作為中國學(xué)生，我們中的大部分人從小便習(xí)慣于中考、會(huì)考、高考等各種大大小小考試的存在，也在這種一元制標(biāo)準(zhǔn)錄取體制中理所應(yīng)當(dāng)?shù)卣J(rèn)為升學(xué)是完全按照分?jǐn)?shù)高低排序來進(jìn)行錄取的。然而，錄取委員并不能看到分?jǐn)?shù)的背后每一個(gè)個(gè)體的特殊性、思維和潛力。

那么，申請(qǐng)西方院校就可以很好地化解這種矛盾，考試中所不能衡量的那些個(gè)性化的素質(zhì)可以通過申請(qǐng)文書來體現(xiàn)。申請(qǐng)材料中的文書就像是一個(gè)替身，代替申請(qǐng)人在評(píng)委會(huì)面前展示一個(gè)更加全面的立體的自己，而個(gè)人陳述personal statement正是這些文書中最自由和個(gè)性化的一種，一份好的PS可以起到四兩撥千斤的作用，通過對(duì)自己學(xué)術(shù)抱負(fù)、個(gè)人經(jīng)歷、目前成就、未來目標(biāo)的生動(dòng)描述可以對(duì)申請(qǐng)起到很大的幫助。

我們?cè)趯慞S的時(shí)候，應(yīng)該力求新穎別致、不落俗套，可以想象一下，外國的教授到申請(qǐng)高峰期的時(shí)候會(huì)后收到世界各地申請(qǐng)者的文書和材料，面對(duì)著堆積如山的材料我們要不得不讓自己的想法有個(gè)性地體現(xiàn)在文書上，從而讓人有耐心地看下去。所謂personal，就是要求申請(qǐng)者寫出自己的個(gè)人特色，一個(gè)獨(dú)一無二的你。

今天，我們來分享來自native speaker的建議，如何寫好一篇PS的十個(gè)“要做”。

1. Write for your audience

Your audience are course leaders, university admissions staff, and lecturers most likely between the age of 30 and 50. We're pretty on trend, but you may need to unpack a few things for us, especially when talking about your interests. This makes us happy.

2. Plan and draft

You wouldn't dive into an essay without taking a moment to reflect on your approach - it's the same with your personal statement. It's best to get a first draft written as soon as possible, so you have something to work with. Don't get it right the first time, get it written.

3. Explain why you want to study your subject

Are your course choices related to career aspirations? Or related to academic or work experience? Show you know what your subject will involve and how it relates to your interests.

4. Talk about your interests

Your interests say a lot about you and can often be associated with your chosen subject. Use them to show that you are suitable for the course.

5. Say what you can offer to the course and your future classmates

What will you bring to the table? Is it a wider understanding of your subject, relevant outside interests, or empathy with others? Demonstrate your unique qualities with examples and express how they can benefit others on the course.

6. Evidence your points

You wouldn't make a statement in an essay without backing it up - it's the same for a personal statement. Anything you say should be supported with examples, this also helps the reader build a more accurate picture of you.

7. Listen to your teachers

Your teachers have seen hundreds of personal statements over the years. They are the best people to tell you what works.

8. Break it up

500 words isn't very much, but can look rather inaccessible in one A4 chunk. Use 4- 5 paragraphs to discuss different themes and make your work easier on the eye.

9. Write in short sentences and plain English

Avoid long and complicated sentences. Your reader will have a lot of statements to get through and will only spend about five minutes on yours. Being clear and concise wins you favour.

10. Remember that your personal statement is the only thing that separates you from others with the same grades

Use your personal statement to sell yourself. Talk about the story outside the grades. What drives you? What sets you apart from everyone else?