SOPs and LORs: Common Mistakes Indian Students Make—and How to Avoid Them
(SOPs) and (LORs) for lakhs of Indian students dreaming of an international degree, Letters of Recommendation and Statements of Purpose aren’t just paperwork—they’re deal-makers or deal-breakers. Yet, every year, admissions officers across the globe receive application documents that fall flat: SOPs that read like embellished resumes, and LORs so generic they might as well have been written by the applicants themselves.
So where are students going wrong? More importantly—how can you get it right?
1. Turning the SOP into a Resume in Disguise
One of the most common pitfalls is treating the SOP like a list of academic highlights in paragraph form. It often starts with lines like “Since childhood, I have been passionate about…” and turns into a timeline of medals, marks, and achievements.
But an SOP isn’t just a showcase of accolades—it’s your personal narrative. Admissions coach and Cornell alum Dhruva Bhat nailed it when he said, “It’s a story—with your choices, struggles, learning curves, and purpose at the center.”
So, tell your story. What led you to this field? What changed your thinking? What do you aim to solve or create? Show the reader who you are beyond your report card.
2. Ghostwriting or Copy-Pasting LORs
In many Indian institutions, students are asked to write their own recommendation letters for teachers to “sign off.” Some even copy templates from the internet or recycle someone else’s LOR.
But admissions officers can easily spot a generic or AI-written letter. And when a recommendation lacks sincerity or specifics, it can actually weaken your application.
Instead, have a real conversation with your recommender. Share your goals, remind them of projects you worked on, or specific classroom moments. Offer bullet points—not a full draft. Let their voice and memory shine through, not yours.
3. Using the Same SOP for Every University
This is a major red flag. Swapping out the university name and submitting the same SOP everywhere doesn’t work—and admission reviewers know when you do it.
You can retain the heart of your narrative, but make sure to personalize the “Why This University” section. Mention specific faculty, labs, curriculum, or student communities that truly align with your interests.
As one NYU reviewer put it, “If you write about loving small class sizes, and our classes seat 400 students—you’ve clearly not done your homework.”
4. Skipping the ‘Why You’ Angle
While most applicants focus on why they want a particular program, they forget to answer why the university should want them.
Highlight how you think and what values you bring to the table. Are you a problem-solver? A creative thinker? A leader in the making? Show how your mindset and goals align with the university’s values and academic culture.
5. Repeating the Same Stories Everywhere
Using the same project or achievement in your SOP, LOR, and resume can make your application feel repetitive and flat.
Think of your application like a film. Every document plays a different role:
- The SOP is your personal journey and motivation.
- The LOR provides credibility and external validation.
- The resume shows achievements, skills, and timelines.
Use them together to build a complete, well-rounded picture of who you are.
6. Overusing Clichés and Emotional Drama
Phrases like “I’ve always been fascinated by computers” or “I want to give back to society” are overused and often lack substance. Drama without depth won’t leave a lasting impression.
Instead, focus on specific turning points. What sparked your interest? What problem do you hope to solve—and why? Ditch the theatrics for genuine insight.
7. Stuffing SOPs with Jargon or ‘Desi English’
Especially in STEM applications, it’s easy to get carried away with technical lingo. On the flip side, some SOPs use overly formal Indian English that sounds unnatural to international readers.
Keep it simple and conversational. Imagine you’re talking to a mentor, not presenting at a conference. And yes—run a grammar check, but also get honest feedback from someone who knows what a good SOP sounds like.
What Admissions Committees Are Really Looking For
They’re not just scanning for high grades or big names. They want to see:
- An authentic story that shows your growth
- Evidence of curiosity, resilience, and clarity
- A clear understanding of your goals and how their program helps
- Proof that you’re a great fit, beyond surface-level praise
- Thoughtful recommendations that add credibility
In short—it’s not just about what you’ve done, but how you present it.
So slow down. Rework that SOP. Have a heartfelt chat with your recommender. Polish every word. Because in the end, authenticity always trumps perfect.
Also Read: DIGIPIN: India’s New Digital Address System by IIT Hyderabad, India Post & NRSC
Also Read: Punjab Board PSEB Class 11 Physical Education and Sports Syllabus 2025-26