<p>Many of the schools I am applying to don't have a word limit/page limit, and the one's that do set the limit at 2000-2500 words. I've read here before that one should not exceed 1000 words or 2 pages?</p>
<p>Right now I'm at a bit over 1500 words, and about 3 pages single spaced (could possibly be 3.5 but I should be able to keep it at 3 pages).</p>
<p>Right now my biggest reason for this is because my hook is about half a page, but I really think it is the strongest part of my SoP so I don't wanna change it! Will this be fine since they don't really give me a word/page limit as long as I try to keep it at 3 pages?</p>
<p>Also if it matters I'm applying to Neuroscience PhD programs</p>
<p>Take it to one or a few of your current professors. Especially the ones willing to write you recommendations - they will likely be willing to look over the essay for you and let you know if you are spending too much time on a specific point, or where you can expand a bit. Even if you think your essay is great, it is always good to have a few different perspectives on it. It also helps with pointing out typos and other silly mistakes, even if you just get another friend to read it who is a strong writer. </p>
<p>Hopefully someone from your field will come by and give you more concrete advice on length. But it certainly never hurts to get feedback on the writing itself.</p>
<p>3 pages single-spaced is too long. A statement of purpose should be 2 pages tops. My SoPs were 2 pages single-spaced, except for my Columbia essay, which was 1 page single-spaced because they had a 500 word limit.</p>
<p>That SoP taught me that you can say whatever you need to say in 1 page if you really try. But 2 should really be the limit.</p>
<p>What is your “hook?” I doubt you need to spend half a page on whatever it is. Cut it down to a few sentences.</p>
<p>Does your hook talk about how you’ve always been interested in neuroscience, had a fantastic professor, or had some eureka moment that made you interested in neuroscience?</p>