Hi everyone,
Thought I might share with you a few things that I got from the consultant that I met with, along with my own research prior to lodging my application. I have been told that the statement of purpose really does make a lot of difference, meaning it really can make or break the application. This is my way of paying it forward, as a lot of people have been generous with me when it comes to information (and occasionally, with money, LOL), so I'd like to give back to the Universe in my own little way. If you're new to this forum, and about to apply, I hope this helps you somehow. This is how I broke down and organized my SOP; I hope it helps a person or two on this forum.
Paragraph 1:
- where I stated what type of application I was lodging (study permit/temporary resident visa for students)
- where I also stated what university I have been accepted into
- where I shared what program I am taking, and what the program is about, in a nutshell
- where I indicated the start date of my program, and when I am projected to finish it/graduate from it
Paragraph 2:
IMPORTANT: This is where I started giving each paragraph a short header for easy skimming of the visa officer. Please make sure to limit the number of sentences to about 5-7 per paragraph, and avoid beating around the bush.
- where I shared what Bachelor's Degree program I had obtained here in the Philippines, which learning institution I got it from and what year I graduated
- where I also briefly stated how it helped me get to where I am now, career-wise--how it helped me land the job
- what I do for a living, and how long I have been doing it
*Please indicate subtly how your current job is related to what you will study at university in Canada.
Paragraph 3:
NOTE: Be consistently concise so as not to bore your audience (aka the visa officer).
- where I indicated how I arrived at the decision of applying to that particular university (out of all the universities in Canada? In the world?)
- where I articulated my selection process (a serious student does his thorough research and does not just jump at the easiest university/college to get into)
- Is the program you're about to take only available in Canada? (In addition, if it is cheaper to study in Canada vs. the States or anywhere else, which brought you to the decision in the first place, say so.)
To be continued...