All you need to know about Personal Statements

Some top tips to completing your UCAS

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a brief personal summary in an essay form that is written by an applicant when applying to a college, university or graduate school.

How long are they?

4,000 characters (47 lines).

TOP TIPS: 1. It says ‘PERSONAL’ for a reason - make it about you. You are selling yourself!

2. Be specific.

For example, don’t just say: “I read books on History” or “I read books on World War I.” Instead: Name the exact book/article/ podcast and author/speaker. Refer to a specific element/ theme/ argument/ perspective that the “book” addresses or tackles. Engage with it and state your opinion on it. Here are some prompters to get you started: - Do you agree or disagree with a specific argument? Why do you like /dislike it? What limitations might it have? - How did it impact you? Has it developed your interest in a topic? Has it prompted you to research another topic or conduct any further reading?

If so, why? - Does it complement or contradict anything else that you’ve come across? How? - What did you learn from it?

3. Demonstrate your knowledge

Anyone can say that they are good at a certain subject or are able to use a certain technique, so it is important that you can prove it. The key to this is to use specific language or link to particular social/historical/scientific contexts that will indicate that you know exactly what you are talking about (and not bluffing)!

For example, if examining an author’s literary technique one could say: “[AUTHOR’S NAME] use of declarative sentences and unsophisticated lexis that was rich with symbolism in [NAME OF BOOK ETC.] enabled me to …”

4. Hobbies and interests

This is a great way of showing a bit more of your personality that may have been slightly more difficult to reflect in earlier paragraphs. However, this does not mean you should list all the hobbies or interests that you have. You must be selective with which ones you choose to discuss. We suggest the following: Make a rough list of them all. Think: - What skills have they helped you to develop? For example, confidence, rhythm, teamwork, public speaking - What achievements have you gained? For example, examinations and grades, performances (drama, dance etc.), medals and awards -How important or unique is each one? - IF they can, how can you relate them to your studies?

5. Work and work experience

This is another chance to showcase to the reader what you have done outside of the classroom. Again, be careful not to list these unnecessarily. Be specific: Where did you work? How long? What did you do? What skills did you learn? Did you learn anything about yourself? For example, did it spark any interests? Was there anything in particular that has stuck with you?

6. First paragraph

All opening paragraphs are different. Primarily, one should address the course or subject. You may also wish to briefly summarise why you are interested in it, or what makes you want to study it. This may be as a result of a personal experience, a current event, or due to a source of inspiration. Try to make these first few lines as engaging and unique as possible as this is the first thing that will be read. You need to stand out!

7. Last paragraph

This is less of a paragraph and more one or two lines to neatly round off your statement. Relate back to the course and perhaps reference something about the university itself. Expressing excitement and interest is best.

Ultimately, this is a short and concise piece of writing. It is not easy and you should not expect to get it written in one sitting, or have it completed after one draft. Keep re-reading and editing. Ask teachers, family and friends to help; you never know what ideas they might have, and they may pick up on any spelling or grammar mistakes that you may have overlooked. Good luck!

TATIANA SUMMERS, Editor

editor@educationchoicesmagazine.com

Please contact CJA Educational Consultancy for further tips