LORs and SOPs: Indian students' biggest mistakes and how to avoid them

India Today

a day ago

For lakhs of Indian students with their hearts set on international education, Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and Statements of Purpose (SOPs) are more than just documents-they are deal-makers or deal-breakers. Yet, year after year, admissions committees abroad receive essays that sound more like embellished rsums and recommendations that might as well have been written by the applicant themselves.So where exactly are Indian applicants going wrong-and more importantly, how can they fix it?advertisementTREATING THE SOP LIKE A CV IN PROSEA classic mistake, often driven by the "achievement showreel" culture in Indian academics. Many SOPs begin with generic lines like "Since childhood, I have been passionate about" and then chronicle every academic feat in bullet-point style."An SOP is not a self-glorifying list of accomplishments. It's a narrative-your personal story with purpose, failures, learnings, and why now," says Dhruva Bhat, an admissions coach and Cornell alum, in a LinkedIn post that went viral among study-abroad aspirants.
Craft your SOP as a journey , not a destination. Talk about why you chose your path, how certain events shaped you, and what you hope to contribute not just what you'll gain.
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GHOSTWRITING AND COPY-PASTING LORsMany Indian students, especially undergrad applicants, are asked to write their own recommendation letters for professors to "approve." Some go a step further and simply Google templates or recycle last year's letters. "Admissions officers can spot generic or AI-written LORs instantly. A bland, non-specific LOR can harm more than help," warns Kavita Nagar in a post where she analyzed poor vs. impactful LORs.Initiate a real conversation with your recommender. Share your goals, remind them of specific projects or interactions, and provide context but never draft it entirely yourself. Offer a bullet list if needed, but allow them to own the voice.ONE SOP FOR ALL UNIVERSITIESAdmissions readers can instantly tell when your SOP reads like a mass email. Yet, many students simply change the university's name in a template and hit "submit." Yes, the core narrative can remain the same but tailor the Why This University section. Mention specific professors, labs, courses, student clubs, or values that resonate with your goals.As one NYU reviewer anonymously shared on Reddit: "If your SOP mentions loving small class sizes-and you're applying to a school with 400-student lectures-we know you're bluffing."IGNORING THE 'WHY YOU' ELEMENTA strong SOP doesn't just explain why you want the university it makes a convincing case for why the university should want you. Most Indian applicants underplay this.Frame your experiences in a way that showcases your mindset. Are you a builder, a problem-solver, a changemaker? Highlight not just what you did, but how you think. Demonstrate alignment with the school's mission, values, or teaching approach.REPETITION ACROSS DOCUMENTSadvertisementMany applicants repeat the same anecdotes and achievements in their LORs, SOPs, and resumes making the application feel redundant. "Think of your application like a movie. Each document is a character with a distinct voice and role," explains Karan Gupta, a global education consultant. "Don't make everyone say the same thing."Use each component to build a fuller picture. Let the SOP focus on motivation and future goals. The LORs should highlight third-party credibility and character. The resume? Concrete achievements and skills.OVERUSING CLICHS AND EMOTIONAL DRAMAA dramatic origin story may seem moving, but it often lacks substance. Common culprits include "Since childhood I was fascinated by computers" or "I want to give back to society."Instead of relying on vague emotional appeals, use specific turning points. What triggered your interest? What problems do you want to solve and why? Replace the drama with depth.advertisementOVERLOADING ON JARGON OR 'DESI ENGLISH'Too much technical jargon (especially in STEM SOPs) or overly formal Indian English ("I wish to pursue a career in the same") can make the statement impersonal or robotic.Use simple, clear, conversational English. Imagine explaining your goals to a future mentor, not giving a TED Talk. And definitely run a few grammar checks-or better, ask a mentor or friend for feedback.WHAT ADMISSIONS COMMITTEES REALLY WANTA compelling, authentic storyEvidence of academic curiosity and resilienceClarity on goals-and how the program bridges current and future selfSpecific fit with the school, not generic praiseThird-party credibility in LORs-not flatteryIt's not just about what you've done-it's about how you frame it. Indian students often underestimate how much storytelling matters in international applications. So take the time. Rewrite that SOP. Nudge your recommender gently. And remember: authenticity always beats perfection.- Ends