SOP & LOR Guide

“Your Story Matters”

Scores get you filtered in. The SOP gets you admitted.

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Statement of Purpose (SOP)

This is a 1000-word essay about You.

The Golden Structure

1. The Hook (Para 1): Don’t start with “I have always loved computers.” Start with a specific problem you solved. “When I was 19, I crashed the college server…”
2. The Evidence (Para 2-3): Talk about your Projects and Research. “I built X using Y, which taught me Z.”
3. The Why (Para 4): Why do you need a Masters? “I hit a wall in my learning…”
4. The Where (Para 5): Why THIS university? Name 2 professors and 1 lab you want to join.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Repeating your Resume.
• Using ChatGPT to write the whole thing (Admissions officers can smell AI).
• Being too emotional/tragic. Keep it professional.

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Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

You need 3 Letters.

1. Academic: A professor who taught you tough subjects (DSA/OS).
2. Project: A professor who supervised your Final Year Project.
3. Professional: Your Internship Manager.

The “Drafting” Reality

• Professors are busy. They will often ask YOU to write the draft.
• Tip: Make each LOR sound different.
  • LOR 1 focuses on your Intelligence.
  • LOR 2 focuses on your Hard Work.
  • LOR 3 focuses on your Teamwork.