Statement of Purpose V/S Personal Statement

Prospective International students applying to foreign universities are expected to write a number of essays. The two most common and important of them all are the Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement. There is a lot of confusion revolving around the two. While many think that both forms of essays are one and the same, others believe that there exists a difference between the two. rnA Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement though quiet similar, carry significant differences. Understanding these differences is crucial in order to draft the essay in the right format. Let’s have a look at the differences: MOTIVE: Statement of Purpose: The main motive behind writing an SOP is to let the admission committee know your reasons behind studying abroad in their university, your dreams and aspirations, your career goals and your future plan. A SOP highlights a student’s professional goals.rnPersonal Statement: The purpose of drafting a personal statement is to show your personal side to the admission committee. Through a personal statement, a student is expected to show/describe his/her personal traits. A Personal Statement sheds light on the personal background of a student. LENGTH: Statement of Purpose: An SOP is short in length as compared to the Personal Statement. The maximum word limit of an SOP is 800 words. Minimum being 500 wordsrnPersonal Statement: Unlike an SOP, a Personal Statement is longer in length which should have a maximum word limit of 1000. Minimum being 800 words NATURE: Statement of Purpose: SOP is more focused, strategic and to the point. rnPersonal Statement: This essay is descriptive in nature. FLEXIBILITY: Statement of Purpose: A SOP follows a specific pattern which should be written keeping in mind the course you apply for and your long term and short term goals. Everything one mentions in the SOP should be in line and in relation to the course applied for and future goals. Thus, while writing a SOP, one might have to face rigidity. rnPersonal Statement: As a Personal Statement is descriptive in nature, it is more flexible to draft than a SOP. This form doesn’t only focus on academics and goals, but also on the personal aspect of the applicant’s life. CONTENT: Statement of Purpose: In a Statement of Purpose a student is expected to mention his/her educational qualifications such as % scored in final year examinations, name of school, colleges or institutions from where he/she pursued those qualifications, workshops undertaken, participation in the extra-curricular activities, etc. Personal Statement: A personal statement is majorly motivation driven. As mentioned earlier, it shows your personal side. In this form of essay students are expected to write about the challenges they have faced so far and ways in which they overcame these challenges and how have those challenges helped them to grow as person. One however need not restrict the personal statement only to talk about challenges. A student can also talk about inspirations that changed him/her as a person, about experiences that taught him/her lessons and developed his/her personality. Most importantly, in a Personal Statement, one must mention what it is it that has motivated him/her to reach this juncture of aspiring to study abroad. rnTONE: Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose follows a proper essay format whose tone is formal and provides relevant information. A Statement of Purpose purely provides information about a student, information which is more academic and professional based, to the admission committee. One can say that it is a Resume explained in proper detail. rnPersonal Statement: A Personal Statement has a personal tone. While drafting a personal statement, one is expected to narrate a story of one’s life. A personal statement needs to talk to the readers. While reading, a reader should feel connected to the writer. A reader should be able to feel the emotions of the writer. A Personal Statement must have a personal touch to it. COMMON FACTORS IN BOTH: 1.Both have a hidden purpose of convincing the admission officer of the applicant’s caliber to study in university. rn2.Both focus on a student’s skills, interest and life at large. rn3.Both forms of essays are divided into three parts which are the introduction, body and conclusion. rn4.Both the essays are drafted to convey to the admission committee why and how an applicant stands out from a pool of applicants. rnThese two forms of essays are extremely crucial as it is the only chance applicants get to showcase themselves and convince the admission committee of being the perfect fit for the university, the reason being the existence of physical barrier/distance. So make sure to make the most of this opportunity. TESTIMONIALS: Student Name: Kaju Sheth rnIt was a really good experience being associated with Edwise. The entire team was very supportive, co-operative and helpful. Thank you Edwise. rnCountry: UK rnUniversity: Nottingham University Student Name: Ashna Shah rnAmazing counseling & guidance received. Additionally follow ups & understanding individual requirements was a plus point of faculty & counselors. It is a student friendly organization. rnCountry: USA rnUniversity: Missouri state university Student Name: Sonia Alice George rnMy Experience with Edwise was good. They provided excellent support for my application process and in selecting the right universities which made my procedure easy. Thank you Edwise rnCountry: Canada rnUniversity: University of Windsor Edwise Overseas Education Consultant We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. Edwise International was established in 1991 and has been maintaining strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, thus giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide. Start your education overseas with valuable information on everything you need to know about studying abroad, from study permits, temporary resident visas and how much it costs, to finding the best suited program for you.