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UCAS AND THE PERSONAL
STATEMENT
Claire Johnson
11th
October 2017
3
•Replies due back from applicants with decision about which
offers are to be accepted, one firm and one insurance
•UCAS Extra (25th
Feb – 6th
July)
April
•Exams!May /June
•BTEC/AVCE results usually arrive in July. GCSE’s
•A and AS level results – Clearing Process Mid August
•Opening date for UCAS applicationsMid September
•Main closing date for the receipt of UCAS
applications.
•15 Oct - Oxbridge
•Visit days & interviews
15th
January
•Universities to respond to applicants by 31st
March
•Replying to offers, (unconditional, conditional,
reject)
End of March
4
CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY: IT’S
COMPLICATED …
575,898 applicants, chasing…
450,000 places, on over…
37,000 different degree courses at…
370 higher education providers.
5
RESEARCHING HIGHER EDUCATION
right course + right
place =
great time + great
career
Avoid being part of
7.1% that drop out in
first year
RESEARCH
6
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
7
HOW DO YOU WANT TO LEARN AT UNIVERSITY?
Independent learning
How will you be assessed?
8
BA History
TYPES OF COURSES AVAILABLE
• Single honours
• Joint honours
• Major/minor combinations
• Sandwich courses
• Bachelor’s degree
• Masters degree
BA History and Politics
BA History with Politics
Study – Years 1 & 2
Study – Year 4
Placement Year
Course flexibility – modules, languages and preparing
you for your future careers
9
WHAT SHOULD I STUDY TO GET A GOOD JOB?
Accounting
& Finance
Chemistry
Geography
Music
which has the highest % of students entering
employment on graduation?
10
Accounting
= 80%
Chemistry
=85%
Geography
=79%
Music
=90%
which has the highest % of students entering
employment on graduation?
WHAT SHOULD I STUDY TO GET A GOOD JOB?
11
12
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
13
TYPE OF UNIVERSITY
Type 1: Research Intensive Universities
Academic, ‘traditional’ subjects, 21st
century research,
solving world problems, Russell Group and others
Type 2: Regional Universities
Vocationally focused, greater emphasis on teaching skills
and sector focused, Millennium Plus Group and others
14
RESEARCH INTENSIVE UNIVERSITIES
national
reputation
international
reputation
highly
competitive
high grades
city
based
campus
basedResearch
Universities
15
16
REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
often
vocationalaccessible
serve local
community
teaching based
local
employer
links
large
range of
coursesRegional
Universities
17
REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES
18
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
19
UNIVERSTIY: HOME OR AWAY?
“Students who leave home get the best jobs”
“Students who stay at home choose from a
limited selection then should select the course
that best suits their interests, not the best locally
available”
“Students who study away from home have better
job prospects…graduates who attend a local
university are less likely to move and find work”
“Graduates who migrate earn more than those
employed in their home region”
20
City/Campus? Cost of living?
Distance from
Home?
Will you make the
most of it?
UNIVERSTIY: HOME OR AWAY?
21
2222
23
24
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
25
26
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Over 300 societies
Over 80 sports clubs
31 Performing Arts groups
27
AERIAL
SPORTS
SOCIETY
CHAMBER
OPERA
CHESS
CLUB
CHEERLEADING
COCKTAIL
SOCIETY
CYBER
SECRUITY
SOCIETY
DODGEBALL
DABKE
SOCIETY
POLITICS
SOCIETY
ENACTUS
FEMINIST
SOCIETY
MASONIC
SOCIETYMEDSOC
PAINTBALL
SOCIETY
POTTERY
SOCIETY
ROLLLBALL
CLUB
SAVING
FACES
FISH ON
TOAST
LABOUR
CLUB
CONTEMPORARY
DANCE SOCIETYWIRELESS
SOCIETY
JAZZMANIX
FIRST AID
SOCIETY
YOGA
SOCIETY
COMEDY
SOCIETY
SHOWSTOPPERS
SAILING
BHANGRA
BRASS
BAND
BELLY
DANCING MENTAL
HEALTH
CIRCUS
SOCIETY
ROWING
MAGIC
SOCIETY
QUIZ
SOCIETY
JAZZMANIXSTEAMPUNK
SOCIETY
BUDDHIST
MEDITATION
SOCIETY
ACROYOGA
KORFBALL
ROBOGALS
CAKE
DECORATING
SOCIETY
AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL
LACROSSE
STRING
ORCHESTER
POLO
WESSEX
SAILING
CLUB
HYDRO
TEAM
BRASS
BAND
HACKASOTON
LANGUAGE
SOCIETY
MIXED
MARTIAL
ARTS
TRAVELLING
SOCIETY
TCHOUKBALL
CAMEROON
CATALYST
ART
SOCIETY
ROCK AND
METAL MUSIC
SOCIETY
HISTORY
SOCIETY
UNION
FILMS
MARINE
CONSERVATION
SOCIETY
IRISH
DANCING
AIKIDO
LUXURY
LIFESTYLE
SOCIETY
ZUMBA +
REAL ALE
AND CIDER
SOCIETY
BULGARIAN
SOCIETY
BALLET
SOCIETY
JIU-JITSU
QUIDDITCH
CLUB
WAKEBOARDING
28
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
2929
31
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
32
THE GRADES GAME…
Selectors
Lots of applicants
high entry grades
Medics /
Vets/Nursing
Law /Psychology
Management /
Business/
Economics
Oxbridge & Russell
Group…
Recruiters
Fewer applicants
lower entry grades
Lots of places to
fill....
