The Personal Statement
How important is the Personal Statement? Most Admissions Tutors see it as vital For some courses it is very important Some may not be read Due to the increase in applications and fewer places available, most will probably be read THE POINT IS - YOU DO NOT KNOW
What is the Personal Statement used for? Selection for an interview Selection for an offer Asking questions at an interview Decisions on conditional offers who dont make the grade in August (Remember to keep a copy of your personal statement so you can read it before the interview)
Wheres MACK ? Maturity – indicated through skills and experiences Ability – demonstrated through academic and other achievements; Commitment – to course/career Knowledge – of what the course is about through research
What are Admissions Tutors looking for? Interest in and knowledge of the degree course Someone who has done a lot with their lives Why you are suitable for the course Commitment to course Clearly written statement Motivated, mature individuals who are enthusiastic Able to balance studies with non-academic life Interesting person Work experience Broad key skills eg. Teamwork Future career – knowledge of industry Explanation of unusual degree combinations
What should you avoid? Waffle Swallowing a dictionary Empty statements about yourself without supporting examples Very ordinary interests eg. Walking the dog! Spelling or grammatical errors Using text speak or slang Lying (remember the interview) Making attention grabbing statements – the admissions tutor may not share your sense of humour! Quotes – in general they dont add much to the statement Rushing – take time and plan Thinking you can write it without advice Thinking you can write it whilst watching the TV or chatting online with your friends!
What kind of information should you give? Why you want to do the degree course Any work experience/current studies that relate to the course Responsibilities, achievements and experiences in school Interests, achievements and experiences out with school Particularly interests that are special or unique Reasons why you didnt do well in exams – illness, bereavement etc. Your ambition, why you are suited to the course, involvement in university life Should be 75% academic and 25% personal Mention the course you are applying for!
Structure of statement The important information should always be at the start of your statement. An ideal structure would be: 1. Motivation behind choosing course 2. Work experience 3. Your interests/hobbies 4. Conclusion including ambition & why they should offer you a place
Unsuccessful personal statements Didnt support desire to study chosen degree Didnt show sufficient understanding, relevance or knowledge about the course Lot of competition and personal statement wasnt as strong as other applicants Application didnt evidence an accurate understanding of or motivation for subject
Warning! Increasing use of commercially produced personal statements All personal statements run through plagiarism detection software - Copycatch Remember your declaration of honesty is a legally binding contract – avoid lying or exaggeration as if caught out this may result in rejection.
addresses Do not use addresses that may offend an Admissions Tutor Eg references to religion, football, sex, race, politics Stick to simple addresses