Writing a Personal Statement when undecided about area of research

AI Thread Summary
When writing personal statements for graduate school applications, it's acceptable to express uncertainty about specific research areas, especially in fields like experimental physics. Applicants can mention their interest in the university due to its diverse research opportunities, even if they are undecided about a particular focus. It's important to convey genuine motivation and understanding of the program, demonstrating that you've researched the faculty and their work. While some professors may prefer candidates with clear research interests, many programs appreciate applicants who show thoughtfulness about their goals and an openness to explore various areas. Overall, applicants should aim to articulate their interests and the reasons for choosing a specific school, while acknowledging their evolving academic journey.
blondie68
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I'm writing personal statements for my grad school applications, and in most of the threads in this forum giving advice for personal statements, they say to add a paragraph talking about specifically what research at that university interests you, and what professors you might like to work with.

However, while I know that I want to work in experimental physics, I'm not particularly attached to any area of physics, though I've done research in both High Energy and Gravitational Wave Physics. I assume I'm not going to be able to mention specific professors, but is it okay to say that I'm applying to a particular university because while I'm undecided, they have several areas of physics that I might be interested in exploring?

Any advice on how to handle the personal statement when undecided about the area of research would be appreciated.
 
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Yes, I would say it is OK to say that you are not entirely certain of what area of physics you like to do and then mention that you are applying to such and such a school because they have strong research groups in the areas that do interest you. This is what I did in my SOP last year and I got into 6 schools.
 
This can go either way, I now a lot of Profs who will filter potential grad students based on the SOP. It probably depends on the school and whether or not the PI can afford to be picky about accepting incoming students. At very least I would suggest looking into several research areas at the school that interest you, and essentially let them know why you are applying to their program.
 
If it helps, it's okay to change your mind once you're in.

What they're generally looking for is that you've put some thought into what you want to do, that you understand what you're getting yourself into and you're motivated enough to make it through graduate school, that you've investigated the opportunities that particular school has available, and that your interests in their program are genuine.
 
I'm having this same problem. It seems like they want me to know exactly what I want to study and have a thesis topic ready to go. Hopefully this isn't really true, or I won't be getting in.
 
Phyisab**** said:
It seems like they want me to know exactly what I want to study and have a thesis topic ready to go.

I'd be interested in knowing what specifically they said that makes you conclude that.
 
Most of applications I filled out had areas which asked for the topic I intended to focus on.
 
OK, so how do you get from "what topic do you want to focus on" to "now exactly what I want to study and have a thesis topic ready to go"?
 
You caught me in an exaggeration. They want me to have a good idea of what topic I want to study, and I have none.
 

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