PhD Dropout Applying to Unrelated Master's Program. How to explain it on SOP? I dropped out of a PhD program four years ago after one semester in good standing and am now preparing an application for a master's program in an unrelated field.  Obviously, I have to submit my transcripts from all universities, and my quitting will raise some questions.  So, what can I say in my statement of purpose (or anywhere, I suppose) that will put my quitting in the best possible light?

Thanks in advance for all your help!
Tell the truth - whether that be it was too hard, you lost interest, you had a disagreement with the adviser, it was a financial hardship, you had personal or family issues come up, etc. etc. Whatever the reason, just tell the truth. The admissions committee have probably read enough personal statements to read between the lines. Sort of like how in a job interview if you said "I left because it wasn't a good fit", chances are you had a disagreement with your boss (or something like that).