2-3 page personal statement for Miami

[woolfie]

So Miami University of Ohio requires a 2-3 page SoP (which they are calling a personal statement, so I hope SoP is what they really mean). This is the first time I've had my SoP be too SHORT instead of too long. Here I have been trying to crunch all this information into 200-500 word requirements and now my 1000 words is not enough! Do you think that a SoP that is just over a page and a half single spaced should suffice for this? I really don't want to just add a bunch of stuff to make it longer, I've worked on this SoP for the entire year trying to perfect it. I don't think I could handle that.

[soxpuppet]

So Miami University of Ohio requires a 2-3 page SoP (which they are calling a personal statement, so I hope SoP is what they really mean). This is the first time I've had my SoP be too SHORT instead of too long. Here I have been trying to crunch all this information into 200-500 word requirements and now my 1000 words is not enough! Do you think that a SoP that is just over a page and a half single spaced should suffice for this? I really don't want to just add a bunch of stuff to make it longer, I've worked on this SoP for the entire year trying to perfect it. I don't think I could handle that.

Did they specify single-spaced somewhere? Cause if you double space a 1.5 page document (which is a pretty legit move), you'll be at the UPPER limit for what they're requesting. I think there's been debate here as to whether single or double-spacing is more appropriate generally for the SoP; my thought has always been that it's not cut and dry unless the application specifies. Most people I think single-space to give themselves more room, but you certainly don't have to....

The number of people who ignore guidelines like this one far more blatantly would astound you.

Edited December 15, 2010 by soxpuppet

[thereandbackagain]

Wow. I had no idea there SoP was so long. Goodness. I expect that mine will run around 1000 words (which for my Cornell SoP is 2 pages single-spaced exactly). I don't know that I would have any more to say for a M.A. program. :/

So Miami University of Ohio requires a 2-3 page SoP (which they are calling a personal statement, so I hope SoP is what they really mean). This is the first time I've had my SoP be too SHORT instead of too long. Here I have been trying to crunch all this information into 200-500 word requirements and now my 1000 words is not enough! Do you think that a SoP that is just over a page and a half single spaced should suffice for this? I really don't want to just add a bunch of stuff to make it longer, I've worked on this SoP for the entire year trying to perfect it. I don't think I could handle that.

[lady_coffee]

I'm having a similar problem. My SOP is pretty much around 500 words, under a page single spaced. However, I have an app due in a few weeks for a program that wants 1000 words (don't we all have that "one" school? ). When you've condensed and cut and a well constructed statement has emerged, the prospect of adding details is decidedly unpleasant. So, I empathize.

Edited for clarity

Edited December 15, 2010 by lady_coffee

[woolfie]

I wondered, too, if they mean double or single since they don't specify. The sentence explaining the SoP is a very short one that does not give enough information so I'm hoping that means they are not really picky otherwise they would have said what they wanted. I always single space my SoP's because some people ask for that and I guess I'm just keeping it consistent. I'm considering just keeping it as is and hoping it's okay. It would be 3 pages double spaced I'm sure.

[snappysorbet]

I wondered, too, if they mean double or single since they don't specify. The sentence explaining the SoP is a very short one that does not give enough information so I'm hoping that means they are not really picky otherwise they would have said what they wanted. I always single space my SoP's because some people ask for that and I guess I'm just keeping it consistent. I'm considering just keeping it as is and hoping it's okay. It would be 3 pages double spaced I'm sure.

I'm applying there too, Woolfie, and wondered the same thing. But I'm just going to go ahead and assume they mean 2-3 pages double-spaced, because 2-3 pages single-spaced seems a bit long to me. Good luck to you!

[grifter]

don't over-think this. they need a little more detailed info from candidates because (for one) Miami doesn't see the GRE as indicative of ability at the graduate level, so they rely more on narrative accounts than quantitative assessments. they are incredibly easy going yet professional folks @MU, and if you get your application onto the second page (single spaced), then you will have given them what they need. i guess the lesson is to have various prototype letters ready that fit the 500, 1000 or 1500 word ceiling.

[straightshooting]

I'm going to tell you all a secret: very very few people are going to give a damn about the length of the documents that you submit unless they are boring or otherwise poor. Obviously don't give a school a two sentence statement when they want 1000 words or a 70 page thesis when they've asked for 15, but believe it or not they want quality. If you think your current 450-odd word statement says what it needs to say and represents you well, then send it to them as-is. I wouldn't even be surprised if most application committee members didn't know the length requirements. Unless you want to blow out an aneurysm, do not prepare your application materials in multiple lengths.

[thereandbackagain]

I'd have to agree about the easy going professionalness of the people at MU. i've emailed re: points of confusion or page-length issues a couple of times and have received prompt, courteous, and helpful responses (i.e. give us your best on the essay, don't worry about page length), so i'll be doing the same on the SoP. mine will probably top out at 2 pages with 1.5 spacing. (i'm only applying for the masters in lit there, so i would imagine my SoP doesn't need to be quite as extensive.)

don't over-think this. they need a little more detailed info from candidates because (for one) Miami doesn't see the GRE as indicative of ability at the graduate level, so they rely more on narrative accounts than quantitative assessments. they are incredibly easy going yet professional folks @MU, and if you get your application onto the second page (single spaced), then you will have given them what they need. i guess the lesson is to have various prototype letters ready that fit the 500, 1000 or 1500 word ceiling.

[lifealive]

I'm going to tell you all a secret: very very few people are going to give a damn about the length of the documents that you submit unless they are boring or otherwise poor. Obviously don't give a school a two sentence statement when they want 1000 words or a 70 page thesis when they've asked for 15, but believe it or not they want quality. If you think your current 450-odd word statement says what it needs to say and represents you well, then send it to them as-is. I wouldn't even be surprised if most application committee members didn't know the length requirements. Unless you want to blow out an aneurysm, do not prepare your application materials in multiple lengths.

Every applicant should print out the above quote and tape it to their monitors.