Hi all. Like many of you, I'm having the worst of times with this SoP. I don't know if I'm over analyzing this, worrying about doing it wrong, or a combination of both...
As a preface - I'm applying to MA/MS programs in international relations. I know SoPs for PhD & master's can differ wildly in their nature & scope.
At any rate - I'm rather crunched for time to begin with, as I'm currently deployed to Afghanistan & will be until at least the first week of Feb--- which isn't ideal. I feel like I need to maximize the time I do have to get this done as correctly as possible.
I understand what I'm supposed to convey to the admissions board, but I simply cannot figure out a coherent structure past the first paragraph. This is where I am (these aren't necessarily paragraph #s or a logical order):
1 - opening/hook/theme. For me it seems like people include things like a short anecdote, quote, introduction into experience or interests & so on...
(past this is where it starts getting a little hazy for me)
2 - Undergrad classes & experience. I'm a little confused on this. I've been out of undergrad for approximately 6 years, so I'm not certain if I should say too much about this, as I really can't even remember much about my classes! Anyhow, I would tend to think I'd need to tie this into my 'research interests'
3 - Work experience? Really - I have no clue on this one.
4 - Program fit? Basically tie everything together & state how the given school/department/program fits your interests and why you'd do well there, how it would help to accomplish your goals, etc.
Am I on the right track? I understand some schools provide questions/points they'd like you to include, so those are obvious... Should I include anything about low grades, areas of concern for admissions boards (or anything of that nature).
Please help!
Thanks to all who read & offer advice! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions!
