Length/prompt for SOP?

[SnowBubble]

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Hi all,

This may be a really dumb question, but it seems most of the schools I'm applying to don't list a SOP length. Also, some schools don't give a prompt or specific questions to answer in the SOP. They just have uploading directions.

I haven't created accounts for these schools yet, so will the word limits and specific questions to answer appear there? Or is there a general rule of thumb to keep them around 1-2 pages single spaced and talk about certain things? Or is this something I should call the school about?

Out of curiosity, have most people already written their statements? Because I feel like I'm pretty behind in the process....

Thanks guys!

 

[BiopsychStudent]

I know a lot of schools are using the banner applications, where the prompts are typically limited to 32,000 characters (my 600 word SOP is about 3,500 characters). Another common convention is a maximum of 500 words (1 page single-spaced). So I think you're on the right track.

The only school I have seen which wants something different is Drexel which asks for a 1500 word SOP "that discusses (and integrates) your research experiences and interests, and how these fit into the Drexel program and into a specific faculty's (or research group's) work in particular".

I suppose it would look a bit foolish to submit a 1000-word statement though, if I run out of things to say, but I'm not sure I can meet 1500 words without embellishing. Not to go off topic, but if a "maximum" number of characters is not given by how much is it acceptable to deviate from the recommended length of an SOP.

 

[Psychology 76]

I too am curious about this. A lot of applications for me just have a place where I can attach a word document and they don't specify length.

When I talk about research and stuff I can easily go over 1000 words before I even talk about the school or career goals so I hope my personal statements are not too long :/

 

[SnowBubble]

thanks biopsychstudent! i guess the range of lengths really differs among schools 🙂

 

[BiopsychStudent]

On a related matter I have a "500 word maximum" statement. I was able to trim it down to about 512 words. While I'm sure I'd be fine if the wording was "of about 500 words" I'm a little worried they're going to take a word count and throw mine in the waste bin for failing to follow their prompt.

How rigid are admissions committees about this kind of thing, usually?

 

[deadmau5]

if not specifically stated, 1500 words max.