Writing Your Personal Statement Graduate Ambassadors

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Making a good impression Things to include Structure Hints and tips Themes

Making a good impression An opportunity for you to demonstrate: Why you would be a good student for the programme you are applying to Why the university should select YOUR application over those of other candidates A chance for you to SELL YOURSELF!

Choice of course School/college experience Work experience Outside school/college experience Concluding statement Structure

Why that degree? What interests you about it? Particular areas of the subject you wish to explore in more detail Relevant coursework/modules you’ve particularly enjoyed Do you possess certain skills needed for the course? Which ones? Career plans Choice of course

Part-time work Work experience Voluntary work Placements at school/college Skills, skills, skills! Work experience

Skills, skills, skills … Communication Time management Independence Presentation skills Organisation Commitment Leadership Self-discipline Analytical skills Team work Reliability Responsibility Hard- working

Personal Statement top tips “As I am considering a career in education, I have undertaken an eight-week work experience placement at a local primary school: this was valuable in teaching me the importance of patience and a sense of humour.” “My part-time job as a waitress in a busy restaurant has given me greater confidence when talking to new people and has enabled me to become financially independent and able to work under pressure. I also enjoy the satisfaction that comes from working as part of a successful team.” Work experience

Schemes – Aim Higher/G&T Non-accredited and accredited achievements Responsibilities/awards Clubs/societies/hobbies/sports/events Gap year plans (if applicable) Other experience – in and outside school

Personal statement top tips… “In achieving my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award I met many new challenges. Planning and then completing a two-day expedition with temperamental weather conditions proved to be a great adventure and very rewarding.” “As an anti-bullying counsellor I have found that helping younger pupils to solve their problems has been very rewarding and it has also improved my communication and diplomacy skills.” Extra curricular experience

Taking a gap year Take some time out before further study Earn money or travel Justify and explain your decision A unique opportunity for self-development and to gain life skills

Sum up Focus on course and success at university Skills/experiences/ambitions What can YOU offer the university? BE YOURSELF!!! Concluding statement

Personal Statement top tips “I hope university will offer new challenges and experiences, the chance to meet interesting and like-minded students and broaden my knowledge and understanding of my favourite subject, geography.” “At this stage I am open minded about future career possibilities but believe a degree in history will enhance valuable skills in communicating, analysing and making judgements which will be priceless in most areas of work.” Your final paragraph…

Paragraphs and headings may help make the presentation clearer, but be consistent Why Geography? What have I gained from my A level course? What career aims do I have? What relevant skills and experience do I have to be successful at university? Personal Statement top tips

As a general rule, don’t try to be too clever or funny ‘... I feel like a trapped philosopher, university will assist hugely in honing and channelling my expression and creativity, a place in which I can truly start to grasp at my dreams.’ ‘Hello, please don’t despair at reading another application, I promise not to be too boring.’ ‘How to start a personal statement? There are a variety of ways that I could have started it. I could have started with a joke to separate me from other candidates, which would have flopped. Or I was going to risk it and write one short statement “I believe in determinism”.’ Personal Statement top tips

Don’t big yourself up (or down) too much – hit a balance ‘From GCSE to A-Level my passion has extravagantly shone in all areas in this subject.’ ‘Everyone is afraid of something, I have to admit I am afraid psychology may prove too difficult for me. But I have done some very scary things that I did not think I could do. I went to Australia all by myself.’ ‘Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit and do this by jogging, playing 5 a side football and rugby I take great pride in feeling and looking great.’ Personal Statement top tips

Choose your reasons for wanting to do your subject carefully – don’t sound too weird! ‘My mother is my motivation. She told me to follow my dream and believe in myself. She never had an opportunity to study so I am doing this for her.’ ‘I enjoy playing large themed games such as ‘Theme Hospital’ and ‘Theme Park’. Although they are just for fun, they have taught me about managing a corporate environment, mainly its finances.’ ‘From an age when other children saved change in their little ‘piggy-banks’ or jars, I was busying myself with my very own change sorting machine.’

Include information which is relevant and which will help your application! ‘I have studied John Maynard Keynes, whom I share my birthday with…’ ‘I have a diploma in mixology.’ ‘At primary school, I was made Deputy Head Boy.’ Personal Statement top tips

Try to avoid using “I” at the beginning of every sentence Instead you could try: In addition… Futhermore … As well as … The opportunity … Taking part in … Through studying … My involvement …

Key terms Enabled me eg: “The opportunity to play in the school football team has enabled me to work as part of a team” Reinforce eg: “My involvement in the school voluntary programme has reinforced my decision to study a degree in Nursing” Strengthen eg : “My decision to study a degree in Economics has been strengthened by my enjoyment and success in my A-level course.”

1.Think about the impression you want to give 2. Don't say that you prefer one university to another 3. Write clearly and try not to pack in too much information, but …. 4. ….don't ramble or fill in space with irrelevant information 5. Don't simply describe what courses you are doing now Personal Statement top 10 tips

6. Don't forget to sound interesting 7. Prepare your statement in a Word document first – spell check! 8. Remember to save 9. Proof read your work 10. Don’t leave it until the last minute!

Helpful websites Criteria/ucas_personal_statement.htm

Questions

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