Physics GRE Discussion Forums

I know that I shouldn't turn it into a lit review, so I shouldn't cite too much. But is it sometimes a good idea to cite the literature? (especially parts of the literature that really interest me?) What if I propose some ideas as well?

I know that I should mostly talk about what I *did*, but many people do put in a separate section describing what they also want to do.

Personally I don't think the SOP is the place to be writing a research proposal. You may have some good ideas but it's really not the right forum. I'd save that stuff for your fellowship applications.

That's true. But what about simply citing a few papers just to show what you're most interested in? (although that would require a small footnote section) Or it might not, since I could simply say "X's [title] paper.

InquilineKea wrote:That's true. But what about simply citing a few papers just to show what you're most interested in? (although that would require a small footnote section) Or it might not, since I could simply say "X's [title] paper.

Yeah, I don't think they'll be super concerned about all the details of what you are interested in. Remember, although it is a statement of purpose for you, it is truly a statement of purpose for them. They would rather see why you will be successful in research rather than what specific research you want to do.

-Riley

InquilineKea wrote:That's true. But what about simply citing a few papers just to show what you're most interested in? (although that would require a small footnote section) Or it might not, since I could simply say "X's [title] paper.

Just keep it simple. "Professor XX's research into Y really fits my interests in ...."

If you want to show you know much more about a particular professors research, and you have a strong attraction to it, you should email the professor directly. He/She will likely be the only person at the university to care about that level of detail in your research interests.

Oh okay I see. Thanks for all the replies!

If you want to show you know much more about a particular professors research, and you have a strong attraction to it, you should email the professor directly. He/She will likely be the only person at the university to care about that level of detail in your research interests.

Ah yes that's definitely a very good idea.