General Know-How
- It’s recommended that you prepare your personal statement offline using Word.
- If you enter your personal statement directly into ‘Apply’ you must save as you go along as it ‘times out’ after 60 minutes of inactivity
- You can enter up to 4,000 characters, including spaces (up to 47 lines of text)
- When you save the text, the system will automatically tell you how many characters you have left.
- Only write things that you are prepared to talk about at an interview - less of a problem for overseas applicants (except for Oxbridge and Medicine), but you should always aim to write about something you actually know. Minimize making up achievements and books you have read as ignorance is easy to come through.
- Don't repeat material already on the application form. Similarly, show your personal statement to the teacher writing your reference regularly so that there is minimal overlap.
- You need to sell yourself. Admissions tutors are looking for well-rounded individuals, people with a real interest and motivation in the course they are applying for.
- Once you have completed your statement, show it to someone who knows you well and let a teacher and/or graduate mentor see it too.
The structure of your personal statement
It’s a good idea to think about your personal statement in terms of the following sections:
- What you want to study at university and why - Why do you enjoy the subject? Which parts of the subject are of particular interest to you and why? Which parts of the subject would you like to study at university and why? (You have a choice of modules on most courses). Where did your interest in this subject come from? How has any relevant work experience helped you to decide on a particular subject? Where you hope a degree in this subject will lead? What particular subject related skills do you have?
- How your A levels relate to your chosen degree - How are the subjects you are currently studying fit into your chosen course? Is there any aspect of the course that you have a particular interest in? (Did you enjoy doing a particular piece of course work or project?) Do you have a part-time job, or have been involved in any charity or community work? Have you helped with school events or open days? (Experiences that show you are a reliable and responsible person) Have you gained any awards or been on any relevant events, for example, Duke of Edinburgh, Summer School or Young Enterprise?
- Experiences that show you are a reliable and responsible person
- Write about your career aims - This applies if you have a particular career aim (e.g. nursing, teaching, law...). Why do you want to become a _______? What skills and qualities do you have which will make you suitable for your chosen career?
- Your interests and skills - try and show what you learnt and any attributes the activities highlight instead of listing them. For example, you could incorporate attributes and skills universities look for like:
| Practical | Problem solving | Caring | Enthusiastic |
| Teamwork | Good communicator | Using own initiative | Work under pressure |
| Self motivated | Working to deadlines | Organisation | Leadership |
| Self-expression | Computer literate | Artistic/ creative | Individual thought/ ideas |
Try to find some evidence for some of the skills and qualities. Don’t worry if you don’t have them all, three or four with plenty of evidence will be a good start. For example, you could combine your work experience at a restaurant with being a good communicator:
Working in a café, I have to communicate effectively with the general public. Even at very busy times and when under pressure I have to remain calm and professional with customers.
Writing about your hobbies and interests may be harder, but not impossible. Travelling to a wide variety of places may have given you the opportunity to meet people from a range of cultures and exposed yourself to a range of cultures and traditions.
No comments:
Post a Comment