Writing your Personal Statement Rosie Brown Education Liaison Officer Thursday 7th July 2011 Totton College

What is the Personal Statement? Your opportunity to tell your University choices; why you’re applying for your chosen subject why they want you as a student why you’re suitable for your chosen subject It’s your opportunity to make a good impression An opportunity to stand out from the crowd!

How important is the Personal Statement? It might be their only impression of you It could lead to an interview It could prompt questions in an interview It explains your relevant work experience It could persuade a university to accept you if you narrowly miss your offer

What are the Admissions tutors looking for? A genuine interest in the subject and a desire to learn more about it Research into your chosen subject and an understanding of what it involves Qualities and skills that make you suitable for your chosen course and for Higher Education Study

What should I include?

How should I structure it? Powerful introduction What do you want to study? Why? How is your current study preparing you for your chosen course? Work experience that’s relevant to your course choice Other activities that show your qualities and skills Activities that demonstrate your interest in your course Memorable closing statement Where you hope a degree in this subject will lead Underline your desire to study

What makes a good opening and closing statement?

Opening Statement JK Rowling had her midnight cafes; Roald Dahl's garden shed has produced wheelbarrows of children's literature and the Bronte sisters roamed the vast expanse of the Yorkshire moors. I personally retreat to a caravan at the bottom of my garden where I find the creative stimulus required to write prizewinning poetry and biology essays alike.

Opening Statement From an early age I have been interested in reading and in the English language. Through the GCSE and A-level literature courses, I have been able to refine this interest into an analytical approach. I am fascinated by the way literature has both influenced and been influenced by the history and culture of society. I particularly enjoy 20th century prose, for example the novels of E.M. Forster.

Closing Statement Although some would argue the study for an English degree is not vocational I see the next few years of my life as the opportunity to become immersed in a subject I love. To develop my potential as a writer, I need to analyse and understand the work of those who inhabit library shelves. This course offers me the chance to explore the depths of Shakespeare, unravel the mysteries of Byron and grow in confidence as a literacy critic and person.

Closing Statement On the whole, I believe myself to be a generally sociable, dedicated and self-disciplined student, although I can be overly competitive at times. I have enjoyed my A Level studies so far, have gained a great deal from them, and believe that I have the determination and ability to enjoy a successful university career.

What if I’m applying to study more than one subject? You only write one personal statement which is sent to all your choices What if I’m applying for; combined honours? different subjects? subjects that aren’t linked by a theme?

What happens after I’ve sent it? Application is sent to UCAS UCAS checks for plagiarism using Similarity Detection service UCAS sends your application and Personal Statement to each university Read by admissions tutors/faculty staff A decision is made and sent back to UCAS

Similarity Detection All personal statements are checked by Copycatch Any statements showing a level of similarity of 10% or greater will be reviewed by members of the UCAS Similarity Detection Service team The universities are then informed by UCAS and they will decide how to deal with it

Tips from the Admissions tutors “Be positive and enthusiastic, especially about the course you’re applying to.” “Write in clear English. Don’t make it over complicated.” “Don’t repeat information that is already in your application. Keep it relevant – tell us what skills you’ve gained from your experiences.” “Make sure that the grammar, spelling and punctuation are right. Proof read your personal statement and ask others to proof read it for you – ask them for feedback on it.”

Any Questions…? Rosie.Brown@Winchester.ac.uk