I will soon apply for Canada study permit and I need your help to review my final SOP (It's 2.5 pages long).
Kindly go through the whole sop and point out any improvement areas, grammatical errors or any other comments.
I think my ties to my home country is a little bit weak, please suggest something to improve it (sample lines signifying strong home ties would be highly appreciated).
Should I remove the headings?
I am also attaching a true net worth certificate made by my Chattered Accountant.
MY SOP:
To,
Visa officer
The Canadian High Commission
New Delhi, India
Subject: Application for a Canadian study permit.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student candidate for Ph.D. in Applied Physics at the Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I would like to have this opportunity to introduce myself as a research-oriented person whose whole life is all about studying the scientific phenomena.
Family background
My father, who owns a small business in my home town, has always given priority to education and has always been very supportive of my education and dreams. My self-employed mother is like a torch of light for me that has always inspired and guided me in the darkness. She taught us to treat everyone we meet with respect and to act with humility and patience. My brother, who is working as a software engineer since 2015, has always motivated and inspired me to become a better version of myself.
Academic background
Ever since my father bought me a computer, there were hardly days in which I would not be on it learning something new about science. My parents would often find me lost in my imagination. Slowly and gradually, learning about phenomena that could not be fathomed in everyday life became a passion, and I made myself determinant about making a career as a scientist. This passion and love for science made me pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (2014-2017) from the University of Delhi, with 77.91%. I was also exceptionally active outside of the classroom. For instance, I was awarded an innovation project which was funded by the University of Delhi, wherein I learned to complete a large project spanning an entire year by planning ahead and keeping track of smaller goals. I also won two scientific poster presentation awards at National Science conferences and published two scientific research papers in reputed scientific journals. This led me to pursue a Master of Science degree in Physics (2017-2019) with specialization in Experimental Nuclear Physics from I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, during which I got a brilliant opportunity to do a summer internship at Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, where I learned about designing and testing of nuclear detectors to study nuclear structures. This internship sparked a desire inside me to do more with my career, and this desire fueled me to become the gold medalist in my master’s degree by securing 9.09 CGPA. After this, I also cleared GATE 2020 exam in Physics and was awarded the INSPIRE fellowship 2020 from the Department of Science and Technology, India. This fellowship is only awarded to 1000 students across the country to do Ph.D. in India. All my past endeavors make me feel highly motivated and energetic to do a doctoral degree to fulfill my dream of becoming a great scientist. Thus, I applied for the below-mentioned program:
Degree program: Ph.D. in Applied Science (Full-time study)
Expected duration of the program: 3 years
Annual tuition fee: 16,869 CAD
Annual scholarship/teaching assistantship: 31,000 CAD
Admission status: Full acceptance (Unconditional)
Why Ph.D. in Applied Science?
A doctoral degree with research specialization in the Nuclear Physics field is the right choice for me because of its experimental approach to research. The experimental approach will provide the opportunity to plan and design the experiments to address the various research problems. It provides hands-on experience to learn the operation of various detectors, beams and other complicated devices. Hopefully, I will also get a chance to develop some new detectors. My research will be focused on learning about the nuclear structures of different isotopes at different energy levels. The nuclear shell structure in these exotic nuclei plays a major role in the pathway for the rapid nuclear processes which are responsible for producing approximately half of the elements heavier than iron. This research could be useful in a better understanding of the nuclear force that binds the nucleus constituents together. Previous research in the field has been proved extremely beneficial for both the medical and energy industries. During the course, I will also mentor undergraduate students, which will teach me how to collaborate effectively so that everyone’s skills are put to the most productive use.
Why Canada?
Despite having cleared the GATE exam and awarded the INSPIRE fellowship letter, I was sure about not doing my Ph.D. from India mainly because of the following reasons. Nuclear physics research requires big accelerator and detectors which are very few in India. As a result, it causes long waiting time for experiments and also most innovative experiments can’t be performed within-country due to non-availability of required instruments. The research projects also have limited funding which makes it nearly impossible to present our research in national and international conferences, which is one of the most important part in research.
Canada was the first and foremost choice for me when I was in a phase to choose a country for my Ph.D. because of these veracious reasons. Canada is a highly innovative nation and has a robust research base. An experimental degree would be much more beneficial here because of Canada’s developed labs, replete with necessary modern instruments required for experiments. Canadian institutes give a dynamic and challenging environment in which one can explore their true potential. It is a safe and peaceful country with a high-quality education system and health care facilities. In addition to that, the country provides a multicultural environment that offers a feeling of home even far away from home. A Canadian qualification will clearly play a prominent role in building my research career.
Why Saint Mary’s University?
