教授想要从PS中寻找的6大关键特性

 To a large degree, the particular graduate program you are applying to willdictate the content of a successful application essay. However, certainqualities of these essays apply equally to all fields. Admissions committeemembers are looking for interesting, insightful, revealing, and non-genericessays that suggest you have successfully gone through a process of carefulreflection and self-examination. Your essay should offer a very thorough,probing, and analytical look at yourself and your objectives. 1、Insight Into Your Character ( 洞察你的个性特征) When we say "non-generic" above, we mean a personal statement that only youcould have written, one that does not closely resemble what otherapplicants are likely writing. You achieve this type of statement by beingpersonal and analytical. Don't waste space on superficial generalizationsabout your life. Instead, give the reader specific, personal details sothat he or she will be able to understand your character and motivation. Then analyze those details in a way that drives home clear, illuminatingpoints. 2、Sincerity （真实） Don't focus too heavily on what you think admissions officers want to see,at the expense of conveying your own message in your unique way. Beyourself rather than pretending to be the "ideal" applicant. Inundated withcountless cliché-ridden essays, admissions committees respond veryfavorably to honesty. Don't be afraid to reveal yourself. Admissionsofficers are interested in finding out about who you are, and they appreciate candor. Sincerity is important to stress because it's hard for most of us toachieve, despite the fact that it seems so simple. The pressures andanxieties of the situation have locked us into a mindset that prevents usfrom writing honestly. Further, because we are not used to writing about ourselves and being soclose to the subject, we cannot assess the sincerity of our own writing.Thousands of students every year will read this same advice, whether in aguidebook or even in the application instructions themselves, but theysimply will not be able to put it into practice. If you can be one of thefew who truly understand what it means to be sincere, then you will alreadyhave separated yourself from the pack in a crucial way.You might question how a reader who doesn't know you can judge yourstatement's sincerity. The basis for judgment usually lies in the contextyour reader has developed from reading hundreds or thousands of other essays. Assessing your essay against others is one essential area in whichwe can offer a more critical eye than your friends, relatives, or teacherswho have not accumulated the expertise specific to the personal statement. Moreover, our perspective in reading your essay is just as objective asyour admissions reader's perspective will be.3、Background and Motivation （综合背景和学习动机） Detail your interest in and exposure to your particular discipline in athoughtful way. You are aspiring to become a professional in your field;therefore, you should express an interest in contributing something novelto it. Make clear that you have a realistic perception of what this fieldentails. Refer to experiences (work, research, etc.), classes,conversations with people in the field, books you've read, seminars you'veattended, or any other sources of specific information about the career youwant and why you're suited for it. Remember not to make this a laundry listin which you rattle off impressive names or theories. Any specific peopleor ideas you mention should be thoughtfully addressed and seamlesslyinterwoven into the essay as a whole. 4、（目标） When you were applying to colleges, no one expected you to be certain aboutyour future. At the graduate level, however, you need to demonstrate a moremature sense of what you want to do, and how the program you're applying tofits in with that intended path. Although admissions officers are wellaware that people's goals will change, they at least want to see some senseof direction so they can evaluate your self-awareness and commitment. "I seek a sense of commitment, a sense of discipline, and a sensepecifically of what the student wants to do. I don't think it's advisablefor anyone to write that he or she just loves English literature and wantsto read and write. People have to know what field they want or are most likely to work in, orwhat specific kinds of projects they want to pursue in a field."-Graduate English Department, UCLA"I think the main thing is to see whether the student is aware of and hasthought about the field to which he or she is applying." -Graduate Engineering Program, California Institute of Technology 5、Attributes of the Program （专业特征） Explain why the particular school's unique features attract you. Again,graduate study is much more focused than undergraduate work; it's not atime for unbounded exploration. For your own sake, you need to determinewhether a specific program meets your needs, and sharing what you discoverwith the schools can show them why you're a good fit. Do the researchnecessary to find out what sets your choice apart from other universitiesor programs. Do not, however, waste space on empty praise. For example, don't citethe "world-renowned faculty" and "diverse student body" as your mainreasons, because these are trite, obviously prepackaged points that youcould say about any school. Instead, refer to specific courses or uniqueaspects of the curriculum, and show an interest in specific clubs ororganizations. "You really have to let the admissions committee know what it is about thisprogram in particular that interests you." -The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, PrincetonUniversity "It helps for the student to have done some research on the universitybeing applied to. It is easy to differentiate an applicant who really wantsto come here because of our special resources from someone whose knowledgeof the program comes simply by way of the brochure we send to allinterested applicants." -Graduate English Department, UCLA6、Writing Ability （写作能力） Again, the importance of writing ability varies according to differentprograms. A great flair for language will not get you admitted into abiochemistry program, but it's still essential to demonstrate strongwritten communication skills. On the other hand, you should also keep inmind that a well-written essay makes its points clearly and forcefully, soyour content benefits as well. Good writing means more than the ability to construct grammaticalsentences. You also must create a coherent structure and ensure proper flowas the piece progresses. Because the process of developing ideas andputting them down on paper is so intimate and personal, all writers end upneeding editors to assess the effectiveness of their product. You shouldconsult people whose writing you respect for advice or even more hands-onhelp