People have asked me to publish some help to get into university in the first place. There are some wonderful sites, including UCAS, but I’ve summarised some information about the most requested topic here: The dreaded personal statement! Let’s take the stress out of it.
Use a writing pad, a Word document, whatever floats your boat. I strongly suggest you do not write directly onto the form at first. This is because many forms time out. The UCAS form only stays live for around 30 to 40 minutes then drops out. You will potentially lose your vital work.
If you a writing your personal statement electronically, save it! Each time you make significant changes, save it as a new version so that you can choose to go back to include an original point if you need to.
Include EVERYTHING you would like to say. Do not worry about the word count at this stage as you will edit later.
The word count is 4,000 characters and 47 lines. Beware your word processor might count these differently.
Spellcheck, print, highlight, proofread. Make sure you are super happy with what you have written. Maybe even read it out to someone you trust. Try to choose someone who will be objective.
What does the personal statement have to be about? The clue is in the title… it’s all about you.
You are explaining to people who have never met you why you will do well on their course at their university. Why you would benefit from being with them, and why they should choose you. It’s a bit like a job interview.
You might be applying to lots of universities and for lots of slightly different courses. If this is your game plan, you may want to add extra steps to your strategy:
Preparation.
1. Have a look at your chosen university – what is the town like, what is the reputation of the university? An example is University of Brighton. Brighton and Hove prides itself on its diversity, and the university reflects this. It tries to welcome people from all backgrounds, and this can increase creativity. You might want to bear this in mind when you write your application, so that you show you will benefit from their university and/or bring something to it.
If you’ve chosen multiple universities, write a few keywords about the common factors between the universities. What do they say about themselves?
2. Have a look at your chosen course. What are the requirements, and do you meet these? Make a list of them so that you do not forget to cover them. The reader may not realise you’ve simply forgotten and might think you haven’t mentioned it because you don’t meet the criteria.
If you’ve chosen different subjects, again make sure you’ve listed the main factors.
Here are some commonsense ideas from the UCAS site to help you get started:
- Look at course descriptions and identify the qualities, skills, and experience it requires – you can use these to help you decide what to write about.
- Tell the reader why you’re applying – include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider, and higher education.
- Think about what makes you suitable – this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you’ve gained from education, work, or other activities.
- Include any clubs or societies you belong to – sporting, creative, or musical.
- Mention any relevant employment experience or volunteering you’ve done.
- If you’ve developed skills through Duke of Edinburgh, ASDAN, National Citizen Service, the Crest Awards scheme, or young enterprise, tell them.
- If you took part in a higher education taster course, placement, or summer school, or something similar, include it.
Personal circumstances
- If there are any personal circumstances which have affected your educational performance, outline them in your personal statement. Me: Remember though, you do not have to disclose medical information or disabilities unless you want to. This is the law. If you do tell them about a disability, you will be protected by the Equality Act which makes it illegal to discriminate against someone with a disability.
- If your personal circumstances have affected your qualification choices, you can mention this in your personal statement. Me: If you want to.
- If you have suffered financial hardship during your studies (e.g. received a bursary to cover the costs of your education), you can let the university know about that here.
Massive Hints!
Do not try to use high falutin’ terms or phrases unless this is how you speak naturally. You are not writing an essay, you are writing a natural piece about yourself. “My hobbies include appreciation of the juxtaposition of the old methodology of artistry as compared to emerging use of media” may sound impressive in your ears but really “I like art galleries” will save word count and you can enlarge at interview.
Write in the I. You’ve been told, often in angry red pen, to use the scientific method by writing things like “It is thought” rather than “I think” and “Evidence suggests” instead of “I believe” but this is about you. I think you can safely tell them about why you want to go to university. It’s what they want.
Make a plan. Like an essay, your personal statement should flow. You might start with why you are applying for the course, what you hope to gain from it and what you will bring to it. Then you could explain your achievements, interests, skills, hobbies. You might finish with your long term plans for using the degree. Alternatively, you could start with you want the degree as you’ve always wanted to do the job it would qualify you for. Organise your statement in the best way for you. There’s no absolute formula. Good luck, and let me know how you get on!