Personal Statement作为申请研究生的一个重要的文件,虽然学院之间或者专业之间对PS的具体要求可能会有所不同,但是写作PS有一些共同需要遵守的规则。招生办公室对PS非常看重,因为相对于你的GPA来说,PS能使他们看到一个活生生的人。你应该在PS中表现出你独特的背景,阐述你的目标,让他们认为你是对该学院有益的人。
你需要在有限的篇幅内写成一篇好的文书,这里提供一些写作PS的一些小窍门。
要紧凑,有选择性的写作。文书应围绕中心思想写作,而不仅是提供个人简介或列举成就。
要用具体事例来说明你的想法和你的特点。假如你要申请“社会工作”专业,如果你写“我希望成为一个社会工作者因为我喜欢帮助别人”就很老套没有意义;你应该把你参加过的志愿工作具体写出来,并写出这些经验是如何影响你申请该专业的决定。
要突出你做这个专业的学术潜力。
一定要遵守PS的具体要求或者具体问题。
如果必要的话,简单解释你申请资料中不足的地方。
检查,检查,再检查!最好能让其他人来读你的文章。
以下是普林斯顿大学关于PS写作的原文:
You will need to write some form of goal statement or essay as part of the graduate or professional school application process. The requirements for these essays will vary from program to program, but some general rules apply.
Personal statements give you an opportunity to explain parts of your personal, educational, and professional background that have influenced your decision to pursue an advanced degree at a particular institution. Admissions committees rely heavily on these essays, as they paint a more three-dimensional picture of you than do test scores or GPAs. It is critical for you to reflect on the uniqueness of your background and to be specific about your goals, to help the committee feel like they would be gaining a valuable new member to their program. It's also critical that you answer the question they ask!
Effective essays need to say a lot in a fairly limited amount of space. Some tips that might help you in crafting your essays:
Be concise and selective. Focus on common themes and specific goal statements, rather than providing a biography or a list of accomplishments.
Give specific examples that are unique to you - don't generalize. For example, if applying to a program in social work, the following statement (while true) may be read as cliche: "I want to become a social worker because I like to help people." A stronger statement would include a specific example of volunteer work you performed, and how that experience influenced your decision to enter this field -- this will convey genuine enthusiasm and motivation.
Emphasize that the information you are providing demonstrates your potential for this kind of advanced study (just as you must do in a job search, don't forget to "sell your skills").
Follow instructions! Answer the question, and all parts of each question, put forth.
If necessary, explain or address any discrepancies or perceived weaknesses in your record.
Proofread, proofread, proofread! Be sure to have a counselor in Career Services, advisers, and others read your essays. |