Did you use the same SOP for multiple schools?

[amc91]

While most of us are either done, or nearly done with Fall applications, I'm curious how other people did their SOP's. I am applying after being out of school for two years, so I do not have classmates to consult!

While the main idea is similar, all six programs I applied to have slightly different guideline for the SOP (why you want to be an SLP, describe your experiences, why our program, what interpersonal skills do you have, etc).

I'm finishing my last one now, and I am essentially copying and pasting portions from different papers that fit this particular guideline. 

Did anyone just use the same essay, but change the school name, or did you feel like you needed to really change and restructure based on the guidelines.

How strict do you think programs are regarding their SOP guidelines (do they just want to get to know you, or do they really want each questions answered explicitly?) 

[eggfish]

I kept the same introduction paragraph/anecdote for all of them.  Then I wrote a new essay for each school, citing what research or professors at that school in particular interest me.  I only had 4 schools to apply to.  It seems most people in my class are applying to 7+ schools and using the same SOP. 

You ask if schools just want to get to know you or if they really want each question answered explicitly.  I think it's the former, but I could be wrong.

Edited January 15, 2016 by eggfish

[jpiccolo]

I kept certain sections for most of my SOPs when I applied last year but I catered specifically to each school and prompt. I mentioned classes, profs, unique aspects of programs so they knew I had researched the program and didn't submit the same essay for all. 

I personally feel that yes, schools want to know you, but they have a certain prompt for a reason. I think with such a competitive program schools sometimes look for any reason to throw out an app and narrow the field of applicants. It won't hurt to keep a good chunk of your essays the same, but make sure you touch on every part of the prompt and double check that you have the right school name before you submit. 

[SLPgradstudent]

My schools had fairly different prompts and length requirements, so while I covered more or less the same information in each SOP (with school specific details differing), they ended up looking very different in the end.  I started with my top choice school SOP and then edited it for the others, to address each schools prompts.  Also, I went to the open house for each school, so I tried to find out exactly what each school was looking for in the SOP.

I agree with jpiccolo, the schools want to know you (and why you want to go to their program in particular), but they also want the information they ask for in the prompt.  Try to cover both.  And make sure it doesn't look like you copy and pasted each school's name into the same SOP!  That's a sure way to get your entire application tossed.  If you don't care enough about a school to tailor your SOP, they won't want to waste their time and resources on you either.

[thespeechblog.com]

amc91, 

I applied to 6 schools and used more or less the same SOP for each school. Obviously I adjusted each SOP to meet each school's specific requirements (not meeting them is the easiest way to get your application thrown out). Also, I researched the faculty at each school that have similar interests to my own and tried to incorporate that when possible. Just be sure to triple check your essays to make sure you're sending the right one to the right school. 

I think it makes sense that the SOP's are more or less the same. They are all evaluating the same thing in the end. 

Good luck!  

[MarkMc]

I certainly incorporated various parts of my SOP into different applications.  Two of them were the same program (PhD Technology Management) so the SOPs were virtually identical.  They both had 2 page requirements.  I had one that had a 10 page requirement (which was awful) and another program that was a 3 page requirement on the business side.  I think important aspects of my history, skills, etc transfer, but still make sure to answer what they're looking for.

[Jolie717]

I had one very long SOP, with multiple sections and prompts, and I used it to craft the others.  Fortunately the prompts for the others were fairly similar.  I had one very short essay, limited to a page, where I didn't really include anything customizing it to the school.  I felt that emphasizing my background and life experience was a better use of very limited space.  Plus, this was the only essay that specifically asked nothing about "what specifically are you looking for in a program" or "why are you an excellent candidate for..."

Edited to add: I did make sure each question was answered, by the way, either directly or indirectly.  I've heard one of the best ways to upset an evaluator is by not answering the question...

Edited January 19, 2016 by Jolie717

[amc91]

Thanks so much for the info! It is so helpful to hear how others are going through this proces. Good luck everyone!