Could you ever mention your kids in a SOP?

[non humilis mulier]

Hey all,

I have a little one, 8 months old. I graduated with my BA in August. I decided not to mention my baby in my SOP, because it seemed too personal. But I graduated in August instead of May because I gave birth in April, and being a mom has certainly matured me and prepared me for more serious study. I did not explain my August graduation in my SOP. One of my schools asks for an explanation of a break in education, and I informed them that I am taking a year off from school to care for the baby, nurse, etc. Should I have written something about my baby in my SOP? Thoughts? And if I get an interview, do I mention I'm a mom or just avoid the subject if possible?

Thanks!

[ktel]

I think it would be important to mention that you are a mom, as you would probably want a supervisor who is at least family friendly and would understand the demands of parenthood. Having a child has nothing to do with your ability to succeed in grad school, however, so is best left out of the SOP in my opinion.

[hitomimay]

I ended up being a single parent and sole guardian to my little brother, and I definitely put that in my SOP. Considering I've got an interview lined up to my school of choice, and they said it was my SOP that intrigued them, I'd say go ahead. It's what makes YOU unique compared to the millions of other people applying. Your story adds diversity. But that's just my two cents.

[ktel]

I ended up being a single parent and sole guardian to my little brother, and I definitely put that in my SOP. Considering I've got an interview lined up to my school of choice, and they said it was my SOP that intrigued them, I'd say go ahead. It's what makes YOU unique compared to the millions of other people applying. Your story adds diversity. But that's just my two cents.

Somehow I would think that would me more relevant to an education program than say, engineering.

[Mal83]

Somehow I would think that would me more relevant to an education program than say, engineering.

I don't think it matters what degree you're seeking, I think I'd be impressed with someone raising their sibling no matter what admissions committee I was on.

But I think if being a single young parent has somehow strengthened your resolve and commitment or pushed you toward higher study than I guess I would, but if you were always planning on grad school than perhaps it wouldn't really add anything to your SOP.