Personal Statements

Former Member · March 2005

I have to write my personal statement by monday! I m not really sure how to this!, does anyone have any tips on writing a really good personal statement, i'm scared of sounding dull! i dont want my tutor to think that im stupid!
i did 1 attempt & showed it to the school libraian (good mate) and she said that it sucks! any tips greatly appreciated!

Former Member · March 2005

Just try and put across that ur really interested in the subject you've applied for, things you've done in that subject area, work experience etc, but also as you say dnt try and rite too much dull stuff. I was told that uni's dnt want total geeks in that subject if u get me, they like to see people who can work but also people who enjoy other things - sports, clubs etc. Maybe try and include wot ur hobbies are etc.

Wot did u write in ur first attempt?

Former Member · March 2005

I'd agree with what GoodFella says. Show that you have an interest in a subject and rather than just saying why you're interested, prove that you are. Mention events you have attended relating to the subject, research you've done, assignments you've written, publications you read etc. Show that you have a passion for the subject and that you are keen to learn more. Tell them also where the interest initially came from. Don't overdo it though, most universities will expect an element of bullshit, but try to keep it within reason.

Again, following on from GoodFella, tell them about yourself too. Make yourself appear sociable, ie: someone who participates in clubs and sports and also show that you have a lot of drive and ambition. Mention projects you have undetaken or something you are proud of, perhaps a problem you came accross and how you overcame it, things like that will go down well.

I would post mine on here if I had a copy (although it is a few years old), but unfortunately it's on my (very) old computer which now resides at my parents.

Former Member · March 2005

obviously my personal statement involved lots of tweaking from the origional draft, but that draft was written for me

Former Member · March 2005

Mine had:

Where my interest in the subject stemmed from
What intrigues me about the subject
Parts of the subject that interest me most
Non formally recognised qualifications
Work experience
Personality traits
Part time job
Hobbies/interests
What I foresee I will do with my qualification

Try to write quite formally, but not to the extent that you feel uncomfortable writing it.

Use paragraphs, it makes it easier to read.

The most important part is to communicate your uniqueness, so don't be afraid to put your personality across.

Former Member · March 2005

Follow all the advice that has been given here, structually it's perfect. But stylistically, you have to exude confidence. You don't want to sound like you are the most awesome person in the world, you have to make them feel it (subtly of course) so when they finish the admission tutor thinks "Wow, we'd have to be stupid to turn this person down!"

Kimono · March 2005

Pearls of wisdom about nailing that university place. Hope it helps...

Former Member · March 2005

Have a look at http://www.studential.com - the site contains example personal statements, guides and FAQs on everything Ucas and personal statement related. You can also get people on the site to look at it for you.

The best thing to do would be to have a look at examples of other peoples statements to give you an idea of how people write them.

Former Member · March 2005

Without sounding annoying, do a search and open the thread by DJP. He made a kickass thread where people submitted their tips and even their own PSs so people could gain some inspiration

Good luck.

Former Member · March 2005

Just think of everything interesting you've ever done and make it sound good. Within reason. Eg babysitting becomes Part-Time Child minder showing responsibilty

Personal Statements

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