Personal Statements
Personal Statement What is the point of the personal statement? • To tell the universities what course you want to apply for and why • To provide the reader with an insight into you as a person • To demonstrate that you have the skills needed for the course • To show you have researched into the course and future job prospects
The Basics • 47 lines or 4000 characters whichever comes first • It should be in paragraphs and read like an essay – it is your chance to show you can write academically • Write it in Word before putting it on UCAS • The same personal statement gets sent to all of your universities – don’t apply for 5 unrelated courses • It WILL take several drafts – start over the summer to avoid rushing
Personal Statements What should go into a personal statement? • Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the course and the ability for higher-level academic study in that subject area • Demonstrate your skills • What have you learnt from your studies • Work Experience • Extra activities – remember that universities want you to get involved in things other than your course
Everything you mention must relate to the course you are applying for!
Personal Statements The universities are looking for: • A genuine interest in the degree courses listed • Well motivated individuals • Ability to balance academic studies with outside interests • Interesting people • Teamwork, Communication and Numeracy skills • Relevant work experience • Reasons why you are planning a “Gap Year” • A well presented statement
ABC The ABC Method is the most effective way of making sure that what you are putting in your statement is actually relevant and interesting. If you can’t answer ABC for something you are writing, it shouldn’t be in your statement. A – Activity (e.g. Course, Work Experience) B – Benefit (e.g. Time management, leadership) C – Course (how does it relate to the course I am applying for?) – it is essential you can answer C
Structure Introduction – why are you interested in going to university? • • • •
Career aspirations? Why are you suited to the subject area? Do you enjoy studying? What do you hope to achieve at university?
Structure Subject area – why do you want to study this subject at degree level? • Show a good, mature understanding of the subject • Have you attended any public lectures, subscribed to any publications or read any related material that falls outside of your Level 3 syllabus? • What do you expect the course to entail and which areas are you particularly interested in?
Structure Current course – what do you do and what skills have you gained? • How do your specialist subject interests make you suitable? • What modules have prepared you for university? • How have these experiences developed your character/ skills in a way suitable for HE?
Structure Work Experience – what skills have you gained from work experience you have done? • • • • • •
Related work experience Volunteering Part time jobs Skills and knowledge gained Personal Development Confirmation of intended career path
Remember transferable skills
Structure Extra Activities - what skills have you gained that relate to your course? • Student Executive? Sports Teams? Charity work? Young Enterprise? Duke of Edinburgh Award? • How will these activities enable you to be successful at University? • How have these experiences developed your character/ skills in a way suitable for HE?
Structure Conclusion • Confirm why you want to do that course • Make sure you round it off in a suitable way - don’t make a new thought in the conclusion that is left unexplained
Do’s • Write in paragraphs • Have a stand out introduction and conclusion • Show your passion for the subject using emotive words and using examples from experience • Mention your current course and the course area you are applying for • Mention skills you gained from work experience • Mention areas you would like to improve on at university • Be honest and accurate • Check spelling and grammar • Get other people to read your statement
Don'ts • Start with ‘Hi my name is’ • Write it like a letter e.g. Dear sir/madam, I am applying to you because … • Do not indent paragraphs-use a line between paragraphs • Lie • Be negative • Write it at the last minute • Keep it to yourself – make sure someone else has read it • Mention a specific course you are applying for • Waffle • Make the whole statement about your personal life
Don'ts Most used sentences in Personal Statements (from UCAS 2013) 1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times) 2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times) 3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times) 4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times) 5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times) 6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times) 7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times) 8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)
Examples I’ve also been attending Night College in order to carry on my education studying Psychology and Criminology, which I believe shows my commitment to wanting to improve myself and get myself onto a Law Degree. I know I’ve worked very hard to get where I am now and would be more than grateful if I was granted the opportunity to further myself and get to the pace I feel I belong to be in life.
Examples I became interested in dentistry because I have always wanted to be involved in a profession where I am helping people and I am very interested in the human biology. I want to study dentistry over the obvious choice of medicine because as a doctor you are constantly passing a patient along a chain of other doctors, whereas a dentist can treat a patient straight after diagnosing a problem. Also I like that a patient will be your patient for quite some time, building a good relationships with that person
Examples I have other qualities, which show that I am able to satisfy your requirements without any problems as well. My twelve years as a handball player have made me into a person who is able to work in a team but also given me the opportunity to step up as a leader when necessary. I worked for two years in a fast food restaurant during my school-time and there I learned to work hard and how to handle multiple diverse situations under pressure. I committed and dedicated to give one hundred and ten percent to follow my dream of becoming an Event Manager.
Examples I have chosen to study Mathematics at university because I enjoy its challenging nature and get particular satisfaction from addressing its more demanding aspects. Problem solving appeals to me as does the requirement for intellectual commitment when addressing this subject at a higher level.
Examples I have chosen to study Psychology in order to fulfil a long-term interest in the complexity of human behaviour and psyche. I would like to study within Scotland because I will be able to gain some independence from the family yet, I will be close enough to visit easily.
Examples Mathematics, chemistry and economics 'A' levels have provided me with a varied knowledge and a range of skills. Mathematics has helped me excel in my ability to analyse a problem and think of a systematic way of solving it. I have a personality trait of always investigating the reasoning behind a concept and this is why I enjoy mathematics. This is also the basis why I enjoy reading on science so much as it explains reasons and theories on things we come across in everyday situations
Examples My interests in Drama started early in College where I found that I enjoyed many of the techniques used within Drama. This gave me the confidence to take part in college productions, I have also developed my knowledge of Greek Tragedies, Physical Theatre and Monologues, and whilst studying an A-Level in Performing Arts I have developed my leadership skills and confidence to a mature standard
Examples I am interested in pursuing a Geography course at University. Studying Geography will provide me with a better understanding of topical issues that affect the world around us, and also improve my presentational skills and independent learning skills. I am currently studying A-Levels Geography and Drama, which has provided me with a keen interest in current affairs; therefore I am interested in areas such as development and environmental issues
Examples I am also a committed member of the Geographical Association at Queen's University and although it gives geography students an opportunity to explore the A level syllabus in greater depth, I believe it is more than a mere study aid. It is an opportunity to exchange and challenge one another's ideas concerning topics covered in class, thus forming a more comprehensive understanding of various global issues. I particularly enjoyed the lecture on the challenges facing remote rural areas, referencing the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, as not only did it show me that these areas are far from the backward communities that I once thought, but as it also bore a specific resonance with me, as living in a rural community I am acutely aware of the problems they face particularly as a result of intensive development.
Summary – How to use your Summer Make sure you use your summer effectively by: • • • • • • • • • •
Get some relevant work experience Join some societies/sports groups if you aren’t already a part of any Try some volunteering Use UCAS search and other websites to look at course choices Order some Prospectuses from universities you like Go to some Open/Taster Days Talk to some university students Do some academic research into your area Attend some lectures in your chosen area Start writing drafts of your personal statement
Resources https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx job profiles www.ucas.com http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/writing_your_personal_st atement The course page on the university website
[email protected]
01934 411435 For more information have a look at: • • • • • • •
www.ucas.com www.studentroom.co.uk www.opendays.com www.gov.uk http://www.nus.org.uk/cy/advice/ www.savethestudent.org www.weston.ac.uk
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