Feature: How to Perfect Your Personal Statement

As the deadline for the UCAS applications nears, have you thought about your personal statement? Writing a personal statement may be a new experience for most of you so here are some top tips from St Mary’s University College, Twickenham. Firstly, you should note down the date of the admission deadline – 15th January 2014 – and make a schedule of when the first, second and third draft of your statement should be completed. It is not a requirement to draft your statement but it is helpful to make sure you include vital information. It also helps you keep within the 4,000 character count (which includes spaces). Once you’ve made a note of the date, study the description and specifications of your chosen course and write down the skills you have that match those on the profile. This will test your compatibility and make it easier to reference back to when writing your statement. Make notes of your additional attributes that are not necessarily academic and see if they can be linked to your course, such as work experience or a blog (as long as it’s relevant). The key information that admission officers want to know, and what you should be asking yourself, is why you want to study the course you are applying for and what makes you suitable. This is where you draw on the skills and experiences that you have listed but you must also give examples. This will demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the subject and gives you a chance to reflect on what you want to get out of the course. The information you provide should be a balance of academic and relevant personal achievements to give an accurate account of your character. It will also clarify what it is that you want to study and whether the course is right for you. If you don’t know where to start, UCAS have a personal statement worksheet to get you going. When it comes to actually writing your statement do not abbreviate words, avoid clichés and write in a professional manner, as if writing an essay. You can use keywords found in subject specifications but do not copy whole sentences. Adapt them so that they are unique to your writing style. Ask teachers, friends and family for help, whether it’s proof reading your statement or asking what they think your strengths are. If you are unsure of how to structure your statement, write a paragraph under different headings so that each point is discussed then replace the headings with a sentence that links the last paragraph to the next one. You can also ask your school or college careers advisor and look at samples of personal statements. Remember - do not copy any part of someone else’s statement as this is plagiarism, which admission officers do look for using the Copycatch system. The most important rule to remember is to be yourself, after all your personal statement is about you.