留学申请时，自我推销非常重要，好的书写材料对申请人能够起到事半功倍的作用。在写PERSONAL STATEMENT或推荐信时，必然会提及同学们本身的一些品性(Characters)。
介绍每个人独特的个性用词也十分讲究，下列Characters是国外大学所欣赏的：
1、Scholastic aptitude (学习方面的才能)
Native intellectualability (天赋)
Imagination (想像力)
Creativity (创造力)
Capacity for analytical thinking (分析思考能力)
Intellectual curiosity 或 Spirit of inquiry (好奇心)
Ability to work independently (独立学习工作的能力)
Memory (记忆力)
Accuracy (准确性)
Methodology (研究方法)
Capability for abstract reasoning (抽象推理的能力)
Potential as a researcher (研究的潜力)
Potential as a teacher (教学的潜力)
Capacity，desire and determination for good quality graduate work (获得学业成功的能力、愿望与决心)
Probable success as a graduate student (作为研究生成功的可能性)
2、Academic performance (学业上的表现)
Breadth of general knowledge (知识丰富)
Knowledge of literature in his field (本专业领域知识)
Grade or achievement (成绩或成就)
Industry，diligence (勤勉)
Participation in discussion (讨论积极)
Academic maturity (学业上的成熟)
3、Languages (语言能力)
Abilitytospeak，understand，read and write the English language (听、说、读、写英文的能力)
Ability to read significant literature in other languages than English (英语以外的语言阅读能力)
4、Character (品行)
Honesty;integrity (诚实)
Sincerity (诚恳)
Sense of responsibility (责任感)
Cooperation (合作)
Enthusiasm (热诚)
Conscientiousness (自觉性)
Ethical and moral standards (伦理与道德标准)
Reliability;dependability (可靠性)