confused by conversation with POI

[NoMoreABD]

I just had a phone conversation with one of my POIs at the most competitive program I'm applying to. He offered that I call to discuss my research statement. To make the story short, he didn't sound very impressed (if I can tell from his tone), and it sounded like he was in a hurry (although I called at the specific time he told me). He said that there were a few things "unclear" in my statement, although it was "good", and then he advised me on how to revise and refine it so it would match what they're looking for. He basically said it needs to be more specific.

First, it kind of ruined my mood and motivation, to hear that the statement I worked so hard on wasn't good enough. After hearing his comments, I now need to find the energy to revise my statement, although I feel it's pointless cause I don't have a chance to get in to this program.

Second, I'm confused. A POI from a different program said my statement (which was different in substance but similar in structure) was too specific and advised me to keep it more general.

Obviously each place is looking for something different, but what do I do with the 9 other statements I need to submit?!

The only thing I can think about is leave them as they are... I got some very good feedback on them from professors who have experience in this, so hopefully they're good...

Edited November 16, 2011 by Foreign Guy

[Rachel B]

I think one thing you need to consider is whether or not the program is right for you, especially after speaking to this POI. Too many people apply to competitive programs simply because they're competitive and are considered top institutions. With this being said, you should never try to fit a mold created by a school because all it will do is hinder your success and happiness.

It's unfortunate how quickly one phone conservation can leave a bad taste in your mouth about a program you were really interested in. And it's unfortunate that a POI would come off as hurried and unimpressed towards a potential student. I've had this happen to me as well and quite honestly I had to ask myself "is this someone I would even want to work with if I was accepted and did enroll?"

If you do feel as though you still want to apply to this program, I would go ahead and make the needed changes to your SoP. You'll definitely need to tailor your statement for each school and it does more harm than good to just send out the same statement to every school anyway. Show off that you've looked into each program and you've talked to faculty. Schools will rarely balk at statements that include their specific program details.

[NoMoreABD]

You'll definitely need to tailor your statement for each school and it does more harm than good to just send out the same statement to every school anyway. Show off that you've looked into each program and you've talked to faculty. Schools will rarely balk at statements that include their specific program details.

The contents of my statement was tailored exactly for that program, or at least I though it was. That's what I worked hard for. The POI said that I need to revise the way I present my ideas for future research to make them much more specific - and that was a bit weird to me. But of course, I'm following his advice, since it's obviously going to improve my chances.

I'm applying to that program because I honestly think it's a great fit, not just because it's competitive. But now I'm doing it with less hope in my mind...

But then again, the advice I got is supposed to make my statement work better for them, so I'm trying to find hope in that.

Edited November 19, 2011 by Foreign Guy

[ktel]

I think you're looking at this all wrong. A professor at another school who has no personal connections to you went out of his way to help you improve your application.

[NoMoreABD]

A professor at another school who has no personal connections to you went out of his way to help you improve your application.

You are right. This is exactly the way I'll be thinking about it today, when I'm submitting my application to this program.