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Paul WoodsSenior International Officer
Royal Holloway International
Applying to the UK: the (dreaded?) personal statement & information on Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London
The University of London
• A Federal University, founded in 1836
• Federation of 19 Universities and 9 specialist institutes
• Royal Holloway became member of the UoL in 1900
• Several UoL institutions, including Royal Holloway, are consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities
• Royal Holloway students receive a UoL Degree
The campus
Campus
Short walk from Egham40 mins to central London7 miles from Heathrow Airport
Location
An international reputation
• Founded in 1886, long tradition of providing education
• 8,000 students with over 30% from overseas
• One of top universities in UK
– Ranked 88th in the world in THES World Rankings 2010
– In top 30 in Times Good University Guide 2012
– Ranked 16th in the UK for Research in 2008 RAE
– Department specific successes:
Music – top in UK Biological Sciences – joint 3rd
Earth Sciences – joint 6th Economics – joint 9th
Management – 5th in London Media – joint 6th
• Friendly and supportive campus
– International Student Support rated top in London in International Student Barometer (Summer 2009)
– High scores in National Student Satisfaction survey
RAE:
League tables:
Psychology and Media Arts 10th in the Guardian University Guide, 2012
Drama ranked 6th in the Times Good University Guide, 2012
Earth Sciences 9th in the Times Good University Guide, 2012 and 10th in the Guardian University Guide, 2012
3 Faculties, 19 Academic Departments
SCIENCE
• Biological Sciences• Computer Science• Geography• Geology• Mathematics• Physics• Psychology
ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES
• Classics• Drama & Theatre Studies• English• European Studies• History• Media Arts• Modern Languages• Music• Politics & International
Relations• Social Work
MANAGEMENT & ECONOMICS
• Economics• Management
In addition, Royal Holloway International (RHI) offers Language Programmes, including Pre-sessional courses.
Choices…. What’s important?
Career prospects
Course choiceLocation
Campus vs. city
Size of university
Facilities
Social life
Where your friends study
Rankings / league tables
A different way of learning
• University – independent study
– Lectures
– Seminars
– Tutorials
• We don’t abandon you!
– Individual consultations with lecturers
– Online resources and discussion forums
• Support from departments
– Personal tutors
– Office hours
– English language support
• It can help you in the future!
– Independent learner = independent thinker
– People won’t tell you what to do in the world of work!
The UCAS process
• Online process– Simple, coordinated by school, students able to submit application
and track progress easily
• Five choices – Each choice is one subject code– Look at ucas.com / university prospectus for code– Each institution has own code (eg R72)
• Sections of the application form:– Personal information– Educational qualifications– Previous education– Employment– Personal statement…
• If applying for foundation for any reason, applications may not go through UCAS (although some universities do) – check the individual university!
What universities are looking for
Typical entry requirements:
• IB – points vary (typically 30 – 36 points)• Some subjects may have specific requirements (such as
some Arts based courses may request a sample of work)• UK universities like the IB! Subject spread shows us greater
spread of understanding (and we know it’s hard work!)
All universities look for:
• Relevant academic ability
• Motivation and enthusiasm for the subject
• Commitment to studying
The Personal Statement
INCLUDE:
• Your motivation:– Why this subject?– How committed are you?– What are your goals and ambitions/career aspirations?
• Academic ability– What are your strengths and key interests– Have you studied this subject before? – Who/what has influenced you academically (courses you have taken etc)
ACADEMIC FOCUS SHOULD MAKE UP APPROXIMATELY 75% OF THE STATEMENT!
• Relevant experience
• Your personality and attitude– What skills do you have, how are they relevant and how did you learn them?
• Relevant outside interests
The Personal Statement
Typical structure:
• Why this subject• Relevant academic experience• What sort of student you are• Relevent personal information• Goals and future plans – what you will do with your degree
DO NOT INCLUDE:
• University specific information, you may be applying for up to five institutions.• Course titles – they will vary by institution – name the subject area!• Do not include too much irrelevant information e.g. swimming certificates.• Do not pad the statement out, it is not imperative that you fill the whole space
provided.• Do not over-exaggerate - you may be caught out!
Some examples…
• GOOD EXAMPLE OF SKILLS:
“Since leaving school I have worked in a department store as a sales adviser at weekends. My duties include till operation, customer service and arranging displays. I have found working there to be a useful experience in that I have gained confidence, which has enabled me to interact with the a range of people.”
• GOOD EXAMPLE OF ACADEMIC FOCUS:
“For the past four years I have developed a strong interest in philosophy and politics and greatly enjoyed debates on these topics. Upon studying economics in the sixth form I found it to be a fascinating topic, especially since it complemented many of the political issues I had been interested in, such as the economic problems facing Nazi Germany for much of the inter-war period.”
Some examples…
• BAD EXAMPLE OF SKILLS:
“While I was at School I took part in many sports clubs such as basketball, rounders and hockey. Also I took part in school productions such as plays and even though frightened, I stood alone on the stage to sing a song in Spanish for the ‘Language Festival’!”
• BAD EXAMPLE OF (LACK OF) ACADEMIC FOCUS:
“I have enjoyed studying a range of subjects at IB level. I have chosen to study History at university level as I achieved high marks in this, and think I will be able to well in a History degree”
Tips from the Admissions Tutors
• "In personal statements we look for potential, and enthusiasm for the subject ranks high in our decisions on whether to make a student an offer." Drama Admissions Tutor
• "Don't go over the top with long words and long paragraphs!" English Admissions Tutor • “It's not what you've done, it's how relevant you can make it. I want you to persuade me
that you are suited for management studies through your characteristics and previous activities. So, don't just tell me that you were captain of the school rugby team; explain how this activity has given you the leadership skills and drive to study management for three years." Management Admissions Tutor
• "I always looked for something that throws light on applicants as distinctive individuals, who have thought about why they want a subject and what they hoped to get out of doing so. Anything that looks like it has been dictated or copied, wholly or in part, by teachers or careers advisers, is an instant turnoff." Politics and International Relations Admissions Tutor
• "We can only go on what ends up on the page, so show us enthusiasm and engagement through concrete examples of what you're interested in, rather than telling us 'I am enthusiastic' " Drama Admissions Tutor
In summary…
• Choose your course and university choices carefully – there’s a lot on offer
• Work hard on the personal statement – in most cases, it’s the only impression we’ll have of you!
• Work hard on your exams, and get to where you want to go!
Wherever you study, enjoy yourself!
Any questions?
Paul WoodsSenior International Officer
