Thank you, I was really confused about the difference between the two. I came up with a ton of ideas about what to write about due to your video - thanks again.
Really helpful video guys. I'm not a science applicant; I'm applying for dual degrees in international relations and law, but I think much of what you've expressed is applicable to my programs. The IR applications almost exclusively ask for statements of purpose, while the law programs ask for personal statements, and I had some questions about how to differentiate between the two. The SoPs have definitely been easier for me to articulate, and the more narrative nature of the PS has given me some trouble. For the law PS, a friend of mine described it as answering the question "why law?", but in a roundabout, personal way. It makes sense to write it as a way of describing your personal experiences and your perspectives on your area of interest.
What about a letter of intent. I am required to write a letter of intent for PhD (law). I am too confused between a letter of intent and a statement of purpose, be it the format or the contents per se.
Hmm if that's the case, I'd think of what the purpose of the program is. If it's a research program, I'd guess it's closer to a statement of purpose format. However if you have any doubts, I'd contact the program to clarify.
If a school is only just asking for a personal statement are they really asking for a research statement / statement of purpose and are just calling a personal statement?
help, please. The University of Ottawa requires a letter of intent for a Ph.D. in Law. I am really confused between SOP and LOI. I searched a lot but even the format is not clear anywhere. Kindly guide.
I have bachelor's degree in engineering then I had my bachelor's degree in Psychology .. Is it a bounce to mention that in my SOP and CV to show how I am really passionate about my major" psychology " or it will be poorly understood????
Thank you for your question! Correct me if I'm wrong, are you saying you had two majors? I don't think it's ever a disadvantage to have experience in multiple fields, but that is just me.
Hi! Thanks for the video. I am reviewing a relative's SOP for PhD. His interest is in a broad area like Computer Security. But at this point he is not sure whether he would like to do it in Software or hardware security. Is that a problem? If so how should it be addressed? Also he has mentioned works/papers of 2-3 school specific professors, should he be writing that he is open to working with others? Or is that a bad idea? Thanks in advance
Hi Damini, I am not sure how the computer security field works. If I were to approach this problem based on the biology field, I would just focus on one to write about. But this is because in biology people almost expect you to change your interests. In biology mentioning being open to working with others is a plus. I'd probably have him ask a professor in the field what their thoughts on this are a they will be more informative.
Could you, please tell us whether you contacted professors before applying? Is it really Important? If they dont answer you email do you think there is a low opportunity to get in that program?
I'd say the best people to ask are other professors who have been on admissions committees. Ask them if they are willing to review the statements and give you feedback.
This video comes exactly at the right time, as I'm currently writing my Statement of Purpose :)
Thank you, I was really confused about the difference between the two. I came up with a ton of ideas about what to write about due to your video - thanks again.
Currently applying to grad programs in Epi with a bad case of writer’s block. Y’all are AWESOME, thank you so much!!!
Really helpful video guys. I'm not a science applicant; I'm applying for dual degrees in international relations and law, but I think much of what you've expressed is applicable to my programs. The IR applications almost exclusively ask for statements of purpose, while the law programs ask for personal statements, and I had some questions about how to differentiate between the two. The SoPs have definitely been easier for me to articulate, and the more narrative nature of the PS has given me some trouble. For the law PS, a friend of mine described it as answering the question "why law?", but in a roundabout, personal way. It makes sense to write it as a way of describing your personal experiences and your perspectives on your area of interest.
Thank you for this info! Perhaps looking at example law personal statements will also clear things up. Best of luck with your applications!
What about a letter of intent. I am required to write a letter of intent for PhD (law). I am too confused between a letter of intent and a statement of purpose, be it the format or the contents per se.
Thank you. Very useful
Thank you for your clarifications!
Can you share a sample or typical structure of these statements
My question is what do i do if my program only requires a personal statement? because i'm dying on it scoob!
Hmm if that's the case, I'd think of what the purpose of the program is. If it's a research program, I'd guess it's closer to a statement of purpose format. However if you have any doubts, I'd contact the program to clarify.
If a school is only just asking for a personal statement are they really asking for a research statement / statement of purpose and are just calling a personal statement?
^^ I am applying for Social Science PhD by the way
I wish I had this in June when I started applying 😭
Wishing you the best of luck in your application!
What’s the differences between research statement, personal statement and statement of purpose
Thank you so much!!
help, please. The University of Ottawa requires a letter of intent for a Ph.D. in Law. I am really confused between SOP and LOI. I searched a lot but even the format is not clear anywhere. Kindly guide.
Just by the name, I guess they're pretty much the same. Purpose and intent are synonyms
I have bachelor's degree in engineering then I had my bachelor's degree in Psychology .. Is it a bounce to mention that in my SOP and CV to show how I am really passionate about my major" psychology " or it will be poorly understood????
Thank you for your question! Correct me if I'm wrong, are you saying you had two majors? I don't think it's ever a disadvantage to have experience in multiple fields, but that is just me.
Hi! Thanks for the video. I am reviewing a relative's SOP for PhD. His interest is in a broad area like Computer Security. But at this point he is not sure whether he would like to do it in Software or hardware security. Is that a problem? If so how should it be addressed? Also he has mentioned works/papers of 2-3 school specific professors, should he be writing that he is open to working with others? Or is that a bad idea? Thanks in advance
Hi Damini, I am not sure how the computer security field works. If I were to approach this problem based on the biology field, I would just focus on one to write about. But this is because in biology people almost expect you to change your interests. In biology mentioning being open to working with others is a plus.
I'd probably have him ask a professor in the field what their thoughts on this are a they will be more informative.
Could you, please tell us whether you contacted professors before applying? Is it really Important? If they dont answer you email do you think there is a low opportunity to get in that program?
I didn't contact any professors. They're very busy people so I wouldn't take it personally.
Thank you. I have one question about how I can describe what science means to me. Do I just talk about my personal story related to science?
Many people do that, yes!
As for personal statement, should I include statements on minority or under-represented groups in higher education?
You don't have to unless it explicitly asks you to, but if it's something that's important to you then feel free.
Did you ever find out? I feel like being a minority would give one an edge
Hi, can you tell me the appropriate length for a personal statement.
Usually 1-2 pages, but the school will usually specify a word limit or page limit.
Hi everyone. Can anyone share a sample or template for both, please? Thank you.
You might want to check this out ua-cam.com/video/5ZUgT5cgTg0/v-deo.html
How do I know that my personal statement or statement of purpose is good enough to get accepted?
I'd say the best people to ask are other professors who have been on admissions committees. Ask them if they are willing to review the statements and give you feedback.
Currently applying to grad programs in Epi with a bad case of writer’s block. Y’all are AWESOME, thank you so much!!!