How important are SOPs?

[AuD2B9105]

Just as the title says..how important are SOPs really? If I have a strong GPA, strong GRE, great LORs, but I'm not thrilled with my SOP and I'm not a great writer does it matter that much? Will schools not accept me because my SOP is weak and doesn't show much personality? Are SOPs supposed to be catchy? Thanks

 

[AAG]

SOPs are very important. This program is COMPETITIVE. The majority of people have to apply again because spaces are so limited. If you already know your SOP is weak I would suggest really working on it. Make it fluid and make yourself stand out. Professors are reading hundreds of these and as you can imagine they all start to sound the same. Definitely put a great deal of effort into it. I would like to suggest making a paragraph in it specifically addressing the program you are applying it and the aspects of it that you like. This requires really researching each school and the elements that make their program stand out from others. In your SOP you can just swap out this paragraph for other school's details but really show that you have done your research on the school and why you are a good fit. Does their areas of research interest you? Do they place special emphasis on certain clinical areas? Is their clinic new, old, cochlear implant experience, vestibular experience? Really dive in deep and show each program why you are a good fit. Show the school how what they have to offer is going to help you meet your own personal goals and mention your goals!

 

Edited September 29, 2015 by AAG