Indiana University statement of purpose

[a fragrant plant]

I found it quite impossible to keep my SOP under 500 words. Anyone who's applying to IUB experience the same problem?

[tarski]

I did it . What I'm not looking forward to is cutting it down even more (300 words max) for Toronto.

[a fragrant plant]

I did it . What I'm not looking forward to is cutting it down even more (300 words max) for Toronto.

I think I'll end up with 650. Is it bad?

[captiv8ed]

Yes, I am also dreading the process for Indiana. I am going to rewrite and go almost straight research proposal, which I will use for Washington and Indiana.

I would call and ask if 650 is acceptable.

[tarski]

I think I'll end up with 650. Is it bad?

I don't really know enough to say, for sure. Maximum caution = 500 words (I just checked the Anthropology page, there's no hedging like "about"), but maybe they're all right with it being a bit longer. If it's that hard to cut down, you could just email (or phone them) and ask.

[a fragrant plant]

Yes, I am also dreading the process for Indiana. I am going to rewrite and go almost straight research proposal, which I will use for Washington and Indiana.

I would call and ask if 650 is acceptable.

I've already emailed them, no replies yet. Have you submiited your application yet? Deadline is next Tuesday for international students

[captiv8ed]

Gee you had me in a panic there for a second. I am a domestic student and ours aren't due until the 15th of January. But UW's is due 12-15, so I will have the statement done by then.

[swisnieski]

I'm applying to IUB as well. Mine went just a little over (514 words) but I don't think they'd boot my application because of an extra sentence or two. Cutting it was hard or doable -- I basically cut out details and just gave broad overviews. My application, LORs, and writing sample (I included a link to my senior thesis, which is available online, in my SOP) will give the details.

[a fragrant plant]

Gee you had me in a panic there for a second. I am a domestic student and ours aren't due until the 15th of January. But UW's is due 12-15, so I will have the statement done by then.

Good luck for the UW. It's a great school. I also know people doing sociology there.

[a fragrant plant]

I'm applying to IUB as well. Mine went just a little over (514 words) but I don't think they'd boot my application because of an extra sentence or two. Cutting it was hard or doable -- I basically cut out details and just gave broad overviews. My application, LORs, and writing sample (I included a link to my senior thesis, which is available online, in my SOP) will give the details.

Hiya, I just cut it down to 555. I think an extra 55 words should be fine.

[_alyssaryan_]

Thankfully, IUB's CMCL program asks for a statement of 700 words... Although, my current SoP for Minnesota is 900. Shouldn't be too bad...

What's going to be really tricky is cutting it down to 250 words for Ok State. How am I supposed to "identify a proposed area of study, reasons for undertaking graduate study in this area, relevant work experience, and future career plans" in 250 words?!

[captiv8ed]

Thanks Peanut!

Right now I am working on Iowa's, which is a luxurious 2 pages and has many prompts to answer.

[a fragrant plant]

Hi IUB fellows, anyone mind reading my SOP? Please let me know and I'll PM the statement to you.

[captiv8ed]

PM me

[a fragrant plant]

SUBMITTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

My final version contains 582 words.

I emailed the department and they said as long as it doesn't exceed 2 pages it will be fine!

Edited December 1, 2009 by peanuttheanthro

[Amanda]

SUBMITTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

Yay, it must be so nice to have it behind you!