Is it okay to start the SOP with discussing the advent and importance of your field ?

[ahmadka]

Hi guys ... So I'm applying to a bunch of universities for Masters in Computer Science, and I wanted to get your opinion on this.

 

I've seen a few sample SOPs, and in those the writers start discussing themselves from the get-go .. E.g., how their interest started, etc ..

 

I on the other hand, reserved the first two paragraphs to serve as an abstract introduction, discussing the importance of computer science in the world today. This also sort of allows me to start the essay with a punchy opening line and concepts to get the blood going in the reader.

 

However I'm not sure if this is a good strategy or not.

 

I start discussing myself from the 3rd paragraph onwards.

 

Please let me know what you guys think.

[onzeheures30]

Two paragraphs about the field? That's too much. Even one generic sentence is too much, if you ask me, if it does not directly link the importance of the field to why you want to pursue a degree in this field. A SOP should be about you, not the field. Don't waste your space telling the committee something they already know (they are specialists in your field, no need to preach to the choir).

[Igotnothin]

Yeah I would mostly agree with onzeheures30. Although I wouldn't be opposed to a little material on the field if it helps to illustrate why it is important to you or why it is a good fit for you.

[ahmadka]

Yeah I guess I probably agree too in a way.

 

The thing is that I actually already have a previous Masters through Fulbright scholarship, and when I was writing the Study Research Objectives essay for the application, I did the same thing. Namely, I reserved the first two paragraphs as an introduction discussing the important and recent advancements of that field. Because I got selected for Fulbright scholarship, and managed to get offers from Georgia Tech, Chicago Urbana-Champaign, etc., I assumed the strategy worked, and I thought I can repeat it.

 

But I guess I'm a bit clueless now, don't know what to do

Edited November 22, 2014 by ahmadka

[Agrippa]

It seems that brevity will usually serve you better than having a lengthy introduction. Furthermore, as onzeheures30 noted, it is probably the case that the admissions committee already understands the importance of computer science in the world. Perhaps you can shorten and strenghten it by talking about the specific area of computer science you're interested in and why it specifically is important in the world.

Edited November 22, 2014 by Agrippa