Just started writing my SOP. Many of the places I am applying to do not have a word limit for the required SOP.
I want to keep my SOP as brief and to the point as possible so that it doesn't just get glossed over. What should absolutely be in my SOP?
What belongs in a SOP?
Re: What belongs in a SOP?
Here's a paraphrased version of what UCLA asks for in their Statement of Purpose, which I think is a pretty solid outline.
- Aptitude and preparation for the program
- Purpose for applying to the program
- Experiences that have prepared you for this program, what you have learned from those experiences
- Outcomes of these experiences (presentations, posters, papers, talks, etc) that would support my potential to contribute to the field (this seems like more of a CV thing, but, they ask for it here)
- Academic interests, subfields, interdisciplinary interests, potential faculty members
- Why this program is the best place to achieve your academic goals, why you are a good fit for the program
- Post-PhD plans
- If relevant, additional past experience (employment, teaching, artistic, or international experiences that have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, or teamwork)
That being said, they also ask for a "personal history statement" where you talk more about your personal background and barriers you have overcome, which I think is also an important angle to include in the SoP if you only have one essay. Including info about yourself outside of research will help a reader see more of an identity in you as an applicant and will, I think, help your application stand out even if it does make it longer.
- Aptitude and preparation for the program
- Purpose for applying to the program
- Experiences that have prepared you for this program, what you have learned from those experiences
- Outcomes of these experiences (presentations, posters, papers, talks, etc) that would support my potential to contribute to the field (this seems like more of a CV thing, but, they ask for it here)
- Academic interests, subfields, interdisciplinary interests, potential faculty members
- Why this program is the best place to achieve your academic goals, why you are a good fit for the program
- Post-PhD plans
- If relevant, additional past experience (employment, teaching, artistic, or international experiences that have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, or teamwork)
That being said, they also ask for a "personal history statement" where you talk more about your personal background and barriers you have overcome, which I think is also an important angle to include in the SoP if you only have one essay. Including info about yourself outside of research will help a reader see more of an identity in you as an applicant and will, I think, help your application stand out even if it does make it longer.