PS/SOP
PS是Personal Statement的簡稱,偏重於經歷的東西,即個人的成長,個人求學動機,個人的學習與科研,以及取得的成績等;SOP是Statement of Purpose的簡稱,側重於你的Purpose,即你為什麼要選擇學習這一專業領域?你有哪些相關的學習、科研或者工作經歷?你的學習計劃是什麼?你今後的職業規劃是什麼?你為什麼要選擇申請本校而非他學校?
無論PS還是SOP,多數的美國大學只要求一篇就可以了。但是,像UC Berkeley,Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor要求同時提供PS和SOP,而且告訴你這兩份文書中的任何部分的內容不允許有任何重複的時候,相信不少學生就不知道怎麼寫了。
The Personal History Statement:
In an essay, discuss how your personal background and experiences inform your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
The Personal History Statement is required for all applicants. Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
UC Berkeley Statement of Purpose:
Please describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans or research interests and experiences in your chosen area of study, and your future career goals. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley would be a good intellectual fit for you.
那麼,在對PS/SOP形成了一個基本概念後,我們具體又應該如何寫?該寫些什麼內容?由於很多的學校對PS/SOP的要求大同小異,我們可以歸納出五個部分的內容。在這五部分內容中,有兩部分與申請人迄今為止的學習、實習、科研相關,另外兩部分與申請人今後的學習與科研相關,最後一個部分與申請人和所申請學校之間的關聯度有關。有了這五部分的內容,只要你所申請的專業方向不變,那麼,一份基本的PS/SOP就形成了。