The UCAS System: Personal Statements

1. The UCAS System: Personal Statements The University of Edinburgh

2. Personal Statement: Why is it important? Large numbers of students applying through UCAS – impossible to interview for all courses May be competing with other students from across UK for small number of places – personal statement could make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful application! Admissions staff want to see evidence that students are enthusiastic, well-prepared and have the right skills to do well at university. The University of Edinburgh

3. Getting Started: Subject Choice • Explain why you want to study the courses you have applied for. • Show commitment and motivation! • Demonstrate a clear understanding of what the subject entails. (Especially when you have not studied the subject before). • How do your current studies relate to your choices? The University of Edinburgh

4. Mechanical Engineering “ I have chosen a degree in Engineering because I enjoy working out problems and finding out how mechanical and electrical things work. Throughout school I have particularly enjoyed physics and maths and I feel these are important subjects I would like to explore more through Engineering. I am currently studying Maths to AH level which I am finding very enjoyable and which I hope will provide me with experience for University study. ” The University of Edinburgh

5. Law “ ” The University of Edinburgh

6. History & Politics “ I want to combine History with Politics, because I find the political aspects of history especially interesting. Indeed as a career after University I would like to undertake work in the media involving the analysis of political events, and the analytical and research skills gained through studying for such a degree would be of great benefit in a career of this kind. ” The University of Edinburgh

7. Chinese Studies “ My first exposure to recent Chinese history and culture was through books such as “Wild Swans” and “The Good Women of China”. I was truly fascinated by the progression of communism in China and how this affected the general population. I started reading more factual historical books and have recently become engrossed in “The Search for Modern China” by J. Spence. I have also been reading newspaper reports regarding China’s economic development. Beijing will be hosting the Olympics while I am a student and I am keen to observe the changes it brings about and also to compare the approaches taken by the Chinese and the British as both prepare to host this prestigious event. ” The University of Edinburgh

8. English Literature “ I have always enjoyed reading and creative writing and am proud of the collection of poetry I have written. I have a dream to be a published poet but in the meantime I am looking to a career to do with my interest in people. Each year I have taken part in the School’s Drama Festival and last year I was one of the main organisers for our House. In previous years I have won two different awards. In school productions I have been involved in a backstage capacity. On Saturday’s I have a part time job at W.H. Smith’s working in the books department. It is a good experience of dealing with people. ” The University of Edinburgh

9. Work Experience & Core Skills • Provide evidence that you understand the career implications of your choice. • Detail any employment placements or work experience. • What knowledge, skills or understanding did you gain from the experience? • Emphasise the core skills you gained or developed. • Avoid using lists! The University of Edinburgh

10. Work Experience (Vet Med) “ I have had a weekend job at a local kennels for three and a half years. In this time, the kennels have expanded and are now double the size and cater for other animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. I am mainly involved in the feeding, cleaning and general care of the animals, but I also spend time dealing with the customers, something which I feel demonstrates my good communication skills and responsibility. Over the last three years I have spent nine weeks seeing practice at five different veterinary surgeries. I have seen a multitude of cases, from routine cat spays and canine parvovirus vaccinations, to more complex problems including a cat with an intussusception, a dog with Lupus and megaoesophagus and a bull suffering from light sensitisation. One of my weeks seeing practice was spent in Ireland. This was an especially interesting experience as it showed me how differently people view their animals over there. I am presently attending my local vets one afternoon a week. Whilst at one of the surgeries, I was allowed to watch an acupuncture clinic for cats and dogs with arthritis or other problems. Along with my visit to an equine hydrotherapy centre, I feel I gained an insight into some of the benefits of alternative veterinary care. This summer I spent a week on a dairy farm in Ayrshire. The hands-on experience with the cattle and sheep was fantastic and further increased my confidence with large animals, previously developed through my earlier horse riding experience. Besides helping with the milking, I was involved in, amongst other things, feeding calves, dosing sheep, dehorning calves and moving cattle. In addition to this, I have spent three weekends assisting with lambing at a smallholding in Cumbria with about 120 sheep.I recently participated in an afternoon's lesson in Falconry where I was taught the basics in handling and caring for birds of prey, an experience which I thoroughly enjoyed.  ” The University of Edinburgh

11. Work Experience (Medicine) “ Working with St John’s Ambulance for 2 years has provided me with challenging situations involving real casualties, requiring me to remain calm in a frenzied atmosphere. Friday night experiences such as treating assault victims or persuading an intoxicated pregnant teenager to attend hospital for medical attention have developed my interpersonal and first aid skills. Further teamwork in a residential home for the elderly over the past 15 months has increased my caring skills. Aiding residents and families with personal grief and acceptance of death, giving reassurance and ensuring personal dignity and confidentiality are fundamental skills which I have learned. ” The University of Edinburgh

12. Work Experience (General) “ My part time job as a waiter has provided me with the opportunity to meet and work with new people. As I have worked in the same job for two years, I have to help train new members of staff, which has helped my leadership skills. I really enjoy the contact with the public which is part of this job. Although this can be challenging, I feel it has given me more confidence and improved my communication skills. ” The University of Edinburgh

13. Personal Qualities and Achievements • Demonstrate that you are an all-round achiever with the ability to contribute to university life • Describe any additional achievements or qualifications gained and identify positions of leadership or responsibility you have held. • Relate your achievements to how they will contribute to your success on the course. The University of Edinburgh

14. Extracurricular Activities/ Responsibilities “ During this past year at school I have taken on various responsibilities, all of which I feel have added to my skills. I am a buddy to the first years and every week I have to do their registration which has improved my public speaking skills as well as my inter-personal skills with those younger than me. I do paired reading with a younger pupil twice a week which I find very rewarding as I am able to watch him gain confidence in his reading. Finally, I am a co-editor of the school magazine. I am finding this to be quite challenging, especially to fit in with all my schoolwork, but it is proving to be very enjoyable and a test to my organisation abilities. ” The University of Edinburgh

15. The University of Edinburgh Open Days Friday 5th & Saturday 27th September 2008 Booking required at: www.sra.ed.ac.uk/openday Any Questions?