SOP Samples for Indian Students to Study Abroad
MOEC
If you are an Indian student searching for SOP samples, SOP examples, a statement of purpose format, an SOP for college or a statement of purpose example for studying abroad, the most important thing to remember is that an SOP is not a copy-paste template. It is a focused explanation of why you want to study a particular course, why that programme and university fit your goals, what has prepared you for the course, and what you plan to do after graduation.
The right SOP structure depends on the university, course and application instructions. Some institutions ask for a traditional statement of purpose, while others ask specific essay questions or use terms such as 'personal statement' or 'motivation letter'. Always follow the exact instructions of the institution before using any general SOP format.
For Indian students applying to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Italy and other destinations, this guide covers SOP format, original sample structures, course-specific SOP guidance, country considerations, profile weaknesses, AI use, common mistakes and practical ways to make an SOP more convincing.
What Is an SOP?
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an application essay that explains a student's academic background, motivation for choosing a course, reasons for selecting a university or programme, relevant experience and future career goals. It gives the admissions team context that may not be visible from marks, transcripts or a CV.
A strong SOP connects your past preparation → present academic decision → specific programme → career direction. It should sound like your own story rather than a generic essay.
Why Is an SOP Important for Indian Students?
An SOP gives you space to explain the reasoning behind your application. Two students may have similar marks and degrees but very different academic interests, project experience, professional goals and reasons for choosing a programme.
A useful SOP can demonstrate:
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academic motivation and subject knowledge;
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relevant projects, internships, research or work experience;
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a clear reason for choosing the course;
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a credible reason for choosing the university;
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realistic short- and long-term career goals;
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communication and critical-thinking ability; and
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how your previous experience prepares you for the proposed programme.
It can also provide context for a career change, study gap, backlog, lower grades or another unusual part of your academic history. The goal is not to hide a weakness but to explain relevant circumstances honestly and show your current readiness.
What Should an SOP Include
If you want a simple answer, a strong SOP should usually explain five things:
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1. Your academic or professional background
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2. Why you want to study the chosen subject
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3. Why you selected the specific programme and university
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4. What relevant evidence shows that you are prepared
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5. How the course connects with your career goals
It can also provide context for a career change, study gap, backlog, lower grades or another unusual part of your academic history. The goal is not to hide a weakness but to explain relevant circumstances honestly and show your current readiness.
Statement of Purpose Format: A Practical Structure
There is no single universal SOP format. A current 2026 comparison of study-abroad guidance shows that many resources use a roughly 4–9 paragraph structure, but institutions can impose their own questions, word limits and formats. The university's instructions should always take priority.
For a traditional SOP, the following structure is a useful starting point.
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1. Introduction: Start With a Specific Motivation
The opening should tell the reader what academic or professional development led you towards the chosen field.
Avoid openings such as:
Since childhood, I have always been passionate about success.
In today's rapidly changing world, technology plays an important role.
Instead, start with a genuine observation, problem, project or experience that explains your interest.
Example:
During my final-year engineering project, I noticed how small changes in the quality of a dataset could affect the accuracy of a predictive model. Investigating that problem changed my interest in programming into a deeper interest in data-driven decision-making and motivated me to pursue postgraduate study in data science.
The second approach gives the reader evidence of motivation instead of simply claiming passion.
2. Academic Background: Show Relevance, Not Just Marks
Mention your degree, relevant subjects, academic projects, research exposure and important achievements when they support your application.
Do not rewrite your transcript in paragraph form. Instead, explain what you learned and why it matters to the programme you are applying for.
For example, an applicant for an MSc in Business Analytics might connect statistics, programming, economics, database systems or research methods with the skills required for advanced analytics.
3. Projects, Internships, Research and Work Experience
Relevant experience can strengthen an SOP when it demonstrates learning, responsibility or progression.
Weak:
I completed an internship and gained valuable experience.
Stronger:
During my internship as a business analyst, I worked with monthly sales data to identify regional performance patterns. The experience taught me how analytical findings can influence operational decisions and increased my interest in advanced business analytics.
