mentioning professors in SOP

[sociology27]

I was told recently by a former professor that I should NOT mention professors I want to work with in the SOP because of internal department politics. But I've heard all along the way that I should be as specific as possible about the people I want to work with. I don't know what to believe. Suggestions?

[allhandsonthebadone]

My personal policy is that I will only mention a professor's name only if I have contacted that professor directly (and they answered back enthusiastically) or if they were referred to me by the original point of contact and I feel that there areas of studies could be applied to mine.

Most schools I mention some names but two I haven't. Guess I will find out what works in January-March.

[faculty]

Mentioning names seems to be a common practice among many on this board, as someone who has served on a number of recruitment committees, I agree with your former professor. Students might mention someone who already has a number of students or who is known to not work with anyone. The professor you mention might actually be in administration or an adjunct and not work with students or could be leaving that next year for another job. Students also often mess up these names. I can't believe how many people say that they want to work with so-and-so because they're very familiar with their work, etc., and then mess up so-and-so's first name or last name or both!

In my opinion, it's best to stick to you and why you think you'll be a great candidate.

[shafiee01]

I was highly encouraged by one of the professors, and I don't know weather to mention her or not. If yes, how should I do that? should I mention that I was encouraged by XXX to apply or not? in addition, i want to know that should I just mention that particular Prof. or other as well?

thanks

Edited November 5, 2011 by shafiee01

[avee]

I disagree with the above recommendation by faculty. You should definitely mention the professors you want to work with. The fact that there are students out there who mention someone they want to work with and forget to spell their names correctly just seems mindless. In terms of mentioning professors who are active, this is something the student needs to do research on. Look at whether the faculty you want to work with are active in research. E-mail them. Ask them about current/future research. Don't just write down some random professors. This is part of being active and learning about the faculty in the departments you are applying to. After all, what is the program without the faculty???

Your SoP should generally cover the following, in my opinion:

-Your education background (including awards, extracurricular activity, and of course, research experience)

-Your RELEVANT professional positions (have you been a research assistant? have you taught any courses or TA'd?)

-Research interests

-Why you want to apply to this particular program in light of the aforementioned (including the faculty you want to work with)

-What you want to do afterward (do you want to be a professor and do active research?)

It should be similar to any academic paper you write. It should have a beginning, middle, and end. Make it brief. Don't start going on a rant about how you loooved your undergrad. Keep it brief and to the point.