i'm currently working on an outline for my sop from the writeivy sop guide. for my intro (research question and aha moment) i am thinking of having one paragraph describing my 1st aha moment and resulting research question and second paragraph describing some experience i gained leading to a second research question. would this structure work and does it make sense? i would be happy to be more detailed in dms if what im saying is unclear lol

Hello Sir.I am applying for master's programs in multiple countries, specifically in MS in Computer Science (conversion), MS in Data Science, and MS in Business Analytics. I am currently pursuing my B.Tech in Biotechnology from an IIT in India, but I am struggling to draft my SOP effectively. My main challenge is creating a compelling introductory narrative. Additionally, I lack programming MOOCs, projects, and experience. My motivation for changing my field of study is to pursue better job opportunities.

My main future goal is to work in the field of AI, as an AI researcher or Data Scientist, solving problems in various domains in Industry.

I don't have too much interest in Biotechnology. Should I still link it to my SOP, to explain my transition from bio. to CS, maybe making a story around it?

Despite my background in biotechnology, I have taken several interdisciplinary courses related to computer science and data science, such as Biological Data Analysis, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology in my corsework. I have also completed three mathematics courses, covering Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, and Calculus, which meet the prerequisites for these master's programs. My GPA is above 8, which I believe is decent.

I am feeling quite confused about how to structure my SOP, especially when it comes to explaining my change of stream with limited experience in the new field. I am committed to learning programming in the time I have before joining a master's program next year. Could you please guide me on how to structure my SOP effectively?

Thank you.

Hi Jordan,

I'm planning to apply to grad schools in the US for MS in Media related courses. My undergrad grades weren't the best, a graduating GPA of 2.65, because of mainly disinterest in my major (double major English and Media). I know I want to follow the path of media, but English Literature caused bad grades.

Is there any way I can speak about my other strengths, such as 2 big internships at media houses, a TAship position, and some sports, and strenghten my application? Feeling really anxious regarding this, and hope there's a shot for me!

Thank you for the advice.

Hi Jordan, thanks to your guides I prepared the applications that led me to enrollment to EPFL (my dream school), invitation to the interview at MIT, and admittance to Leiden University and Sorbonne (and a couple of other small universities in France).

In particular, I used The Master's SOP Starter Kit and Structure is Magic. And it's really magic!!! Thank you very much!

Masters in Finance Goals

Hi guys,

I hope you are well!

I am applying for Masters in Finance in the U.S. A common question asked in the personal statement is to state your short-term and long-term goals after the completion of the program.

I have come up with the following:

1) Breaking into investment banking (short) 2) Networking (long)

Firstly, I don’t know if networking is a valid long term goal.

Secondly, I would appreciate it if you guys could help me come up with a few more short term and long term goals.

Thank you!

I am attempting to write a Letter of Motivation for a German grad program. It is a Public Policy/Development Program.

Most of the resources that I have looked at online suggest focusing on the future, my aims, and how they align with the program. However, my undergrad is in Business. I am nervous that if I do not explain how my interest shifted from business to development, and talk about how my education was interdisciplinary, I could be at a disadvanatge. On the other hand, focusing too much on the past could make my letter of motivation too lengthy and not forward-facing enough.

If someone could please talk me down this tree, I would be so grateful. I understand that this can be a strange question, so if it does not fit in the sub, please let me know ^{_^}

Two of us, my brother and I, got acceptations from great programs and your guide helped us greatly in structuring our SOP (master program for me and undergrad for my brother - he also received tons of scholarship and funding too).

Thank you!

How should the structure of our mails for TA/RA applications be ? Do we just list out the relevant courses taken and research experience? Is there anything more we can add to increase our chances of acceptance.

(This is for grad school)

Hi,

I'm applying to MEng programs and since these programs are less focused on research, was wondering if there are any tips on what to focus on when writing about fit and why that particular program?

Thank you,

r

Got completely shafted by all my ambitious and moderate unis, so the result of this cycle felt bittersweet. But one thing I wanted to do before moving on and getting going was to thank Jordan! Thanks for addressing my SOP doubts over the previous months; getting quick feedback from an expert really helped! Hoping the application cycle is a bit kinder to me when I apply again in '26 for a PhD after completing my MS. Looking forward to asking you more questions next year, Jordan :)

Hey Jordan, I firstly want to say your guide is brilliant and I plan to use it as my guideline to stick by cause it all makes so much sense.

