<p>So I'm running into some trouble here. Some schools explicitly give a limit on their SOPs either through page count or word count, but for those that just say "Statement of Purpose elaborating on your experiences and desires for pursuing graduate studies at X University", how long is too long?</p>
<p>To put it into perspective, my current, long version SOP is about 2 pages, 1.5 space.</p>
<p>My long version statement was also 2 pages, 1.5 space; my short version was 500 words or 1 page single-spaced. Columbia had a 500 word limit, so that was the 1 page thing.</p>
<p>Make it readable & enjoyable, and the length dose not matter. Otherwise, profs will find it really boring even it’s only half page long.</p>
<p>I would think 2 pages would be the absolute limit. Mine (for Hopkins) was 1 page. In this case, I believe being as concise as you can (without unnecessarily cutting words for the sake of cutting them) would be good, as it’s a statement of PURPOSE, you should be able to readily and quickly explain your purpose for application without winding about the answer and never getting to a point.</p>
<p>What do you guys mean by “long” and “short” versions? </p>
<p>I’ve heard that you’re supposed to customize the essay and not write the same one for every school (as opposed to undergrad). I can do this more easily for my school, because I’ve done research for a couple of professors and know a few others and what they do. Besides reading on-line, what are other techniques for customizing SOPs for schools I’m less familiar with?</p>
<p>Thanks the the help!</p>
<p>I have a longer version for schools where a limit isn’t set in place. For instance, a couple places I’m applying to only want a page’s length (or up to 500 words). So that’s my “short version”.</p>
<p>I’m still going to customize them for each school I’m applying for. I put in a little bit about why I’m applying to the specific program. What is it about that program that attracts you to it? How will your skills make you an excellent graduate student there?</p>