Statement of Purpose -- Mishap

[London-Tokyo]

So, basically I just had a final this morning and my GRE in the afternoon...

And, the issue here is a few hours past I've completed around 5 of my grad. apps. and just noticed that

I've been using the wrong Statement of Purpose for them.

(For example, if it was for LSE SoP and instead in my SoP I refer to King's College...)

So far, I've tried to do as much damage control as I can since I've already submitted my apps.

But, I'm emailing the grad. adm. offices to see if I can replace my SoP with an updated (without the mis-reference) SoP.

Any other advice for me? Or have you had similar situations?

STRESS, I'm freaking out like crazy...

[eklavya]

Some schools let you resubmit your application if the deadline hasn't passed. You can try this.

If you have emailed graduate secretaries, they will definitely help you out.. as they probably go through hundreds of similar cases. Do not panic, and let the situation play out. It will be alright.

[London-Tokyo]

I sure hope so, but most of the apps are final-submission. So, I can't access them.

Oh Why!? did I create a specific version and forget to create a generic one...

Just curious---How negative of an impact...probably huge, would this have on my chances if the grad. adm. office does nothing about my situation?

Edit: Is it possible to email these 5 grad schools to tell them to swap out my current SoP on file for another one that I have? Should I call them?

I mean it's not a typo or grammar, it's entire program/school names

Edited December 16, 2010 by London-Tokyo

[Strangefox]

I sure hope so, but most of the apps are final-submission. So, I can't access them.

Oh Why!? did I create a specific version and forget to create a generic one...

Just curious---How negative of an impact...probably huge, would this have on my chances if the grad. adm. office does nothing about my situation?

Edit: Is it possible to email these 5 grad schools to tell them to swap out my current SoP on file for another one that I have? Should I call them?

I mean it's not a typo or grammar, it's entire program/school names

Yeah, do not panic. Have you already emailed grad secretaries? Have they answered? I am sure they will. Perhaps you can also call those that won't answer in a day or two. Just be calm and polite and they will definetely help you.

Good luck!

[London-Tokyo]

Thanks for all the advice so far, I'll be busy until Sat. with finals, but I'll email them then. (I've sent them an email already, but the I'll send a direct email through my uni. accounts)...

And, yea this time around I've prepped and "updated" my SoP's with correct names, titles...etc.

[goomba25]

It's bad because it shows a lack of attention to detail. However, like others have said, there's still a chance you can save it. There are different degrees of damage, ranging from a one-sentence token mention of a program/school name, to an entire paragraph about why that specific program+prof would best suit you.

New advice: find access to a fax machine. Fax is faster than mail and more likely to be read than email (too many of the latter).

[London-Tokyo]

It's bad because it shows a lack of attention to detail. However, like others have said, there's still a chance you can save it. There are different degrees of damage, ranging from a one-sentence token mention of a program/school name, to an entire paragraph about why that specific program+prof would best suit you.

New advice: find access to a fax machine. Fax is faster than mail and more likely to be read than email (too many of the latter).

3 or 4 token mentions, just a line each time...Nothing concrete on the specific program...

But yea, I'm trying to do damage control ASAP---Finals need to be over...

[Alyanumbers]

Don't panic; they see that sort of thing all the time! Just email them.

[London-Tokyo]

Just curious--If something like this happened TWICE, would is still be better to try and communicate with the grad. adm. offices?

(For example, they ended switching out the incorrect one for an updated one---but the updated one still contains a subtle error---and will be fixed...)

[eklavya]

heh - that might be fine, but the gradsec will be like 'this dude is unbelievable!'

[MoJingly]

Thanks for all the advice so far, I'll be busy until Sat. with finals, but I'll email them then. (I've sent them an email already, but the I'll send a direct email through my uni. accounts)...

And, yea this time around I've prepped and "updated" my SoP's with correct names, titles...etc.

Just wondering, how did this turn out? I am hoping well!

[London-Tokyo]

Just wondering, how did this turn out? I am hoping well!

Um---Still in the process...but 2 schools managed to destroy the first version and update it with my attached SoP.

(I'm going to push my luck, and re-update all my schools with a better SoP---Final final version...might be too late though--)

[hedgequant]

I wish you the best of luck, and I hope this doesn't come off too harsh but you are walking on dangerous ground if you try and update everyone for a second time. However unlikely, there are times when adcomms begin reviewing things once you have submitted them, and if you go back and try to update, it's going to look scattered and unprepared. The school name is a different issue, as it's pretty easy to say that you had 5 of them and accidentally uploaded the wrong one, for example.

One thing you should be careful of is creating extra work for the admin staff, because unless you have a good rapport with them, they may not bend the rules.

Just something to think about.

[London-Tokyo]

I wish you the best of luck, and I hope this doesn't come off too harsh but you are walking on dangerous ground if you try and update everyone for a second time. However unlikely, there are times when adcomms begin reviewing things once you have submitted them, and if you go back and try to update, it's going to look scattered and unprepared. The school name is a different issue, as it's pretty easy to say that you had 5 of them and accidentally uploaded the wrong one, for example.

One thing you should be careful of is creating extra work for the admin staff, because unless you have a good rapport with them, they may not bend the rules.

Just something to think about.

Yup, my damage control has ended. And, whatever happens happens. But, hopefully, everything works out in the end.

Now...if I can get my LoR issues resolved...