The key is action + learning + relevance.
4. Why This Course?
Explain why the selected programme is the logical next step.
Instead of saying that the course is “world-class” or “highly reputed", identify the knowledge or skills you want to develop.
For example, a student applying for an MSc in Artificial Intelligence could discuss machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, statistical modelling or responsible AI if those areas connect with previous study and future goals.
5. Why This University?
This is where generic SOPs often become weak.
Research the actual programme. Mention specific modules, specialisations, research opportunities, laboratories, teaching approaches, industry projects or other features that genuinely matter to your goals.
Do not copy sentences from a university website. Explain why the feature matters to you.
Weak:
I chose this university because it has world-class faculty and excellent facilities.
Stronger:
The programme's emphasis on applied machine learning particularly interests me because it builds on my undergraduate experience in statistical modelling while giving me the opportunity to develop advanced skills in areas I have not studied in depth.
6. Career Goals
Your career goals should be realistic and connected to the course.
Explain your intended role or area after graduation and the longer-term direction you want to pursue.
For example, an MBA applicant may discuss a transition into product management, consulting, finance or business strategy. A computer science graduate may target software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science or artificial intelligence.
The important point is not to predict your entire career. It is to show a credible relationship between the programme and your professional development.
7. Conclusion
Bring your academic preparation, programme motivation and career direction together. Do not introduce a new achievement in the conclusion.
A strong ending reinforces your readiness and explains why the proposed study is a logical next step.
SOP Sample for Indian Students: MS in Computer Science
The following is an original SOP example for guidance only. Do not submit it as your own statement or copy its wording. Replace the structure with your actual experiences, projects, achievements and goals.
Sample Statement of Purpose for MS in Computer Science
My undergraduate education in computer engineering introduced me to the ability of software and computational systems to solve practical problems. During my degree, my interest gradually shifted from writing software to understanding how data and intelligent algorithms could be used to improve decisions. Academic projects involving machine learning and predictive modelling strengthened this interest and motivated me to pursue postgraduate study in computer science.
During my bachelor's degree, I developed a foundation in programming, data structures, database management, computer networks and software development. Courses involving algorithms and machine learning particularly interested me because they required both logical reasoning and experimentation. Rather than treating these subjects only as academic requirements, I began exploring how computational methods could be applied to practical problems.
My project work further developed this interest. In one project, I worked on [project topic] and was responsible for [specific responsibility]. I analysed the available data, developed a solution and evaluated its performance. Working within practical limitations taught me that successful technology projects require testing, interpretation and continuous improvement rather than simply implementing a theoretical method.
My exposure to [internship/work/research] further clarified my postgraduate goals. While working with [technology/domain], I gained experience in [specific task] and saw how technical decisions affect real-world outcomes. This experience encouraged me to develop deeper expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics.
I am interested in the MSc in [Programme Name] at [University Name] because of [specific module, specialisation, research area or teaching feature]. The opportunity to study [specific area] is particularly relevant to my previous experience and the skills I want to develop. I am looking for a programme that combines advanced theoretical understanding with opportunities to apply that knowledge to meaningful problems.
After graduation, my immediate goal is to work in [target role or field], where I can apply advanced technical and analytical skills to real-world projects. In the longer term, I aim to contribute to technology-driven solutions in India and take on responsibilities involving the development and implementation of scalable digital systems.
My academic preparation, practical exposure and growing interest in advanced computer science have prepared me for postgraduate study. I look forward to contributing my experience to a diverse academic community while developing the deeper knowledge required for my professional goals. I see the MSc in [Programme Name] as a logical next step in my academic and professional development.
Writing Your Own SOP After Reading the Sample?
A sample can show you the structure, but your final SOP needs to answer a more important question: why should this university believe that your chosen course is the right next step for you? Your academics, projects, work experience, career goals and university choice should all support the same story.
If you are unsure what to include, do not start by copying a template. Start with your profile. Meridean Overseas can help you understand how your academic background, preferred destination, course choice and career plans should fit into your wider university application.
SOP Example for MBA Applicants
An MBA SOP should normally focus more strongly on professional progression, leadership, business exposure, management skills and career direction.
For example:
My decision to pursue an MBA has developed through my professional experience at the intersection of technology and business. While my current responsibilities have strengthened my analytical and technical skills, working on cross-functional projects has shown me that effective business outcomes require a broader understanding of strategy, finance, leadership and organisational decision-making.
The rest of the SOP should prove this motivation through specific examples. Discuss the problems you solved, teams you worked with, decisions you influenced, measurable outcomes where available and lessons that shaped your management goals.
SOP Example for Undergraduate Admission
Students applying for undergraduate programmes may have limited professional experience. That is completely normal.
Focus instead on:
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school subjects that influenced your course choice;
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academic projects;
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competitions;
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volunteering;
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extracurricular activities;
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entrepreneurship or personal projects;
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relevant online learning; and
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experiences that helped you understand the subject.
Example:
My interest in business developed through a school entrepreneurship project in which I worked with a team to create a basic business model for a sustainable consumer product. The activity introduced me to market research, pricing and customer behaviour and encouraged me to explore business beyond the classroom.
You do not need to invent internships or professional achievements to make an undergraduate SOP impressive.
SOP for College Admission: What Should You Include?
If you are searching specifically for an SOP for college, first identify what the institution actually asks for. “SOP” can mean different things across application systems.
A college-level statement may ask you to explain:
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why you want the subject;
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how your previous education prepared you;
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crelevant activities or experiences;
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why the course suits your interests; and
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what you hope to achieve from the programme.
For UK undergraduate applications, for example, the personal statement format and questions can differ from the traditional SOP model used elsewhere. UCAS provides specific questions for applicants about course motivation, preparation through qualifications and relevant experiences outside education.
That is why copying a generic “SOP for college” format can be risky. Always write to the actual application prompt.
SOP Format for Different Study Levels
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The same template should not be used for every level. Current 2026 study-abroad resources also emphasise that SOP expectations vary by degree and programme.
SOP Requirements: Check the University Before Writing
One of the most important SOP rules is simple: the university's instructions come first.
Before writing, check:
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whether an SOP is required;
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whether the institution calls it a personal statement, motivation letter or another name;
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the exact questions or prompts;
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word or character limits;
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file format and submission method;
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whether separate programme questions are provided; and
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whether the university asks for any additional essays.
Never assume that an SOP of a particular length or format will work everywhere.
Country-Specific SOP Guidance for Indian Students
The terminology and application format can differ between destinations.
UK
Do not assume every UK university uses the same traditional SOP format. Undergraduate applicants may encounter the UCAS personal statement framework, while individual postgraduate programmes can have their own requirements. Follow the exact application instructions.
USA
US graduate applications may ask for a statement of purpose, personal statement or programme-specific essays. Read each university's prompt carefully and focus on academic preparation, research interests, programme fit and career direction where requested.
Canada
Canadian institutions can use different names and formats for application essays. Do not assume that an admission statement and a visa-related statement serve the same purpose. Follow the institution and immigration authority requirements separately.
Australia
Australian universities and courses can have programme-specific application requirements. If a university asks a specific question, answer it directly rather than forcing the response into a generic SOP template.
Germany and Europe
Many European universities use terms such as 'motivation letter' or 'letter of motivation'. The emphasis may include academic motivation, programme fit and reasons for selecting the institution or country. Requirements differ by university, so check the programme page.
Important: An admission SOP and an immigration or visa statement are not automatically the same document. They may have different audiences and requirements. Never copy an admission SOP into a visa application without checking the applicable rules.
How Long Should an SOP Be?
There is no universal SOP word limit for every university or programme.
Some current study-abroad guidance commonly discusses SOPs in the 800–1,000-word range, but that should not be treated as a universal rule. If a university gives a specific limit, that requirement overrides any general recommendation.
The best SOP is long enough to provide meaningful evidence but concise enough to avoid repetition.
