The SOP tells the MBA program more about yourself and why you would be a good candidate. One strategy for an SOP is to frame the entire statement in one story. This is a good option for a candidate who may not have multiple examples of his qualifications. Using a five or more paragraph format, tell a story of a time in your life in which you used many different skills that you possess. For example, if you ran a fundraising event you might talk about your planning skills before the event, your ability to lead a team during the event, and your money management after the event. Use this story to show and not tell your valuable personal qualities.
A prestigious MBA program will want to make sure that you have lofty goals. Try centering an SOP on your own goals. This can include your over-arching "what you want to do in life," your career aspirations and the areas you wish to study. This type of statement is ideal for establishing yourself in the context of the past, present and future. Show the ways in which you have made progress on your goals so far through anecdotes and explanations. Talk about what you are doing to move toward the goal. Lastly, mention how this specific MBA program in the future can push you even closer to realizing your goal.
While you create your SOP from scratch, most universities have already put together their own statements of purpose. Research the mission statement and principles of the school you are applying to and cater your statement to those principles. For example, if the university focuses on honesty and social improvement, you can focus your SOP on your strict adherence to moral codes and your charity work. If you are having a hard time stretching your own purpose to fit what the university stands for, it may not be the right place to apply.
Many MBA candidates enter the work force in between their undergraduate and graduate aspirations. If you have this experience, use it as an advantage in your SOP. Write about some of your experiences and responsibilities in this job. Talk about the skills you learned and if the job had any effect on your future aspirations. You can connect this experience to your undergraduate work and other activities you performed outside of work as well