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• Understand and highlight the key areas of content for a personal statement
• Explain the function of a personal statement
• Develop, adapt and improve a draft personal statement
Personal Statements
BACKGROUNDThe personal statement is your opportunity to tell universities and colleges about your suitability for the course(s) that you hope to study. You need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment, and above all, ensure that you stand out from the crowd.
You can enter up to 4,000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines).
You cannot use italics, bold or underlining.
STRUCTURE
YOUR CHOSEN COURSE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE
SUBJECT /CAREER
INTRODUCTION
EXPERIENCEHOBBIES AND INTERESTS
CONCLUSION
STRUCTURE
• One Year 234 UCAS personal statements contained the following:
• “Ever since I accidently burnt holes in my pyjamas after experimenting with a chemistry set on my eighth birthday, I have always had a passion for science.”
• In 2012 30,000 students were “caught” copying parts of their personal statements.
BE ORIGINAL
• Top 10 most overused personal statement opening sentences
• 1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times)
• 2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times)
• 3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times)
• 4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times)
• 5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times)
• 6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times)
• 7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times)
• 8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)
• 9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since ... (141 times)
• 10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and ... (138 times)
Why you want to do this course; • your interests • your current / previous studies• what makes you stand out
What your ambitions are, at University and once you have graduated
Show that you have done your research
YOUR COURSE
This is especially important for practical or vocational courses
The strongest students are those with multiple examples of experience gained from within different settings
You must analyse what you have learnt from your experience
This helps us to identify the strongest, keenest and most suitable students
EXPERIENCE & UNDERSTANDING
These can be academic or personal / social
They must be relevant & show up-to-date transferrable skills
These can be gained from: work experience; volunteering; positions of responsibility; membership of clubs; sporting achievements
YOUR INTERESTS
Are written with enthusiasm and passion
Are interesting, original and personal
Are aimed at the audience which will read them
Are analytical rather than descriptive
THE BEST STATEMENTS
EXAMPLE 1I am currently at (***) College studying on a HE Access course in Performing Arts. I started studying performing arts with a GCSE in Drama, and then progressed to (***) College where I studied a BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts.
Whilst I was at (***) College I performed in plays such as 'Aladdin', 'The Wizard Of Oz','Stags And Hens' and 'Riot' which I performed in out of college.
These examples perfectly illustrate why I decided to pursue a future in performing arts. In Aladdin I played Widow Twankey; this was a challenge for me as I never played a female character before.
Performing in different genres of plays has given me a whole new look to performing arts as it is endless in imagination and fun creating characters.
Ever since I have been an extra on 'Shameless' for Channel Four, I have loved the idea of performing on TV. This has also shown me a totally different aspect of acting, in that a performance can be re-shot and perfected by I don't get the same feeling being in front of a camera as I do standing in front of an audience.
As a performer I plan to take jazz classes outside of higher education so that I have more to input into my performances. As a person I am very friendly to everybody I meet because I love to meet new people, and in my spare time I like going to the theatre and also the gym. My hobbies are badmington, football and pool; I am a beginner at break-dancing but will be taking up classes to learn more stuff.
I am exited about the opportunities and challenges - both practical and interllectual - that my time in higher education will bring.
EXMAPLE 2
TASKGroup 1Grammar
Group 2Analysis
Group 3Individuality
Have you checked the Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar?
Are the career goals/development clear?
Is it all positive?
Is the subject choice clear?
Have they analysed their experience?
Is it all their own work?
Does it show their personality?
Has it included info about their Gap Year?
Highlight, Improve & Explain
Understand and highlight the key areas of content for a personal statement
Explain the function of a personal statement
Develop, adapt and improve a draft personal statement
Quick Links:
Personal Statement writing recap Video
Applying your personal Statement
What happens to my application next?
UCAS Videos Homepage
Greatness within Phil WebberWidening Participation
Coordinator
[email protected] 273104