As I considered my alternatives for a doctoral degree, Ph.D. at Saint Mary’s University has emerged for many reasons. The dynamic interdisciplinary learning environment and the cutting-edge research at the university are the two appealing aspects of my decision, as this will give me a much more extensive view of the scientific research field and various graduate seminars will also provide me with enough knowledge on how to make my research useful to the society. The university is known to have world-class research facilities and laboratory infrastructure, with funding coming from many sources, including the Government of Canada and several agencies like NSERC. Saint Mary’s University is also an associate member of TRIUMF, the national laboratory of Canada, which would play a major role in my experimental research. My research will be supervised by Dr. Rituparna Kanungo who has a research experience of more than 20 years in the nuclear physics field and is currently the president of the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics. I am very lucky to get this opportunity to work in her research group which only very few people get and I firmly believe that this chance will serve as a cornerstone for my future career. Working with highly experienced and skilled faculties along with the prominent facilities will surely back me in my research pursuit. The university offers flexible Ph.D. program which will also leave me lots of room for exploring other aspects of my life. I feel very optimistic about my research career at Saint Mary’s University.
Future goals
India has begun to harness state-of-the-art research facilities for world-class research. The Government of India is already in the phase of developing various research labs in universities and institutes around the country. The present laboratories in the country also have an acute shortage of researchers and scientists because of less interest shown by students in higher education.
After completion of my Ph.D. in Canada, I intend to come back to my home country India, with an outstanding research background and join the Indian scientific community to use my experience and knowledge to uplift the research sector in India. My major goal will be to develop research facilities comparable to world level within India.
I belong to a well-established and respected family, and we are well settled in India, as also shown in the net worth certificate. I would also like to take care of my aged parents and my grandmother after coming back to my native country.
Sponsors
My father, Mr. Ranbir Singh, my mother, Mrs. Sushma and my brother, Mr. Nitin are sponsoring my education, travelling expenses as well as my living expenses during my stay in Canada. Along with this, I have been awarded 31,000 CAD as a scholarship/teaching assistantship from Saint Mary’s University for one year and is expected to be renewed every year until the completion of the degree. I have attached the affidavit to prove the sponsorship and all the other necessary documents.
I hope that you will find all my documents in proper order and I request you to process my study visa application as soon as possible. I am very much thankful to you for giving your valuable time to process my student visa application.
Sincerely,
Nikhil
Kindly go through the whole sop and point out any improvement areas, grammatical errors or any other comments.
I think my ties to my home country is a little bit weak, please suggest something to improve it (sample lines signifying strong home ties would be highly appreciated).
Should I remove the headings?
I am also attaching a true net worth certificate made by my Chattered Accountant.
MY SOP:
To,
Visa officer
The Canadian High Commission
New Delhi, India
Subject: Application for a Canadian study permit.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student candidate for Ph.D. in Applied Physics at the Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I would like to have this opportunity to introduce myself as a research-oriented person whose whole life is all about studying the scientific phenomena.
Family background
My father, who owns a small business in my home town, has always given priority to education and has always been very supportive of my education and dreams. My self-employed mother is like a torch of light for me that has always inspired and guided me in the darkness. She taught us to treat everyone we meet with respect and to act with humility and patience. My brother, who is working as a software engineer since 2015, has always motivated and inspired me to become a better version of myself.
Academic background
Ever since my father bought me a computer, there were hardly days in which I would not be on it learning something new about science. My parents would often find me lost in my imagination. Slowly and gradually, learning about phenomena that could not be fathomed in everyday life became a passion, and I made myself determinant about making a career as a scientist. This passion and love for science made me pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (2014-2017) from the University of Delhi, with 77.91%. I was also exceptionally active outside of the classroom. For instance, I was awarded an innovation project which was funded by the University of Delhi, wherein I learned to complete a large project spanning an entire year by planning ahead and keeping track of smaller goals. I also won two scientific poster presentation awards at National Science conferences and published two scientific research papers in reputed scientific journals. This led me to pursue a Master of Science degree in Physics (2017-2019) with specialization in Experimental Nuclear Physics from I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, during which I got a brilliant opportunity to do a summer internship at Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, where I learned about designing and testing of nuclear detectors to study nuclear structures. This internship sparked a desire inside me to do more with my career, and this desire fueled me to become the gold medalist in my master’s degree by securing 9.09 CGPA. After this, I also cleared GATE 2020 exam in Physics and was awarded the INSPIRE fellowship 2020 from the Department of Science and Technology, India. This fellowship is only awarded to 1000 students across the country to do Ph.D. in India. All my past endeavors make me feel highly motivated and energetic to do a doctoral degree to fulfill my dream of becoming a great scientist. Thus, I applied for the below-mentioned program:
Degree program: Ph.D. in Applied Science (Full-time study)
Expected duration of the program: 3 years
Annual tuition fee: 16,869 CAD
Annual scholarship/teaching assistantship: 31,000 CAD
Admission status: Full acceptance (Unconditional)
Why Ph.D. in Applied Science?
