7

This question is about statement of purpose (s.o.p).

I am not sure that whether it is advisable to write exactly one s.o.p. for all the schools or to write for each school exactly one s.o.p.? Does this really matter? Would the reviewers of a school judge applicants by their understanding of the school?

I really need judicious suggestions.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I assume you are talking about a document that is part of your application to universities (e.g. for a PhD), which would be called a research statement here in the UK. Then the answer is simple: you want to maximise your chances of each application. So invest the extra effort and make individual documents to maximise your chances.

Different departments have different priorities, so you want to emphasise how your plans fit to the research agenda of each place you are applying to. While it may be convenient to send the same SOP to each place, you can show that you have researched the place you are applying to and at least modify the SOP to fit to the place you are applying to.

Improve this answer
3
  • 2
    If you do things properly, you shouldn't need to write an entirely new essay for each school. It should be sufficient to have a section where you talk about the specific program, which you can then tailor to each school.
    – aeismail
    Commented Sep 20, 2014 at 16:03
  • 1
    I would think the statement of purpose was closer to the cover letter than to the research statement, though I only have experience with postdoc applications.
    – Tobias Kildetoft
    Commented Sep 20, 2014 at 17:56
  • Ah thanks. Cover letter, an interesting point.
    – Yes
    Commented Sep 20, 2014 at 23:47

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .