<p>for some applications, they ask questions like “describe why you’re applying to this school” or “describe relevant research experience” in “additional information” sections</p>
<p>however, I would elaborate on both in my statement of purpose.</p>
<p>Would it be bad if i answered the questions with “please see my statement of purpose”? or should i try to fill it in the sections?</p>
<p>As a reviewer of applications, I would have no problem with that. However, they are probably doing it for a reason and that is to be able to compare answers to that specific question across applicants. Just to be safe, excerpt your statement to answer the questions and maybe put a parenthetical remark at the bottom that more detail is in your statement.</p>
<p>aoptix, what program are you in?
I haven’t seen anything like that for the 4 schools I am applying for.</p>
<p>Do not say “refer to my statement of purpose.” They’re asking those questions for a reason, even if it’s dumb.</p>
<p>You can either copy and paste what your statement of purpose says, or you can work up a quick summary of that in different language.</p>
<p>The graduate application for Stanford Biosciences had a “briefly state why you’re applying to this program, you may provide more detail in your statement of purpose” in their supplemental information section. I ended up writing a short redundant statement and ended with “Please see my statement of purpose for more information”</p>
<p>Harvard’s BBS application also asked something similar along the lines of “Please describe any project(s) that required independent work on your part and/or laboratories in which you have conducted independent research.” In this case, I ended up just saying “please see my statement of purpose”.</p>