Professional Documents
Culture Documents
To hit the ground running and put you in a right mind-set, we have
created this worksheet to help you think about the information you
could include in your personal statement.
Why does this course interest you? Tip: Try giving some evidence that you understand the
content of this course and what’s required to study this course.
How is this academic area related to your life? Do you have any particular past experience that
will help you succeed on this course?
What part of this course excites you the most? Do you feel passionate about the course?
Abilities & Accomplishments
What abilities and skills do you already possess that you could use in this course? Tip:
Universities and colleges like to see what skills do you already have which will be an asset for
this course. For instance, if you are applying for Arts courses, University would be looking for
demonstration of your drawing skills. Or if you are applying for Science courses, then Math skills
would be vital.
What do you think are your best traits and characteristics? Any traits or achievements that you
feel proud of and any other attributes that make you interesting, special and unique or
candidate.
Studying in the UK
What made you decide to study outside of your country? Explain why you think you will be able
to successfully complete the course that is taught in English. You can give examples of subjects
that were taught in
Future Plans
What are your plans and goals after you graduate from the University? What do you want to
achieve after the University? Explain how would you apply experience and skills gained on the
course towards your career?
Based on past experience and other resources like The Guardian magazine, we
have collected seven errors that many applicants make and seven advices that
successful applicants give.
1. Don't spend ages trying to come up with a perfect, snappy first line – write
anything and return to it later.
2. Don't use cliches. According to the University applications statistics, the most
overused opening sentences this year were variations of “from a young age I
have always been interested in…” This looks formulaic and is a waste of
characters.
3. Famous quotes should be avoided, as these will be found in countless other
applications. For instance, this line by Coco Chanel was found in 189
applications for fashion courses this year: “Fashion is not something that
exists in dresses only.”
4. Don't list your interests, demonstrate them. Professor Alan Gange, head of
the department of biological sciences at Royal Holloway, University of
London, says: “Actually doing something, for example joining a national
society or volunteering for a conservation organisation, tells me
that students have a passion.”
5. Style matters. Don't be chatty and use slang, but on the other hand, don't be
pretentious. If you try too hard to impress with long words that you are not
confident using, the focus of your writing may be lost.
6. Don’t be dull. Be enthusiastic and show a genuine interest in your course, it
may help you get a place.
7. Don't leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and
important information could be left out.
1. Organisation is the key. Caroline Apsey, 19, who started a medical degree at
the University of Leeds this term, says: “Before I started writing, I made bullet
points of everything I wanted to include, and ordered them from most
important to least.”
2. Leave yourself plenty of time for editing. “Start writing early, so that you have
lots of time to re-read it with fresh eyes,” Caroline says. Then edit and edit
and edit again.
Lee Marsden, associate dean of admissions for the faculty of arts and
humanities at the University of East Anglia, agrees: “We want to know what
excites the student: perhaps a book they have read or a play they have seen.
There needs to be a hook.”
4. Show you are up to date with developments in your subject: perhaps you
could analyse a recent journal article or news event.
“You need to tune in to what's current in your subject,” says Louise Booth,
assistant director of sixth form at Fulford school in York.
5. Around 80% of your statement should be dedicated to your studies and work
experience, and 20% to extra-curricular activities. Hobbies are valuable, but
must be used to reveal something relevant about the applicant.
6. “A simple 'I have done' list is not useful,” says Helen Diffenthal, assistant
principal for advice and guidance at the Sixth Form College, Farnborough.
“Saying that you were captain of the cricket team doesn't make any
difference unless you use it to show that you can manage your time
effectively.”
7. In the end, honesty is the best policy. Tell the University, in your own words,
why you deserve a place. “Just be yourself,” says Nicole. “That worked for
me.”
by Vako Imnaishvili
Sources: The Guardian News & Media; University and College Admissions Service