1. Rachel Wier Education Outreach Officer
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Rachel Wier
Education Outreach Officer

2. PERSONAL STATEMENTS

3. PERSONAL STATEMENTS 47 lines long (4000 characters)
Your chance to explain why you are applying
Opportunity to personalise your form
1 statement for all 5 choices
An important part of the application process

5. WHAT TO INCLUDE Your reason for choosing the course:
Why do you want to study the course?
Why are you a good student for this course?
Do you understand the course?

6. WHAT TO INCLUDE Subject related experience: Related qualifications
Relevant employment and volunteering
Additional reading

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hobbies, interests, and other experience
Transferrable skills
Career aspirations and goals
These can be general or specific
Gap years
Should be constructive and purposeful
Check spelling, grammar and punctuation

8. Structure
Introduction- Explain your motivation for studying the subject In-school evidence of skills and interest Out of school passion for the subject Wider skills Conclusion

9. Do… Be prepared Brainstorm your ideas on paper
Aim for about 5 paragraphs
Produce several drafts
Ask people for their feedback
Look for spelling and grammar errors
Be enthusiastic

10. Don’t… Use fancy language Waffle on about irrelevant things
Try to be funny
Lie
Copy or plagiarise
Leave it to the last minute

11. Don’t ignore the don’ts
The importance of proof-reading:
“I'm the sort of person to give up on something if I know I can achieve it.”
“I have successfully managed my studies and lied while studying at college.”
“Being able to study at University would be a fantastic opportunity but also detrimental to me having a productive future.”

12. UCAS shares the most frequently-used opening lines in university applicants’ personal statements
“From a young age I have (always) been...” was the most popular opening line with university applicants last year, UCAS has revealed. Some 1,770 students (from over 700,000 who applied) started their personal statements that way; and most of these finished the sentence with ‘interested in’ or ‘fascinated by’. “For as long as I can remember I have…” was close behind, followed by “I am applying for this course because…” Over 900 applicants told universities: “I have always been interested in …” with “Throughout my life, I have always enjoyed…” and “Reflecting on my educational experiences…”.

13. Next was a sentence specific to Nursing – the degree course with the highest number of applications. Over 200 people wrote: “Nursing is a very challenging and demanding [career/profession/course].” “Academically, I have always been…” was another popular pick and equal numbers (160) began with “I have always wanted to pursue a career in…” or “I have always been passionate about…” Just outside the top ten was a quote from former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, chosen by nearly 150 people.

14. Examples

15. Example 1

16. Example 1 Too informal. Do not try to make jokes.
Student doesn't identify the course he is applying for (film)
Does have some good extra curricular experiences
Wastes space with irrelevant information
It is good to stand out – but don’t make admissions feel that you are wasting their time

17. Example 2

18. Example 2 Very enthusiastic and passionate about Law
Good work experiences
BUT, includes too much personal information
You have limited space

19. Tips – check your application!
addresses – Admissions tutors are not impressed by silly ones
Check basic elements – name, address, telephone number, D.O.B
Check all entry requirements eg/ GCSE Maths and English
Spelling
Inform UCAS of any changes

20. WEBSITES: