Canada is amongst the top preferred countries when it comes to abroad studies or permanent residency. Anyone who loves cold places then Canada is worth considering as an option because of its scenic beauty, Ice Hockey, its famous Maple syrup and whatnot. Anyway, circling back to studies, a good statement of purpose always works as a trump card in your Application set. I have previously written in much detail about how to write an SOP (https://www.pandaandthegeek.com/post/statement-of-purpose-sop ) which you should give it a read as it will help in structuring your SOP. In this article, I am going to describe more on guidelines specific to Canada.
Statement of purpose is a mandatory document for visa filing, not all universities may ask for it at the time of application. So do check if your preferred university needs the same at the application stage or not.
Points to cover in SOP:
Intend to study
You can surely start your SOP describing your intention to pursue higher studies. Opening line could be with a relatable quote to drive your story through.
Your background
Now in this part, it’s a long list which we would love to include but hey, hold on!! In this segment, you can tell about your recent academics by mentioning the university, course name and percentage. Surely add your major accomplishments during your academics (if you are fresher) or professional life (if with experience) by describing your roles and responsibilities in your current profile (related to the course you want to pursue). In continuation mention about your immediate family members like parents and siblings by adding about their professions. DO NOT mention the distant relatives who are there in Canada or they being one of the reasons for you to choose Canada over other countries. This will route your interest as a potential immigrant.
Selection on the field of study
In this parameter, you will have to elaborate on why have you chosen this course. If the course is related to your previous academics there you can surely mention that you want to pursue your higher studies in the very same stream. In case you want to pursue something which is related to your professional life then do elaborate about the roles and responsibilities or maybe any specific incidence/ project which inspired you to pursue this course. In case the chosen course is not anywhere related, then please make sure that you justify it with a very strong interest in the course by trying to interlink with your previous academic/professional life. For example, you want to pursue a course in culinary and you belong from the business background then you can add a portfolio which will reflect that you have that creativity. In continuation, you can mention that since you belong from the business background you can actually take the game up by making it a business idea once you return back to your home country.
You can also add the course modules of the course you will be pursuing as that will reflect your research on the course as well.
Selection of the university/college
In this, describe the best things that you liked about the university and their teaching staff (can be their academic background or works). You can mention about the rankings from different ranking bodies like QS World ranking (https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2021 ) or subject-wise rankings, reflecting your research work. Cross comparison with other universities/colleges based on rankings, modules, course structure, location, etc.
Selection of the country
Describe your reasons to choose Canada as your study destination. Mention about the positive pointers about the country like weather, part-time jobs, stay back (which will help you to have international work experience and not mentioning about Permanent residency). You can also include why not your own home country, but remember DO NOT mention anything negative about your own home country.
Your Goals
In this section, you need to mention what you plan to do post your course completion. DO NOT mention how the program will help you land a fat paying job with an MNC. Rather, mention how the program will help you grow. You can mention some companies which are of midrange which will give you the opportunity for career growth. Mention about the ties back in your home country. Like you want to return back to help your parents with the family business or want to join companies at the managerial level as the international work experience will help for the career growth.
At least in SOP!
Note to remember:
Your SOP will either make it or break your application/visa. Whenever you are starting to write SOP the very first step is to structure it. Structuring is very important as it will give a crisp edge and making it easier for you to write.
A good SOP has a logical flow and is interesting to read. The admission committee does not expect a prospective MBA student to be the next Shakespeare, but an interesting SOP will certainly make them remember him among the numerous other applicants. Weave a beautiful story around your achievements, dreams and aspirations and make your SOP stand out of the crowd.
Language of the SOP should be simple and easy to understand.
Avoid grammatical errors.
Try to set a word limit of 1300 to 1700 words not more than that. It will easily cover 2-3 page max which good for University/College Application. However, do check with the university for any specific limitations if applicable.
For Canada Visa, 1.5 to the 2-page max is what they need.
Try to write one parameter in one paragraph for a better SOP.
Your complete motif behind this SOP must justify that your ultimate aim is to study and return back to your home country.
The SOP should be original and unique. Plagiarism is a strict no in all Canadian universities and has severe consequences.
Before submitting SOP go through your documents so that the information provided is genuine.
I hope the above details will help you to write up a good SOP.
Until then,
Happy Writing!!
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