SOP dilemma ?

[columbia09]

So I applied to primarily geology programs but for one of my schools I applied to an oceanography department. In my last paragraph where I stated after my masters I wish to pursue balh blah blah, I forgot to change masters in geology to masters in oceanography. I plan on doing their geology concentration for the masters but will this look bad ?

Edited November 15, 2014 by columbia09

[ShadowFairy]

Well, first of all what do you think?

 

To me, it would show that you have not given your SOP a thorough proofreading, which says something about how much you really wish to pursue that program at that particular school. It's sloppy and careless and strongly implies that you were basically recycling another SOP and tailoring it simply to this program. Yeah, we all do it to a degree, but we don't try to make it obvious.

[columbia09]

Well oceanography is just a subfield of geology so I didn't think it would be that big of a deal especially since they have a geology concentration

[columbia09]

Also I should state that I spoke to the head of the department who was a former student of one of my letter recommenders. She was very enthusiastic about having me there so I think I'll be fine.

[prospecting]

I agree strongly with Ridethelightning. Try to reign in the sloppiness in the SOP. I am also confused at what you are trying to convey with your initial post....

 

Connections may help, but they are not a guarantee and should not be relied on. You should craft your own future instead of riding on the coattail of others.

[columbia09]

Well whatever the case I resubmitted it however I didn't think that this would've been a big deal.

[prospecting]

You're the type of student I'd hate to have

[StenoLubr]

have you mentioned oceanography at all in the previous paragraphs? if yes you should be okay, but its probably kiss of death if you didnt 

Edited November 19, 2014 by kingwd

[columbia09]

You're the type of student I'd hate to have

Ouch such hatred

[columbia09]

have you mentioned oceanography at all in the previous paragraphs? if yes you should be okay, but its probably kiss of death if you didnt

Yea both oceanography and geology. I think what people, like the rude prospecting person, fail to realize is that in my case the oceanography masters is heavily concentrated in geology. Plus oceanography is a subfield of geology so even if I didn't change it I would have a case for myself. Also my graduate adviser/professor just told me to replace words in each essay and he sits on the admissions committee at my school. They know we do this

Edited November 20, 2014 by columbia09

[ashiepoo72]

Well whatever the case I resubmitted it however I didn't think that this would've been a big deal.

 

Why would you post this question here if you already believe it isn't a big deal, and then attack the people giving you advice you solicited in the first place?

 

These programs are looking for people who clearly want to be a part of their department and community. Your sloppy handling of the SOP indicates that you are not taking this program and what it has to offer seriously. You may think people on here giving you advice are rude, but I have found that you think that of anyone who gives an opinion contrary to what you want to hear. Geology and oceanography may be related, but they're still different--someone seeking to study these fields should be even more aware of that. You should have specified that you're interested in the geology CONCENTRATION within the oceanography program at that program, rather than carelessly submitting the same SOP to multiple schools without actually focusing on the different emphases of each program.

[prospecting]

Yea both oceanography and geology. I think what people, like the rude prospecting person, fail to realize is that in my case the oceanography masters is heavily concentrated in geology. Plus oceanography is a subfield of geology so even if I didn't change it I would have a case for myself. Also my graduate adviser/professor just told me to replace words in each essay and he sits on the admissions committee at my school. They know we do this

 

As ashiepoo has pointed out, you post only to get out of people what you want to hear. I recognized you were the same person who adamantly denied the GRE is a crucial part of the application process. You mentioned you had failed to do well in your GRE and due to time constraints would have to use your present scores for application. Despite this, you opened a thread asking soliciting opinions on whether your GRE scores would be competitive/viable in gaining entrance. You refused to heed the advise of community members who have a different opinion and instead shot them down saying GRE scores should be redundant. Because you have already decided on your course of action, and what you feel is best for yourself, I do not understand your purpose in creating these threads.

[prospecting]

Apart from your lousy attitude, you also seem very incoherent and possess poor writing capability. I hope my assumptions are untrue, but it is my sincere belief that you have a character most would find to be a pain in the butt.

[columbia09]

Apart from your lousy attitude, you also seem very incoherent and possess poor writing capability. I hope my assumptions are untrue, but it is my sincere belief that you have a character most would find to be a pain in the butt.

How about we growup and stop the insults.

[maelia8]

This topic is being locked. The last few posts are no longer related to the original poster's question and the debate has devolved.