<p>I am in the process of finishing one of my SOPs, but I have one question. To make a long story short: I applied to MIT for undergraduate admission. I was rejected. I am now applying to MIT for an M.S. in Chemical Engineering Practice. Should I mention in the SOP that the fact that I am applying even after I was turned down for undergrad is a reflection of my determination to attend there, or does it sound too needy and is better left out?</p>
<p>[This time around, I am focused on universities in Europe, and this is the only program in the US I am applying to. The program is indeed great and I'd be thrilled to be admitted, but I would be lying if I said that the "HA! YES I CAN!" is not a factor in my decision to apply there ;)]</p>
<p>I would not recommend doing so. It would not cast you in a positive light, for two reasons: 1) your first application was not successful (no shame in being denied by MIT, but I can’t see how this information helps your case); and 2) you may be seen as seeking some sort of validation - this not the kind of factor you want the admissions committee to be pondering. It may indeed make you appear “needy.”
I think it is better to focus simply on your academic reasons for wishing to attend this particular program, and your strengths as a candidate.
Just my $0.02, and good luck.</p>
<p>Don’t mention it - it is irrelevent to the admissions decision and makes you look like a university stalker. They don’t care about your determination to attend their school, they care about how well prepared you are and how well you match their program. “Determination to attend” will make it seem like you don’t care about the actual “fit” of the program, and that you will quite possibly burn out when you get there and find out that it isn’t Shangri-la.</p>
<p>graduate school is different from undergrad.<br>
Only list your positive qualifications: where you actually went to undergrad, your special accomplishments, grades and if appropriate standardize exams.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot, guys! Well, I’m in the process of fishing my SOP, so I will most likely post it here before I submit it. Deadline is on Monday though, so I am tight on time!</p>