How do you end your SOP?

[Jennszoo]

Is something like this appropriate?

I thank you for reviewing my application and look forward to the opportunity to meet with the admission committee in person.

[JohnBom]

Is something like this appropriate?

Depends. Does the committee usually do interviews?

[joro]

I don't think that is a proper way to end it. That sounds more like an ending for a cover letter for a job. I had a similar question a few months ago and I got a pretty good amount of responses. Just do a search for my thread.

Edited November 7, 2009 by joro

[profound_g]

This is another one of those minuscule details the significance of which is blown out of proportion by our anxious applicant minds.

[Jennszoo]

yes this program does interviews. i guess i was thinking it was sort of like a cover letter. "Look at me, aren't I awesome for you?"

joro, thanks, I will search.

[swisnieski]

I don't think it matters much. I'm ending mine with a simple statement that I would be deeply honored to study at that school, and then I thank them for their consideration.

You don't need a really strong conclusion I don't think. If you haven't wowed them early on, they probably won't read that far anyway.

[coyabean]

I won't say it doesn't matter. A bad closing is like the s3cks without the, well, you know. I think a summation and a request to join their academic community is appropriate. Mine, btw: With solid training in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and a historical interdisciplinary grounding from ABC's XYZ program, I am confident I can contribute to the production of pluralistic knowledge with an applied practicality.

[LateAntique]

My advice: end it with Fin.

[cckrspnl56]

And like this <poof> he was gone.

Your results may vary.

[Jennszoo]

Well that was just the last sentence, my full last paragraph is:

While it’s been many years since I have been enrolled in an academic program, I am sure you will find that my work and volunteer experience demonstrates my willingness to learn new things, jump in where needed and successfully complete the project at hand. I thank you for reviewing my application and look forward to the opportunity to meet the admission committee in person.

I dont love it. It does sound cover letter-ish. Blech. But I am on draft 2 of many.

[melusine]

LateAntique and cckrspnl56 - you guys are mean!

..but funny.

Edited November 8, 2009 by melusine

[dzk]

And like this <poof> he was gone.

Your results may vary.

...well, I thought I had a great ending to my SoP, but now I'll just have to change it to this. It simply can't be beat.

[Thanks4Downvoting]

My advice: end it with Fin.

And like this <poof> he was gone.

Your results may vary.

These are, by far, the best suggestions.

[shai]

How about ending it with :

That's all, folks !

or

(forest gump style) ; and that's al I have to say about that.

[samjones]

i'm waiting for a review of my latest draft, so i'll let you know if my reviewer liked my ending but:

my fit paragraph is at the end of my SOP and then, as a separate paragraph, i simply say, "I am certain (school) is a great fit for my professional goals and academic purposes."

yeah, it's not shakespeare but i didn't have much room for anything more than that! lol. we'll see what feedback i get for that.

Edited November 9, 2009 by samjones

[LateAntique]

i'm waiting for a review of my latest draft, so i'll let you know if my reviewer liked my ending but:

my fit paragraph is at the end of my SOP and then, as a separate paragraph, i simply say, "I am certain (school) for my professional goals and academic purposes."

yeah, it's not shakespeare but i didn't have much room for anything more than that! lol. we'll see what feedback i get for that.

It's not only not Shakespeare, it's not English. You're certain of what?