1. Writing a personal statement: For UCAS and ???? It’s not as bad as you think

2. So what’s the point? The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out! The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out! Let your personal statement work for you Let your personal statement work for you

3. Questions to ask yourself before you start… What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story? What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or impressive about you or your life story?

4. Questions… What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the admissions officer better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants? What details of your life (personal or family problems, history, people or events that have shaped you or influenced your goals) might help the admissions officer better understand you or help set you apart from other applicants?

5. Questions… Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life? Have you had to overcome any unusual obstacles or hardships (for example, economic, familial, or physical) in your life?

6. Questions… What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics? What personal characteristics (for example. integrity. compassion. persistence) do you possess that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? Is there a way to demonstrate or document that you have these characteristics?

7. Questions… Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades last year)? Are there any gaps or discrepancies in your academic record that you should explain (great grades last year)?

8. Questions… When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it (and about yourself) that has further stimulated your interest and reinforced your conviction that you are well suited to this field? What insights have you gained?

9. Questions… What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess? What skills (for example, leadership, communicative, analytical) do you possess?

10. Other tips for writing your personal statement Tell a story: Use a story to illustrate the point that you really want to express. Stories are easier to remember than straight facts and this will make the committee members remember you. Tell a story: Use a story to illustrate the point that you really want to express. Stories are easier to remember than straight facts and this will make the committee members remember you. Give supporting details: If you mention in your personal statement that you will be a great doctor because you are hard working, then you’ll have to provide proof! Give supporting details: If you mention in your personal statement that you will be a great doctor because you are hard working, then you’ll have to provide proof! Don’t be afraid to show them how much you know! Don’t be afraid to show them how much you know!

11. Personal Statement Don’ts Do not try to be “cute” or funny Do not try to be “cute” or funny Do not touch on controversial or political topics Do not touch on controversial or political topics DO NOT LIE!!! DO NOT LIE!!! Avoid clichés Avoid clichés

12. Grammatical Tips As with writing any essay remember these tips: Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw them in! Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw them in! Use the funnel approach in your introduction Use the funnel approach in your introduction Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction, body, conclusion Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction, body, conclusion CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!! CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!!

13. ~Write~