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.)
If I may add, you might also want to share in the third paragraph any subject/course under the program that got your interest when you were going over different schools' brochures. Say how that particular subject/course will help enrich your knowledge and experience, and make your career flourish after graduation. Be purposeful. A serious student really looks into these things.
Paragraph 4:
- where I indicated in the header that I was about to share briefly about my life and family
- where I shared the kind of family dynamics that I have--this is critical as this is where you demonstrate whether there really is someone or something to come home to post-graduation
- where I articulated what happens to my familial obligations (Who do you intend to endorse your responsibilities to in your absence? Any children you're leaving behind? Elderly? Businesses?)
NOTE: If you have a partner/husband/wife that you will bring along, what happens to his/her career in the Philippines? Why does it make sense for him/her to drop everything, and go with you if the stay in Canada is going to be temporary? Articulate if it makes sense for him to go so that your living expenses will be cheaper, and so that he can help you with your tuition especially for the second year or so. If the partner is not going with you, briefly state what arrangements you've made with him/her. Are you planning to come home during school break? Or is he/she going to visit you?
Paragraph 5:
- where I wrote my plans post-graduation
- what career I will assume in the Philippines (Are you going to put up a business related to the program you have just finished? Or are you going to join the workforce again? Are jobs in the Philippines abundant in the area of your expertise? Are they paid well? In other words, how do you project your program would augment your salary? How will your program give you non-monetary fulfillment in the profession, and as a result, enrich your emotional well-being?)
If you're able to organize each section of your SOP this way, there's no need for a concluding paragraph. Understand that grammar, coherence and brevity are all very important, as well. The visa officers' job is tough enough as they review tons of applications every day; let's make it a little easier. If you know you're not an expert in this area, get someone to proof/edit your work.
Be genuine with your intentions. Your primary goal should be to study; if you have intentions of staying in Canada for good, then that should just be secondary to studying. Don't be too (excuse my word)
garapal about it. Last but not least, do your best not to sound defensive when you build your case as to why it makes the most sense for you to pursue your studies in Canada instead of doing so in your home country. Don't say, "I have family here in the Philippines, so I'm definitely coming home after school. I have no reason to violate my visa." Don't say that or any similar statement. There are subtler ways to get the same message across.
Best of luck, everyone!
Disclaimer: This post is originally from @lilliecutie. I'm just reposting to help those who were asking regarding their SOP's. Hope this could help.