What to Include in a Personal Statement
- Information about yourself.
- Why you want to study the subject.
- Your passion for the subject.
- What type of student you are.
- Any previous assessments that you’ve done that relate to the course that you’re applying for.
- Your achievements.
- Your hobbies.
How do I make my personal statement stand out?
8 Things You Can Do to Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out
- Plan before you write.
- Format correctly.
- Make your introduction clear and direct.
- Include examples (but make sure they’re relevant)
- Put the ‘personal’ in ‘personal statement’
- If you’ve done your research – brag about it!
What should you avoid in a personal statement?
7 Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
- Whining. Don’t whine in your essay!
- Someone else is the hero.
- Reads like a resume.
- Lack of focus.
- Leaves out personal growth.
- Overcomplicated language.
- Incorrect grammar or spelling.
What do people look for in a personal statement?
Your personal statement should include a brief overview of who you are, your strengths and any work experience and/or education you’ve got. Be sure to include skills you’ve gained, such as time management, customer service, teamwork, computer skills etc.
How do you write a killer opening to your personal statement?
Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you’re interested in studying the area you’re applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don’t waffle or say you want to study something just because it’s interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it. ‘
How do you nail a personal statement?
Here are some tips on how to write a truly outstanding piece.
- Make a draft without a character counter.
- Take your time.
- Find the perfect words and expressions.
- Concentrate on your strengths.
- Find the perfect opening sentence.
- Make it your own work, voice and ideas.
- Be honest.
- Get someone to proofread your statement.
What makes a bad personal statement?
Avoid using up valuable words with obvious statements. Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Don’t tell the admissions tutor what they already know – instead, expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important.
What is a bad personal statement?
Additional Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid
Listing your accomplishments or rehashing your CV and extracurriculars. You need to show, not tell. Choosing a bland topic that admissions committees see over and over again. Overstating the obvious and using clichés.
Can I lie on my personal statement?
There is no point flat out lying or even embellishing the facts. Even a little white lie could easily come back to bite you. Universities might arrange interviews and discuss parts of your personal statement. Lying on the spot without the aid of Google is much harder, and it’s really not advisable to try.
What do universities want from a personal statement?
Your personal skills and achievements
Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so excited about the course(s) you’ve chosen. Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of.
How long should my personal statement be?
A general rule of thumb you might follow is to submit a 2-3 page statement, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, in 12-pt. Times New Roman font. While there are no set rules about length or format, this is typically considered appropriate and sufficient.
What are three tips for writing a personal statement?
10 top tips for writing your personal statement
- Plan before you write.
- Don’t use complicated language.
- Avoid clichés.
- Don’t name certain universities.
- Don’t plagiarise.
- Highlight your strengths.
- Explain your interest.
- Stick to the word count.
Is it bad to talk about mental health in personal statement?
Experts on Writing About Mental Health
All counselors interviewed for this piece agreed that students’ college essays should not be about their struggles with mental health.
Do universities look at personal statements?
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application, and your chance to sell yourself to your chosen university. “Ultimately, a personal statement is a chance for you to convey why you would like to study a particular course, and how you hope this will benefit you in the future.
Should I brag in my personal statement?
While you may feel uncomfortable bragging about your accomplishments and qualifications in your personal statement, it’s important that you underscore your value as a candidate.
Do I put my name on my personal statement?
In the absence of any guidelines provided by the graduate school, your heading should include the name of the document you are submitting (e.g., “Personal Statement”), the school and department for whom you are writing it (e.g., “Ohio University College of Education”), and your name.
Do UCAS check your GCSE grades?
They will need to see proof of the qualifications you listed in the ‘Education’ section of your application – this also means GCSE/National 5s and BTEC results!
Can I lie about my GCSEs on UCAS?
You cannot lie on your UCAS form, it’s as simple as that. Most schools check their student’s UCAS forms before they are sent off and are required to make sure that all information is true. In addition to this, UCAS themselves will ask for proof of your grades, which, if you cannot provide, will get you caught out.
What happens if your personal statement is copied?
2.3 If a personal statement shows 60% or more of plagiarised matter, the application will be considered by Admissions but the applicant will be informed of the detected plagiarism and the seriousness of this offence.
What should you avoid in a UCAS personal statement?
Writing a Personal Statement for UCAS: The 10 Big Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Writing a Personal Statement for a subject that isn’t the right fit.
- Spelling & Grammar Mistakes.
- Avoid exuberant language and pointless cliches.
- Endlessly listing extracurricular activities.
- Over-using quotes or taking them out of context.
Which grades do universities look at?
Most universities will use your overall Grade 12 U/M grades in calculating your admission average. Often this will include your best six 4 U/M courses or equivalent.