怎样开始应付PS写作-3

[bamboo] How do we capture the reader's attention? I mean, the professor in the dept will be reading so many statements. How do I make mine stand out?

[BruceLeeds] You can make your statement stand out (this is a good question!) by making it as personal as you can without making it too personal. Whey you are finished with your statement, it should be one THAT NO ONE ELSE COULD HAVE WRITTEN.

[bamboo] To write a unique PS: how do I evaluate myself, see the good in myself? If my background is ordinary, how do I make myself look GOOD? :p

[BruceLeeds] I think it is important not to evaluate yourself in your statement. DON'T talk about yourself like "I did such a great job on ....." SHOW the reader how enthusiastic you are about your field of study and allow the reader to make his or her own decisions about you. I hope you see what I mean. Show, don't Tell.

[BruceLeeds] Notice the difference: I won the best student of the year award during my junior year of college. Instead of the above, say: I was so excited when I won an award in my junior year for the best student.........Do you see what I mean? Speak about yourself indirectly if you can. Speaking directly about your achievements can sound arrogant to the reader, and the reader is reading your essay, again in part, to try to find out what you are like as a person. No one wants to work with a person on his/her Ph.D. for several years if that person is arrogant, for example. I know that must sound scary.

[bamboo] All: this session is organized for you, so make full use of it. Don't be shy in asking your questions.

[xdz] Professor, I'd like to ask how one can start with a story in an objective view. I mean a story always tends to be unconvincing especially for a Ph.D. program application, doesn't it?

[pundit] Prof. I want to know which personal stage we should begin with, such as high school or bachelor program and so on.