SOP length

[kbean]

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So, one of my schools says they would like an SOP "of about 600 words." After cutting my 1500-word statement to 800 words, I cannot get rid of any more. I just can't. Do we think 800 is too far above 600 for me to submit this?

 

[RejectClinical]

So, one of my schools says they would like an SOP "of about 600 words." After cutting my 1500-word statement to 800 words, I cannot get rid of any more. I just can't. Do we think 800 is too far above 600 for me to submit this?

dont worry.....it does depend on the program, but i really dont think they'll notice.

i had one app that said they would prefer if the statements werent over 500 (who can do that btw??) and i submitted a 750....and received an interview this week

i would just send it in as is 800 is fine

 

[buzzworm]

It might be worth checking. I called to ask one of my schools how strictly they stuck to their 500-word limit, and their response was, "Well, I guess it can be a little over 500... but we'll definitely cut it off after 600."

 

[deadmau5]

600 double spaced is less than 2 pages... maybe try to cut it back to 2 pages double spaced.

 

[JockNerd]

Having 800 when you should have 600 is a lot more noticeable than having 2200 when you should have 2000. Cut it down.

 

[neuropsyance]

i had one app that said they would prefer if the statements werent over 500 (who can do that btw??)

You think that's hard? I've got an application I'm trying to finish tonight that asks for 300!

 

[CanPsychGirl]

What about schools that don't list any maximum length? What is a reasonable length? I think I may have gotten a bit carried away, mine is about 1700 words 😳

 

[kbean]

You think that's hard? I've got an application I'm trying to finish tonight that asks for 300!

That's just cruel and unusual.

 

[buzzworm]

You think that's hard? I've got an application I'm trying to finish tonight that asks for 300!

That's horrible! It took me forever just to get mine down to 500. But of course by that point I was on such a roll, cutting out every other word, that I swear I could've gotten the entire thing down to a sentence if I kept going.

 

[PhDToBe]

i had one that could not exceed 500 words, which i really could not do...so i wrote 500 words, and then added that some of my experiences/positions were described on my resume, and sent that in, as well.

 

[doktor yoyo]

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[psychem]

Fordham's didn't want an essay more than 500 words. I thought this was absurd, so I contacted the office. they said the word count should not go over 500. (note the period, lol).

Oops...they may not be too happy with me then...

 

[jenn1015]

What about schools that don't list any maximum length? What is a reasonable length? I think I may have gotten a bit carried away, mine is about 1700 words 😳

I wouldn't go over 2 pages, whatever the word count is. You can always make the margins smaller, or use 11 pt font instead of 12.

 

[psychapps]

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[hamsterpants]

I agree with jenn105. Most of my schools had limits, and all were in the 500-1000 word/2 pages range. Seems to be what schools are looking for.

In my opinion, sending a super-long essay has two risks: having the reader get frustrated halfway through, or having the reader think you don't know how to write concisely/edit your writing.

or having them think you don't read/ follow directions.

 

[PsychPhDone]

I went rogue and completely disregarded word limits.

 

[doktor yoyo]

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[LGPsychology]

Syracuse says "about 500 words." Working on it right now, giving me a headache ha ha.