1. The Personal Statement

2. 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

3. 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 don’t make the grade in August (Remember to keep a copy of your personal statement so you can read it before the interview)

4. Where’s MACK ? Maturity Ability Commitment Knowledge

5. What are Admissions Tutors looking for? Interest in and knowledge of the degree course 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 Explanation of unusual degree combinations

6. What should you avoid? Waffle Swallowing a dictionary Empty statements about yourself 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 don’t 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!

7. 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 outwith school Particularly interests that are special or unique Reasons why you didn’t do well in exams – illness, bereavement etc. Your ambition, why you are suited to the course, involvement in university life Should be analytical and reflective, not just descriptive Should be 75% academic and 25% personal Mention the course you are applying for!

8. 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

9. Unsuccessful personal statements Didn’t support desire to study chosen degree Didn’t show sufficient understanding, relevance or knowledge about the course Lot of competition and personal statement wasn’t as strong as other applicants Application didn’t evidence an accurate understanding of or motivation for subject

10. Common openings…… I am currently studying….. From a young/early age I have always been interested in…… Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career…… For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated in….. Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only……. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with….. For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in…. Academically I have always been a very determined…..

11. 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

12. E-mail addresses Do not use e-mail addresses that may offend an Admissions Tutor Eg references to religion, football, sex, race, politics Stick to simple e-mail addresses

13. A successful student will….. Have had aspirations from early life Be able to imagine themselves realistically as a student Have a good support system for their application at home and school Have one to one encouragement from parent/school staff Have access to university before application Have access to a range of pre-university events Experience university induction activities that encourage a sense of community and belonging Have sustained interaction with staff during 1 st year Have help in developing independent learning skills pre and post entry

14. Remember you are one of many, so you have to shine as brightly as you can!