Statement of Purpose (Personal Essay)

INTRODUCTION 

Writing a statement of purpose for college admission is an exciting opportunity to showcase your unique personality and academic achievements. It is a chance to demonstrate to the admissions committee why you are the perfect fit for their college and why they should accept you; a great way to showcase your unique personality and academic achievements and to demonstrate to the admissions committee why you are the perfect fit for their college. It is an important part of the college application process.

WHAT IS A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE? 

A statement of purpose for college admission is an essay that outlines your academic and personal goals, as well as why you are applying to a particular college. It is a great opportunity to highlight your strengths and explain why you are an ideal candidate for the college. It is also an opportunity to explain any challenges you may have faced in the past and how you have overcome them.

Writing a statement of purpose for college admission can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can craft a compelling statement that will make you stand out from the competition.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO FOLLOW?

The first step in writing your statement of purpose is to think about why you are applying to the college or university you are interested in. What do you hope to gain from attending this institution? What are your academic and career goals? What do you bring to the table that will make you an asset to the school? These are all important questions to consider when writing your statement of purpose.

Once you have a clear idea of why you are applying, you can begin to craft your statement of purpose. Start by introducing yourself and your background. Explain why you are interested in the college or university, and why you think you would be a great fit. Then, discuss your academic and career goals, and how attending this school will help you achieve them. Finally, conclude your statement of purpose by expressing your enthusiasm for the school and expressing your gratitude for being considered for admission.

CONCLUSION 

Overall, writing a statement of purpose for college admission can be a challenging task, but with a little bit of preparation and planning, you can create a compelling statement that will make you stand out from the competition. With careful thought, you can create a statement of purpose that will help you stand out from the crowd and get accepted into the college of your dreams.

 

SUMMARY 

I. Introduction 

a. Definition of a Statement of Purpose 

b. Explanation of why it is important

II. Preparations before Writing 

a. Research the college you are applying to. 

b. Highlight what makes you stand out.

c. Identify the skills required by the college.

III. Important Components 

a. Introduce the essay.

b. Talk about your academic background.

c. State your goals and how attending this college will help you to reach them.

d. Show your unique and interesting aspects.

e. State how you can contribute to the college.

IV. Writing Tips 

a. Keep it concise.

b. Stick to the word limits.

c. Stay away from clichés. 

d. Use formal language; do not use contractions.

e. Proofread your work. 

V. Conclusion 

a. Summarise important points. 

Here is a sample SOP.

After graduating from the university, you are expected to register for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)  in Nigeria. My primary place of assignment (PPA) was a school as a Biology Teacher.  Reluctantly, I took the position as I had no say in the posting. The first week as a teacher was challenging and overwhelming. All I wanted was to change my PPA, but all attempts failed woefully, and I am so glad it did. I was posted to a school in a rural environment; I saw the disparity between the educational system in rural and urban settings. These kids lacked qualified teachers, laboratories, and even a library. My heart tugged painfully, and that was the moment I began to nurse the idea of being a teacher.

I have been a teacher in the elementary school for over eight years; I have been involved in remote and onsite teaching of pupils, and foreign students.  Effective teaching in the 21st century requires different teaching styles, and the use of technology. In the face of the Covid pandemic, I have come to realize the efficacy of learning means like Google Classrooms, Zoom, and Microsoft office. As a teacher, I have had the opportunity of meeting pupils with diverse learning abilities and speeds, and this has exposed me to different learning experiences. Recently, I had the privilege of tutoring a kid with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Each day came with new challenges and experiences. One of the most rewarding moments for me was when my parents and I began to see noticeable improvement. I have never been so proud of myself as an educator. 

I enrolled in a  Montessori Methodology course and obtained a Diploma in Montessori Methodology 9-12. As a teacher, I have realized that every child acquires knowledge at his/her own pace. Managing these unique learning differences to ensure maximum academic, and social development in a child is the reason why I want to immerse myself in the teaching profession. I can shape young minds morally and psychologically to produce brilliant minds. I know that it will require a great deal of commitment and hard work to achieve my objectives as a teacher. I have the drive and passion for this, and I am ready to delve into zeal.

Enrolling in the Master in Education program at this University will expose me to the roles I have to play in bridging the learning gap between learners in rural and urban environments. It will be the vehicle that will convey me to my destination, which is, to be, a caring, passionate, patient, and awesome teacher.

For help with writing your SOP, kindly send a mail to adeboyeoluwaseun@gmail.com

 

Model Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Earlier, I had discussed what is required to write a Statement of Purpose for college/university admission. Here is another sample personal essay.

I am eager to pursue a Master's in Health Administration and Leadership at Middlesex University in the UK as an aspiring student from Nigeria. The UK has a stellar reputation for its academic prowess and good educational system, which is why I am keen to study there. I am confident that my time spent studying in the UK will provide me a top-notch education and the information and abilities I need to be successful in the field of health administration and leadership.

Middlesex University has a great reputation for turning forth graduates who are highly qualified and knowledgeable and who are prepared to thrive in their areas. I will be able to get priceless knowledge and exposure to diverse healthcare systems, laws, and practices thanks to the university's dedication to provide practical and industry-focused training. I will have the opportunity to learn about a new culture and expand my horizons by studying in the UK. Being exposed to many cultures and thought processes will, in my opinion as a Nigerian, help me develop into a better-rounded person. My capacity to work with and understand individuals from other cultures will be improved by interacting with people from all backgrounds, which is a crucial talent in the field of health administration and leadership.

Numerous Nigerians lack access to high-quality medical care, which presents serious challenges for the country's healthcare system. Nigeria placed 187th out of 191 nations in a 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) poll on the effectiveness of its healthcare system. According to the poll, Nigeria's healthcare system is underfunded, understaffed, and lacking in both infrastructure and healthcare professionals. According to the same report, just 36% of Nigerians have access to basic healthcare services, and many of them cannot afford the high cost of care. As a result, death rates are high, with Nigeria having one of the worst rates of maternal mortality worldwide. 

