AUC Applications

Personal Statements and Letters for Egyptian Universities

The American University in Cairo (AUC) asks for a personal statement and recommendation letters. Public universities on Study in Egypt do not list them. Here is what AUC wants.

Application layout

Example

Statement of Purpose (SOP)Your reasons, skills and goals

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)2 letters from teachers or counsellors (AUC bachelor's)

What AUC wants in the statement

Why this program

What you bring

Your long-term goals

Sample layout

About 500 words for each program (AUC master's)

Overview

Only some Egyptian universities ask for these papers.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

AUC bachelor's: a personal statement in your own words.
AUC master's and PhD: about 500 words for each program you choose.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

AUC bachelor's: two letters, from high school teachers or counsellors.
AUC master's and PhD: at least two online letters from people who know your study or work.

How AUC checks them

Original work

AUC checks personal statements for plagiarism (copying).

Public universities

The document lists for public universities ask for certificates, a passport copy and photos, not a statement or letters.

Writing Your Statement

For AUC master's and PhD programs, the statement of purpose answers three questions.

Essential Components of a Strong SOP

Why this program

Your reasons for wanting this exact program.

Key Points to Include:

Name the program you are applying to.

For Different Program Types:

AUC master's and PhD:

About 500 words for each program you choose.

What you bring

The skills and experience you bring to it.

Your long-term goals

How the degree fits your study and work plans.

Length

Length & Format

About 500 words for each program you choose (AUC master's and PhD).

Writing Style

Write it yourself. AUC checks for plagiarism.

Getting Your Letters

At AUC, your recommenders submit letters directly.

Who to Ask

Bachelor's: your teachers

AUC asks for letters from high school teachers or counsellors.

Ideal Choice:A teacher or counsellor from your high school.

Program-Specific Considerations:

•

AUC bachelor's:

Two letters are required.

Master's and PhD: people who know your work

Letters from people familiar with your academic or work background.

Ideal Choice:A professor or manager who knows your study or work.

How It Works

Asking for Recommendations

1
Add their emails
Put your recommenders' email addresses in the AUC application.
2
They get an email
AUC emails them instructions to send the letter directly.

Mistakes to Avoid

Simple errors that hurt an application.

SOP Mistakes to Avoid