November 22, 2025 · 6 min
Six SOP mistakes we saw 400+ times last year
Generic openers, undated internships, no thesis on why THIS university. Fix these and your acceptance chances jump measurably.
#writing#essays
After reviewing 400+ SOPs last cycle, these six mistakes came up again and again:
1) Opening with a childhood story ('Since I was 8...').
2) Undated internships and 'was involved in various responsibilities'.
3) No explanation of why THIS university.
4) Overusing 'passionate'. Show, don't declare.
5) A career goal that doesn't match your background.
6) Grammar. Read it aloud. Twice.
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