antoinette Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 This may seem like an odd issue to have. I'm applying for an MA in English for Fall 2013, and for one of the schools, I must submit a personal statement of approximately 250 words that describes the degree I want to pursue, reasons for pursuing this degree, relevant work experience, and career goals. Yes, I must address all of these topics in a mere 250 words or so. Such a small word limit has been more restrictive than easy. I'm struggling to address all of these aspects in the prompt as well as provide a sense of who I am through more personal examples and a unique and fresh introduction in under 300 words. Each draft always ends up sounding impersonal, bare-bones, and a bit mechanical, and I'm stuck. I've been spending too much time on it, and I need to send it soon. How should I approach this issue? What should I sacrifice? How seriously do committees take these word limits? I'm wondering if, by making such a short word requirement, the program expects applicants to write SOPs that are more "to the point." Any advice would be appreciated, really. I think I just need some outside opinions.
EdYouKateOr Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 Word limits taken very seriously! Think about the 30sec elevator "sell" of yourself!
antoinette Posted January 5, 2013 Author Posted January 5, 2013 Ok. Would going over the limit by 30 or 40 words (280-290) hurt me? They do say "approximately"; I just don't know how much space that allows me :S. Thanks for your response.
EdYouKateOr Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 If it says approximately, you'll be fine. If it says maximum, no more than, or limit of, adhere to the limit.
antoinette Posted January 5, 2013 Author Posted January 5, 2013 (edited) OK, good to know Edited January 5, 2013 by antoinette
damequixote Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 Would you mind sharing what school this is? It sure seems strange for an English program!
EdYouKateOr Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 Would you mind sharing what school this is? It sure seems strange for an English program! Maybe they're testing editing skills! Lol
antoinette Posted January 5, 2013 Author Posted January 5, 2013 Would you mind sharing what school this is? It sure seems strange for an English program! Oklahoma State University. And I agree, it's unusual. The other schools that I'm applying to ask for at least a page. It is DEFINITELY testing my editing skills, ha!
selecttext Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 I applied to a department that had a 1000 character limit on the application but soon after submitting, the graduate coordinator e-mailed to inform me that a 1 page letter is preferable and would be appended to my application. It might be useful to contact your department to find out if they would accept a full length statement, in addition to your abstract.
damequixote Posted January 5, 2013 Posted January 5, 2013 Wow. I checked their website just to be sure and it's true! I just can't believe that! If you want some help cutting down your SOP, feel free to PM me.
antoinette Posted January 6, 2013 Author Posted January 6, 2013 Thanks damequixote, but I think I'm finally content with it after quite a struggle
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