The UK’s European university UCAS and writing an effective personal statement Ruth Westbury Partnership Development Officer

How to apply…the application calendar September 1 st – UCAS application cycle opens October 15 th – Oxbridge deadline Medical, Dentistry & Veterinary deadline January 15 th – UCAS main scheme deadline Finance applications can be made from this point Applications received by UCAS & sent to institutions Footer text Page 2

How to apply…the application calendar November to March – Applicant invited for VISIT or INTERVIEW Decisions made (Conditional, Unconditional, Unsuccessful) or UCAS Extra April to May – Applicant chooses FIRM & INSURANCE choices Footer text Page 3

How to apply…the application calendar April to July – Accommodation applications August – Results & CLEARING August to September – Registration packs sent out Footer text Page 4

and finally… September or October – START UNIVERSITY! Footer text Page 5

Making sure you have the RIGHT course Look for area of study rather than institution first Don’t limit your options to your current subject areas Consider the debate surrounding choosing something you enjoy versus career prospects. Think about whether you prefer to be practical or academic Consider getting some work experience to try it out Make your own decisions Footer text Page 6

Initial questions to ask when writing your personal statement Why are you writing the statement? Who will be reading your statement? What do you need to tell them? Footer text Page 7

What you need to tell the Admissions Officers Why you want to study the course you are applying for? What makes you suitable and different to everyone else? What you can contribute to the course/University? Footer text Page 8

Hobbies and interests Admissions tutors are looking for well rounded students who will get involved in the social side of university as well as the academic side. Sports Interests “I have always had an enormous passion for acting. At the age of seven I joined ‘Henley Musical Theatre School’ where I took part in many productions and competitions. In one such competition I won the ‘Best Youth Actor’ award for the role of Lizzie Borden in ‘A Memory of Lizzie’. In 2000 I widened my experience of acting by joining the ‘Artist’s Theatre School’ in London. I have found this immeasurably beneficial, as I have gained confidence and also a wealth of new skills from visiting actors, directors and technical crew. Last year I auditioned to join the ‘Oxford Youth Musical Theatre (OYMT)’ and was thrilled to gain one of the leading roles in ‘Pippin’.” Footer text Page 9

The UCAS Form – Personal statement Work experience If you have done any work experience that is relevant to your degree subject, it is vital to mention it in your personal statement. Even a part time job is relevant to an admissions tutor “Last summer, I gained work experience at a graphic design company in Brussels. I learned about team work following a project through from early brainstorming sessions, comparing various design ideas, considering how the public would react to them, and experimenting with different graphical interpretations before arriving at the final product.” Footer text Page 10 Communication skills Interpersonal Skills Working independently Team work Flexibility Determination Computer Literacy Organisational Skills Entrepreneurial Skills Working to deadlines Diplomacy Problem Solving Using initiative Time management Commitment Responsibility Confidence

Important things to remember about Admissions Officers… The Admissions Officer is a real person They want to know who you are, but it has to be relevant They do not need you to tell them what they already know They want to know where you want to go with your study area This may be your only chance to impress They can not read minds Footer text Page 11

Reasons why applications are unsuccessful Wasn’t relevant to the degree applied for Didn’t show sufficient understanding and knowledge about the degree applied for Failed to demonstrate sufficient interest in the subject CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR, SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION! Footer text Page 12

Simple Do’s Do expect to produce several drafts. Do ask people you trust for their feedback. Do check university and college prospectuses and websites, as they usually tell you the criteria and qualities that they want their students to demonstrate. Do make the most of the opportunity to succeed - this is your future. Do apply for a scholarship. Footer text Page 13

Simple Don'ts Don’t feel that you need to use elaborate language. Don’t say too much about things that are not relevant. Don’t lie. Don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement. Don’t rely on a spellchecker as it will not pick up everything. Don’t leave it to the last minute - important information could be left out. Footer text Page 14

Most over used phrases to open your statement I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in From a young age I have always been interested in From an early age I have always been interested in Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with 6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with For as long as I can remember I have been interested in I am an International Academy student and have been studying since Academically, I have always been a very determined and... (Telegraph) Footer text Page 15

THE UK’S EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY