My #1 SoP Roadblock...

[toby42]

For the life of me, I can't get over this roadblock, though I've heard the advice a dozen times that you need to "show how you will make a positive contribution to their program" or something like. I'm sorry - and maybe it's just me - but I'm applying to a top-notch school from whom I look to reap the most benefit; how in the world can I contribute to such a successful, well-established, illustrious program only fresh out of my undergrad? And I know that the AdComm knows this, but does anyone know what they're looking for when they say this?

 

Here's a couple ideas I've come up with... am I on the right track? Do you hace anything really good to add to this?

 

Projects that I've begun

Unique perspectives

My particular areas of study (within the main area, of course)

Unremitting and unquenchable persistence. I will not quit.

Relentless pursuit of - and demand for - excellence in my work.

(both fancy ways of saying that I'm stubborn, I suppose)

 

These are just a few things that come to my mind. Any helpful suggestions are welcome (note: helpful. )

Edited January 1, 2014 by toby42

[m-ttl]

I think the idea is basically you should explain why you are a candidate worthy of admission. How will you benefit them? I feel like in this sense it's like a job application. You are making the case for why you should be hired as a student to work with the faculty of your program/department. Schools make investments on graduate students: not just monetarily, but they invest their reputation, time, and teaching on you. Given the resources of a school, what will you produce in return of value to them?

 

I don't think talking about how you're a hard worker or a perfectionist would be very helpful. Frankly, that's a job meant for your recommenders (who can speak to your work ethic objectively). Not to mention, well, this is graduate school. They're not looking to attract anyone who would slack off. 

 

As for your other questions: explaining your research background would certainly allow them to gauge what you know, what you bring with you. "Unique perspectives" might be better covered in a diversity statement, and only if it directly enhances your research/work. 

 

Talk about what you study, what your studies contribute/why they are valuable, what you know, why that will be valuable... as far as I understand it, your objective is to justify yourself as an applicant. You already know why you want them. But by answering that "why" you should also be explaining why they want you. If you don't think you can contribute anything, you won't be able to convince them you should be accepted. 

[Loric]

It's about the give, not the take.

 

You're in a classroom. There's an active discussion of whatever topic.. what do you bring to the table that will enhance the learning experience for all of the students? Why are you an asset to the educational whole?