The terms ‘UCAS’ and ‘Personal Statement’ are terms that often fill year 12s and their tutors with dread but they’re really not as daunting as they first seem. Yes, the UCAS form is long and boring and your personal statement will probably be the most cringe-worthy thing you’ve ever written but it will be worth it when you start getting those offers rolling in.
1. Remember your deadlines. Some courses, like medicine or universities – like Oxbridge, have different deadlines for UCAS. But even if you’re not applying earlier, it is worth getting your application in sooner rather than later so you can focus on your studies.
2. Avoid using quotes in your personal statements. You have a very limited word count so it’s better that they are your words and not someone else’s.
3. Your statement should be split approx. 40/40/20. 40% about why you are interested in the course, your knowledge and passion for it and relevant study or experience. The second 40% is about your suitability for university life and study. Skills like independent study, team work and time management are all relevant here. Finally, your last 20% should show you are well rounded as a person so you can add any other hobbies or skills you might have. For example – playing the flute might not be entirely relevant for studying chemistry but it fits into this section.
4. Think about areas where you might be lacking. If you haven’t studied the subject before, why don’t you read a book or journal article you could talk about? Do you need work experience in the area? Make sure you read the requirements and descriptions of your course to ensure have everything you need.
5. Don’t be afraid to big yourself up! It doesn’t always feel natural to write your talents and skills on paper but you need to remember that the person reading that statement has never met you and has no-one else to ask. If you don’t highlight your best qualities then who will?
6. Try to avoid clichés or sweeping statements. Universities receive 100s of CVs full of people using the phrases ‘I have always….’ Or ‘I am passionate’. If you can be interesting and individual then you will not only stand out, but your statement will read better.
7. Proof read. Read it then redraft it. Then redraft again. Then read it out loud. Then get your friend to read it. Then redraft again. You don’t want an otherwise perfect personal statement to be overshadowed by a silly spelling mistake or grammatical error. Although it probably won’t stop you from getting into university, it will definitely make you kick yourself when you eventually notice it!
8. Don’t worry if other people get offers before you. Some universities will start handing out offers very early whilst others will wait until a certain date and send them all at once. Just because one university hasn’t got back you straight away doesn’t mean you don’t have an offer.