Starting on your personal statement

1. Starting on your personal statement Selling the story of you Alison Lane June 2014

2. Selling the story of you • You have around 600 words to sell yourself • Don’t listen to those people who say that universities don’t read them – this simply isn’t true • Focus on your academic achievements and interests and RELEVANT skills and experience • Draft. Redraft. Draft again. It needs to be perfect… • You are telling the reader a story – what makes a good story?

3. How not to do it • I enjoy the theatre and used to go a couple of times a year. (Drama) • I am committed to the study of human behaviour through watching TV soaps. (Psychology) • I have led a full life over the last 18 years and this is a tradition I intend to continue. • I describe myself in the following words: ‘TO ODIN!!!!’ the ancient Viking war cry. (Law) • My favourite hobby is beekeeping and I want to be an engineer. • My interest in medicine stems from watching Casualty and other related series. • I enjoy socialising with my friends.

4. 1 - A striking start • Why are you are applying for this course? • Be specific – not just “I love Maths…” – say WHY. • Talk about what it is you hope to get from the course. • Tell the story of your decision – a personal anecdote can be powerful • If you already have a career aspiration - say so

5. 2. The plot thickens • Why are YOU right for this subject, course, university? • What particularly interests you in your AS/A2 subjects, and how do these relate to the course? • What work experience, trips, books or experiences did you find inspiring - be specific

6. 3. Tell me something about yourself…. • Universities want to recruit interesting people… and interesting people tend to have a lot of interests. • Particularly important if you are applying for a course that you haven’t studied at school. • Don’t just list your activities though – focus on what SKILLS you have developed

7. Some ideas – do you need to add to these? • Duke of Edinburgh • Young Enterprise • Charity work • community service • Attendee or Head of any society • CCF leadership, Ten Tors • Arts and music- House and school • Drama, costume design, stagehand, theatre production and direction- school, House and local • Prefect/ School Officer • Mentoring schemes • Work experience • Travel • Interest in another language, culture or religion • Political involvement • Sports leader / player • Web site design • Film • Journalism or editorial work • Champions of Enterprise Finalists • Competitions you have won • Voluntary work, e.g. at Mencap

8. Skills that impress admissions tutors e.g.…A problem solving approach is essential for success in Mathematics at degree level and I have repeatedly demonstrated this aptitude. My work as Production Manager in our Young Enterprise company meant I had to resolve many logistical problems. My interest in chess, which I play at County level, is intrinsically about strategy and thinking ahead. Listening Communication Speaking/presentation skills/debating Working independently ICT literacy Team working/collaboration Managing others Managing my time Working to deadlines Diplomacy Problem solving Using initiative Giving presentations Argument led writing Leadership

9. Personal qualities that impress admissions tutors • Independence of thinking • Leadership • Efficiency • Self motivation • Sensitivity • Practical • Originality/Creativity • Flexibility • Empathy • Responsibility/Dependable • Confidence • Organised • Ability/aptitude/flair • Perseverance • Determination • e.g. My ability to empathise with others has been enhanced by my involvement in mentoring younger students. This skill is also developed in approaches to Literature, as empathising with a character is one aspect of a reader’s response.

10. 4. The Big Finish • Finish with a one or two line summary drawing out why you want to study this course, your key qualities that make you suitable, and what you would bring. • Some possible ways to wrap it up • My passion for/ interest in <……..> is clearly demonstrated by <………….> • It is because of my experience with <…….> that I believe I will make a successful student • Having a long term goal of a career in <…….> I believe I have the determination and tenacity to make a success of a degree in <….> • My experiences and skills developed while in sixth form have enabled me to be <…………..> (main areas developed, e.g. self motivation, efficiency, analytical thinking), which should prove invaluable preparation for life at university/studying <……….> • My choice of degree has been carefully selected to suit my interests and skills. • I am looking forward to building on my existing experience of studying and to further my understanding of ….(state subject).

11. DON’T LIE OR EXAGGERATE…  • Be honest - remember you might be asked to talk about it at interview or on the phone on results day: if you wrote something down in a panic because it sounded good and then forgot to research it, you could find yourself in trouble.