I intend to return to Nigeria after completing my studies in the UK to use the information and abilities I have gained to address the difficulties the healthcare system in my nation is now facing. I am confident that the skills I will acquire from Middlesex University's M.Sc. in Health Administration and Leadership program will allow me to contribute to the development and application of laws and policies that will increase Nigerians' access to high-quality healthcare, lessen healthcare disparities, and improve their general health. I specifically intend to contribute to the advancement of plans and policies that would enhance Nigeria's healthcare system. To do this, stakeholders in healthcare and the government will collaborate to enhance funding for healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. The lack of medical facilities and equipment in Nigeria, which is a significant problem for the healthcare industry, would benefit from this. In addition, I want to help with the formulation of policies that would deal with Nigeria's lack of healthcare professionals. Developing measures to expand the number of healthcare workers in Nigeria, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, would require collaboration between policymakers and healthcare stakeholders. This would aid in addressing Nigeria's severe healthcare personnel shortage, which is a big obstacle.

At Middlesex University, I am keen to pursue a Master's degree in Health Administration and Leadership. My time spent studying in the UK will provide me a top-notch education and priceless experiences that will help me to support the growth of Nigeria's healthcare industry. I intend to go back to Nigeria after finishing my studies to use the information and abilities I have gained to address the difficulties the healthcare industry there is now facing.

Kindly click on the link below to refer to the previous discussion on writing SOPs.

https://amazingmeroses.blogspot.com/2023/03/statement-of-purpose-personal-essay.html?m=1

MEDIA STATEMENT OF PURPOSE / PERSONAL STATEMENT

 

“NAIRA FOR NAIRA?” HOW EMBARRASSING!

“3k for 10k!” That was what the POS operator at Eleganza told me. 

“Ehn, you say?” I asked. 

“3k for 10k!” She repeated herself.

I gave her a disdainful look and walked away. While walking to get a bike simmering with anger, I said to myself, “If I give you da money, make I bend!”

Who would have thought a day would come when Nigerians would need to pay naira to get naira? 

I needed to cook and visited the bank hoping to get some money. I stood in the bank for about an hour and got only ₦2000. What exactly was I supposed to do with ₦2000? I was going to buy beef, but the meat vendor wouldn’t take a transfer, so I bought ‘eja kika’ and put it in my stew. Guess what? My stew never tasted more delicious. While I was in the bank, a senior citizen came in to request for his statement of account. Apart from withdrawal transactions, the bank had closed down other operations because of violence that was taking place within Epe and Lakowe environs. This elderly man was denied his statement of account and was asked to make use of a bank app. Of course, he did not have the app and had no idea what to do. The manager sympathised with him, but his hands were tied at that time; he had shut down things to protect his workers. I could not blame him. Hmm, I cannot even complain because some people have it worse. They cannot feed nor can they move around since they have no access to cash. The downside of this is that there are non-literate people, elderly men and women with no access to internet banking, USSD transfer, and mobile money. 

There has been a report of sprees of violence across the country. People are hurting badly due to the scarcity of cash. This situation is not funny. It is sad and embarrassing for us as a nation. I understand that CBN is trying to reduce vote buying and election malpractice as much as possible. But the little cash in circulation is being given to the same set of people that the CBN is trying to check. The masses suffer for nothing. Could things get any worse in this country? I pray and hope that by some miracle, there is relief soon.

As I sit here pondering about the situation, all I can think of is ‘3k for 10k’. “Rara, ko po!”

Foot Note 

3k for 3k’- You are to pay ₦3,000 to withdraw ₦10,000.

‘eja kika’ – Smoked fish

“Rara, ko po!” - No, it isn’t possible.

“If I give you da money, make I bend!” – I could never give you that sum of money.

SAMPLE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Kids with special needs are marginalized especially in underdeveloped countries like mine. I began my teaching career eight years ago and never thought I would come in contact with a child with special needs as a teacher. It presented a huge challenge; it was a new terrain in my teaching journey but it was gratifying. The experiences I have garnered from teaching kids with special needs and non-special needs, and the realization that there is a huge sidelining of students with special needs has greatly influenced my interest in the field of special education, hence, my interest in the postgraduate course, Education, Inclusion and Special need.

During my time as a private lesson tutor, I had the privilege of tutoring a kid with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Each day came with new challenges and experiences. I had heard about ADHD but had no feasible experience with what it was. Teaching this kid made created compassion in my heart and I found myself working with him from a place of love and zeal. As a teacher, I have my ‘proud teacher’ moments, whenever the parents of the child exhibit excitement over the development and performance of their child. A colleague who is experienced in working with autistic children who also have ADHD shared tips with me on how to impart knowledge to my special students despite the challenges and I found those ideas fascinating. This piqued my interest in special needs education. I began a Master’s Programme at the University of Lagos, Nigeria but was unable to complete it as a result of incessant strikes. Also, I did not get what I wanted in the program, that is, understanding the role I have to play in the development of children with learning and behavioural disabilities. In my country, Nigeria, the availability of special needs education is limited.

With a burning desire to still pursue an education in special needs regardless of the disappointment I had faced in the previous course of study, I decided to enroll in the MA Education, Inclusion, and Special Needs programme at the University of Hull, which will help me comprehend how to bridge the gap between non-special needs and special needs children. The University of Hull fits perfectly into my budget and the testimonials that have been presented concerning the university are mind-blowing. 

The statement that stands out to me the most is the school has a caring atmosphere that is almost family-like. I have no reservations about the University of Hull; I am sure that all my expectations will be met.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) example (MBA)