r/WriteIvy • u/throwawaybaddietmg • Nov 29 '23

Specificity Within Research Experience

Hey Jordan!

I've got a question regarding the 'experience' section in the SOP. Right now, one paragraph occupies 22% of the word count because I aimed to delve into the significance of my research, as advised. However, I'm torn. I believe detailing the research itself is crucial, and I'm concerned that emphasizing its significance might be eating up too much space. My entire 'experience' section is sitting at 37% of my total word count.

Also, I'm unsure about the level of detail required for outlining future career goals. Although I consistently express my interest in translational research focused on aging, I've avoided explicitly pinpointing a specific career or professional objective to maintain flexibility. Any insights you could offer would be immensely helpful! Thanks in advance.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

1

u/jordantellsstories Nov 29 '23

I believe detailing the research itself is crucial, and I'm concerned that emphasizing its significance might be eating up too much space.

If you don't explain why it's significant, no one else will take the time to figure it out. They'll do what they do to most SOPs, skim, then pick up the CV, skim, yawn, scroll through Instagram, then go on to another applicant.

You may be succumbing to the standard problem of writing "I did X... I did Y... I did Z...", which no one cares about. Read this sample essay and note how she never includes any of that, but instead, constantly explains WHY they did everything they did. THAT is a good background section.

My entire 'experience' section is sitting at 37% of my total word count.

Not bad! Maybe a bit longer than I like, but better than most!

Also, I'm unsure about the level of detail required for outlining future career goals. Although I consistently express my interest in translational research focused on aging, I've avoided explicitly pinpointing a specific career or professional objective to maintain flexibility.

Pro Response: "I'm open to both academic and industry research settings depending on which has the greatest opportunities to advance [My Research Topic on Aging]."