Writing your personal statement

1. Writing your personal statement A helpful guide

2. What is the personal statement? Opportunity to introduce yourself and persuade an admissions tutor or employer that you are right for the course or position. It’s an advertisement of your relevant skills, qualities and ambitions.

3. Word of warning Some universities employ an administrator to ‘score’ the personal statement before it is read by the admissions officer. So what follows is very important for you to get past the first hurdle. For instance, Exeter Drama Department allocates points on the following: reference to subject, ability to learn, extra curricular , voluntary work and work experience.

4. The overall structure • Paragraph 1 – the intro • Paragraph 2 – me as a learner and how this suits the course/s I am applying for • Paragraph 3/4 – the bigger picture – the skills and qualities I have demonstrated / developed through extra-curricular interests and work outside school • Final paragraph – the final sell! In a nutshell why they should interview / take you

5. Paragraph 1 – intro- why you’ve chosen the course / job you’re applying for. - what is it that interests, inspires or draws you to the course or job? e.g. – an interest from an early age a course you attended work / hobby you’ve done outside an A level / or specific module travel personal experience open day the challenge / curiosity / opportunity passion for subject / or work / idea or value chance to take on something new future work plans a belief / a chance to make a difference etc

6. Paragraph 1 – intro – expressing your interest in an engaging and convincing way There is no set way to do this. But it needs to leap off the page – be vivid and convincing. Attending a ‘take five for play’ course run by Bristol city Council, for 5-11 year olds, confirmed my aspiration to work with children from a variety of racial and cultural backgrounds. A degree in Children’s Nursing will open up opportunities to make a difference to the lives of young children and allow me to apply my successful study and enjoyment of A level Biology and Psychology. In addition, my work with young people means that I am developing many of the inter-personal skills required for this demanding work, which the course will further enhance. I am looking forward to the challenge that the course will make of me both academically and personally.

7. An example – subject to course link – biology to Children’s Nursing degree Some of the skills: • understanding of how biology needs to take into account moral, social, environmental and technological issues • become familiar and learnt to use the facts, terms, ideas, specialist vocabulary and techniques of the subject • able to solve problems in unfamiliar situations using my understanding of the subject • be precise and methodical in my approach to observing, measuring and recording • able to record relevant information in a clear and well structured manner

8. The skills become something more personal and particular to the degree or job An interesting link between my study of biology and the degree in Nursing is that both have links with many moral, social, environmental and technological issues, such as genetic engineering. Both also require that solutions to problems in unfamiliar situations are made using specialist subject knowledge appropriately. In addition, I look forward to the challenge of dealing with a wide range of situations as part of a medical team, sharing expertise and strengthening my communication skills and confidence. Furthermore, studying A level Biology has shown me the importance of being precise and methodical and communicating information clearly and fluently, a skill also important in a level P.E. which has other relevant links to a Children’s Nursing degree. Firstly, it has encouraged me to understand the links between psychological and physical well being. Secondly, I have worked with younger pupils ……..

9. Paragraphs 2 -3 the learner • In this paragraph you need to match your skills, qualities and interests to the course / job you are applying for. • You have begun to look at this in tutor time already. You have been given a sheet asking you to identify the skills and knowledge that each subject aims to develop. Some teachers may have discussed this with you. • Here you need to identify a list of qualities / skills that the subject develops. You need to convert these words and phrases into a series of sentences. • Use the other file in this folder called ‘subject language for personal statements’ to give you examples of what you can say. • If a subject is not listed go and discuss this with your subject teacher.

10. (1)Science & Maths with DS (2)English Media & Modern Languages with LTH (3)The Arts- Theatre Studies, Art & Music RPG (4) Social Studies PB, Psychology, Sociology with LHL (5) PE & Dance with LRD (6) ICT, Business Studies & Tech MEL Your subject’s language of learning.

11. Some helpful words These words/phrases should be used to knit your sentences together: In addition Also Firstly Secondly …….

12. Sentence structure • Try to vary your sentences • Avoid repeating words and phrases • Make sure your punctuation is accurate • Don’t let sentences run on • Commas are really useful as they make your points and ideas more clear. BUT they are not the same as full stops • Foreground the important points; e.g. put them at the start of sentences

13. Tone • Keep it formal but not stiff or bland • Be positive – choose the words which best sell your qualities • Reflect the language that the department uses to describe the skills they are looking for and learning experiences and demands the course offers • Show you are genuinely interested in, and suited to, the course.

14. Finally…..Drafting • Make sure that you make notes before you begin writing • Base the notes on your research into the course/university/department • match yourself to what they want / offer • identify the evidence that you’ll use to demonstrate you have what they are looking for • Be prepared to re-draft. • Your tutor / reference writer will help you to be more fluent and accurate. PAY ATTENTION – don’t waste the support. The better the draft you give to your ‘editor’ the better your final version.