UCAS & THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Dr Robin BarlowAdmissions & Schools Liaison

Applying Online: The Required Information• Registration

• About You

• Choices

• Education

• Employment

• Personal Statement

• Reference

• Payment Method

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

• A chance to promote yourself.

• Opportunity to tell the universities and colleges you have chosen why you are applying, and why they should want you as a student.

• Admission officers will want to know why you are interested in the courses that you have applied for and what you hope to do after your studies.

The essential element of the whole Personal Statement is:

• Why have you chosen a particular subject/course? What interests you about it? Why do you want to spend three years of your life studying it?

– Use the Personal Profile if you need ideas– This section should probably be about 70% of your Personal Statement

– Evidence not generalisations– Show that you really understand what the course is all about

DESIGNING THE BUILDING BLOCKS

Personal Profile: UCAS website• Interest in History

One of the most important elements we look for in applicants is a genuine interest in History. In order to get the best out of our undergraduate course, what you need above all is an enthusiasm for and a real curiosity about the past. There are many ways in which you can demonstrate to us your commitment to the subjects. These might include visits you have made to museums, galleries, archaeological sites etc., as well as the reading you have done around your particular academic interest.

IT skillsExperience with information technology is desirable but by no means essential. Students are strongly encouraged to word process their work, but are not obliged to do so. By doing so, you will acquire valuable skills for the future. You will be further encouraged to use e-mail and web sites and to attend courses run centrally by Information Services.

• Communication skillsCommunication skills are naturally important for a history student. You will need to be able to present a written argument and to express your ideas in seminar debates and discussions. These communication skills will enhance your enjoyment of the subject and will prove invaluable in your future career.

Other essentials.…..

• Future career plans

• Enhancement: going beyond the curriculum

• Relevant work experience/placements/voluntary work

• Extra curricular activities (e.g. Duke of Edinburgh)

• If you are applying for a ‘Gap Year’, explain your reasons way

• Social, sports, and leisure interests

PLANNING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

• Make a list of all your achievements, skills, experiences, interests, goals and aspirations etc.

• Make several drafts

• Ask a friend/teacher/parent to read it

• Listen to comments and amend your statement

• Always be positive about yourself

• Sell, sell, sell

Tone & style• Don’t write lists: reflect on what you have done

• Think about the overall impression you want to give

• Organise your statement to ensure it flows well

• Make it informative and interesting to read

• Write clearly and concisely

• Avoid ‘management-speak’

• Try not to say that you prefer one University to another

• Be prepared to discuss the content if you are asked to attend an interview

“Playing the saxophone lets me develop technique and skill whichwill help me in the future, since I would like to become a doctor!”

“If the pay was right I’d travel with the circus!”

“I am proud to be able to say that I have been sustained from theuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products!”

“I would love to attend a college where the foundation isbuilt upon women!”

Hmmm…not quite!Some real examples of what not to say

Personal Statements:

Examples and Analysis

Example 1

As Virgil says, “Happy is he who is able to learn the causes of all things.”

Studying a science as well as History and Classical Civilisation at A-Level has enabled me to explore a diverse range of areas while reinforcing that my one true passion is History. History has always been more than an academic subject to me which is why I read extensively, subscribe to “History Review” and am a member of “Timewatch” at school. I have enjoyed studying Russian History which I hope to continue at university. I also hope to broaden my studies which the range of options available will allow me to do.

My study of History at A-Level has enabled me to develop my analytical skills. I am an avid reader and this has helped to develop my research ability. My enthusiasm for the subject has resulted in me winning the School History prize. These attributes will, I hope, allow me to benefit from studying a History degree.

Although it is difficult to find work experience directly related to History, I feel my work experience at a strategic marketing company in London was very worthwhile. As well as being a challenging and enjoyable experience it opened my eyes to the wide spectrum of options open to historians. It also served to give me an idea of the sort of career I may be interested in.

Playing in various sports teams as well as captaining the netball team for two years has taught me the importance of self-reliance, organisation and motivating others. It has also enabled me to represent my town at the Manchester Youth Games for two years. I would relish the chance to continue playing at university and I would also be keen to continue playing Ladies’ rugby. My work with the homeless at the soup kitchens in Stockport, as well as being rewarding, provided me with the opportunity to meet people and learn the valuable skills of commitment and adaptability. Hopefully these attributes have been enhanced by my completion of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. I feel these skills are also appropriate to studying a History degree.

History Personal Statement: Example & Analysis

STRENGTHS:

A keen interest in the subject comes across clearly throughout

Good work experience of which the applicant is very positive

Charity work shows commitment: another positive aspect of personality

Varied sports’ experience, the skills gained here are pointed out

Particular historical interest pointed out though more could be made of this

WEAKNESSES:

The opening sentence could be regarded as ‘highbrow’ and a bit pretentious

The dreaded ‘passion’

The work experience is not used to demonstrate the skills which would have been acquired by the student

Not enough detail on the School History Prize despite the award being clearly relevant

Personal Statements

Example 2

I would like to continue to study Mathematics but would also like to develop my interest in computing. I am especially interested in artificial intelligence and intelligent systems as they incorporate aspects of psychology, linguistics and philosophy. My career aspirations are to develop new systems for computers in the field of communication, travel or entertainment. I have some knowledge of computers having surfed the internet and used packages such as Lotus, Microsoft and VAMP, the network used by medical practices.

I enjoy travelling, having visited India and various European countries, the most recent destination being Italy. I have taken part in the German exchange twice and hope to spend a year abroad as part of my degree.

Being the founder and Chief Executive of the alternative school magazine, which now attracts a readership of over 150, and Assistant personnel Director of the Young Enterprise scheme has developed my motivation and organisational skills. Producing the magazine also enabled me to use office equipment and to use Microsoft Publisher. Outside school, I have undertaken voluntary work for two months in a hospital geriatric ward and at an Infants' School for a year, where I helped children with mathematics and reading. This has developed my communication skills with people of all ages.

I like to be involved in raising money for charity. Having participated in fund-raising events for Comic Relief, I have found myself skipping, singing and enduring a very short haircut, all in the name of charity.

My creative interest include playing musical instruments such as the guitar and keyboard and writing original songs. I have taken part in a school play, and more recently, written, directed and had a role in an Indian comedy play performed at a medical reunion at a large hotel in Manchester. I also enjoy reading, especially cultural and contemporary fiction and technical magazines, watching films and playing basketball and football in my spare time.

Computer Science Personal Statement: Example & Analysis

STRENGTHS:

Gives the impression of being an all-round personality

Good to mention that voluntary school work was done for a whole year: reflects genuine commitment

Statement shows some research about the subject and specifically mentions the names of two specialist fields

WEAKNESSES:

Motivation to do this course is not put across convincingly

Computer use mentioned, but it’s vague: Microsoft and Lotus are companies, not packages: which packages were used?

Very general pursuits such as reading and playing football casually are not much help to an admissions tutor

Good Luck!

Thank you from

Aberystwyth