Tell the reader why you're applying – include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider, and higher education.
Think about what makes you suitable
– this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you've gained from education, work, or other activities.
Do universities really look at personal statements?
Clare Marchant, chief executive of Ucas, said a survey of 118 universities by Ucas in 2016 found that
89% of them used personal statements in their initial decision making
. … Some students may meanwhile have extenuating reasons for under-performance, and a statement can let universities know about it.
How do you stand out in a personal statement?
- 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!
How do universities assess personal statements?
Each uni will be looking for something a little bit different: some will focus entirely on your academic activities, others will also pay attention to your hobbies. Do
show that you'll be active at university
. Any personal examples of work experience, weekend jobs or school activities can be of use.
What should you not put in a personal statement?
- NEGATIVITY. …
- NOT MENTIONING YOUR SKILLS & ACHEIVEMENTS. …
- EXAGGERATION & OUTRIGHT LIES. …
- POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. …
- NOT GETTING FEEDBACK. …
- STATING THE OBVIOUS. …
- TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD. …
- THE WORD PASSION.
Do you introduce yourself in a personal statement?
‘The opening is your chance to
introduce yourself
, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. … ‘It's your enthusiasm for the course we want to know about.
How much does my personal statement matter?
Remember, your personal statement is
all about
you, so you should use it to showcase your personality, experience, achievements, and future ambitions. Universities want to get to know you, and why you'd be an asset to the course – they don't want to read something that's written by someone else.
Do they actually read personal statements?
“
Every personal statement will be read by someone to check that the applicant is applying for the right course
” explains PQ. … “Some may just issue offers to everyone who meets the requirements” said Alexion “but other more competitive ones will actually require you to show some enthusiasm in your personal statement.”
Can a personal statement make a difference?
The personal statement is a great opportunity to show off your writing skills as well as your determination to succeed while telling the reader why you are applying to their program – and why you should be accepted.
Can you Plagiarise your own personal statement?
Plagiarism is not just dishonest but a disservice to both the applicant and the school.
The personal statement is meant to be “personal”
. … It is possible for people to unintentionally plagiarize due to lack of knowledge about plagiarism or even to self plagiarize (yes this is possible).
How do you write a perfect personal statement?
- Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
- Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
- Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you're interested in.
Can you have two personal statements?
No
, you only write one personal statement that all of your choices see. The same goes if you apply to further universities, or courses in Extra or Clearing.
Should you talk about grades in a personal statement?
The Princeton Review in “Topics to Avoid on Your Personal Statement” advises prospective law students
not to write
about low test scores or grades, “A low LSAT score speaks for itself. So does a C– in Macroeconomics. There are very few things you can say to make the situation better, so don't try.
What does a good personal statement look like?
Tell the reader why you're applying – include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider, and higher education.
Think about what makes you suitable
– this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you've gained from education, work, or other activities.
How would you describe yourself in a personal statement?
- Able. I am able to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.
- Creative. I use a creative approach to problem solve.
- Dependable. I am a dependable person who is great at time management.
- Energetic. …
- Experience. …
- Flexible. …
- Hardworking. …
- Honest.
Should you include your name in a 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.
