STOP making these mistakes if you're writing SoP for graduate school applications:
A thread π§΅
A thread π§΅
1. Merely elaborating your CV.
Students who just expand their CV using blocks of text in their SoP get nowhere.
You need to add the following:
Students who just expand their CV using blocks of text in their SoP get nowhere.
You need to add the following:
β’ What motivated you to pursue those courses/experiences/internships?
β’ What relevant skills did you learn from those experiences?
β’ How will you apply those in your PhD program?
β’ What relevant skills did you learn from those experiences?
β’ How will you apply those in your PhD program?
2. Not starting with a hook-statement.
I have always been saying this:
STORYTELLING works like a charm when you're trying to appeal to someone.
Why?
Storytelling insipires emotions of empathy.
I have always been saying this:
STORYTELLING works like a charm when you're trying to appeal to someone.
Why?
Storytelling insipires emotions of empathy.
The easiest way to frame a story is to recount the experience where you first decided you wanted to pursue field X seriously.
3. Not talking about their FIT with the programs.
If you're planning to write a generic SoP & submit by just changing the name of the university here & there, you're inviting your rejection letter.
You must...
If you're planning to write a generic SoP & submit by just changing the name of the university here & there, you're inviting your rejection letter.
You must...
talk about why you want to pursue research in this department & university particularly.
Tailored SoP >>>>>> Generic SoP
How to describe the fit?
Tailored SoP >>>>>> Generic SoP
How to describe the fit?
β’ Talk about the academic/research fit by mentioning the profs (& their papers) that inspire you.
β’ Talk about the cultural fit with the program.
What does the program value?
Interdisciplinarity?
Inclusivity?
Collaboration?
Sustainability?
Look at their about us section & you'll find out...
What does the program value?
Interdisciplinarity?
Inclusivity?
Collaboration?
Sustainability?
Look at their about us section & you'll find out...
Prove in your SoP that you resonate with these features & would gain from & contribute to them.
β’ Finally, the philosophical fit.
Understand the core philosophies & long-term goals of the university, their motto, & beliefs. Specify how you identify with those & how you'll contribute.
That's all for now!
Need help writing irresistible SoPs? DM me for consultationβοΈ
Understand the core philosophies & long-term goals of the university, their motto, & beliefs. Specify how you identify with those & how you'll contribute.
That's all for now!
Need help writing irresistible SoPs? DM me for consultationβοΈ
Loading suggestions...