For undergraduate programs, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) is essential for the application process.
The SOP or Essay allows the admissions committee (AdCom) to examine the individual holistically for UG candidates. While relatively few universities require a CV for UG courses, applicants can highlight their involvement different activities other than academics in the SOP draft. Let’s have a look at an example SOP for undergraduate admissions.
NOTE: The following statement of purpose was submitted to a number of top universities in the United States for a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering course. Statistics and data could have been altered.
Sample Statement of Purpose (SOP) for UG Courses
As a young boy, I loved cars and dreamt of designing cars for some of the best names in the world. With excellence driving my motivations, I decided to apply to India’s premier institution – the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and began putting in extra hours in preparation from as early as Grade IX. After tenth grade, I took admission in the non-medical stream and enrolled in tutorials to prepare for the IITs. I was confident about my choice and knew that it was the best way forward…till destiny took me to the USA. Vacationing at my aunt’s house in XYZ City, USA, I became friends with my cousin’s neighbours. Discussing cars and the very joy of building these machines helped me form a steady rapport with their neighbour’s son, with whom I spent hours, talking about cars and sharing information. I was surprised by his level of exposure, the easy way in which he was able to implement the learning, and his highly evolved reasoning skills.
For the first time in my life, I came to appreciate the importance of information and exposure. Learning about their education system and the importance they give to practical aspects of education really drew me to it. The fact that India, though growing technically in leaps and bounds, is still far behind the west, when it comes to the automotive engineering sector, made me rethink my decision to apply to the IITs. I realised that to work as a Design Engineer at a leading car manufacturing brand, I must have not only well-developed technical skills but also the right network, and the necessary global exposure. This convinced me that I should pursue my Bachelor’s from an international institution.
To pursue this aspiration, I changed my school to switch to the CIE curriculum and worked to adapt myself to the international teaching pedagogy. Though the decision eventually resulted in me repeating about 18 months of schooling, I knew that my efforts pay rich dividends in future. Working hard, I kept my focus, and stretching myself beyond the curriculum, I participated in Science Fairs and exhibitions. A natural leader, I was handed the responsibility of coordinating and organizing various events, and I delivered exceptional results, all the while learning from varied situations. The academic achievements are, of course, visible in my grades.
Over time, I also realised that academic excellence alone was not enough. So, I began pursuing sports and games with renewed vigour. Being a skilled basketball player, I had captained my house team in my previous school, only to give it up in pursuit of my IIT dream. Now, I returned to the field, with a vengeance.
My positive attitude, leadership skills, as well as my past experience managing teams, soon won me the post of the School Sports Captain (in 2011-12). Continuing with my foray into sports, I stood fourth in a district level chess championship. Further, as a member of the school’s football team (2007-09) and basketball team (2010-12), I played many state and national level tournaments. In fact, I even participated in dance competitions and won the second prize at an inter-school fest, ‘Quest – 2011’, at ABC School, City.
Moving on, I believe I have done my groundwork, and this course at your university would provide me with the in-depth skills I require to pursue my career ambitions. (*Mention specific skills you hope to gain*).
Post this course, I dream of graduating from your university to join an automobile major such as …………………. or ………………………. Here, I will gain exposure to …………………………………………………………….., which will allow me to achieve my long-term goal of ……………………………………………. (*Discuss your short term and long-term career goals in detail*)
A Bachelor’s course in Mechanical Engineering, combined with a Master’s in Automobile Engineering, from XYZ University, City, State, is my preferred choice for many reasons. (*Discuss particular aspects of the university that draws you to it, for example, the course curriculum, the skilled faculty members, facilities available and the opportunities you might receive, as specifically as possible*).
Powered by the technical expertise gained at your university, I would be able to steadily move towards designing my own dreams. (*Write a suitable concluding paragraph*).