1. Personal Statements

2. Before applying to university... Why do you want to go to university? What do you want to study? Why do you want to study this course? What are the entry requirements? Where do you want to study?

3. What Admission Tutors look for: Potential for academic success Potential for vocational success Potential for personal and social success

4. Personal Statements Be positive – make yourself stand out from other applicants Be concise – do not repeat information which is elsewhere on the form Spend time on getting it right!

5. What should you cover? Reasons for choosing the course Show why you would be suitable for the course – relevant research, skills and experience Capability for higher level study – independence, motivation, academic ability… Career aspirations and why you would be suited to your chosen profession Other interests, abilities and achievements – show that you are a ‘well-rounded’ person

6. Hints and tips… Spelling, punctuation and grammar must be perfect The statement should have a clear structure Avoid the ‘obvious statements’ – “I read”, “I socialise with friends”… Never list interests or activities If applying for combined courses, make sure you address all subjects Remember you only have one statement

7. Portfolios Should have recent work and provide evidence of all relevant capabilities Show evidence of visual enquiry, idea development and a sample of written work Portfolios can include photo prints or slides of 3D work, painting/printmaking, drawings or digital work

8. Things to think about… Reference Extra-curricular activities – sports, hobbies, voluntary work… Academic achievement Work experience Life experience