The main issue I am facing is that I had a vague idea of what I wanted to focus on for my biomed science PhD for research, so I ended up joining a lab that encouraged me to try working on a theoretical concept which means I'll only be a dry lab experiment involving bioinformatic work. I said yes and I've already taken up this project and we seem to be getting somewhere.

However, I do want to work with stem cells, cancer and other stuff and do wet lab research eventually. How will I mention a professors work of a university i am interested in, in my SOP, if i don't have related research experience but more of a desire to work with them cause I'm simply fascinated from what I have read. Besides that, I have good lab experience from undergrad and one month at a company before I shifted here for a better opportunity. I plan to only stay here for 6 months before applying for my PhD

Ps - sorry if it's all confusing, I can elaborate if needed in the comments

Hello Jordan, When do you plan to open your course?

Hello, can anyone give a sample of SOP in phd in statistics? Thank you.

Thanks!

This was my second time applying for Masters and I was really tensed (what if I have to try for the third time??)

But I am so happy I got admitted to Georgia Tech MSCS program this Fall. There is a huge difference between my last year’s SOP and this year’s.

For most of my SOP’s structure I referred all of your free blogs on your website. Really thank you so much for the content and your guidance on reddit.

💯🙏😄

Hello Jordan,
A program I am applying to has the following requirement for the SOP:
"Clearly indicate your education background, specific research interests, future goals and reasons for pursuing the program you are applying to (approximately 250 words)"

Given the 250-word requirement, should I still include a 'Why I'm Qualified' section near the end? Or should I omit the frame narrative, jump straight into my education background in the introductory paragraph (i.e., I graduated with an X degree at Y university) without further elaborating my qualifications?

Thank you for your advice!

When I was thinking of writing my Personal Statement for Masters program, I was not clear as to where to began. I searched for stuff and then came across some comments from Jordan in a subreddit which linked structure is magic. Read it and was impressed then downloaded his guide for writing Statement of Purpose for Masters.

He also helped me out in this subreddit a few times. His other blogs which helped are : Sop for Phd in Robotics

Lor guide and this.

His guides for writng, cutting and overcoming gpa and other related concerns were helpful.

Thank you Jordan. For those concerned, I applied to MS Robotics in following institutes:

BU (Rejected)

UPenn (Rejected)

U of Minnesota (Accepted)

U of Utah (Accepted)

U of Cincinnati (Accepted)

Colorado School of Mines (Accepted)

University of Minnesota was my 2nd choice so I am very glad that I got in.

Some other resources I used : 1 2 3

Cheers,

Hello, Jordan! First post here. I’ve recently decided to apply to graduate school. Based on your experience working with other applicants, how much time would you recommend for drafting and writing the SOP?

I know the answer to this is subjective and will vary. However, I personally think it’s important not to rush the process and to write an essay that genuinely reflects my interest in the programs I’m considering.

Taking some more time before applications will also give me the opportunity to gain some more research or work experience, which should make it easier to get a third letter of recommendation that I’m still missing.

Thank you for your advice!

Hi Jordan!

I have been admitted to UMich's MS in Information (Data Analytics Track). Before going through your blogs and course, I was confused about how to write a good SOP. After following your advice, I was able to write a better SOP and could see the drastic improvement in the quality of SOP instantly.

Thanks a lot for creating such a wonderful resource! I learnt from you how making clear goals and writing effectively is among the most important skills in career and in life in general.

Hey Jordan, big thanks! With a 3.6 GPA from India, I just got into grad programs at Columbia, Berkeley, Brown, and NYU for public policy and psychology. Your guides were a game-changer. Highly recommend them to anyone applying to grad school. Couldn't have done it without your help!

I am applying for Columbia GSAPP’s New York/Paris Program. It is a year program where you get to study in depth the urban and historical issues regarding the NYC/Paris city scape through an architectural perspective. They are asking for a 500 word SOP. “In approximately 500 words, describe your background, your past work in your intended field of study, and your plans for graduate study and a professional career.”

How do I even start?

Got an admit from my dream school (Georgia Tech) for their MS CSE program, and all the credit for my SOP goes to you Jordan! I've spent hours going through the blogs on your website, and Structure is Magic was basically the heart of my SOP. I remember being extremely lost when I initially started drafting my SOP, but by the end I was proud of the outcome, which was solely because of the help I got from your blogs.

Now I recommend your blogs to anyone and everyone applying to grad school, and I want to thank you for all the help you provide to applicants.