General mention of application process?

[negarey]

Hi everyone! 

 

I've decided that one of the reasons I want to attend a particular school is that its program is much more rigorous than other programs that I've researched. Is there a more tactful way to say something like "While surveying programs, the department of such and such school proved to have much more rigorous standards for graduation than its competitors." 

 

For some reason, I feel like calling attention to the application process is a big no-no, but I could be wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! 

[Loric]

It actually means you were paying attention.. which puts you leaps and bounds ahead of many using the scattershot method.

 

What does the prompt say?

 

Also, framing. "I respect high standards as I feel they push students to their fullest potential, and in this way I view XYZ school as an appropriate venue for persuing my goals as it will push me to be my best..."

 

Blah blah blah, something like that. You dont have to "attack" other schools, but you can note they have high standards and why you like that.

[Loric]

For the record, my SOP - which was run by several people in the industry who thought it was wonderful - mentions my discovery of the school and their new program.. and sounds i made which only dogs could hear.. and Liz Lemon and "I want to go there."

 

Yes, my SOP actually says those things. No one said it was inappropriate. Anywhere things got boring or too technical or too wishy washy is where people always pointed out i should revise.

[negarey]

Haha! 

 

Well, I'm actually applying back to my undergraduate university to get my master's. The professors have that parent-like quality of thinking you're capable of anything and inspiring you to avoid disappointing them at all costs. They treat the higher standards as if they're perfectly reasonable which makes for a very vibrant environment on campus. A summary of their prompt:

 

1. Give an indication of what you will pursue.

2. Explain the reasons for your choice of field and why it warrants pursuit at a graduate level. Give a sense of the questions that you will ask and why they are important.

3. Why this English department? What resources and programs are offered that would help develop your intellectual interests?

 

The reasons I chose their department (even though I moved very far away since then and they don't offer funding) are their strong specialization in literary theory, the rigorousness of the program and the attitude and encouragement of the professors. 

 

I'm also having a real hard time with the introduction. I don't want to just launch into NARRATIVE THEORY NEEDS MORE ATTENTION!!!! If you know what I mean, haha.

[TakeruK]

I wouldn't say that School X is so much better than School Y etc. because 1) it's unprofessional to "attack" other schools and 2) the people reading your SOP may have friends at School Y, or may have graduated from School Y etc. I think Loric's example is a good way to address it. I would just go into more detail. More rigor does not mean a better education. It's great to mention specific examples of graduation requirements that are in line with the other goals in your SOP. For example, I know some schools that require grad students to give an outreach talk of their research. If e.g. science communication is important to you, then you can cite this requirement as something that you and the program both value.

[Loric]

Haha! 

 

Well, I'm actually applying back to my undergraduate university to get my master's. The professors have that parent-like quality of thinking you're capable of anything and inspiring you to avoid disappointing them at all costs. They treat the higher standards as if they're perfectly reasonable which makes for a very vibrant environment on campus. A summary of their prompt:

 

1. Give an indication of what you will pursue.

2. Explain the reasons for your choice of field and why it warrants pursuit at a graduate level. Give a sense of the questions that you will ask and why they are important.

3. Why this English department? What resources and programs are offered that would help develop your intellectual interests?

 

The reasons I chose their department (even though I moved very far away since then and they don't offer funding) are their strong specialization in literary theory, the rigorousness of the program and the attitude and encouragement of the professors. 

 

I'm also having a real hard time with the introduction. I don't want to just launch into NARRATIVE THEORY NEEDS MORE ATTENTION!!!! If you know what I mean, haha.

 

Why does narrative theory need more attention..? Can you cite a specific instance that illustrates your argument?

[Loric]

I think... going out on a limb here... that you assume a lot of your readers. That they'll agree with you or see things the way you do. You take their POV for granted.

 

So you launch into things with a bit of bold assertion and expect the reader to follow you blindly. You still need to explain and persuede when needed. There are some things you can take for granted with an audience in your field, however, you need to ask yourself the "Why does this matter?" question and really judge if it is to be assumed or not.

 

The narative theory bit struck me in this sense because I really am sitting here pondering why it's important and why anyone would study it. I have some ideas, and I don't think it's without merit, but it's not my area of expertise so I'm not really sure the how/why of studying it.