1. Writing your Personal Statement

2. Why is it important… 'For highly competitive courses which attract applications from many more candidates than there are places, comparing all applicants' personal statements helps us to identify the most committed and suitable candidates.' 'For highly competitive courses which attract applications from many more candidates than there are places, comparing all applicants' personal statements helps us to identify the most committed and suitable candidates.' The Assistant Registrar for Undergraduate Admissions from University of Warwick

3. Personal Statements in Context One of a large number of potential selection criteria: GCSE Grades or equivalent GCSE Grades or equivalent AS Grades or equivalent AS Grades or equivalent AS Module scores AS Module scores A2 Predicted grades or equivalent A2 Predicted grades or equivalent Personal Statement Personal Statement Teachers’ Reference Teachers’ Reference Admissions Tests/Written work/Portfolios Admissions Tests/Written work/Portfolios Interviews/Auditions Interviews/Auditions

4. Key Points Vital part of the application process Vital part of the application process Allows you to: Explain why you want to study a particular course Explain why you want to study a particular course Show your motivation and commitment Show your motivation and commitment Make a good first impression Make a good first impression Sell yourselves to the admissions tutor Sell yourselves to the admissions tutor

5. General Advice Statement will be seen by all UCAS choices Statement will be seen by all UCAS choices Similarity and plagiarism measures in place Similarity and plagiarism measures in place Must give specific examples, not general statements Must give specific examples, not general statements Should be personal but not “quirky” – individuality, personality, passion and enthusiasm is great. Should be personal but not “quirky” – individuality, personality, passion and enthusiasm is great. Likely to be discussed at interview Likely to be discussed at interview

6. Suggested Structure 60-75%Academic25-40% Extra Curricular I want to study… My current studies… I have read/watched/visited… It was interesting because… In my spare time… I had work experience at… I enjoy…

7. Academic Section Motivation to study subject “I have always been fascinated by…” “I have always been fascinated by…” Specific reasons Specific reasons Career plans if applicable Career plans if applicable Inspiration taken from current studies Again specific elements Again specific elements Good opportunity to talk about Extended Project if applicable Good opportunity to talk about Extended Project if applicable Some academics want to see students taking a subject for the subjects sake Some academics want to see students taking a subject for the subjects sake

8. Academic Section Super Curricula Activities Summer schools Summer schools Work experience Work experience Public lectures Public lectures Voluntary work Voluntary work Competitions Competitions Read newspapers Read newspapers Read scientific journals Read scientific journals Read books Read books

9. Extra Curricula Section Some universities take this section into consideration more than others Some universities take this section into consideration more than others Only 25% of statement should be on this if you are taking an academic route Should focus on transferable skills Should focus on transferable skills Be selective – 3 or 4 well explained activities Be selective – 3 or 4 well explained activities

10. Conclusion A good personal statement should be… Subject focused Subject focused Weighted towards Students’ academic interest and activities Weighted towards Students’ academic interest and activities Honest and positive Honest and positive What you need to bear in mind… It should appeal to al institutions It should appeal to al institutions It should be “personal” It should be “personal” “Anything said may be used in evidence” “Anything said may be used in evidence” This is your only chance to make a good first impression This is your only chance to make a good first impression Just one element of the Admissions Process Just one element of the Admissions Process