Step 8: Prepare Your SOP

Now that you’ve selected your target universities, you need to prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP) for their programs or positions. Please note that this document may go by different names depending on the country and university, such as a Statement of Interest, Personal Statement, Motivation Letter or Letter of Motivation, and Cover Letter. While these documents may vary slightly in length or the questions they address, their purpose is the same—they serve as a crucial part of your application process. For simplicity, we will refer to all of them as SOP.

 

General Guide

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Purpose: Typically used for both master’s and PhD applications.
• Content: Focuses on your academic and research background, career goals, and why you are interested in the specific program or institution. It should be between 1,000 and 1,200 words, not exceeding two pages.
• Common in: American and Canadian universities, less common in European and Australian institutions.

 

Statement of Interest (SOI)

• Purpose: Similar to the SOP, often used interchangeably.
• Content: Emphasizes your academic and research interests, career objectives, and alignment with the program’s goals. It should be between 1,000 and 1,200 words, not exceeding two pages.
• Common in: American and Canadian universities, less common in European and Australian institutions.

 

Personal Statement (PS)

• Purpose: Widely used for both master’s and Ph.D. applications.
• Content: Offers a broader view of your personal and academic background, life experiences, and how they relate to your chosen field or program in no more than one page.
• Common in: Commonly required in American, Canadian, and Australian universities, less common in European institutions.

 

Motivation Letter (ML)

• Purpose: Typically asked by European universities for master’s, PhD, and postdoc applications.
• Content: Covers your motivation for pursuing the program, relevant qualifications, and how you fit into the program’s objectives in no more than one page.
• Common in: European universities, less common in American, Canadian, and Australian institutions.

 

Cover Letter (CL)

• Purpose: Used more commonly for job applications (like postdoc positions) but can sometimes be requested for master’s and PhD admissions.
• Content: Typically addresses your qualifications, interest in the program, and why you’re a suitable candidate in no more than one page.
• Common in: Less common for graduate admissions, more often seen in job applications.

 

Specific Guide

Some universities have specific guidelines regarding the content and length of supporting documents. For instance, a few universities in the US and Canada might require an 800-word Statement of Purpose (SOP) along with a 400-word Personal Statement (PS), whereas European institutions often ask for a one-page Letter of Motivation (LOM) and a one-page Cover Letter (CL).

It’s essential to closely follow the specific requirements of each university to ensure your application aligns with their expectations. For example, as shown in the screenshot below, the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University requests both an SOP and a PS, each with detailed guidelines on structure and content. PhD and master’s applicants are expected to submit an SOP of up to 1000 words. Paying attention to these precise instructions demonstrates your attention to detail and increases your chances of a successful application.

    

SOP Samples

If you’d like to prepare your SOP, LOM, SOI, or CL on your own, here are three samples from applicants who have successfully secured funded positions at the master’s and PhD levels. These examples offer valuable guidance on how to effectively structure your docuemtnt to stand out. Each sample highlights key sections, ensuring your SOP, LOM, SOI, or CL is impactful. Once you log into your profile, you’ll also have access to a wider range of samples, specifically tailored to various academic disciplines and professional goals.