Xixixixixixi Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 I think when schools ask for PS or SOP alone, it can almost be about the same thing. However, when a school ask for both PS and SOP, how are they different? I wonder what should I write in each of them. Thanks a lot fellas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrazilianPhD Posted November 20, 2017 Share Posted November 20, 2017 My feeling is that, when they ask for both PS and SOP, it would be something like this: - SOP is to show how your research goals are a match with the program you are applying to. - PS is to show what you can you bring in terms of personality and life experience. Some examples. Comparing your research interests with the papers published by faculty should be in your SOP. Stories about leadership or overcoming difficult times shouldn't be in your SOP, but they might be in your PS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xixixixixixi Posted November 21, 2017 Author Share Posted November 21, 2017 Thank you BrizilianPhD. I get the gist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cilantrophy Posted November 28, 2017 Share Posted November 28, 2017 I think BrazilianPhD already did a great job of explaining the differences between the PS and SOP, but in case you're looking for more info, the Berkeley admissions page is pretty elaborate on the differences between the two and what's expected. See this page for Personal Statement and this page for Statement of Purpose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xixixixixixi Posted December 3, 2017 Author Share Posted December 3, 2017 I think BrazilianPhD already did a great job of explaining the differences between the PS and SOP, but in case you're looking for more info, the Berkeley admissions page is pretty elaborate on the differences between the two and what's expected. See this page for Personal Statement and this page for Statement of Purpose. Thank you! This website is really helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elsenot Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 Unless a school requires you to submit separately a SOP and PS I do not think that you need to change tactics or the basic framework of the document on the basis of how it is named. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harishankar Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Statement of purpose is where you write about your research skills and experiences, internships and reasons for choosing the program where as in personal statement you can be more into detail like about the path you you took to choosing your field and many other aspects that demonstrate your character and potential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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