Catchy endings

[eparke02]

What are some good ways to end the SOP for MA programs? Right now, I'm ending with the standard talking about my ideal career, but I'm wondering if something punchier would be better...

[iExcelAtMicrosoftPuns]

I generally recommend a period.



It's all about telling a story- what ever your angle is.

[Ohm]

Something cheesy? You need to dish it the right way though, or it could go very much against you. Eg. I might be a study of imperfections, but I'm flawless. (I wanted to put this in my sop but found something similar in an online example, so chose a different one). Another one on the same note could go like 'I will strive to make many more mistakes in my life, but pledge to learn from every single one of them till there is no more need to make mistakes.' Point is, it shouldn't be overly exaggerated, and you should remember that people despise cheek!

[CarlieE]

Catchy is sometimes good.... and sometimes really, really bad - especially if the committee doesn't get or share your sense of humor. The advice given to me about any SOP is to be straightforward and as clear and succinct as possible. You want to keep in mind that the committee has to read HUNDREDS of SOPS. Yours might be the first of the day or the 50th or the 234th. 

 

If yours isn't right to the point, or is questionable in any way, it's far to easy for a committee member to just say "Ugh... " and toss your application into the NO pile. 

 

That said, your personality should still shine through. It's a fine balance; you want to be yourself and if you are a humorous person, a catchy-one liner person then OK, but as mentioned above, don't over do it and let it happen in your writing organically.

[damequixote]

Often, an effective, memorable ending refers back to the introduction of your SOP (theme/style/rythm, etc.) and points to the future.