Questions about SOP for the SOP-experts.

[brickcitie]

-Is it generally a good idea to mention a [some] paper[s] that interests you and is relevant to either your research interests of past research projects? I ask because I am currently writing a master's thesis and I'm considering mentioning a paper which has been instrumental in this formative stages of my own thesis.

-What if the authors of the paper are professors at the school you are applying to? I'm not sure, but it seems like that might be laying it on a little too thick.

-Is it appropriate to name professors that you have worked with, been advised by, or taken classes with? In my case they are not names that will set off the fire alarms in admissions buildings or econ departments, but they are professors that I have great relationships with, are writing me recommendations, and were instrumental in my development as an economics student.

-I find that my SOP is extremely chronological, and not organized a la intro>>educ background>>prior research>>future research interests>>why i want to go to XXXX univ. Is this a problem? I'm fairly happy with the organization, but I'm concerned that if it is merely skimmed and not read in its entirety some of the important points may be glossed over.

Thanks for the help.

[Harry Lime]

"SOP-experts"? I think you're on the wrong forum.

[brickcitie]

Oh, right. Thanks for the semantics warning.

[rthunder27]

That's pretty much how my SOP is organized as well. Intro, undergrad, grad, research history, future research interests, why that school is right. I think it's the natural way to organize an SOP, but no idea if it is "right".

[taurenchieftain]

This is how mine is organized as well. Although I put undergrad and grad into one paragraph, since they are basically all about coursework. I have a research assistantship which really inspired me, so I put that in one paragraph, and then wrote how that inspired me to write a thesis and blablabla about my thesis and other research projects. My research interests and why that school are in one big concluding paragraph, since I thought it flows more naturally that way and it would seem more like I actually thought serious why the school fits me

[aliceav23]

And how much about yourself should you write, like about your background, where do you come from.

Also, should you praise yourself too much in this statement like "i was the best of my class"?????

[rthunder27]

It depends on your background specifics. For instance, I was EE in my undergrad, so I felt the need to explain how my interest over the years have shifted to economics. As for discussing your geographic backgound, it depends on the specific essay prompt and if it influenced your economic interests.
No, do not brag like that in your statement of purpose. Your transcripts and other honors should reflect that, no need to say it yourself.

[petecheese]

And how much about yourself should you write, like about your background, where do you come from.

Also, should you praise yourself too much in this statement like "i was the best of my class"?????

Leave the praising to your letter of recommendation writers. Add a few praising sentences in your SOP, but don't go overboard. In the SOP the most important thing is research interests and any relevant research experience. That is what they usually skim too anyways

[maive]

Hi,

I have a question about SOP. Did you put specific questions in your research interests?

[Harry Lime]

Oh, right. Thanks for the semantics warning.

I just meant there are no experts on this forum.. except in real analysis.