Starting on your personal statement

Selling the story of youAlison Lane June 2014Starting on your personal statementSelling the story of youYou have around 600 words to sell yourselfDont listen to those people who say that universities dont read them this simply isnt trueFocus on your academic achievements and interests and RELEVANT skills and experienceDraft. Redraft. Draft again. It needs to be perfectYou are telling the reader a story what makes a good story?

How not to do itI 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.

1 - A striking startWhy 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 powerfulIf you already have a career aspiration - say so

2. The plot thickensWhy 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

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 havent studied at school.Dont just list your activities though focus on what SKILLS you have developed

Some ideas do you need to add to these?Duke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseCharity work community serviceAttendee or Head of any societyCCF leadership, Ten TorsArts and music- House and schoolDrama, costume design, stagehand, theatre production and direction- school, House and localPrefect/ School OfficerMentoring schemesWork experienceTravel Interest in another language, culture or religionPolitical involvementSports leader / player Web site designFilmJournalism or editorial workChampions of Enterprise FinalistsCompetitions you have wonVoluntary work, e.g. at Mencap

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.

ListeningCommunicationSpeaking/presentation skills/debatingWorking independentlyICT literacyTeam working/collaborationManaging othersManaging my timeWorking to deadlinesDiplomacyProblem solvingUsing initiativeGiving presentationsArgument led writingLeadership

Personal qualities that impress admissions tutorsIndependence of thinkingLeadership EfficiencySelf motivationSensitivityPracticalOriginality/CreativityFlexibilityEmpathyResponsibility/DependableConfidenceOrganisedAbility/aptitude/flairPerseveranceDetermination

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 readers response. 4. The Big FinishFinish 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 upMy 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).

DONT 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.