PS 和 SOP 是有区别的

; Statement of Purpose (SOP): The Statement of Purpose should be a concise, well-written statement about an applicant’s academic and research background, career goals, and how this graduate program will help meet career and educational objectives.

; Personal Statement (PS): The Personal Statement is an essay about how an applicant’s background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, and educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated the decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if an applicant grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, they might discuss the impact this had on their development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to the decision to seek a graduate degree.

这是Umich ME
对SOP和PS的解释
并且UMich
要求同时提交SOP和PS{:7_190:}

真相在这里me.engin.umich.edu

另外，berkely的ME也要求同时提交SOP和PS{:4_102:}

To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you fill in the required personal details on the online application system, submit transcripts, your statement of purpose, and your personal statement well before the 11:59pm deadline.
真相在这里me.berkeley.edu