A doctoral degree with research specialization in the Nuclear Physics field is the right choice for me because of its experimental approach to research. The experimental approach will provide the opportunity to plan and design the experiments to address the various research problems. It provides hands-on experience to learn the operation of various detectors, beams and other complicated devices. Hopefully, I will also get a chance to develop some new detectors. My research will be focused on learning about the nuclear structures of different isotopes at different energy levels. The nuclear shell structure in these exotic nuclei plays a major role in the pathway for the rapid nuclear processes which are responsible for producing approximately half of the elements heavier than iron. This research could be useful in a better understanding of the nuclear force that binds the nucleus constituents together. Previous research in the field has been proved extremely beneficial for both the medical and energy industries. During the course, I will also mentor undergraduate students, which will teach me how to collaborate effectively so that everyone’s skills are put to the most productive use.
Why Canada?
Despite having cleared the GATE exam and awarded the INSPIRE fellowship letter, I was sure about not doing my Ph.D. from India mainly because of the following reasons. Nuclear physics research requires big accelerator and detectors which are very few in India. As a result, it causes long waiting time for experiments and also most innovative experiments can’t be performed within-country due to non-availability of required instruments. The research projects also have limited funding which makes it nearly impossible to present our research in national and international conferences, which is one of the most important part in research.
Canada was the first and foremost choice for me when I was in a phase to choose a country for my Ph.D. because of these veracious reasons. Canada is a highly innovative nation and has a robust research base. An experimental degree would be much more beneficial here because of Canada’s developed labs, replete with necessary modern instruments required for experiments. Canadian institutes give a dynamic and challenging environment in which one can explore their true potential. It is a safe and peaceful country with a high-quality education system and health care facilities. In addition to that, the country provides a multicultural environment that offers a feeling of home even far away from home. A Canadian qualification will clearly play a prominent role in building my research career.
Why Saint Mary’s University?
As I considered my alternatives for a doctoral degree, Ph.D. at Saint Mary’s University has emerged for many reasons. The dynamic interdisciplinary learning environment and the cutting-edge research at the university are the two appealing aspects of my decision, as this will give me a much more extensive view of the scientific research field and various graduate seminars will also provide me with enough knowledge on how to make my research useful to the society. The university is known to have world-class research facilities and laboratory infrastructure, with funding coming from many sources, including the Government of Canada and several agencies like NSERC. Saint Mary’s University is also an associate member of TRIUMF, the national laboratory of Canada, which would play a major role in my experimental research. My research will be supervised by Dr. Rituparna Kanungo who has a research experience of more than 20 years in the nuclear physics field and is currently the president of the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics. I am very lucky to get this opportunity to work in her research group which only very few people get and I firmly believe that this chance will serve as a cornerstone for my future career. Working with highly experienced and skilled faculties along with the prominent facilities will surely back me in my research pursuit. The university offers flexible Ph.D. program which will also leave me lots of room for exploring other aspects of my life. I feel very optimistic about my research career at Saint Mary’s University.
Future goals
India has begun to harness state-of-the-art research facilities for world-class research. The Government of India is already in the phase of developing various research labs in universities and institutes around the country. The present laboratories in the country also have an acute shortage of researchers and scientists because of less interest shown by students in higher education.
After completion of my Ph.D. in Canada, I intend to come back to my home country India, with an outstanding research background and join the Indian scientific community to use my experience and knowledge to uplift the research sector in India. My major goal will be to develop research facilities comparable to world level within India.
I belong to a well-established and respected family, and we are well settled in India, as also shown in the net worth certificate. I would also like to take care of my aged parents and my grandmother after coming back to my native country.
Sponsors
My father, Mr. Ranbir Singh, my mother, Mrs. Sushma and my brother, Mr. Nitin are sponsoring my education, travelling expenses as well as my living expenses during my stay in Canada. Along with this, I have been awarded 31,000 CAD as a scholarship/teaching assistantship from Saint Mary’s University for one year and is expected to be renewed every year until the completion of the degree. I have attached the affidavit to prove the sponsorship and all the other necessary documents.
I hope that you will find all my documents in proper order and I request you to process my study visa application as soon as possible. I am very much thankful to you for giving your valuable time to process my student visa application.
Sincerely,
Nikhil