Question about SoP

[randy92]

I'm going to apply to the Political Science program. Currently rewriting my SoP (the 1-st one was terrible. I realized that after reading this forum). I can't clearly define the part "Why have you chosen our university?"

So I wrote like 

 

I’ve chosen your university because of resources that could be provided for researches (strong faculty, library, comfort place for research)....

 

Is it ok? Or what to write in this part? Do I sound like an egoist?

[zapster]

Your first point has to be about research fit...even if at a broad level, even better if you can identify specific themes. 

 

Reference to resources has to be more specific - e.g. is there some cross-disciplinary group or a specific research centre or a collaborative network in your area? 

 

Reference to faculty also should ideally be more specific - this is a good place to talk about the profs. whose work interests you and who you would want to work with.

 

If the university is known for a specific ideological or methodological preference that aligns with yours, it may also be useful to highlight this. 

[randy92]

Your first point has to be about research fit...even if at a broad level, even better if you can identify specific themes. 

 

Reference to resources has to be more specific - e.g. is there some cross-disciplinary group or a specific research centre or a collaborative network in your area? 

 

Reference to faculty also should ideally be more specific - this is a good place to talk about the profs. whose work interests you and who you would want to work with.

 

If the university is known for a specific ideological or methodological preference that aligns with yours, it may also be useful to highlight this. 

Thank you! I put this paragraph immediately after my research interests.

How do you think, should I say like "I'm ready to work with your university" or smth like that?

[zapster]

i would not say that unless they've made you an offer and are pleading for you to join ! 

 

I would g with something on the lines of "XXX Univ <is a great fit / provides a fantastic opportunity / is my top preference (if it really is) / provides the best environment / etc....> because ......

[BPC]

I would have a completely different take on "Why have you chosen us?".

 

The school knows they are good. The profs and adcoms don't need to be reminded that you want to go there. You have everything to gain by going there - so why do THEY want YOU? So essentially - I would talk about what is so great about you and what about the school fits well with your strengths. 

 

Telling them that they have strong faculty and a good library doesn't give them a reason to accept you. Sell yourself more. 

Edited June 16, 2013 by BPC

[randy92]

I would have a completely different take on "Why have you chosen us?".

 

The school knows they are good. The profs and adcoms don't need to be reminded that you want to go there. You have everything to gain by going there - so why do THEY want YOU? So essentially - I would talk about what is so great about you and what about the school fits well with your strengths. 

 

Telling them that they have strong faculty and a good library doesn't give them a reason to accept you. Sell yourself more. 

so just talk about how my interests fir their ones? and what appropriate skills I have?

[daydreamer254]

To answer "Why have you chosen us (this university/department)" note everything you like about both (department facilities, the chance to do an internship, networking opportunities, etc).