How to Write an SOP for Study Abroad Step by Step
Step 1: Read the university instructions.
Do this before opening a blank document.
Step 2: Build a profile inventory.
Write down your degree, subjects, projects, internships, employment, research, achievements, activities and career goals.
Step 3: Identify your strongest evidence
Select experiences that directly support your proposed course.
Step 4: Define your academic motivation
Ask yourself: Why this subject, and why now?
Step 5: Research the programme.
Identify specific modules, specialisations, research areas or practical opportunities that genuinely match your goals.
Step 6: Connect the programme to your career.
Explain what you want to do after graduation and how the course fills a real knowledge or skills gap.
Step 7: Draft in your own voice.
Do not begin by copying a sample.
Step 8: Edit for evidence and clarity
Remove unsupported claims, clichés and repetition.
Step 9: Check consistency
Your SOP should not contradict your CV, application form, academic documents or other submitted information.
Step 10: Check the final university requirements.
Confirm the latest word limit, prompt and submission instructions immediately before submission.
Weak vs Strong SOP Writing Examples
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The strongest SOPs replace adjectives with evidence.
Common SOP Mistakes Indian Students Should Avoid
1. Copying an SOP sample
Use samples to understand structure, not to reproduce somebody else's story.
2. Using one SOP for every university
Your academic history can remain consistent, but your programme-fit section should be customised.
3. Repeating your CV
An SOP should explain the meaning and relevance of experiences rather than list every responsibility.
4. Using too many clichés
Avoid phrases such as “since childhood", "world-class", “dream university” and “passionate about success” unless the context makes them meaningful.
5. Making unsupported claims
Do not claim research expertise, leadership or technical proficiency without evidence.
6. Ignoring the word limit
If the university gives a limit, follow it.
7. Making the university paragraph generic
The “why this university” section should be specific enough that it could not simply be pasted into another application.
8. Explaining weaknesses defensively
If a gap or low grade matters, explain it briefly and constructively.
9. Writing in an artificial voice
Overly complicated vocabulary can make a statement sound less authentic rather than more professional.
10. Forgetting to proofread
Check grammar, spelling, names, course titles, university names and consistency before submission.
Can You Mention Backlogs, Study Gaps or Low Marks?
Yes, when they are relevant to your application and need context.
Keep the explanation factual and concise. Explain what happened, what you did afterwards and what your later performance demonstrates.
Do not allow one weak semester to dominate the entire SOP.
The objective is to demonstrate context, accountability, improvement and current readiness.
Should You Use AI to Write an SOP?
AI can be useful for brainstorming, organising ideas, checking grammar and identifying unclear sentences. However, the final SOP should accurately represent your real experiences, motivations and voice.
Avoid submitting a generic AI-generated statement that contains invented achievements, exaggerated language or information that does not match your documents. Current 2026 study-abroad guidance increasingly stresses originality, personalisation and programme-specific writing.
A practical approach is:
Your experiences → your first draft → editing support → final verification.
SOP vs Personal Statement vs Motivation Letter
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not guaranteed to mean exactly the same thing.
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The actual requirement of the university matters more than the label.
SOP Checklist Before Submission
Before submitting your statement, ask:
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Does the introduction clearly explain my motivation?
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Have I connected my previous study to the chosen course?
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Have I included relevant evidence rather than generic adjectives?
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Have I explained why I need this particular programme?
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Is my university choice specific and credible?
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Are my career goals realistic and connected to the course?
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Have I customised the SOP for this university?
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Does it follow the exact prompt and word limit?
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Does it match my CV and application documents?
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Have I removed clichés and repetition?
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Is every achievement accurate?
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Does the final version sound like me?
If the answer to all of these is yes, your SOP is much more likely to communicate a clear and credible application story.
Free SOP Checklist for Indian Students
Before submitting your SOP, use this quick final review:
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Want a Personalised SOP Review?
If you can explain your profile but are unsure what to highlight, what to leave out or how to connect your experience with your chosen course, a profile-based review can be more useful than another generic SOP sample.
