<p>Okay, so I realized that I not NEARLY focused enough in my interests to apply to Ph.D programs right now, so my plan is to apply to M.S. programs so that I can:</p>
<p>1) gain more research experience, especially the experience in writing a thesis, and,
2) have more time/classes to try and narrow my field of interest down.</p>
<p>My question is, is it okay to state this in my SoP, that I want a M.S. as a stepping stone to a Ph.D, or do they not like this? Will they just tell me to get a Ph.D w/o the M.S. or will they understand my reasoning?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Just tell them what are your research and professional interests. It’s acceptable to list that you have future plans to pursue a PhD, but the admissions committee will be more interested in what skills and ideas you will bring to the program.</p>
<p>Okay, my SoP right now seems to focus a lot on my past research/lab experiences that led me to want to pursue a graduate degree, with my concluding paragraph tying in why I want to pursue an M.S.</p>
<p>Are you saying that the SoP should rather focus primarily on my future directions and what I want to do in grad school rather than what I have done to PREPARE me for grad school?</p>
<p>Thanks for any advice, this SoP has been causing me trouble for a month!</p>
<p>There’s no right or wrong. Focus your SOP on what the each school says specifically to mention.</p>