如何写好一篇PS的十个“要做”
作为中国学生，我们中的大部分人从小便习惯于中考、会考、高考等各种大大小小考试的存在，也在这种一元制标准录取体制中理所应当地认为升学是完全按照分数高低排序来进行录取的。然而，录取委员并不能看到分数的背后每一个个体的特殊性、思维和潜力。
那么，申请西方院校就可以很好地化解这种矛盾，考试中所不能衡量的那些个性化的素质可以通过申请文书来体现。申请材料中的文书就像是一个替身，代替申请人在评委会面前展示一个更加全面的立体的自己，而个人陈述personal statement正是这些文书中最自由和个性化的一种，一份好的PS可以起到四两拨千斤的作用，通过对自己学术抱负、个人经历、目前成就、未来目标的生动描述可以对申请起到很大的帮助。
我们在写PS的时候，应该力求新颖别致、不落俗套，可以想象一下，外国的教授到申请高峰期的时候会后收到世界各地申请者的文书和材料，面对着堆积如山的材料我们要不得不让自己的想法有个性地体现在文书上，从而让人有耐心地看下去。所谓personal，就是要求申请者写出自己的个人特色，一个独一无二的你。
今天，我们来分享来自native speaker的建议，如何写好一篇PS的十个“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?