Student Workshop on Writing Statements of Purpose
The Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organized a workshop titled “Writing Statements of Purpose” on Thursday, 11 December, 2025. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Raihan Rahman, PhD Candidate in English Literature, Department of English, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. It was designed for the undergraduate students enrolled in the courses ENG 4208, ENG 4298, and ENG 4299. The Masters students were encouraged to attend the workshop as well.
The primary objective of the workshop was to familiarize students with the role, significance, and essential requirements of a “Statement of Purpose” as well as the expectations faced by international applicants applying to graduate programs. Mr. Rahman explained that an SOP functions as an applicant’s academic story, allowing admissions committees to understand the student’s motivations, academic preparation, and suitability for a specific program. He specified the distinctions between a SOP, a research proposal, and a personal statement, pointing out that the SOP requires a balance between focus on academia and intellectual direction, whereas research proposals are technically thorough, and personal statements are more personal and identity-focused.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on how admissions committees assess SOPs. He emphasized that committees want individuals who are equipped with skilled writing abilities, intellectual maturity, targeted research interests, and a clear motivation. Additionally, he noted that to qualify for the SOP to represent expertise beyond that of a generic applicant, candidates must show that they are genuinely familiar with the program they are applying to. He further emphasized that students should show not only why they intend to join a particular institution, but also how their interests, abilities, and aptitude for research may make a significant contribution to the academic community.
The facilitator then described the structure of a strong SOP, highlighting the significance of a targeted opening paragraph, a logical connection to present research interests and prospective goals, and a coherent overview of academic preparation. He advised the students to avoid overly flattering language, sentimental anecdotes, or vague expressions of passion. Instead, Mr. Rahman urged the students to strengthen their statements with specific academic experiences and to articulate how a particular course, faculty member, or program aligns with their academic goals.
In the concluding part of the workshop, Mr. Rahman addressed common mistakes such as repeating CV details, using overly poetic language, or submitting the same SOP to multiple universities. He highlighted the significance of tailoring each SOP while maintaining formal academic tone, clarity, and conciseness.
Overall, the workshop gave students valuable guidance and insightful information regarding creating an effective Statement of Purpose, enabling them to approach graduate applications with more assurance and clarity.
Report by Sharika Shahabuddin (221013030)
