- Be precise: Make sure that every sentence in your essay adds to its overall value and coherence by avoiding redundant words. The reader is more likely to pay attention to shorter and more precise content.
- Don’t repeat points: Avoid redundant information that doesn't offer much worth. To keep the reader interested from beginning to end, maintain the narrative flowing cohesively by offering your experiences and points in every paragraph without repetition.
Not sure what to include in your essay? Let’s see how to start an application essay.
Also read: Common mistakes people make while writing the SOP
How to write a college application essay (Steps to follow)
1. Understand the purpose of the essay
Understanding how to write an application and the purpose behind writing one is crucial for creating a compelling narrative. When you have a clear idea of why you are writing the essay, you’ll be able to convey your points clearly and precisely.
Pay attention to any questions provided by the university. Each university has a set of instructions and word count that they want applicants to follow for their application essays. Convey your points within that word count.
Through your essay, you must showcase your academic and career goals, and reasons for pursuing higher education, adhering to the instructions.
2. Research and customise your essay accordingly
Before writing, thoroughly research the academic programs, faculty members, and campus life of each university you're applying to.
Start by exploring the university's website, and gain insight into their academics and areas of expertise. Once you have a clear understanding of the university, customise your essay accordingly. Highlight your background, achievements, and objectives.
Explain your reasons for choosing the university, and show interest in specific programs, research opportunities, or other activities.
Related: How to write an SOP for MBA
3. Use a narrative structure
Now let’s see how to start an application essay. Use descriptive yet simple language and add examples to bring your essay to life. When following a structure, make sure to take care of the grammar too.
Write with the reader in mind and engage the reader on a personal level. For example, you can capture the reader's attention with a catchy opening sentence or quote.
Create a structured outline for your essay. Split your essay into an introduction, a body part and a conclusion. Organise your ideas coherently, maintaining a logical flow from the start till the end.
A well-structured essay not only makes it engaging but also enables the reader to easily understand the points and remember them, creating a lasting impression.
4. Tell about yourself
Personalise your essay as much as possible. Give a brief explanation of yourself and then, explain why you're applying to that particular university.
Highlight your academic achievements, skills, and specific areas of interest in your subject with real-life examples. Then, explain your interests in other activities like volunteering, or your work experience.
You can also highlight your academic interests and relate them with the course you are choosing at the university. Use your essay as an opportunity to showcase your personality and interests. Remember to be honest when writing.
5. Use examples to back what you say
Having examples to support your points adds depth and credibility to your narrative. They stand as evidence of your skills and achievements and make it more engaging for the reader.
Instead of just stating that you excel in a particular subject or project, mention your problem-solving skills, and instances where you demonstrated leadership. For example, if you're writing about your academic achievements, mention specific courses where you performed well.
You could discuss your project experiences where you researched, or worked together as a team. By sharing real-life scenarios, you can explain how your past experiences have prepared you for future aspirations.
6. Conclude thoughtfully
End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression. It should also reiterate your suitability for admission. For the conclusion, summarise your main points, and mention your academic experiences and personal journey.
A thoughtful conclusion should also express gratitude for the opportunity to apply to the university or course. Thank the admissions committee for considering your application. This shows your professionalism, leaving a positive impression on the reader.
By writing a thoughtful and compelling conclusion, you can ensure that your essay enhances your chances of securing admission to your desired university.
Also read: Statement of Purpose example
Writing a compelling college application essay is a crucial step in securing admission to universities abroad.
Following the tips and processes mentioned in this article, you can know how to write an application essay that engages admissions committees and sets you apart from the crowd.
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How to write a college application essay: Your questions answered!
We've collated answers to commonly asked questions to assist you in your study abroad journey. Find your answers below!
What is the format for college application essay?
Although there is no specific format to follow when writing an application essay, you can create a structured outline for your essay. Split your essay into an introduction, a body part and a conclusion. Organise your ideas coherently, maintaining a logical flow from the start till the end.
How to write an application for a college?
- Understand the purpose of the essay
- Research and customise your essay accordingly
- Use a narrative structure
- Tell about yourself
- Use examples to back what you say
- Conclude thoughtfully
How many paragraphs is 650 words?
The number of paragraphs in a 650-word content can vary depending on the type of content, formatting, and writing style. Approximately, there might be 6 to 8 paragraphs in a 650-word piece.
How to end a college application essay?
End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression. It should also reiterate your suitability for admission. For the conclusion, summarise your main points, and mention your academic experiences and personal journey.
A thoughtful conclusion should also express gratitude for the opportunity to apply to the university or course. Thank the admissions committee for considering your application. This shows your professionalism, leaving a positive impression on the reader.
Do college essays need conclusion?
Yes. The essay’s conclusion serves as an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee. By writing a thoughtful and compelling conclusion, you can ensure that your essay enhances your chances of securing admission to your desired university.
Can I end my college essay with a quote?
Yes, you can end your college essay with a quote. You can add a relevant quote that adds value to the essay and relates to your achievements or interests.
What is the best tone and format that I can follow while writing an SOP?
Be concise and use active voice, as it helps to hold the attention of the reader. Use a conversational tone but always be respectful and formal.
Split your text into small paragraphs and space them evenly. Use a visible font size ( preferably 12) and a standard font (Times New Roman). Formatting your text neatly will make it easy on the eyes of the admission officer.
