1. Personal Statements Making a successful university application

2. Getting It Right Why Does It Matter?

3. Getting It Right Why Does It Matter? Competition for particular courses and at certain universities

4. Your Application GCSEs/equivalent results AS/equivalent results A2/equivalent predictions Interviews, Admissions Tests & References Personal Statement Your Personal Statement is sometimes the integral part of your submission You will need to meet deadlines to maximise your chances of success

5. Overview Integral part of the UCAS submission Provides the first step towards and point of contact with the university of your choice Every statement is read 4000 characters for you to explain why you should be picked to study that particular course No single correct way of producing them

6. You n You need to communicate Why the chosen course is suited to you Personal qualities that will benefit you at university What you can bring to the university (extra- curricular activities and interests) You will need to meet deadlines to maximise your chances of success

7. Your chance to show what YOU can offer and why you’d be an asset to the University Possible Structure Write a concluding statement Your work experience Your hobbies and interests Your skills and achievements Your interest in the course/subject

8. Why this subject? Enjoyment of subject Why is it important to you? Why is it enjoyable? Enjoyment of a particular aspectWhich aspect stands out from the rest? Why? A current subject in more depth, new subject or dimension What is of specific interests within the programme offered? Link to an element of a current course? Interest reinforced by work experience How did work experience help? What did you do/learn? A prerequisite for a chosen career Which career? How does the course fit into plans? Inspiration from a person or event Lecture, visit, book, programme, event, experience, film, protest, legal case?

9. Experiences thus far Your education Project Work Voluntary Work Extra-curricular Activities Work Experience (e.g. Law, Teaching) Books, Newspapers, Journals, Blogs TV Programmes and Documentaries “The strongest applicants are those who can link their extra- curricular activities to their proposed course of study”

10. Personality Who you are Sports achievements Musical qualifications Charity WorkPrefect Academic awards Duke of Edinburgh Head boy or girl University summer schools

11. Hobbies and Interests Developed excellent team working skills I learnt quickly, adapting my game plan I want to continue playing rugby at university Organisation and time management skills

12. Part-time Jobs Developed excellent communication skills I am able to work effectively under pressure Responsibility Financially independent

13. Apply before you go away! Taking a Gap Year Make the most of it!

14. Be yourself! Top Tips Be original and write with an active, positive tone Do not mention individual institutions Avoid starting with a quote/humour Ensure interests and hobbies mentioned relate to the programme choices They don’t want to see a chronological history of your education

15. Questions?

16. Access and Student Recruitment Substitute Personal Statement You can submit a substitute personal statement directly to Durham by uploading a Microsoft Word document which replaces the personal statement in your UCAS application There is no requirement for an applicant to submit a substitute personal statement, nor will providing one give any automatic advantage. Same parameters as UCAS statement. submit it using online formd, no later than 3 calendar days after submitting the UCAS application

17. Access and Student Recruitment After the Replies Supporting students after receiving their replies: Just as important as supporting them in deciding where to apply and helping with their application. Deciding between offers – select realistic choices for firm and insurance whilst maintaining effort to achieve grades (it’s not over yet!) Coping with ‘rejection’ – expectations must be realistic All Universities are special so any offer is an achievement!