1. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS
Kieron Broadhead
Student Recruitment Officer
Goldsmiths, University of London
David Winstanley
Education Liaison Manager
University of Liverpool

2. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Introduction
Is there a secret formula to writing a personal
statement that will guarantee you a place…?

3. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Introduction
NO!
However…

4. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Aims of the session
By the end of this session, you will:
Have identified key aspects of UCAS personal statement
Be equipped with top tips
Be aware of what admissions tutors are looking for in personal statements
Be aware of the practicalities of writing personal statements in the UCAS Apply system
Have seen real examples Personal Statements and References; good AND bad!

5. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Things to remember
All HEI’s treat statements and references in different ways
Some HEI’s give them more weight than others
Practices can vary within institutions
The personal statement and references are used in conjunction with a whole range of other factors

6. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Personal Statement overview:
The importance of the personal statement
Style and appearance
What to include
Tips for success
Examples

7. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Importance:
Most courses at most universities don’t interview
Those that do interview will often base their questions on the statement
Often the only chance the student has to differentiate themselves and impress the admissions tutor

8. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Style and appearance:
It is a formal application
There are 4,000 characters and 47 lines
Paragraphs are important!
Write in word processing software then cut and paste into Apply
Spelling, grammar and punctuation should be perfect!
Plagiarism Detection Software system – you won’t know; but they will!

9. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Content:
Commitment, interest and enthusiasm!
Analytical and reflective, not merely descriptive
Relevant (and transferable) skills and abilities
Work experience
Understanding of the course applied for!

10. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Examples of activities/experiences to include:
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/CCF/CSLA (Leadership, commitment, teamwork)
Young Enterprise (Management, workload balance, imagination)
Volunteering and community engagement (Drive, communication, passion)
Part time work (Workload balance, reliability, enthusiasm)

11. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Questions to ask
List any prizes you have won – either inside or outside school
What would you say has been your biggest achievement and why?
Has anyone motivated you?
If so, who and why?
Do you have a favourite book, film, hobby?
How have they influenced you?
Have you faced any difficulties in life?
Did it change you?
Have you worked hard for something and finally achieved your goal?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
What would your friends/family say if they were writing your statement?

12. UCAS PERSONAL STATEMENTS Personal Statements
Personal statement preparation:
Allow yourself time for thought and planning
Jot down achievements throughout Year 12/keep a log
Work with friend to think about what you can include
University Education Liaison Teams are well-versed in this and happy to assist
Ensure that you are around for UCAS preparation day on Jun 19th – those without much to include have a chance to rectify it!

13. CONTACT DETAILS Kieron Broadhead Undergraduate Recruitment Officer
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
London
SE14 6NW T: E: W:
David Winstanley
Education Liaison Manager
University of Liverpool
765, Brownlow Hill
Liverpool
L69 7ZX T: E: W: