Sop

Graduate School
1

<p>A couple of grad schools I am applying to want a SOP but offer no guidelines. I am just wondering if I should discuss all of the research I have done, or just discuss why I think the school is a good fit for me, and what I plan to do after.</p>

2

<p>All of the above.</p>

<p>My SOP is far from the gold standard for all SOPs ever written, but it was constructed like this:
Paragraph 1. Why I want to go to grad school in general
2. Why my academic background has prepared me for grad school
3. Research project #1
4. Research project #2
5. Research project #3
6. What I’d like to pursue in grad school and why Program X is a good place for me
7. Career plans</p>

3

<p>Mine (for psych) is :

  1. Foundational research experience in area A and how it relates broadly to what I want to study
  2. Research experience in area B (my area of purposed research) and how it relates to area A (skills transfer)
  3. More on research in area B and how it influenced my interests
  4. Research I’m doing combining areas A&B
  5. How the particular subfield fits with my interests
  6. Fit with program philosophy and individual faculty
  7. More fit with faculty and professional goals</p>
4

<p>After the whole application process and talking with a lot of other grad students, I have the feeling that SoP is one of those things do not carry much weight unless it is exceptional. I can’t stop thinking about all the Chinese PhD students, you think they can write better SoP than you?</p>

<p>Why is it not important? Because all of the applicants have strong desire to the program, all are very interested in doing research, and with a good career plan layout. And it’s filled with the applicant’s experience which are already listed on resume/CV. Let’s face it—the key factors are GPA/LoR/publications. Not certain articles you wrote about yourself.</p>

<p>Of course if your dad is the king of certain small country, CEO of certain F500 company, faculty member of certain university, or if you have some unique life experience, SoP would be ideal place to put it in, those can make you shine :wink: Anyone agree with me?</p>

5

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<p>What does being Chinese have to do with not being able to write a good SOP? There are a lot of Asians who speak proficient English, and that probably have better vocabulary than some Americans. </p>

<p>I’m not on the inside, but I have a feeling SOPs carry a significant amount of weight. Being able to articulate how and why you fit would certainly be a factor if I was examining applications.</p>