SOP Critique

[Joesh]

I just finished a rough rough rough draft for my SOP. Would anyone be kind enough to comment on it (or delete entire paragarphs )?

I do have a question about length. Is shorter better? I'm applying to 7 schools and maximum lengths range from 500words to 1500 words. Would it be better to jut write one really good and concise 500 word one and use it for all scools?

Edited November 18, 2010 by Joesh

[db2290]

I would advise against this. If you have a 1500 word limit and you give them a 500 word one it won't give a particularly good impression and would beg the question "why has this person written 1000 words less than everyone else?" . Other candidates will have written significantly more about themselves and therefore had the opportunity to flesh out their experiences, personalities and ambitions.

I think you could, however, perhaps do 1000-1200, and certainly many admissions pages state that being concise is a good thing.

My strategy is to write a full length, 1500 word beast and crop it down for the smaller statements (as painful as it is!)

Edited November 18, 2010 by db2290

[Joesh]

I have a 1100 word SOP that I am using as a template for a few schools - could anyone please review it and give me feedback?

I'm looking for fast feedback (within a day or so)

I will do the same!

Edited November 28, 2010 by Joesh

[Joesh]

If no one is willing to look it over can someone answer a question I have:

How much detail should I go into for my previous research experience in my SOP?

-Include lit review findings?

-Include test methods?

-Include specimen preparation?

-Include results?

---Are these all ok to have if I try and explain what I learned along each stage of the way?

Should I use active voice?

My SOP is about this much:

1/12 intro/anecdote

1/6 a project experience

1/2 a research experience

1/4 Future and fit

is that weighting good? I'm worried I talk too much about my previous research

[ts10vsg]

PM me if you like... I would look at it.

If no one is willing to look it over can someone answer a question I have:

How much detail should I go into for my previous research experience in my SOP?

-Include lit review findings?

-Include test methods?

-Include specimen preparation?

-Include results?

---Are these all ok to have if I try and explain what I learned along each stage of the way?

Should I use active voice?

My SOP is about this much:

1/12 intro/anecdote

1/6 a project experience

1/2 a research experience

1/4 Future and fit

is that weighting good? I'm worried I talk too much about my previous research