What most people do when they want to write SOP/B-school application form?

They instantly google for "How to write SOP?" and check the links and if they get unlucky like most of the people do, they probably end up reading horrible SOPs, this way their journey to their dream B-school ends officially. R.I.P.

Why does this happen and what does these people do?

Most of the candidates gather there have no clue about writing SOPs, everybody just copy-pastes someone else's SOPs and make some basic changes.

In the process, everybody copies ready made templates and imitates what everybody else is doing and cycle of lameness continues.

These people rush through SOPs and then prepare their interview answers based on unnecessary information they had written in their SOP.

That's the backward way of thinking.

Let's talk about forward way of thinking.

I think people should think of SOP as their marketing document, something you write by doing extensive research getting into interviewer's head.

There is a method called "Empathy Mapping" which you can use to get into Interviewer's Head.
Finish this 30 second survey to learn this technique.

You should not rush SOP because your interview is dependent on it.

You take the time first and reap the rewards later, it doesn't work other way round.

Most people rush through SOPs and then work very hard on preparing for interview.

It's like building 100 storey building on a shaky foundation, if you don't spend enough time in getting it right, it's irrelevant how hard you prepare because you are going to get screwed depending upon whatever information you have written.

Average performer rush through SOPs and works hard for interviews. Top performer spends time in getting SOPs right and prepares relatively less for interview than others (because he has already front-loaded the work)

Now, let's get down to process.

Some Do's of SOPs

1. Do research before you write even a single word

2. Have a clear narrative (Use 20 second test)

3. Write in plain English and then convert it into SOP & Interview level English

4. Check if there is logical coherency in writing (Read it aloud or read it in front of your friends and get feedback)

5. Try to be uniquely different from the crowd by thinking out of the box ( Use Story vault to use different stories to uniquely position yourself
 
6. Follow no of words guideline. Don't abuse it for any reason. (Use my 3 step process)

7. Use words you normally use when you speak and write

8. Show, don't tell

Now let's get down my favorite 3 step formula which I learned from Ramit Sethi

1. Choose your narrative

2. Trim the fat

3. Write bullets that sell

1. Choose your narrative

In writing SOPs, all the hooks, unique strengths and capabilities come into play.

Narrative is the message which someone should get even after glancing at your SOP for 20 seconds. (20 second test)

In SOP, you combine your deep research with your hooks, strengths and capabilities to cater to Interviewer's needs using Empathy Mapping model to brainstorm)

Instead of rambling I I I , you focus on what I did, and this is what I learned, this is how I can be a great fit here, and this is how I can be an asset to this Institute.

2. Trim the Fat

Cut down unnecessary information in your SOP. Just get right to the point. And that's true with SOPs especially those with word limits on lower side where you need to include everything in 250 words or finish your answer in 100 words.

Watch this video to learn how to Trim the FAT

3. Write bullets that sell

Go through your SOP line by line and ask yourself these 2 questions

1. What I am really trying to say in simple English ?

2. Is it really necessary to include this ?

Every single word in your SOP must earn its place onto the page.

Now, let's take a look at how most people write their SOPs.

"I am a focused and proactive person and always strive for excellence in my endeavors."

In simple English, it means I am smart and sincere.

It doesn't really say anything and it's not congruent with narrative of your SOP.