Teacher tips

TEACHER TIPS: HOW TO WRITE THE PERFECT PERSONAL STATEMENT

For girls in the U6, the completion of a UCAS form can seem like a Herculean task. But with the right preparation and support from the School’s HE and Careers team, it’s the perfect opportunity to shine.

Girls, here are some top tips: getting your all-important Personal Statement in pristine condition, ensures you give the best possible account of yourself to prospective universities.

1. Start early This advice applies to the whole university admissions process, and much is applicable to apprenticeships or work: don ’t delay in thinking about what you want to study or pulling together the evidence needed to make your case. The earlier you commence the process, the easier it will be. When it comes to the Personal Statement, it’ s important to allow plenty of time for drafting and redrafting. University admissions tutors can spot the statements that have been dashed out at the last minute. Such an approach doesn ’t create the impression of a diligent student keen to do their best.

2. Commit to your discipline Your Personal Statement is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the discipline you hope to study. You need to draw out your reasons for choosing that path, demonstrating a deeper engagement than what you cover in your A Level curriculum. This is your chance to show universities that you ’ll bring passion to the seminar room, as well as a commitment to wider study and deeper reflection. Give examples of when you ’ ve gone above and beyond to engage with your chosen subject. That’ s what will make you stand out from the crowd.

3. Evidence is key Avoid abstract comments about your personality and outlook. Universities want to see evidence of your engagement with the discipline you intend to study. Tell them if you ’ ve attended a conference, read a research paper or monograph, or watched a TV documentary that’ s relevant to the course. Explain what you gained from the experience – show how it enhanced your understanding. When describing your personal accomplishments, be sure to give examples. It’ s all about showing the person reading your statement that you can back up what you say.

4. Write clearly. Remember that less is more It can be tempting to pack in too much in your attempt to show what you examples and really reflect on them, showing thoughtful engagement. Be careful not just to list your achievements and successes. Don ’t waste too many words describing your co-curricular interests – you only have around 600 to work with, after all. The people reading this Personal Statement are most interested in your enthusiasm for study, and for their discipline in particular. Give them plenty of reason to think you ’ re a worthy recipient of a place on their course.

5. Stand out for the right reasons A good Personal Statement shows that you ’ re capable of reflecting on your experience and identifying how you ’ ve grown during your time at school. Convey this information with clarity and precision, ensuring a sense of purpose to your writing. Don ’t take risks by trying to be quirky or humorous. You want your statement to be memorable because it makes a really strong case for you to be given an offer. This is your chance to create a good impression and set up the next chapter of your life beyond School.