What is the ideal SOP length?
SOP length is something that you need to keep in mind as you plan your application process. Writing your essay early on will definitely help you keep the SOP length in mind. As you need to write separate SOPs for separate colleges, you might also need to check the word limit from their websites. Well-informed actions will not only save time but will also keep you from getting too stressed about it.
Here are some approximate SOP length suggestions for a few countries:
| USA | CANADA | UK (Personal Statement) | Germany |
| 1000-1200 words | 1000-1500 words | 600-1000 words | Around 1000 words |
However, whenever you apply to a college, make sure to check the word limit suggested on their website. Also, read through the guidelines to make sure you don’t miss out on any specifications. An SOP ideally contains information on your academic roles, accomplishments, and aspirations. To get an idea about the format and length, here’s a quick guide:
| INTRODUCTION | BACKGROUND | MOTIVATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS |
| Academic and professional role (current)Brief introduction to academic interests | Interest in the field of study. What are your career goals? How will the course benefit your career goals and aspirations? How fit is the college for helping to achieve this? | Interest in the field of study. What are your career goals? How will the course benefit your career goals and aspirations?How fit is the college for helping to achieve this? |
| (250-300 words) | (Around 500 words) | (500-550 words) |
Tips to keep a perfect SOP length
Many applicants make silly mistakes that keep them from achieving the ideal SOP length. To keep precision and clarity within a proper SOP length, you might want to keep a few things in mind. As we know, exceeding the word limit or writing too little are both unimpressive. However, while writing SOPs, you must take care of all aspects to ensure success.
Don’t go for an extravaganza
As the SOP is a formal and academic document, you must take care of its structure and content. First, the tone should be more or less formal and academic. Try to avoid unnecessary personal details. Keeping it simple and expressive is the best way to do this.
- Don’t be too formal, but maintain an overall academic tone.
- Whatever you write should be relevant to your application.
- Don’t use complicated sentences/words.
- Keep things simple, and express as much as you can in precise points.
Taking up too many words for flattery
Although you need to establish the connection between your willingness to take a course and the college being a fit for this intent, don’t go on about praises for the institution. If you look at successful SOPs at top-ranking colleges, you’ll find that the major portion of the essay is about their OWN experiences and qualifications.
So, take space for explaining your motivations and accomplishments. At the same time, only write relevant points that prove that the college is a great fit for your studies. Also, avoid flattering certain professors, and write about relevant things. For example, write about how their work is relevant to your area of interest.
Need Help with SOP length?
It is extremely natural for applicants to struggle while keeping true to the prescribed SOP length. To avoid trouble, you can always take help to write it. The SOP writing experts at ‘My SOP Help’ provide on-time deliveries of a 100% original SOP customized especially according to your preferences. This helps you save time and stress, and you can smoothly progress through the many tedious application stages.
