1. Personal Statement
UCAS 2018

3. Personal Statement basics
4000 characters – includes spaces
Don’t mention names of specific universities
Write the personal statement on Word then copy on to application
UCAS verify information and have a fraud dept

4. University advice on Personal Statements

5. UCAS advice
university/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-personal- statement

6. Course you are applying for and why
Introduction
Course you are applying for and why
What inspired you?
What led you to become interested in this course?
Why you are passionate about this course?
Examples that demonstrate your interest in this course?
What are your future ambitions and why are you keen to follow this career route?

8. Middle section: What makes you suited to the course?
Examples of your actions that show:-
skills
talents
qualities
Eg. Achievements, work experience, school activities, clubs, teams, part- time job, school work
1. ALWAYS link skills with evidence!
2. Link to skills that are required in the course description.

10. Examples / Proof / Evidence
Football team – commitment, team work, leadership
Job – communication, responsibility, time management, reliability
Boys Brigade – working with others, ability to take on challenges
Dance – dedication, planning, following instructions
School show – outgoing, demonstrates passion for drama/music
Work experience – taking the initiative, early interest in career
Subject specific activities – demonstrate passion for the subject
Link to specific skills required by the course or your future career

11. What makes you suited to University level studies?
Examples of commitment, work ethic, dedication, independence, ability to problem solve and ask for help when required.
How do you study?
What motivates you?
Do you have experience of University life?

12. Essential Work closely with your Pastoral Care teacher
Proofread each version of your Personal statement and ensure you make every change highlighted by your Pastoral care teacher – even little commas, etc
Staff will not send your application until perfect so you will make many amendments
Ensure you keep to deadlines!
Universities send out some Unconditional offers as soon as suitable candidates contact them

13. Additional thoughts
Plan work experience or volunteering if you have not already taken these opportunities – this includes your wider achievement opportunity
Use the examples in the booklet you are given to give you ideas
Use the UCAS Personal Statement tool to give you a good structure
/index.html#/main

14. UCAS website
Personal statement mindmap: gH
Personal Statement worksheet: Q5

15. Applying for two different courses
Don’t name specific courses – you may appear
uncommitted / indecisive
Talk about your skills, interests and long-term ambitions without referring to course name if possible

16. Applying to a Conservatoire?
UCAS website support:
conservatoires-application/how-write-ucas- conservatoires-personal-statement

17. Applying for Teaching UCAS support:
hEE

18. To summarise ….