Lantern

I am interested in applying to two different departments within the same school. I have been working on two separate SOPs, and have been planning to apply to both departments for months now. Just recently (with the deadline rapidly approaching) I started to wonder if this is going to look like I don't have focus. The thing is, I do have focus. I would be extrememly happy to do either program for graduate school and for a career afterwards. But I don't know if it will look bad to have two different SOPs both saying "this is really what I want to do" when, in fact, they're two different things. One program is straight up marine biology and the other is marine policy. Does everyone else really only have one thing that they really want to do?

Some of my schools asked for them, and if they didn't I asked if I could send one. I've been out of college for 11 years, and feel that my CV/resume says a lot more about me than my GPA. If they don't want it, I would imagine they will tell you not to bother, but if they really want to get a sense of who you are, it can only help.

I agree with all of you! It's like my entire life has been on hold. And that comment about agonizing over exactly which word to use cracked me up - so I'm not the only one who does that???

I welcome replies from anyone, but I am particularly hoping for replies from prospective or current MS students in life sciences/marine biology/fisheries biology. I have been contacting professors over a period of several months, and I'm not sure whether it's been beneficial or not. I have gotten some general replies discussing their research topics, the difficulty of funding, etc. All that have replied have been courteous. I realize they are extremely busy, and do not expect them to reply with very detailed info. However, I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has had any more luck. Due to my limited success I feel as though I am at a great disadvantage for getting accepted, and I'm just curious how everyone else is getting along. I saw lots of posts for Sociology and Psychology majors, and even one Entomology major, but no marine or fisheries biology for the contacting professors posts. Where are you all?? Thanks!