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Writing a Personal Statement

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40 views12 pages

Writing a Personal Statement

Uploaded by

Johansyah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UCAS

Personal
Statement
Your personal statement is an
important part of your
application and it is worth
spending a lot of time on it.
You have 4000 characters
(about 47 lines of text) to
show admissions tutors why
they should pick you over
other candidates.
Suggested Structure
 Introduction
 In-school evidence of your
interest in the subject
 Outside-school evidence of
your passion for the subject
 Wider skills you have
developed
 Summary of why they should
pick you
Introduction
 You will need to provide a brief but convincing
explanation as to why you want to study your
subject at university
 Think of the ‘personal trigger’ that got you
interested
 This could be a book, a trip, a documentary, a
film, a teacher, an inspirational mentor, work
experience etc
 Go on to develop why the subject is important
to you and to society (can you relate it to
current affairs)
 Don’t just say you ‘love’ the subject
 What and why are you really looking forward
to studying this subject at university. Read
Introduction – Should you
start with a quote?

 This is only acceptable if you


directly relate it to your course
and why you want to study it,
show that you fully understand
the concept of the quote and
make it flow neatly into your
introductory paragraph.
In-school Evidence
 A brief to demonstrate what you have been
doing in school to develop your interest (no
more than 2 or 3 sentences)
 How do your A-Levels relate to the course you
want to study
 If you are planning to study a completely new
course that you have not studied at A-Level,
what skills have you developed that will be
useful in your degree, such as essay-writing,
critical analysis, research or logic
Outside-school Evidence
 This is where you can really shine because it is the
things that you do in your own time which will
show a genuine passion for the subject
 What extra-curricular activities have you
undertaken in pursuit of a greater understanding
of your chosen degree
 What trips, books, documentaries, research or
experiences have you found inspiring and why
 How have these inspirations made your more
suitable for your chosen course
 Go into detail about what you have discovered
beyond your A-Levels and how it has inspired you
to want to study the subject at degree level
 Have you undertaken any work experience related
to the course and what skills has this helped you
develop (for example analysis, problem-solving
Outside-school Evidence
 Can you show that you are self motivated, an
independent learner and therefore suited to
university life
 Admission tutors are looking for students who
are willing to read around the subject in their
own time
 Check out the reading lists on the university
websites (there is usually a list of suggested
books for undergraduates)
 Be honest about the things you have done
(especially if you are invited for an interview)
 If you have a definite idea of what you want to
do after university make sure you include this
Wider Skills
 What are your non-academic achievements
and skills either in or out of school and your
interests and hobbies
 Give the admissions tutor a glimpse of the
kind of person you are outside of the
classroom and more importantly what skills
you have developed
Examples of Key Skills
 Communication
 Commitment
 Time management
 Teamwork
 Initiative
 Public speaking
 Responsibility
 Adaptability
 Organisation
 Leadership
 Research & analysis
Gap Year
 If you are planning on taking a gap year
and applying for deferred entry then
you must explain what you plan to do
 Let the admissions tutor know about
your plans as this shows that you are
organised and want to pursue interests
outside of your studies
 Explain how you will fund the gap year
 State what you aim to achieve through
a gap year
 If you can relate your gap year to the
course or university life … even better!
Summary
 Finish the personal
statement with a one or
two line summary of why
you want to go to
university and study the
course and why you
deserve to be offered a
place.

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