statement of purpose question

[mano]

Hi guys!

 

do you have any idea if it is appropriate to mention, in statement of purpose, about that my husband studies at the university which I apply (of course, after stating all my related academic experience and goals) ?

 

thank you in advance:)

Edited January 22, 2015 by mano

[jjb919]

My gut feeling is that it is completely unnecessary. At best it provides another reason for why you *really* want to go to this university, but unfortunately one that has nothing to do with the department or faculty. At worst it could come off as an attempt to pull at the heartstrings of the adcom, with perhaps a latent suggestion that they should let you in because it would make your life easier and you won't have to deal with a long distance relationship. Again, completely irrelevant to your merits as an applicant.

 

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh. I think this information is entirely superfluous and has no bearing on their decision to admit you, even if your husband happens to be studying in the department you're applying to. This is graduate admissions, not a tenure-track hire search. They do not need to (and will not) worry about a two-body problem. Best to leave it out and focus solely on your philosophical background and interests relevant to the university and department.

[mano]

My gut feeling is that it is completely unnecessary. At best it provides another reason for why you *really* want to go to this university, but unfortunately one that has nothing to do with the department or faculty. At worst it could come off as an attempt to pull at the heartstrings of the adcom, with perhaps a latent suggestion that they should let you in because it would make your life easier and you won't have to deal with a long distance relationship. Again, completely irrelevant to your merits as an applicant.

 

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh. I think this information is entirely superfluous and has no bearing on their decision to admit you, even if your husband happens to be studying in the department you're applying to. This is graduate admissions, not a tenure-track hire search. They do not need to (and will not) worry about a two-body problem. Best to leave it out and focus solely on your philosophical background and interests relevant to the university and department.

thank you for the advice! I think you're right.

[ianfaircloud]

Hi guys!

 

do you have any idea if it is appropriate to mention, in statement of purpose, about that my husband studies at the university which I apply (of course, after stating all my related academic experience and goals) ?

 

thank you in advance:)

 

I think it's a tough call. Departments typically want to admit people who are more likely to accept the offer of admission. Obviously that a person will accept the offer is not a conclusive reason to admit an applicant, but it's often a reason in favor of admitting an applicant. To the extent that your mention of your spouse's presence indicates something to that effect, the mention is likely only to increase your chances of receiving an offer.

 

Having said all that, do realize there is such a diversity of views among people who may read your application, that it's impossible to state an exceptionless rule about how a statement like this one will be treated.

 

My sense is this: I think it's quite human of you to mention that you have a personal connection to a school or department, and my hunch is that it's worth mentioning, provided that you also are a strong fit for the department for professional, philosophical reasons. 

 

Finally, I'll say that, given the intense competition among applicants, and given the long list of considerations that are probably far more important than personal ties, it's unlikely that your mention of the personal connection will be the thing that changes the result of your application.

[mano]

I think it's a tough call. Departments typically want to admit people who are more likely to accept the offer of admission. Obviously that a person will accept the offer is not a conclusive reason to admit an applicant, but it's often a reason in favor of admitting an applicant. To the extent that your mention of your spouse's presence indicates something to that effect, the mention is likely only to increase your chances of receiving an offer.

 

Having said all that, do realize there is such a diversity of views among people who may read your application, that it's impossible to state an exceptionless rule about how a statement like this one will be treated.

 

My sense is this: I think it's quite human of you to mention that you have a personal connection to a school or department, and my hunch is that it's worth mentioning, provided that you also are a strong fit for the department for professional, philosophical reasons. 

 

Finally, I'll say that, given the intense competition among applicants, and given the long list of considerations that are probably far more important than personal ties, it's unlikely that your mention of the personal connection will be the thing that changes the result of your application.

thank you ian. actually ı am following your entries for a long time and it is nice to take an advise from you too. I decided not to mention my spouse because I think it sounds unprofessional (although it is still a fact that studying at the same school is a big advantage financially). Besides, I agree with you that as long as I am a strong candidate for the department it is not so important to mention my personal life. 

thank you again!

[philstudent1991]

I think it's a tough call. Departments typically want to admit people who are more likely to accept the offer of admission. Obviously that a person will accept the offer is not a conclusive reason to admit an applicant, but it's often a reason in favor of admitting an applicant. To the extent that your mention of your spouse's presence indicates something to that effect, the mention is likely only to increase your chances of receiving an offer.

 

Having said all that, do realize there is such a diversity of views among people who may read your application, that it's impossible to state an exceptionless rule about how a statement like this one will be treated.

 

My sense is this: I think it's quite human of you to mention that you have a personal connection to a school or department, and my hunch is that it's worth mentioning, provided that you also are a strong fit for the department for professional, philosophical reasons. 

 

Finally, I'll say that, given the intense competition among applicants, and given the long list of considerations that are probably far more important than personal ties, it's unlikely that your mention of the personal connection will be the thing that changes the result of your application.

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