Is it weird that I'm excited to write my personal statements/SOPs?

[hnotis]

I keep stressing out about whether or not my application will be competitive and whether or not I'll get in to any programs, and not to mention funding!  But then a few insightful individuals on this forum illuminated the fact that, since I'm applying for mainly MA programs with no research experience, my personal statement will be the part of my application that can really shine.  Once I decided to put all of my passion and resources into writing killer personal statements, I realized how excited I was.  I know that I can write something that will truly set me a part from other applicants and quite possibly lead to an interview (or two, or six)! 

 

I guess I'm just wondering- is it weird to be excited about writing personal statements?  And I mean really really excited!  I just think its so wonderful that I get to gush about my passion for my field and carefully explain to these intimidating adcoms what my goals and dreams are!

[Dedi]

I don't think so, in my opinion. I was excited to write my drafts of my SOPs and I've spent hours working on them before sending them to someone else to get advice. It's great that you have such vigor to write something that will be meaningful to you (and hopefully the adcom!). Just remember that many SOPs have a page limit (usually two pages, but I've seen a limit of one page).

[hnotis]

Dedi, I think the whole page limit thing will either be a blessing or a curse.  It will either serve to keep my ideas very clear and concise, or serve to restrict my inner voice- hopefully option A  For the programs I'm applying to, it looks like 500 words is the average, which seems like nothing to me!  I have a feeling there will be quite a few drafts involved in this process.  Have you already began prepping yours for the 2015 cycle?

[Dedi]

I have. I've been tailoring each SOP to the corresponding application.

A common procedure is to "just write" with no limits in mind and then prune to keep it within the word limits.

I did an outline of what I wanted to write about and wrote a small paragraph for each thing. I pruned when necessary.

[VulpesZerda]

I'm excited too, but my draft has some holes in it. I'm doing summer research starting Monday til August, and then doing the bulk of my senior thesis in the fall. I want to wait until I can write about both to start!

[Dedi]

I've got a few holes too, but I fill those in as I go along. I just dedicate some space for each thing.

Being able to put your research interests on paper is a significant step, in my opinion. I outlined that first, then reflected on research experiences and how they helped me prepare for graduate school.

[VulpesZerda]

Hm, maybe I will go ahead and write everything minus these last two research experiences. I saw your other thread - I'd be willing to swap when I'm done!

[Dedi]

Awesome! Also, take you time in writing it. I'm in no rush.

[xolo]

At first it seemed impossible to fill up the page, then I started to really get into the writing.  That is a good word to describe the emotion behind a SOP, "excitement".  It is so exciting to realize you have something to say that is interesting and unique!  And I really believe this is true of everyone who has the interest and drive for their field of study.

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

I was excited too. But I was always excited to write. I took a lot of creative writing classes for fun in college. And I used to write music and poetry in high school and the years between. I was always excited to see what the finished product would look like since I always seemed to surprise myself with my writing. The part I dreaded the most though was getting started. I spent a few months being excited about writing my SOP but I didn't even start it until 48 hours before it was due. The first draft was fun but then I spent the last like 6 hours in frantic mode trying to make corrections. 

[Dedi]

I was excited too. But I was always excited to write. I took a lot of creative writing classes for fun in college. And I used to write music and poetry in high school and the years between. I was always excited to see what the finished product would look like since I always seemed to surprise myself with my writing. The part I dreaded the most though was getting started. I spent a few months being excited about writing my SOP but I didn't even start it until 48 hours before it was due. The first draft was fun but then I spent the last like 6 hours in frantic mode trying to make corrections. 

I always hated getting started on my writing, too. I'm getting better, though.

I just finished a draft of my research proposal (to send out to granting agencies). I've wanted to do this since first year, but I didn't have the required knowledge/writing ability to articulate such a thing. A couple insights and a few 5-hour literature search spurts later (not to mention a couple years later), I was able to go from writing an outline to a full draft in a week. That's a big deal for me.

 

I don't know where I was going to go with that, but yeah. I also get excited in finishing up and polishing my writing products.