Germany has been one of the topmost choices of students for their study abroad not only because it has a high quality of education but also because it facilitates with no tuition fees. Hence, the flow of students to Germany gets high so is the competition. To stand out in that race one has to put great effort to write an SOP or Statement of Purpose.
SOP is basically an essay written by a student explaining their qualification, intention, and purpose of choosing a particular course, in a particular university in a particular country. The SOP is a clear insight into that student’s life, interests, achievements, and life goals. It’s basically a process where the admission panel gets to know you through your words.
An SOP for Germany is also known as a Letter of Motivation (LOM), and it is a document in which applicants describe their experiences and skills to demonstrate their desire to study in Germany.
How is it different?
Only students seeking admission to postgraduate degree programs in Germany must complete the SOP in 500-1000 words focusing on their inspiration to pursue higher education in Germany. It should also be majorly focused on academic qualifications instead of extracurricular accomplishments.
How to write an SOP for Germany?
Since German universities basically look for academic excellence hence it is easier to write an SOP for Germany than for other countries as you know where to focus. While writing an SOP or LOM you can keep a few general guidelines in mind. They are as followed –
- To avoid repetition of words, write make your CV (curriculum vita) first.
- Lengthy contents are a tedious job to read when the admission panel would be going through applications already. Hence, be to the point and avoid over-the-top vocabulary.
- Follow a chronological order while writing about your story. Do not write things out of context.
- Reflect on and summarize all of the events that have impacted your life and personality.
- Consider writing your academic achievements or other honors that have helped you grow as a person. Discuss your passions, aspirations, hobbies, job objectives, challenges, strengths, values, and vision.
- Discuss your post-study short and long-term goals.
Tips for a good SOP
Read your SOP, once completed, over and over to eradicate the errors. Take help from English experts if required. Always remember the first draft is for yourself. Never submit it or get satisfied. Polish as much as possible. Do not over-explain anything.
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Sample SOP – here’s a free sample SOP for Germany
Since my childhood, I have been a knowledge seeker. Born in a humble and educated family my parents have been a great source of knowledge who instilled many thoughts in my curious mind. When I grow up I used to have a weekly debate with my father, who is a physics professor at a private college, on some electronic gadgets. That is where I developed my interest in science which later funneled down to physics. My encounters with my father allowed me to cross-reference facts and theoretical knowledge from my university classes with real-world examples. My ambition is to gain wisdom from the knowledge and then return it to the scientific community. Following the same interest, I pursued Electrical Engineering from XYZ College with a CGPA of 7.9. After working with XYZ, one of the leading tech giants in India, for 2 years as XYZ I thought it would be the perfect time for me to go for further studies in the same field. Your world-class faculty can teach me how new innovations take place and contribute to my goal of becoming an able electrical engineer.
My academics have been my strong points since the very beginning as I secured 86 percent in my 10th from XYZ school and 92 percent in 12th from XYZ college. My undergraduate education exposed me to a variety of electrical engineering topics and created in me an insatiable need to learn more. I’ve always been an inquisitive child, and my teachers have always aided me in every way they could.
Electronics, thermal power production, and electromagnetism are three of my specific areas of interest. I discovered that your prestigious university is well-suited to my aims and goals, as well as being student-friendly. To name a few, this university features world-class facilities and great teachers with extensive academic experience, an in-depth understanding of Electricals, numerous IEEE publications, and impressive patents.
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The master’s program at XYZ is a good fit for my career goals. I’m very excited about your university’s research labs, and I’m confident that I can help your community and research team. I am self-motivated, patient, diligent, and have the patience to explore new technologies. My qualifications and ambitions are in line with the standards of your master’s program. I’m looking forward to attending your university. It will be a pleasure for me to pursue my degree at your prestigious institution.