Speaking of PS, you must first know what PS is, what its function is, what it should contain, and what is the measure of quality, right? Secondly, look at how to write well, and don't confuse the order. The most important task in the preparation of writing PS is to define an idea and framework, which is the most important and difficult task. Don't think about how I wrote the language unfathomable and wonderful at the beginning. It's not that the language is not what PS needs, but that the focus is not here at the beginning.
Okay, let's get down to business. The full name of PS is Personal Statement, which means personal statement, also called SoP, purpose statement. Although there are subtle differences in the description and requirements of PS content in different schools, it can generally be understood as PS, that is, personal statement, which is a letter stating the reasons for your personal application and explaining why you think you are suitable for the course you are applying for. The main function of PS is to explain the academic interest, educational experience, practical activities, career planning and other aspects that cannot be reflected in the report card to the school; In this way, if transcripts, language proficiency certificates and other documents build an applicant's skeleton in front of the school, then the main purpose of PS is to add blood and meat to this skeleton, thus building a vivid and unique image of the applicant. Of course, since this is a metaphor, it is only a metaphor, which can only be understood and cannot be expounded. A good PS (please note that it is good, not perfect) should meet the following criteria:
1, clear structure and clear purpose: this is the first point. A good PS must be pleasant to read, because it feels smooth and its purpose must be clear. Remember, no matter where and how you write, you must remember your purpose: to show that you are interested in the selected course and prove that you have enough strength to study this course; It can be explained from personal interests, personality, education, social experience, career planning and so on.
2, strong logic, rich facts: try to use facts and data to illustrate some of my conclusions, such as "I am an optimistic and cheerful person." This is not a complete logic. Try to find an example that you have experienced personally. If you make it clear that you believe you are really optimistic and cheerful, this logic is completed. Of course, this does not mean that every sentence in PS must be explained by facts, which may violate other principles; According to their own PS to express the central meaning of appropriate screening, focusing on key places. Some students always say that they really don't have any examples to enumerate. This situation depends on excavation and analysis. After all, PS is written, the size of things depends entirely on their own packaging, and the details depend on themselves. In addition, influenced by various factors, our students in China are generally subjective, with slogans as the mainstay and lyrical elements between the lines. We may have to pay attention to this and try to convince readers with objective facts and words, instead of using strong sentiment index.
3. Appropriate length and concise language: According to the different requirements of different schools, the length of PS should generally be between 500 and 800 words. In the case of complete expression, it is better to be as concise as possible. So I suggest that you try to save words and state objective facts instead of expressing your feelings. Of course, these basic standards can't reflect all of a good PS.
Add a few more points:
1, is there only a few standards for a good PS? A good PS you may be able to list many highlights, just like a celebrity article. If you are willing to dedicate brain cells, you can list many central ideas and sublimated themes. But personally, I always believe that only by simplifying things first can things be done well. Therefore, if you dare to say that your PS meets the above three non-internationally renowned standards, I dare to say that your PS is a good PS, regardless of gender, religion, culture and belief.
2. The sentences are fluent and there are no obvious grammatical errors. I won't put this standard in and waste everyone's eyes.
3. Regarding the language of PS, the sentences are easy to understand, clear and convincing, which can reflect your English ability. Try to use short sentences, express directly, and don't be too subtle.
4. Since PS is a subjective creation, it is hard to say that it is absolutely good or bad, and there is no best; Content and language are two major efforts, so it is recommended to spend time and energy to modify the content as much as possible. Languages have their own characteristics, so you can click on them. There is no need to persistently pursue large vocabulary, mixed sentences, beautiful language and rich emotions.
Different people have different opinions, so it is important to form their own standards.
6. Personally, I think PS is just a statement letter, and it doesn't need formal beautification like design works, and it doesn't need formal innovation such as illustrations.
These are some theories that I have summed up from practice. Let's talk about what I've summed up from theory and practice: I've been thinking about PS writing for a long time.
First, the structure, I will generally divide the whole article into five parts, respectively:
1 Introduction: The opening way I often use is to directly explain the courses I want, and simply and comprehensively explain why I am interested in this field, which is generally related to my childhood interests, existing education, special abilities and future career planning.
2. Educational background: This part is generally a paragraph, which mainly introduces the educational background and achievements of my bachelor degree or above, including grades, scholarships, award certificates, etc. Focus on the part that connects with the applied major (such as graduation thesis) (sometimes it is necessary to move out the achievements of some disciplines in preparatory school or even high school, depending on the purpose of writing). For those who have other additional academic experience, such as certificates, published papers, exams, etc. You can add an extra paragraph to describe them properly. The purpose of this part is clear, that is, to show that I am absolutely qualified to apply for the course I want to apply for academically (please be careful not to make a false statement).
3. Related activities: I don't know which country's proverb says that practice is the only criterion for testing truth. Some practical activities inside and outside the school, such as student union, scientific research practice, competitions, volunteers, internships, etc. , are very convincing information. Of course, I never encourage "putting on airs" without purpose. According to different purposes, the same practical experience can reflect the applicant's different interests, the improvement of understanding and interest in a certain field, the existing professional and other abilities, the improved ability, the stimulation to future career planning and so on.
4. Personal personality: Apart from academic background and practical activities, personal personality should be the best basis to reflect personal interests and career orientation; At the same time, the description of personality is faced with the risk of being abstract, general and possibly ignored or questioned, so I generally suggest adding some examples to support this part of the description. At the same time, the description of personality should be targeted as much as possible. If your course is financial analysis, it seems a bit inappropriate to say that you are romantic and imaginative at heart.
5. Conclusion: Because the whole article links the individual's academic, practical, ability, interest and personality with the courses applied for, it is generally recommended to introduce the individual's career planning and the help of the applied major to the individual's career at the end, and briefly describe the reasons for choosing this school. Attachment: The above is just a PS writing mode summarized from personal experience, which is not universally applicable and may not be suitable for everyone. At the same time, because my language is not very good, I can't express all the mysteries clearly. I suggest you refer to them casually.
Second, language, I summed up two standards (if you can understand clearly, don't say it without grammatical errors):
1, Simple: Simple has two meanings. First, try to use simple sentences to avoid the risk that the meaning cannot be understood by international friends by using long sentences; The second is to express the meaning directly and simply, and try to avoid implication and circuitous.
2. Conciseness: The overall style of the whole article should be kept concise and clear, and the article should not be long and difficult to understand in order to increase the aesthetic feeling and emotional fullness of the language. Facts have proved that simple and clear things will make people shine when people are excessively tired of aesthetics. After all, the admissions counselor is also a person. The above information is a personal summary and I dare not say it. I hope I can help you.