SOP question

[i_broke_it_]

I am applying to a MA program for English literature. Should I address the fact that I was a religious studies major, and not an English major, in my SOP? I took plenty of English classes, and I have a lot to talk about as far as what I've read/ what my interests are. Talking about it just seems out of place.

Comments

[bujakalaka]

I was in a similar position as you, having double majored in philosophy and english, but only deciding to do english for the second two years of college. I was told that I should definitely address the philosophy stuff, and, therefore I recommend to you that you should definitely address the religious studies stuff. But what you need to do is spin it such that it somehow informs your interest in literary studies, or talk about how you gained a unique skill in your religious studies that is not covered in an English curriculum, and talk about how that makes you uniquely interesting as an applicant. The good news is that if you were serious about studying religion, chances are very good that you did develop a unique skill that can be applied to literary studies that, at the same time, almost no one else in your position will possess, so it should be more a matter of searching and thinking than making up something false.

[shaydlip]

Yes.

[huntinggirl]

I agree with Bujakalaka. I'm applying for an MA in English as well, and I'm going to mention my experience in history (it's my second major).

One question for you, if you don't mind! Do you need references from professors?

[i_broke_it_]

I do. I'm getting some really good ones- 2 from professors in the English dept I'm applying to, and one from one of my religious studies profs. Those are one thing I'm not worried about!