Writing the Personal Statement UCAS Writing the Personal Statement

What does BBBB mean?

£13 / £24 DHH writes reference – information and predicted grades gathered from subject teachers

A Guide to writing the Personal Statement choice of course work experience school experience interests and experience outside school sporting involvement concluding statement 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text (including spaces and blank lines)

Choice of Course Economics Reason (Page 2) Explanation (Page 3) Enjoy the subject Combine theory with practical application 2. Look forward to studying in greater depth 3. Attended conference Practice sentences:

Writing about your choice of course "Having thoroughly enjoyed the academic study of ‘A' level Economics and Mathematics I have chosen a degree that will enable me to pursue my interest in Economics in even greater depth. Attending a specialist Economics conference in London broadened my knowledge of the subject and it should prove useful during my Economics degree."

Writing about your choice of course Reference to school Reason for studying degree “Having thoroughly enjoyed the academic study of ‘A' level Economics and Mathematics I have chosen a degree that will enable me to pursue my interest in Economics in even greater depth. Attending a specialist Economics conference in London broadened my knowledge of the subject and it should prove useful during my Economics degree." Wider experience

Experience Relevance Skills

Writing about your work experience "Work experience as a clerical assistant in a busy office enabled me to develop a number of important skills. Working in a small team ensured that I was able to listen carefully to others and work co- operatively with a variety of different people. In addition, at certain times I had to work independently which allowed me to use my own initiative. Such skills will prove extremely useful on my Business Studies degree."

Writing about your work experience Skills "Work experience as a clerical assistant in a busy office enabled me to develop a number of important skills. Working in a small team ensured that I was able to listen carefully to others and work co-operatively with a variety of different people. In addition, at certain times I had to work independently which allowed me to use my own initiative. Such skills will prove extremely useful on my Business Studies degree." Relevance

Final Check – ‘MACK’ (Stirling University) Maturity – has the applicant shown personal readiness for University? Ability – has the applicant attained the academic grades for the course and have they demonstrated the skills required? Commitment – has the applicant demonstrated a history of sticking to a task? Knowledge – does the applicant have an understanding of what lies ahead?

Maturity Able to take personal responsibility for learning Adapt to teaching and learning provision Self-confidence and self-discipline Cope with pressure Positive influence on others

Ability Knowledge and understanding of pre-requisite materials Necessary study and assessment skills Apply analytical and transferrable skills

Commitment Personal commitment to study for degree Able to stick to task and not give up Prepared to work hard

Knowledge What the degree involves What the institution provides Demonstrate interest in subject Realistic view of where degree leads