To tell the not-sappy short story of why you want to get your masters in a particular program or not to tell the story?

[mewho89]

Hey guys,

 

I'm currently in the midst  early stage of my applications and SoPs. I've seen a lot of conflicting views about including the reason you want to get into a particular field. I'm applying to MA programs in advertising/communications and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about this. Should I include why I want to look at advertising and a specific area within the department? I don't think pointing out particular professors is the way to go for me personally, but I do know I want to look at cross-cultural advertising. Clearly I'm a bit lost in all this, and my current place of residence is a bit...remote in terms of finding counselors or professors for their advice. I would really appreciate any suggestions!

 

Thanks!

Edited October 28, 2013 by mewho89

[Ciarrai300]

Hey mewho,

 

My first suggestion would be to look at the prompts of the schools where you want to apply (or think you want to apply).  Some may ask for your specific reasons and others may not.  After reading a few prompts you may get a better idea.  I'm applying in the field of Special Education and I found the requirements for SoPs were really diverse.  Some wanted me to focus on goals for the future and others on my personal/academic history.  The prompts should be on program websites.

 

Good luck!

[TexasGuy]

yeah the promt will give you a good idea...most will ask 'reasons for graduate study' and in that case u can talk about why/how the field interests you

[TakeruK]

Hey guys,

 

I'm currently in the midst  early stage of my applications and SoPs. I've seen a lot of conflicting views about including the reason you want to get into a particular field. I'm applying to MA programs in advertising/communications and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about this. Should I include why I want to look at advertising and a specific area within the department? I don't think pointing out particular professors is the way to go for me personally, but I do know I want to look at cross-cultural advertising. Clearly I'm a bit lost in all this, and my current place of residence is a bit...remote in terms of finding counselors or professors for their advice. I would really appreciate any suggestions!

 

Thanks!

 

I think including the reason is fine, and could even make your SOP a lot stronger if you present it well. I would agree with the other members here that may suggest that you do not begin with something like "I was interested in X ever since I was a young child" or "I became grossly interested in X when my [parents/aunt/uncle/sister/brother/etc.] showed me Y" etc.

 

But reasons like "I want to study X because I want to do Y" is great. For me, I was a bit more specific and I wrote that I want to do a PhD in Field-X because I wanted to learn Specific-Skill-A, Specific-Skill-B etc because I want to work in Subfield-Z. 

 

My opinion is that one should follow the prompt, but they are usually very vague. I would personally like to use more compelling reasons than just simply saying you like the field/topic. Demonstrating passion is important, but I don't think you should do it by saying you are passionate. Your passion will show through all of the work you've completed thus far to get to the stage where you can apply to this program! This next opinion will depend on particular programs/schools, but I think a graduate student should demonstrate more than just a desire to learn more about their field. Graduate programs are specialized programs that train students in a particular set of skills, and it would be useful for the applicant to demonstrate why they want these skills, instead of just merely wanting to learn more. But that's just my opinion.

[Loric]

It depends on the story. Something you find interesting could be boring or awful to other people, and something you never thought about might be the most compelling thing about you.

 

Float the story in your statement for a few friends and essentially anyone you can get to read it. Ask people, after they've read it and given other feedback, if they feel the story is appropriate and adds to the whole.

[mewho89]

Thanks a lot everyone. As mentioned, the prompts are generally vague but I think I will try to focus a little on the 'why' and ask for opinions.

 

Thank you!