SOP: Sounding serious vs. being creative

[hopefulspeechie16]

So I've heard mixed opinions about how to sound in the SOP. Some say not to sound too serious/formal since it won't make you stand out and others say being creative and letting your personality show is considered too informal and not mature.

Any advice? Current grad students can you weigh in?

[jpiccolo]

I would lean towards the serious/formal. You'll need good writing skills in grad school and as a clinician for reports. You'll need to sound professional as well. That might be important to see in your statement. So those are some thoughts from a current grad student! Good luck 

[Jolie717]

I think it really depends on the school, so make sure you read the questions and their suggestions carefully.  My schools (fortunately) seem to want some personality in the letters.  I remember reading Purdue's info for the SOP and it sounded much more structured/stiff.  I read an essay by a student that got admitted to one of the programs I'm applying to and it completely blew me away.  The student put a LOT of personal info in it, but had a very nice balance with experience and academic and professional interests as well. 

[Yancey]

Just because something is creative does not mean it shouldn't/couldn't be well written. It is up to you and the school, but I've seen sprinkles of creativity done really well. My was a bit more formal with a lot of personal touches, but some of the girls from my program shared theirs with me. One was done with a saying and story that was used to still illustrate her passion, drive, and her fit/desire for the particular school. It was really well done. I would just make sure to get feedback from others, but ultimately it's about your personality and what you want to present. Remember, you're still looking for a school that's a good fit for you. If the school appreciates your creative approach that could be a good thing (same if the school doesn't). Good luck! 

[Jolie717]

Here's the link to the SOP advice from Purdue - maybe it's just me but I was really turned off by it:

https://www.purdue.edu/hhs/slhs/graduate/admissions/statement_of_purpose.php

[CBG321]

I agree with other posters that it really depends on the school.  I came from a more humanities, language based program in my undergrad with a major in Journalism and Media studies.  So I lean with you towards it being more creative/interesting however my uncle who is a Professor in another science field gave me good advice that the people reading my letter of recommendation are going to be scientists.  The majority of Professors at the university level are there b/c they are researchers.  He pointed out that that audience is going to want a professional sounding letter without any "fluff" or lightness of tone.  They are the kind of people that just want the facts and get almost annoyed with anything too extra.

Every program is different and I would say if you can make a cohesive well written paper with a little extra something go for it BUT make sure that the program you are applying to will appreciate it and it won't turn them off.  I know the Professors in my post-bacc program were a little on the serious side and would not appreciate a super creative paper.  Each program has it's own personality so I suppose cateur each letter to that school's personality.  Picture the teachers you yourself have had and maybe even ask one of them what the admissions committee prefers.  They are usually on them at some point!

[MrsH]

Hi! In regards to SOPs, can you say in your statement you interviewed a "graduate speech pathologist student" at the on-campus clinic? Or, what would be a better term? I was a broadcast journalism major, and that was a project I was assigned! It got me into SLP  Thanks! 

[Jolie717]

24 minutes ago, MrsH said:

Hi! In regards to SOPs, can you say in your statement you interviewed a "graduate speech pathologist student" at the on-campus clinic? Or, what would be a better term? I was a broadcast journalism major, and that was a project I was assigned! It got me into SLP  Thanks! 

I would probably say "speech and language pathology graduate student," as wordy as it is...