Appropriate SoP content & tone

[Cpoco]

    Hi everyone. I am currently struggling with writing a good SoP because I have the following two major questions that bother me:

    First, when answering the question "why you decide to pursue a graduate education", is it better to play the safe card by formally and solemnly mouthing holy purposes or rather genuinely express true personal affect and desires that lead to my will to apply? I personally lean towards the latter since I feel the safe card definitely won't hurt me but will neither benefit me; it might be worthy to take some risk so my SoP could actually stands out. What is your opinion on this?

    Second, is it appropirate to exhibit pleading or begging tone in my SoP(ex. difficulty combatting with parent's adversary, philistine etc.) as a strategy to win sympathy assuming it is done in a measured way? Or is it better to avoid using emotional strategy completely? What do you think? Thanks!

[blubirding]

HI there Cpoco, 

 

I'm in the midst of mine as well. I would play it formally and bring in the personal pieces subtlely, if possible. I don't think pleading or begging comes across well in general, although i hear you on the writing struggle and wanting something so badly.

 

I would use strong emotion to convey why you are a good fit, and try to channel the emotion into your actual experience past, present, and vision ahead.

 

Does that help at all?

[Gvh]

It might be a little late in the game at this stage -  depending on when your applications are due - but for both for my master's and now applying to PhDs, I have found Donald Asher's book "Graduate Admissions Essays" exceptionally helpful. It is a great guide that helped me navigate these types of questions. As a boost, it's a quick and easy read, and surprisingly entertaining. If you have the option of getting it on Amazon Prime, or something, I would!