1. Writing the UCAS Personal Statement

2. Purposes of the UCAS personal statement The purpose of the personal statement is to help universities find out more about you and your suitability for the courses you are applying for. It is an opportunity for you to present your goals, experiences, skills, qualities and qualifications in the best possible light, as well as to demonstrate your writing ability. Your personal statement provides scope for you to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

3. Useful elements within the personal statement Aspirations Skills and qualities Relevant experience Hobbies and extra-curricular interests.

4. Aspirations Locate your course choice within your long-term career plans Explain how your course will help fulfil long-term goals Where course is broad-based, it may be possible to explain how your course choice keeps undecided-upon career options open

5. Examples of skills and qualities Communication skills (written and oral) Listening skills Able to work as part of a team Time management skills ICT skills Study skills Interpersonal skills Enthusiastic, determined Able to show initiative Confident

6. Experience and Work Experience Mention any paid work experience Mention any voluntary work experience (school based or not) Mention wider school experience (buddying, yearbook activities etc.) Positions of responsibility in or out of school Explain how you have benefited from these (e.g. developed skills, informed career aspirations, etc)

7. Writing the personal statement: broad strategy Is your chosen course vocational or academic subject based? The personal statement is especially important when you have chosen a vocational course If your course choice is vocational, show you have researched the course and the job, relate your experience and personal skills and qualities to the job, show how you are capable of meeting the job’s challenges.

8. Writing the personal statement Arrange the sections of your Personal Statement in order, possibly in paragraphs as follows:  Present situation, why this course? Your career aspirations and what relevant skills and qualities you have  School subjects, your interest in them and their benefit to you  School based activities, clubs, citizenship, positions of responsibility etc  Your life outside school; Interests, awards, hobbies part time work  Closing paragraph to convince selector that they should select you. Strike a sensible balance among these elements

9. Multiple course applications If possible try to find a common thread among your courses and use that as a theme If you have more than one area of interest, be honest about that It may be possible to explain how you will choose between your options if they are varied

10. Hints and tips Plan and structure your personal statement Write clearly and directly Show enthusiasm Be positive rather than negative Check speelling and grammar (how annoying is that?) ‘Blow your own trumpet’, but be honest Don’t state the obvious or repeat yourself repeat yourself Avoid bland statements (I enjoy reading and going to the cinema) whoopdidoo Do not copy another personal statement Have a sensible e-mail address