Mentioning a prior application in the SOP?

[georgica2]

I'm re-applying to a couple of programs after being rejected last year and wondering what everyone thinks about discussing a prior application in the SOP. I'm inclined to mention it -- I've addressed a lot of the glaring weaknesses of my prior application and I think my application is substantially stronger (at least I'd like to think so...) this time around. Does this seem like a major mistake? Or a waste of space? They're going to know I'm applying for the 2nd time anyway, so I figured might as well discuss how I'm more prepared now than before. Any opinions?

[fuzzylogician]

I'm re-applying to a couple of programs after being rejected last year and wondering what everyone thinks about discussing a prior application in the SOP. I'm inclined to mention it -- I've addressed a lot of the glaring weaknesses of my prior application and I think my application is substantially stronger (at least I'd like to think so...) this time around. Does this seem like a major mistake? Or a waste of space? They're going to know I'm applying for the 2nd time anyway, so I figured might as well discuss how I'm more prepared now than before. Any opinions?

This is not from experience, but I figure I'd do the following: (i) write a version I'm happy with and doesn't mention having previously applied. (ii) write a version that does mention the previous application - probably have this point towards the closing, with a short mention of the improvements I've made, while making sure it doesn't sound like I'm making excuses. (iii) give people both versions to read, compare their strengths, and decide which to keep. As you say, they are going to know you applied before and it might be wise to just confront it and say you're doing better now...but not at the expense of actual content, so if you need to cut things out, that would be one thing I'd consider. So, well, it depends. I really think you need to sit down and try both version, and see which works best for you.

[Slorg]

I have no clue, but my opinion is: why draw attention to weak points from last year? Why not just send in a strong application with no mention of the past one?

[jacib]

I'm re-applying to a couple of programs after being rejected last year and wondering what everyone thinks about discussing a prior application in the SOP. I'm inclined to mention it -- I've addressed a lot of the glaring weaknesses of my prior application and I think my application is substantially stronger (at least I'd like to think so...) this time around. Does this seem like a major mistake? Or a waste of space? They're going to know I'm applying for the 2nd time anyway, so I figured might as well discuss how I'm more prepared now than before. Any opinions?

I doubt they'll remember, though they might notice the little box you checked. Who knows if they'll care and then "look for improvement"? I wouldn't mention it as "since my last application, I've done xyz" but instead I'd say, "Over the past year, I have .... "

[rising_star]

They may remember, they may not. When I emailed a prospective advisor prior to applying to PhD programs, she basically disregarded my latest email with research interests and questions and said, "Didn't you email me two years ago [when I was applying to MA programs]? Here's the response I sent you then. Have a great day!" Ignoring the fact that it was a totally a**hat email, especially since my research interests had changed quite a bit, I'm imagining that if she's on an adcomm she would remember the app from the year before.