Writing effective

Personal Statements

Access and Student Recruitment TeamDurham University

2012/13

∂

[ ]The Context

Personal Statement

Admissions Tests

Interviews

A2 Predictions

AS Results

GCSEs

∂

[ ]Online application form

Your personal statement:

• Up to 47 lines

• Up to 4000 characters (including spaces)

• Draft it in a word package

• Check spelling and grammar!

Complete your personal statement online via

UCAS Apply (http://www.ucas.com/students/apply/)

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[ ]http://www.ucas.co.uk/students/applying/howtoapply/personalstatement/

A short, helpful video!

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1. Why do you want to study the subject?

[ ]Structure

2. What have you done in the past that makes you particularly suitable to study the subject?

3. What can you offer the university? What can you contribute to the course and the institution?

∂Demonstrate your enthusiasm and academic potential:

• Knowledge of the subject area

• Where it could it lead?

• What does the subject entail?

• Why does it interest you?

• What interests you the most?

[ ]1. Why this subject?

∂

You enjoy the subjectWhy is it important to you?What do you enjoy about it?

You enjoy a particular aspect Which aspect stands out from the rest? Why?

You want to study your current subject in more depth

What are your specific interests? Link to some element of course

Your interest is reinforced by work experience

How did work experience help? What did you do/learn?

The subject is a prerequisite for your chosen career

Which career? How does the course fit into your plans?

A person / event inspires youHas someone in particular inspired you?Lecture, cultural visit, etc.?

[ ]Reason for subject choice?

∂Your experience so far:

• Project work• Voluntary work• Extra-curricular interests• Work experience (e.g. law, teaching)• Books, newspapers, journals• Television programmes/ documentaries• Year out

[ ]2. Why you?

∂

[ ]What makes you who you are?

• What do you enjoy?

• Hobbies, leisure activities

• Sports

• Extra-curricular activities

• Responsibilities

• Achievements

3. What do you have to offer?

∂

• Be original

• Be positive

• Do not mention individual institutions

• Do not start your personal statement with a quotation

• Do not be too general with your choices

• Do not try to be funny!

• Be careful when you talk about your interests and hobbies

• Don’t write a chronological history of yourself

[ ]Tips

∂Drafting your personal statement

[ ]Activity

∂

Your teacher has to write you a reference… …they may use your personal statement as a guide

[ ]Start early

Give your referee enough time to write a good reference!

∂

UCAS uses a ‘similarity detection system’ to check all statements for evidence of similarities

Your personal statement must be an authentic statement written by you

If you submit a plagiarised statement, your application may be rejected instantly

It is unlikely that a second personal statement will be accepted

[ ]Plagiarism

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Put yourself in an admissions tutor’s shoes…

• What are the strengths and weaknesses?

• Is the personal statement convincing?

• Would you give this student a place at university?

[ ]Activity

∂

It’s an art, not a science.

This is general advice…

…different universities have different views depending on your chosen course, the level of competition, etc.

Some institutions have specific suggestions or expectations, but take care: don’t antagonise one or more of your choices!

Do your research!

[ ]Remember!

∂

[ ]

At Durham University, every form is read in detail…

…you need to draft, draft, and draft again!

[ ]Remember!

Tip: Get as much advice as possible throughout the process

∂

Universities are looking for potential

Structure & grammar/spelling

Draft and re-draft! Get help!

It’s personal!

Give yourself enough time: start now!

[ ]In conclusion…

Any questions?