Get Free SOP Guidance from Meridean Overseas and discuss your course, destination, academic background and application goals before you submit your university application.
Frequently Asked Questions About SOPs
What is an SOP for college admission?
An SOP for college admission is an application statement explaining your academic interests, preparation, reasons for choosing a course and future goals. The exact questions depend on the institution.
What is the best SOP format?
There is no single format accepted by every university. A traditional SOP often covers motivation, academic background, relevant experience, programme fit, university fit, career goals and conclusion. Always follow the institution's instructions first.
What is an SOP example?
An SOP example is a reference statement showing how an applicant can organise academic background, experience, programme motivation, university fit and career goals. It should be used for learning structure, not copied.
Can I use the same SOP for different universities?
You should customise the SOP for each university, especially the sections explaining programme and university fit. Reusing a generic statement can make your application less convincing.
What should I write in an SOP for MS?
An MS SOP should normally connect your academic background, relevant subjects, projects, research or work experience with your chosen specialisation and future career goals.
What should an MBA SOP include?
An MBA SOP should explain your professional progression, leadership or business exposure, reasons for pursuing management education, programme fit and future career direction.
Can I copy a sample SOP?
No. A sample should be used only as a reference for structure and ideas. Your final SOP should contain your own experiences and accurately represent your application.
How many words should an SOP be?
The word limit depends on the university and programme. Some guidance commonly uses 800–1,000 words as a reference, but the institution's own limit always takes priority.
Can I mention a career gap or backlog in my SOP?
Yes, when it is relevant and needs context. Explain the situation briefly, focus on what you learned or changed and return the emphasis to your current preparation.
Is an SOP required for studying abroad?
Many universities and programmes require an SOP, personal statement, motivation letter or another application essay, but requirements vary. Check the official application instructions for your specific course.
Is an admission SOP the same as a visa SOP?
Not necessarily. They can have different audiences, purposes and requirements. Students should follow the applicable university and immigration instructions separately rather than assuming one document can be reused for both.
Need Help With Your Study Abroad SOP?
Writing an SOP becomes easier when you first understand what your profile actually needs to communicate. A strong application is not only about producing polished sentences; it is about choosing the right course and university, presenting relevant evidence and building a consistent academic and career story.
If you are an Indian student planning to study abroad, Meridean Overseas can help you assess your academic profile, identify suitable courses and universities, understand application requirements and plan your wider application journey. This can be especially useful if you are comparing destinations, changing fields, applying with work experience, or trying to explain a study gap, backlog or lower academic result.
Get Your Free Study Abroad Profile Assessment
Not sure which course, university or destination best matches your profile? Get personalised guidance before you invest time in applications. A profile assessment can help you understand your academic fit, preferred study destination, course direction and next application steps.
Need Help With Your SOP?
Get guidance on presenting your academic background, projects, work experience, career goals and programme fit clearly and consistently. Instead of adapting a generic SOP sample, understand what your own profile needs to communicate for your target course and university.
Not Sure Which Universities Fit Your Profile?
Your SOP should support a realistic university strategy. Before writing it, understand whether your preferred universities, courses and entry requirements match your academic profile and career plans.
Get Your University Shortlist & Profile Guidance
Planning to Study Abroad in 2026–27?
Your SOP is only one part of the application. University selection, eligibility, documentation, English-language requirements, scholarships and visa planning can all affect your study abroad journey.
Meridean Overseas can support Indian students through the wider university application process for destinations including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Italy and other study-abroad destinations.
Start With Your Profile, Not a Copied Template
Tell us your academic background, preferred course, study destination and career goal. Get personalised guidance on your next steps, including university selection, application planning and SOP preparation.
What you can discuss with a Meridean Overseas counsellor
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Profile and course suitability
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University shortlisting
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Application requirements
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SOP and application-document guidance
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Study destination planning
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Scholarship and funding considerations
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Overall application strategy
Your SOP should tell your story. Your university application should support it. Start with a profile assessment before you submit.
