Mentioning parents in SOP

[meta4]

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I'm struggling with my statement of purpose opening. I want to write about the influence my parents had on me as scientists, and how that made me want a career in research.

I think it will show that I have really passion for the field and that I know what I'm getting myself into. But I'm a little worried that it might make it seem as if I'm too dependent on my parents or like my interest in research isn't really my own.

Should I find something new to write about?

 

[deuce22]

I'm struggling with my statement of purpose opening. I want to write about the influence my parents had on me as scientists, and how that made me want a career in research.

I think it will show that I have really passion for the field and that I know what I'm getting myself into. But I'm a little worried that it might make it seem as if I'm too dependent on my parents or like my interest in research isn't really my own.

Should I find something new to write about?

I think its fine to mention somewhere in your SoP that you're family has had an impact on your decision to pursue graduate school (either by their unconditional support as you pursue the next academic level or the model they provided which informed your desire to follow the same path, etc.), but I would definitely not dedicate a whole paragraph to it. A line or two should be sufficient.

The SoP is about you, so don't convince the selection committee otherwise. I'm sure (at least I would think there is if you are in pursuit of an MA/PhD) there's plenty of other information from your background that would paint a better picture of why you are truly interested in psychology than because your parents like it. An active voice is critical, so make sure that you own everything you put forth in the essay and don't attribute your reasoning behind pursuing graduate school to anyone else but you.

Good Luck!

 

[KillerDiller]

As long as you don't say "Mom and Dad told me to write that...", it should be fine.

 

[deleted176373]

I'm struggling with my statement of purpose opening. I want to write about the influence my parents had on me as scientists, and how that made me want a career in research.

I think it will show that I have really passion for the field and that I know what I'm getting myself into. But I'm a little worried that it might make it seem as if I'm too dependent on my parents or like my interest in research isn't really my own.

Should I find something new to write about?

It's fine to say that, if it adds something valuable to the story.

The question I have is, why is it important for the admissions committee to know this about you?

How does it make you a standout candidate for their program?

When writing the personal statement, you want them to know and like you, and talking about your parents may humanize you. So certainly it can be a valid topic... However, I didn't mention my parents and still got in.

Mark

 

[JuniperTree]

"Hi, my name is Erica Skinner, and despite my lineage as a direct descendant from Jean Piaget, I had always insisted that psychology was the one field that held little interest for me. However, [insert what changed your mind and made for your professed passion for psychology and wish to enter academia.]

 

[G Costanza]

I think it's fine as long as it speaks to why [university] is the perfect match for you. Everything that you write should be geared towards being a good fit.
If it's about how you came to be passionate about psych, than it's probably not worth it. IMHO, they don't care about your hx as much as where you are going. Everyone applying loves psychology and it's a given, otherwise they wouldn't apply. Speak to why your experiences show that you can contribute to their program and their program is what you are looking for.

 

[hunter123]

I've worked with a lot of students on personal statements for grad school. You can mention it, but my recommendation would be to think about specifically what made them influence you to go into psych? Was it an interaction you can remember? Was it going to their work places? Was there a discussion you had?

You can frame anything in the right way, and it could be an interesting opening if you can tell a short story about one experience related to your parents that really solidified your interest in the field of psychology. You would then need to build on that for the rest of your statement and tie in fit, etc. If you have additional questions, feel free to pm me.

 

[CheetahGirl]

"Hi, my name is Erica Skinner, and despite my lineage as a direct descendant from Jean Piaget, I had always insisted that psychology was the one field that held little interest for me. However, [insert what changed your mind and made for your professed passion for psychology and wish to enter academia.]

always insisted...

To the OP, I agree with the one or two lines if it adds something unique and you want the admissions committees to know this about you. I wrote about my parents because I wanted them to ask me more in an interview (which they did). Then, I had the chance to elaborate in person. My mention of parents allowed me to discuss some personal trauma, family values, and work ethics.

Graduate school will infantilize you enough...no need to get a jump start on the process. Describe yourself as an individual adult, not someone who's gonna grow up to be a psychologist...see "So You Want a PhD in Clinical Psychology" http://youtu.be/9ZaLipDgFZQ

Yeah, meta4, two parents as scientists could definately give you insight into how research requires patience, dedication, and an enduring soul....

Good luck!

 

[Jegg]

Writing about your parents is great! You could even write the whole paper about your parents as a dedication!

BTW, my parents told me to post this....

 

[crim84]

Writing about your parents is great! You could even write the whole paper about your parents as a dedication!

BTW, my parents told me to post this....

lol what great humor! 🙂