Please address both strengths and weaknesses...

[athenianstranger]

One of my schools asks that each applicant "address both strengths and weakness in preparation for graduate study" in the SoP. I've got a pretty solid draft of my statement, but I didn't mention anything about weaknesses. Does anyone ever actually answer this question? Do admissions committees really expect an answer?

i wonder how often they get a SoP about how the candidate is "too motivated" and "too focused."

[TMP]

Yes, they actually do. Sometimes your weaknesses can be a strength. It's like any job interview. The hiring managers don't believe that you can possible be "perfect." But just choose them carefully. For example, if you say that you tend to have a one-track mind, turn it into a positive by saying that it helps you focus and accomplish your tasks in an efficient, timely manner.

For example, my weakness is that I'm quite opinionated but it's a strength to some people who are used to see others flounce around without a strong focus in their academics. Try and talk with a hiring manager (or someone who has experience in hiring) and ask for appropriate wording for your weaknesses (I thought "narrow-minded" before my mom corrected me with "opinionated.")

[Strangefox]

One of my schools asks that each applicant "address both strengths and weakness in preparation for graduate study" in the SoP. I've got a pretty solid draft of my statement, but I didn't mention anything about weaknesses. Does anyone ever actually answer this question? Do admissions committees really expect an answer?

i wonder how often they get a SoP about how the candidate is "too motivated" and "too focused."

I believe they expect you to tell only about major weaknesses so if you don't have those, just do not write anything about weaknesses at all. In my opinion, instructions for writing a SOP that some schools give on their websites are more like guidelines, not rules. Admissions committees expect you to write about some really serios things, like very low GPA or GRE scores. If your application does not have such major flaws, just concentrate on your strengths and do not worry

Good luck!

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

In my opinion, instructions for writing a SOP that some schools give on their websites are more like guidelines, not rules.

Agreed. Only address your weaknesses if absolutely necessary. Even if you do have a weakness, I wouldn't put it in your SOP. I feel like that's something your letter writers should talk about.

Edited October 29, 2010 by schoolpsych_hopeful

[coyabean]

This.

Make adcomms work hard for a reason to dismiss your app. Handing them a reason (not a low GPA/GRE which should be countered) to toss you that they maybe would not have come up with on their own is counterproductive.

Agreed. Only address your weaknesses if absolutely necessary. Even if you do have a weakness, I wouldn't put it in your SOP. I feel like that's something your letter writers should talk about.