Mentioning Age in SOP

[Emelye]

Hi, so I've started to get a little concerned about how schools will perceive my age. I finished my B.A. in English right before I turned 19 this year. How will the adcomms look at that? Since I'm taking a gap year, I think they might see that I acknowledge my need for more "world experience" before locking into a graduate program, but I was wondering if that should get a cursory mention or even an explanation in the SOP. I can't figure out if it would help or hurt to mention it. Or if they would dismiss my application if I don't address it.

Thanks a bunch!

Em

Edited June 1, 2011 by Emelye

[ZeeMore21]

I don't think it is necessary to include age in your personal statement. You putting it in a personal statement just brings attention to it, and possibly in a bad way....it could be seen as if you are possibly showing off how young you are. Age doesn't matter at the graduate level if you don't make a big deal about it.

[Emelye]

I don't think it is necessary to include age in your personal statement. You putting it in a personal statement just brings attention to it, and possibly in a bad way....it could be seen as if you are possibly showing off how young you are. Age doesn't matter at the graduate level if you don't make a big deal about it.

OK, thanks! That's good to know! I had just read somewhere else that it might be a bad thing if unexplained, so I figured I'd get a second opinion.

Em

[rising_star]

How will they even know how old you are or that you finished your BA at a younger than typical age?

[Emelye]

How will they even know how old you are or that you finished your BA at a younger than typical age?

All the applications I've filled out so far have required me to include a DOB... plus my transcript has some weird blips that are difficult to explain any other way. Sounds like it'd be better to ingore it, though. Thanks for the input!

[ZeeMore21]

I think the DOB portion is just bureaucratic, really nothing to worry about.