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How do I mention an unfinished MSc/PhD in my SOP when applying for a new graduate school position?
Here is how you can go about it (with sample paragraphs you can modify and expand upon):
- A THREAD
#AcademicChatter #phdchat #BigDaddyTweets
Here is how you can go about it (with sample paragraphs you can modify and expand upon):
- A THREAD
#AcademicChatter #phdchat #BigDaddyTweets
2) The first question is to ask: Should I even mention it in my SOP?
True, there are instances when situations beyond your control renders you incapable of completing a program. In such circumstances, mentioning this is good as you have a good case.
True, there are instances when situations beyond your control renders you incapable of completing a program. In such circumstances, mentioning this is good as you have a good case.
3) However, if your abandoning a program is as a result of your recklessness or immaturity, then you need to take responsibility. Again should you report this? I'll say yes BUT on the condition you have demonstrated evidences of improved maturity and capacity.
4) In any case, when reporting this, you want to be sure that you aren't putting your advisor to the sword or making yourself look really untidy and incapable of managing projects. Also, you want to make your prospective supervisor confident that past events wouldn't re-occur.
5) Here is a sample paragraph by Barbara Robson, a former research manager:
“I first began a PhD with Dr Sven Innig in 2013. The experience confirmed for me that I find research fascinating and rewarding, but unfortunately was interrupted by Dr Innig’s sudden death...
“I first began a PhD with Dr Sven Innig in 2013. The experience confirmed for me that I find research fascinating and rewarding, but unfortunately was interrupted by Dr Innig’s sudden death...
6)... So, rather than continue under another advisor, I accepted a job offer with… but now, with that experience having strengthened my leadership and communication skills, I would like to return to research.”
Another example that may apply to you is
Another example that may apply to you is
7) "I began a PhD immediately after my undergraduate degree in 2004. My progress was not what I’d hoped and I realise in retrospect that this was because I had not yet developed strong time management skills.
8) 15 years of industry experience, including as a PMB-certified project manager of several major projects that were completed on time and within budget despite tight deadlines, has given me the skills that I need to be confident in embarking upon a new PhD."
Here's another
Here's another
9) “I began a PhD in 2013 but found myself unable to continue to satisfactorily progress it after the birth of my daughter. I left on good terms with my advisor, who would be happy to provide a letter of reference, and now that my daughter has started school, I would like to...
10) ...return to research.”
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WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT SOUND LIKE (Sample):
When I started my PhD, I thought I was going to be working on something interesting. However, after two years, I realized that my thesis topic is boring and my supervisor is both bad and unsupportive.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT SOUND LIKE (Sample):
When I started my PhD, I thought I was going to be working on something interesting. However, after two years, I realized that my thesis topic is boring and my supervisor is both bad and unsupportive.
11) If this ever crosses your mind, take a deep breathe, reject the spirit of your village people (don't let them win) and rearticulate your thoughts.
Inherently, a PIs grant money is not charity. It's money for actual work that must be delivered within a time frame.
Inherently, a PIs grant money is not charity. It's money for actual work that must be delivered within a time frame.
12) Also, the money must be justified in terms of payments for personnel and resources. So, understand it will both hurt you and the PI in the end. You don't want to use someone's 2 years of resources just because village people changed your mood. That mood must agendate.
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