Should I address the fact I spent 4 years on my masters?

[GnomeSain]

Hi folks,

I'm wrapping up my masters in math and preparing to apply to PhD programs. I spent 4 years on my masters, but I was involved in three major research projects, one of which will be published. And I have a very strong thesis.

But nonetheless does it hurt my application having spent so long on my masters ? Also, should I mention this on my statement of purpose? Namely, that I spent a long time on my thesis but I got a lot of research experience to better prepare me for PhD programs?

[ktel]

I would definitely mention it, because adcomms will wonder why it took you so long. Some people get a PhD in that time, so they will want to know that you took that long because you were doing excellent research, not because you failed classes or something.

On a somewhat related note, there's an interesting article (http://chronicle.com/article/The-Time-to-Degree-Conundrum/129360/) that discusses some of the benefits of taking longer to complete your degree.