The most boring person in the world wants to go to grad school

[glm]

Hi everyone,

 

Ok - so I might be exaggerating a bit in my topic, I am feeling like the definition of mediocre as I am sitting here trying to write my SOP.

 

I'd like to craft an essay with a thoughtful story, an "aha" moment that led me to my research goals but I fear I don't have a hook. I also don't think I have enough relevant research experience or accolades to to forego techniques in drawing the reader in.

 

I'd really like to consult with people who have applied to programs slightly different than what they've studied in college and have work experience in. How did you identify a unifying theme? How did you make your essay interesting?

 

Thank you so much!

[Loric]

Well, if you can't sell yourself, they're not going to buy it.

 

One way i've seen suggested to overcome this hurdle is to look at your peers and try to sell them and their accomplishment. How would you describe what they've done? How would you see them as an asset to a program and a good fit?

 

Now, what do they have in common with you? Describe those aspects of yourself the same way you just described them as they pertained to others.

[Loric]

 

I'd really like to consult with people who have applied to programs slightly different than what they've studied in college and have work experience in. How did you identify a unifying theme? How did you make your essay interesting?

 

And to more directly answer this question... The MFA i'm applying for is related to my BA (and aborted MFA in the same subject.)

 

My overall theme was that I was a unique asset that would help the team - as it is a collaborative medium. The idea that the whole group would benefit from my presence, experience, etc.. even if I wasn't the ideal/perfect candidate.

 

My "moment" was when I left my former major because I was so fustrated with it - it wasn't where my heart was. At the time, there wasn't a program that covered specifically what I wanted to study and do. You went into the related programs and then carved out your niche later. No oen told you going in that you'd be mocked, told your work was a farce, and treated like you were somehow pssing on a legacy each time you mentioned your interest in the field.

 

So I left. I struck it out on my own and wrote a book about my true interests. Researching everything on my own in my own time, no guidance at all. Got it published - profit. But it didnt get me into the industry. I'm just seen a smart outsider.. one who the press comes to for soundbites when they're doing a story on the industry.

 

Then I learned about a newly formed program that emphasized the industry and getting into it.

 

So my SOP focuses on my leaving (very breifly, not to dwell) doing my own thing, noting the insular nature of the industry, and then finding this program as a new way to get in, to something i'm obviously passionate about. Then I rant on about my experience, skills, etc.. and how i'd be an asset.

[Loric]

I feel like I'm not really explaining this well..

 

If you want, you can PM me and i'll send you a copy of my SOP to read. It may be awful, it may be awesome, I'm not really sure. But you can at least see how I tackled all this.

[glm]

Thanks, that is very helpful. It never occurred to me to sell my peers' accomplishments as a way to break my mental block, but that totally makes sense. It makes me realize how overly critical of myself I am. Self deprecation seldom helps one in life...

[glm]

And to more directly answer this question... The MFA i'm applying for is related to my BA (and aborted MFA in the same subject.)

 

My overall theme was that I was a unique asset that would help the team - as it is a collaborative medium. The idea that the whole group would benefit from my presence, experience, etc.. even if I wasn't the ideal/perfect candidate.

 

My "moment" was when I left my former major because I was so fustrated with it - it wasn't where my heart was. At the time, there wasn't a program that covered specifically what I wanted to study and do. You went into the related programs and then carved out your niche later. No oen told you going in that you'd be mocked, told your work was a farce, and treated like you were somehow pssing on a legacy each time you mentioned your interest in the field.

 

So I left. I struck it out on my own and wrote a book about my true interests. Researching everything on my own in my own time, no guidance at all. Got it published - profit. But it didnt get me into the industry. I'm just seen a smart outsider.. one who the press comes to for soundbites when they're doing a story on the industry.

 

Then I learned about a newly formed program that emphasized the industry and getting into it.

 

So my SOP focuses on my leaving (very breifly, not to dwell) doing my own thing, noting the insular nature of the industry, and then finding this program as a new way to get in, to something i'm obviously passionate about. Then I rant on about my experience, skills, etc.. and how i'd be an asset.

 

Ah! That's great! In my case, the interests are basically the same but have shifted from terrestrial to aquatic. 

Edited November 23, 2013 by jenzy

[Loric]

And for the record, the original "theme" of my SOP was to be based on the idea of borrowing a ladder - from the school/dept, so to speak - to ascend to new heights and achieve my goals.

 

I had just watched Gattaca and if you've seen the film, the idea of a "borrowed ladder" permeates it thematically.

[Loric]

Here.. all the good movie quotes:

 

[Jungshin]

+1 for Self deprecation