Environmental
Chemistry/Biology
Statistics
Brewing and
Distilling Studies
33
WILL YOU BE QUALIFIED?
Section 1
personal
details
chosen
courses
Section 2
your
qualifications
grades
obtained – do
you meet the
pre-requisites
predicted
grades
Section 3
personal
statement
Section 4
reference
34
One Statement
4,000 characters or 47 lines
Your chance to persuade an admissions tutor that you are the
right candidate for the course
Your opportunity to stand out from the competition
Will form the basis of questioning at interview, or it will be the only
opportunity you have to talk about why you should be given a
place
35
GETTING STARTED–HOW TO USE YOUR 47 LINES
Additional Skills, Hobbies and Interests
Summarise why you will be a good choice
Why do you want to study the subject?
What skills do you possess that will make you a
good student of the subject?
Academic 80-90%
Information about your skills, knowledge
and experience that is directly relevant to
the course that you are making an
application for
36
WHAT DO ADMISSIONS TUTORS LOOK FOR
IN THE PERSONAL STATEMENT?
EVIDENCE that you have the skills needed for the course
PROOF of your interest in the
subject
DEMONSTRATION of your commitment
37
HOW CAN I SHOW THIS TO AN
ADMISSIONS TUTOR?
A rounded picture to show that you are a suitable
candidate for the university both academically and
socially
Reasons for
choosing the course
Enthusiasm for your
subject
Subject specific
skills
Any work
experience,
placement or
voluntary work
Career plans
Gap year plans
Motivation and
commitment
Extra-curricular
hobbies and
interests
Why you? What
can you offer?
Transferable skills
38
POSTITIVE PHRASING
“At present, I am studying A2s in English Literature, French and
Media Studies. I cope with the work quite well and meet the
deadlines. I have learnt a variety of skills – French language
skills, and English has honed my analytical skills in analysing
poetry and prose.”
Furthermore Enabled me In addition
Use my initiative Thrive Strengthen
Enhance Explored Gained
Participated Learnt from Reinforced
Furthered Commitment Taking part
Efficiently Hard work Interested
Acquired Broadening Improved
Passion Developed Rewarding
39
WHAT ABOUT THE STRUCTURE?
Paragraph 1: Introduction
• What was your personal trigger?
• How does your subject relate to society or current affairs?
• Which aspects of the course are you really looking forward to
studying in more detail and why?
41
Paragraph 2: Your interest in the subject
• What have you done in school/college to develop your interest in
the subject? (trips/books/wider reading documentaries...)
• What have you done outside school or college you can link to
your subject? (work experience, volunteering, part-time job...)
• Do you have a particular career aspiration?
WHAT ABOUT THE STRUCTURE?
42
Enhancing Your Application
43
MOOCs
• Web Science: How the Web is changing the World
• Exploring our Oceans
• The Mind is Flat: The shocking shallowness of human
psychology
• Preparing for University
44
Avoid a boring list of hobbies, e.g. ‘reading’,
‘socialising with friends’, ‘going to the cinema’.
HOBBIES AND INTERSTS
45
Fine to mention films, books that you like but make sure to
mention genres, authors, artists etc. and mention why they
interest you. Try to make it relevant.
45
46
WHAT ABOUT THE STRUCTURE?
Summary
Finish with a one or two line summary recapping:
• Why you want to go to university and study the course?
• Why you deserve to be offered a place?
Conclude your personal statement by briefly and concisely
bringing it back to why you are a good choice for the course and
the university.
Highlight how you are prepared both academically and socially
for the challenge of Higher Education.
48
‘From a young age I have (always) been
(interested/fascinated by)…..’
1,770 other applicants used this
opening in their Personal Statement
in 2015
UCAS SIMILARITY DETECTION
49
UCAS SIMILARITY DETECTION
‘For as long as I can remember I
have…..’
1,451 other applicants used this
opening in their Personal Statement
in 2015
50
UCAS SIMILARITY DETECTION
‘Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the
world…..’
148 other applicants used this
opening in their Personal Statement
in 2015
51
Reasons given to unsuccessful applicants
Your personal statement
does not strongly support
your desire to study your
chosen degree
“Your personal statement did
not show sufficient
understanding, relevance or
knowledge about the course
you are applying for
You failed to
demonstrate sufficient
knowledge and interest
in the subject in your
personal statement
Unsuccessful as you
have not expressed a
strong enough interest
in the subject area in
your personal statement
”www.ucas.ac.uk/students/applying/howtoapply/personalstatement/whattoinclude
52
FINAL TIPS
• Plan out the structure with bullet points and headings, then turn
these into full sentences and paragraphs – redraft, redraft,
redraft!
• Use Microsoft Word, spell checking AND proof reading it before
you paste it into UCAS
• Keep a copy in case you are called to interview
• DO NOT plagiarise – all personal statements checked by
‘Copycatch’ Similarity Detection Service.
54
TOP TIPS
• Focus most of your statement on evidencing why
you are the best candidate for the course
• Be specific
• Be positive
• Be original
• Analyse your experiences
• Keep a copy
• Get someone else to read it
55
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
COURSE
HOME OR
AWAY
STUDENT
LIFE
FACITLITIES
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
TYPE OF
UNIVERSITY
WHERE SHOULD
I STUDY???
5656
YOUR QUESTIONS