Tailoring Essays to University Requirements

Winning Chevening Awards and studying abroad as a first generation learner was not an easy journey, supported by many along the way. Path to success is rarely a solo endeavour! A crucial step in securing the #CheveningScholarship is gaining admission to a university within the required timeframe. Therefore, writing compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) for university admissions is crucial. I applied to five UK universities and was accepted by all. So, what does an SOP entail? Typically, SOPs are 600-1000 words unless specified otherwise. They require you to explain why you have applied to a particular university and chosen that specific program. You also need to demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate and how the program aligns with your future career goals. Some universities may ask you to delve into specifics, such as your experiences tackling health challenges in resource-limited contexts and how the program will support your efforts—samples attached. Here are my tips to writing SOPs: - An SOP is a description of YOU. Don’t be intimidated by it. It's your story, and you can tell it best. It is definitely not an essay version of your CV. - Discuss what makes you stand out. This could be a unique perspective, background, skill set, or experience. Do not hold back your thoughts. - Use specific examples and anecdotes. Rather than saying you are passionate about public health, describe an experience that demonstrates your passion. - Connect your background/roots with your career goals, but stay focused on the purpose of your application. - One size doesn't fit all. Tailor your SOP to the specific guidelines of each university. - Show your research. Mention about professors, clubs, specific modules, and extracurriculars you are interested in.  - Research the professors you mention in your SOP. Ensure they are still at the university and the information is up-to-date. - Start early and proofread meticulously. Avoid grammatical errors, prefer British English, and don’t hesitate to seek help to refine your application. - Adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the university, such as word limits or formatting requirements. -Maintain a clear timeline—chronologically or in reverse—just don't mix different stages of your journey. - Weave your SOP like a story—use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach for examples (mentioned in my previous posts), and ensure each part connects seamlessly. - Again, authenticity is the key. Key tips: 💡Make your point clear in the first sentence of each paragraph. The opening line should capture the main idea—don’t leave important details until the end. 💡Avoid assuming your reviewers are familiar with specific terms or abbreviations. For example, explain that CVDs are a type of NCDs rather than expecting them to know. Good luck with your applications this year. Stay Tuned! #IAmChevening #CheveningAlumni #CheveningIndia #MyCheveningJourney #StudyAbroad #ChevenerForLife #CheveningScholarship

I’ve written over 100 Statements of Purpose since my undergraduate days: Some for myself, others while helping friends, and many more just to learn from and review what works. And after all this tinkering, trial-and-error, and feedback cycles, I’ve learned something crucial: 👉🏽 A great SoP isn’t just about the content. It’s also about the structure. The structure can make or break your application. This is the very structure I used to secure fully funded PhD offers from places like the University of Missouri, Koc University, University of South Carolina, Sabancı University, ... and others. Today, I’m breaking down that structure, paragraph by paragraph, so you can build your own with confidence 🎯 🎯 5 Must-Have Paragraphs 🔹 1. Hook + Research Theme Start with a personal story or global problem that draws the reader in; something that shows why this field matters to you. "The volatility of global markets ... deepened my curiosity about how economic systems absorb risk." 🔹 2. Academic Background + Intellectual Journey Next, show how your education shaped your perspective. Avoid dumping your full transcript; focus instead on key questions or tensions that sparked your deeper interest. "... progressive or regressive tax schemes better incentivize business activity, and how demographic characteristics influence exposure to financial shocks." 🔹 3. Research Experience or Technical Readiness Show what you’ve done. Mention methods, models, or tools. "Unsatisfied with conventional GARCH specifications ..., I developed alternative models using leptokurtic..." 🔹 4. Program Fit + Faculty Alignment Show that you’ve done your homework. Mention professors whose research aligns with yours, and how the program fits your goals. "His approach to integrating empirical data with analytical tools reflects the blend of econometrics and computation that I aim to pursue." ✅ Tip: Use the university website to find faculty publications and explain why they resonate with your goals. Don’t just name-drop. 🔹 5. Closing Vision / Purpose End by connecting it all. What do you hope to achieve? How will this PhD prepare you to do that? "I hope to contribute to a growing literature that integrates deep statistical methods with economic theory to improve forecasting, decision-making, and policy insight; whether in asset pricing, macroprudential regulation, or institutional finance." ✨ Optional but Powerful Paragraphs 🔸 Problem-Solving in Action Tell a story where something didn’t work, and how you found a way around it. This shows resilience and creative thinking. Read the carousel for the remainder. These paragraphs aren’t just filler. They’re the building blocks of a great SoP. You don’t need to use every one of them. But if you get the structure right, you give your story room to shine, and your purpose space to land. Drop a comment or DM, I’ll reply with tips 👇🏽 #StatementOfPurpose #GradSchool #PhDApplications #Scholarships #AcademicWriting #StudyAbroad

I had someone recently ask me how to go about her SOP. Upon answering her question, I realized a lot more people might find it helpful, so here you go. 1. Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure that your SOP is clear and to the point. Admissions committees often read through numerous applications, so presenting your ideas concisely increases the likelihood that they'll engage with your story. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences to maintain readability. 2. Tailor to the Institution: Research each program extensively. Highlight specific aspects of the institution that attract you, such as unique courses, renowned faculty, or special projects. Admissions officers appreciate candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in their particular program. 3. Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of simply stating your achievements, provide concrete examples. Describe a project you led, a challenge you overcame, or an experience that shaped your goals. This helps the reader visualize your capabilities and understand the depth of your experiences. 4. Research the Program: Showcase your knowledge about the program by mentioning faculty members, specific courses, or research opportunities that align with your interests. This demonstrates that you've invested time in understanding how the program will contribute to your academic and professional growth. 5. Address Weaknesses Appropriately: If there are gaps or weaknesses in your academic or professional background, acknowledge them candidly. Discuss what you've learned from these experiences and how they have contributed to your personal and intellectual development. Emphasize your resilience and ability to overcome challenges. 6. Be Genuine: Write in a manner that reflects your personality and experiences. Avoid using cliches or generic statements. They value authenticity, so share your unique perspective and passion that drive your desire to pursue the program. 7. Structure Matters: Organize your SOP coherently. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention I personally like to start with a quote, followed by a well-structured body that details your experiences and aspirations. Conclude with a strong summary that reinforces your suitability for the program. 8. Proofread Thoroughly: Eliminate grammatical errors and typos by carefully proofreading your SOP. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors. A polished document reflects your professionalism and commitment to presenting your best self. 9. Highlight Your Unique Perspective: Identify and emphasize the aspects of your background that make you stand out. Showcase how your diverse experiences, skills, or viewpoints make you qualified. 10. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to any provided guidelines on word limits, formatting, or specific questions. This shows your ability to follow instructions and respect the application process, indicating that you are detail-oriented and understand the importance of compliance.