1. AQUINAS DIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL HIGHER EDUCATION APPLICATIONS PERSONAL STATEMENTS

2. WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT? A section of the UCAS application form (4000 characters) It gives you a chance to tell universities and colleges why you are applying and why they should want you as a student A good personal statement could help persuade an Admissions Officer to offer you a place Separate statements are needed for Teaching and Social Work applications

3. You should include some or all of the following points. Why you have chosen the courses you have listed What interests you about your chosen subject Particular interests you have in your current A Level studies Any job, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done, particularly if it is relevant to your subject Responsibilities in or out of school

4. Details of skills you have gained through activities such as Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Bar Mock Trial, Aspire, Community Link etc. Other achievements Your future plans Any subjects you are studying that do not have an AS or A2 exam (speech and drama, music) Any sponsorship or placements you have applied for If you are planning to take a year out, give your reasons why Your social, sports or leisure interests

5. What makes an effective Personal Statement? Your Personal Statement should:  Show that you have skills suited to university life  Discuss your choice of course  Show that you are somebody who will benefit from life at university  Show your interesting personality

6. What Do I do Next? Look at the Higher Education document in the shared area Prepare a draft personal statement by the last week in June and submit it to your Year Head Over the summer months, begin to research some courses through UCAS and CAO websites Give some thought to LMI

7. Dates for Your Diary Oxbridge, Medicine and Dentistry applications submitted by 15 th October 2012 All other applications to be with careers teachers by mid November 2012 SO START NOW!!!