1. © University of Reading 2006www.reading.ac. uk 20 April 2014 What Admissions Tutors are looking for in a personal statement

2. To put your footer here go to View > Header and Footer2 The admission procedure UCAS is a central clearing house The only method of entry to UK degree programmes 5 choices Decisions are made by universities All Applications done electronically

3. Make a copy of your personal statement Make no mistakes! Meet the deadlines Clear, plain English Internal: Mid Oct (School) External: Mid-Jan (UCAS) Earlier deadline October: Oxbridge, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Vet Science NB. Good applicants often apply early! Presentati on : Electronic Application Applying to university The UCAS form

4. Invisibility of choices Consistent subject choice Realistic subject choice Reference Applications Provide an overall impression of the student Note any relevant circumstances Provide realistic estimated grades Tutors are very experienced Applying to university The UCAS form

5. i) Qualification ii) Motivation The chance to tell the universities why they are applying, and why they should want them. Personal Statement What are Universities looking for? It could help to persuade an admissions tutor to offer them a place. Applying to university The UCAS form

6. Qualification The right subjects (if required) The appropriate grades Experience (for some courses) A basic appreciation of what studying the subject involves Motivation i) Enthusiasm ii) Interest in the field What do Universities look for? Applying to university

7. What do Universities look for? Some evidence of activity outside school/college Spark Enthusiasm An inquiring mind A desire to study at graduate level Burning desire to study the subject Interest in the field Research Knowledge Thoughts and awareness Applying to university

8. Motivation Commitment Experience Knowledge Technical Skill Interpersonal Skills Academic potential Aspirations Enthusiasm Dedication Intellect What do Universities look for? Applying to university

9. The Personal Statement Applying to university Getting started….. Make a list of all you experience, interests and qualities. You can group them later on. Be selective. Which of your activities is most impressive? Admissions Tutors dont need to know everything about you. Do not expect to get it done quickly - you will need to draft it out, think about it and discuss it with others.

10. Personal statement What you say is as important as how you say it Make sure your layout is organised, clear and concise Dont waffle Dont repeat details already on the form Dont relate to any one university

11. What could be included? Why you are interested in the subject Details of your key skills Any work experience Other achievements Your future plans Tasters and Masterclasses Any sponsorship/placements you have applied for If you taking a year out, your reasons why Your social, sports or leisure interests Applying to university

12. Be truthful... Avoid giving a list of activities / interests… Avoid giving a list of personal qualities... Be specific... Be interesting... Try and give a picture of you as a rounded, thinking and aware person Admissions tutors want to see a person, not an application Key things to consider... Applying to university

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