2. The Personal statement

3. What should I include? In groups, think about what type of things you should include in a Personal statement……

4. Think before you start Sell Yourself Be Yourself Be Specific

5. My UCAS personal statement Work * Details of jobs, placement, work experience, voluntary work, Concentrate on aspects relevant to your chosen course Explain why an experience or activity makes you an excellent candidate for the course About The Subject Why you have chosen the course Why the subject interests you Your suitability for the course How your current studies relate to the course you’ve chosen Experience and understanding of the subject Activities that demonstrate your interest in the course What You Want From The Future Why you want to go to university Future plans of how you want to use your knowledge and experience that you will gain Evidence Give evidence of the skills that you have, that are required to study the subject or to get the occupation you want Evidence of academic insight and enthusiasm Evidence showing your understanding of what is required to study the course Special Attributes Attributes that make you interesting, special and unique Positions of responsibility that you’ve held both in and out of college How would you be an asset to the university Achievements Your Proud Of Hobbies, interests that demonstrate your skills and abilities Non – accredited skills and achievements

6. My UCAS personal statement Preparation Check uni and college websites and course search for the criteria and qualities they want you to have Create a list of ideas Start drafting it early Ask people for their feedback Presentation and Style Show your enthusiasm and commitment Make it interesting Check spelling and grammar Organise it into a logical structure Introduction: write an opening sentence that will encourage the reader to read on Conclusion: reinforce your commitment, enthusiasm and skills suited to university life and study Technicalities Length: up to 4000 characters or 47 lines of text (including spaces or blank lines) (approximately 600 word) Remember, there is only one personal statement, regardless of whether you apply for 1 or 5 courses The personal statement must be my own work and not copied from another source Mature Students Say what you have done since leaving school If you have a variety of jobs and experiences that are relevant, consider sending a detailed CV direct to the university Demonstrate how I will cope with the academic work Critically evaluate your experiences, matching them to your chosen course requirement

7. Suggested Format Paragraph 1 Your reasons for applying: - Link to future career choices, work experience and current studies. Paragraph 2 What relevant skills and understanding you currently have: - Give examples of work experience and knowledge/skills developed - Knowledge gained from current course Paragraph 3 All about You: Hobbies and other interests Paragraph 4 Summary/Final Sales Pitch!

8. Do’s Do create a list of your ideas before attempting to write the real thing Do expect to produce several drafts before being totally happy Do ask people you trust for their feedback Do check university prospectuses, websites and entry profiles, as they usually tell you the criteria and qualities that they want their students to demonstrate Do use your best English and don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement Do be enthusiastic – if you show your interest in the course, it may help you get a place Present yourself as a rounded individual – not just academic Be reflective - what did you get from it Don’ts Don’t feel that you need to use elaborate language. Don’t say to much about things that are not relevant Don’t lie – if you exaggerate you may get caught out at interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement Don’t rely on spellchecker as it will not pick up everything – proofread as many times as possible Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out Don’t expect to be able to write your personal statement while watching TV or surfing the internet – this is your future, so make the most of the opportunity to succeed. Don’t use quotes Don’t be negative

9. How to make your application stand out from the crowd “An engagement with the course they are applying for; and we went to hear their own personal “voice” and approach to the subject” “Interest in and commitment to the subject. A sense of the individual is crucial. A personal statement should be just that – a personal reflection on what it is that interests the applicants about the subject and why” University of Birmingham University of Bristol

10. Tips Your statement will be more convincing and personal if you write about why an experience, activity or interest makes you a good candidate for the course. Include enough additional information to make it interesting and to demonstrate your own interests. x I enjoy badminton I play badminton twice a week with a club that plays in local competitions and I play in both singles and doubles matches. Doubles matches require good team working, an ability to support your partner, to devise a game plan but be able to adapt it as required and fast reactions...................................................................................................................................................... x I spent two weeks working at a residential home and enjoyed talking to the patients and helping with their care. Undertaking a two weeks work experience placement at a residential home gave me a valuable insight into the caring profession. I enjoyed talking to and caring for the residents and developing relationships with them. I discovered my talent for providing assurance to people who may be anxious or confused and I feel that this is a vital skill to have when a nurse.

11. Provide Examples Providing examples is the best way to support your claims. Which of the following examples is strongest? On my course I have developed excellent communication skills. I have also worked in a team and had to solve problems. On my course I have developed a range of communication skills. My written skills have developed through the production of essays and reports. My work placement at Capita, dealing with customer enquiries over the telephone has also helped to strengthen my verbal communication skills.

12. The Careers Workshop Go to Quick links – Careers Workshop

13. www.studential.com www.thestudentroom.co.uk http://university.which.co.uk/ www.personalstatement.blogspot.com www.unistats.direct.gov.uk Useful Websites

14. Any questions ? Email your completed Personal statement to careers@blackburn.ac.uk careers@blackburn.ac.uk