ltdd Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 you know sometimes a program requires you to write your SOP within a ridiculously short word limit. So I was wondering, say they require you so keep it in 600 words, does that literally mean your SOP has to be less than 600? or is it alright if it's a little longer, like 620? I know it's a stupid question, but it's driving me crazy. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToomuchLes Posted October 24, 2014 Share Posted October 24, 2014 I dont think those extra words will be cut out; however, I would really really try to follow their instructions of 600 words or less. My shortest word count was 500 words. When I started writing my SOP weeks ago, I wrote a moderate length SOP that I was comfortable with - 1200 words. Afterward, I started to discard all my extra, embellishing words, threw out any non-academic activities, focused on only 1 research project, narrowed my research interest to 2 sentences that state what i want to study and why its important, and finally talked about working with two POI (2 sentences) and then included a general sentences afterward that hinted I am a perfect addition to the department because Prof C, D, and E are doing similar stuff; albeit different geography/time. With shorter SOPS you really need to get to the point if you want to be below the word count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssynny Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 20 words really isn't that much and it mostly likely won't affect your application. That being said, I still would recommend trying to stick to their guidelines. Some schools do run their essays through analysis software and it tells you the word count. Just try and cut out a sentence or two. Good luck!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltdd Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share Posted October 25, 2014 thanks guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachaelMC Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 What if the school doesn't specify? One says 300 words, one says 500, but the other two only say "concise". Should I just stick to 500ish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToomuchLes Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 You should double check their website. If you still cant find any information, call them. UCLA (at least for me) clearly states 1-2 pages, while another school didn't have a proper length but they "advised" 2-3 pages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maozedong Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 You should double check their website. If you still cant find any information, call them. UCLA (at least for me) clearly states 1-2 pages, while another school didn't have a proper length but they "advised" 2-3 pages. Would 1-2 pages count as 500 words? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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