Mentioning you previously applied in the SOP

[Alette]

Several years ago, I applied to a limited number of schools. One of these, a PhD program, offered me an MA position. I turned it down in favor of another MA position. Now that I'm applying to PhDs again, and to this same school again, do I mention the MA offer in my SOP to this school? They'll know about it anyway, of course, but I wanted to see what others have done/recommend in this reapplication situation.

[adaptations]

Unless the MA offer has somehow impacted your research goals or desire to go to the school, I would not mention it. Quite honestly, it just doesn't seem that relevant to what your SOP should be about.

[Branwen daughter of Llyr]

not necessary.

After all, there's barely enough room in the SOP to portray our research interests, our scholastic history, and why the program is perfect for us - why weigh it down with explanations on previous application cycles? The App has a check-box asking if you've applied before, that should be enough.

[Alette]

Thanks, guys. That was my feeling. I've only started writing the last "fit" paragraphs in my head, and it seemed slightly possible that mentioning my reapplication fits with the larger trajectory of my SOP. But you're right - there's plenty to write about and not much space to do it in - and there is simply no need (plus, why remind them?!).

[lady_coffee]

So, today my undergraduate advisor decided to throw me for a complete loop by suggesting that I mention that I applied last year in my SOP for School Whose Deadline is Fast Approaching. My advisor's reason for this is that I've taken the last year to really pursue scholarship in my field, write a completely new sample (which isn't done yet ~nerves flare~), etc., and that that demonstrates initiative and dedication (to which my reply is, isn't having a significantly more focused set of research questions indicative of that?). Said advisor also wanted to cut much of my fit material as the school is already aware of their resources and how they could benefit me.

This is, of course, in direct contrast to the advice given on these boards -- that the SOP should largely consist of articulating research interests and how well (we perceive) the school fits us.

Thoughts? I'm at the point in the process where I almost can't tell which end is up, and while I'm trying to take into account that my advisor has been out of school for 10+ years, my nerves are still flaring.

(Edited for spacing)

Edited December 1, 2010 by lady_coffee

[anonacademic]

So, today my undergraduate advisor decided to throw me for a complete loop by suggesting that I mention that I applied last year in my SOP for School Whose Deadline is Fast Approaching. My advisor's reason for this is that I've taken the last year to really pursue scholarship in my field, write a completely new sample (which isn't done yet ~nerves flare~), etc., and that that demonstrates initiative and dedication (to which my reply is, isn't having a significantly more focused set of research questions indicative of that?). Said advisor also wanted to cut much of my fit material as the school is already aware of their resources and how they could benefit me.

This is, of course, in direct contrast to the advice given on these boards -- that the SOP should largely consist of articulating research interests and how well (we perceive) the school fits us.

Thoughts? I'm at the point in the process where I almost can't tell which end is up, and while I'm trying to take into account that my advisor has been out of school for 10+ years, my nerves are still flaring.

(Edited for spacing)

Oh boy! I'm starting to feel nerves too... hang in there!

Does your undergrad institution have a substantial graduate program? I ask because I think that makes a difference in the advice received from undergrad advisers. Mine were undoubtedly intelligent and helpful, but I had the sense that they might be a little disconnected from the realm of graduate studies and admissions, given that we had only a small, underfunded MFA program.

I'd be tempted to point out how you've grown and improved since the last round in your SOP - but perhaps you're already doing this by showing not telling? I imagine that you are (beyond your SOP, I think this would be demonstrated in your writing sample too).

I think it's a good idea to discuss why any one program is a perfect fit, simply because it shows your interest and commitment to that program. Yes, the adcomms already know all that stuff, but I think they want to see that you know. If your fit section is longer than a paragraph (150~ words), then yes, probably you should skim that down and use that space to write more about yourself. Or integrate more of yourself into the fit paragraph - discuss your (recent) accomplishments in conjunction with the school's resources.

Of course this is all coming from a very unsubstantiated place - blind leading the blind and all - but I hope this helps!

[Alyanumbers]

Does your undergrad institution have a substantial graduate program? I ask because I think that makes a difference in the advice received from undergrad advisers. Mine were undoubtedly intelligent and helpful, but I had the sense that they might be a little disconnected from the realm of graduate studies and admissions, given that we had only a small, underfunded MFA program.

Yes to this! Academic culture is quite subtle, and changes pretty quickly. Also, if you're not in the States, things are different in Europe. Anyway, I think they'll know you're reapplying, so you'd be wasting precious SoP space telling them that. Maybe you could mention what you've been doing to prepare for this past year? They can make the connection with the two applications themselves.