Transcript of Personal Statements podcast
This podcast from Careers Scotland gives you advice on writing your UCAS Personal Statement.
Are Personal Statements really important when you are applying to university?
The Personal Statement is a very important part of your application, it's your chance to tell universities why they should want you as a student. Although they need to know about your academic achievements they also want to know what you're like as a person and why you are interested in the courses you're applying for.
For most courses candidates are not interviewed so this might be your only chance to tell them about yourself in your own words.
Are Personal Statements more important for some courses than others?
Well yes, the more competitive the course or the university the more important the Personal Statement becomes. However whatever you are applying for it's important to get it right. A good Personal Statement could help to persuade an admissions officer to offer you a place, a poor one might cost you the chance of going to the university of your choice.
And how do you make sure you get it right?
You need to think carefully about the information you give and the best way to present it. You need to plan what you are going to say, that means thinking about it well ahead and making sure you have enough time to draft and re-draft it, you can't afford to leave it to the last minute.
So what would you say that universities are looking for?
Well briefly, universities are looking for evidence of your academic ability and potential, your motivation and commitment to the subject and evidence of outside interests.
OK, so what should be included?
Well first of all you need to explain your reasons for applying for the courses that you have chosen. Universities are looking for a genuine interest and commitment, they want to know that you have researched the content and understand what's expected of you, what does the course demand. Also they want to know about any career plans you might have. If you are applying for non vocational courses, by which I mean such things as History, Maths or Chemistry, this might be more general than for those applying for Engineering or Accountancy.
And what about your academic achievements?
Because your qualifications are listed elsewhere on the form you don't need to repeat that information, however you should take the opportunity to flag up any particular strengths and interests which are of relevance to the courses you are applying for. For instance you could mention dissertation topics for Advanced Higher History or an enthusiasim for calculus for the Engineers.
And are there any other strengths and skills which you should include?
Well again if it's relevant to the application it's worth including. For instance if you are applying for Architecture can you show evidence of creativity, if you are applying for teaching can you give examples of activities which might highlight your communication skills.
And what about work experience, is that worth mentioning?
For some courses related work experience is essential, for example medicine and primary teaching, for others it is highly recommended like law, journalism, nursing. You'll have your part time jobs listed elsewhere on the form, however it can be useful to show what you've learned from part time work, for example dealing with the public, team work and reliability.
And is it important to mention extra curricular activities?
Oh yes and universities are interested in getting as complete a picture of you as possible so think about any activities that you are involved in and how they could demonstrate your commitment, team working, leadership skills. Again don't simply list the activities think about them in terms of what they say about you, make sure you get the balance right though, you've got a limited amount of space the academic aspect of your application is more important than the extra curricular.
So we've looked at what should be going in to the form, are there any things that should be avoided?
Because of the word limit don't take up space by repeating information that's covered elsewhere in your application, don't invent hobbies and interests. Make sure that there's nothing which might be contradicted by your reference, remember you must be honest and accurate in what you write.
You mentioned presentation earlier, what are the things to look out for there?
Yes presentation is very important, you must check spelling and don't always rely on the spell checker, you can be caught out. Grammar and punctuation are also important, admission staff want to be sure that you can express yourself clearly and accurately. Oh, and remember not to use text speak by mistake.
Is it worthwhile discussing your statement with anyone else?
Oh yes you should take advice and discuss your draft statement with your guidance teacher or adviser from Careers Scotland, but remember the end result must be your own work. A Personal Statement is just that, it must be your statement.
There are lots of websites which give you examples of Personal Statements is it worthwhile looking at these?
You've got to be a bit careful here, it can be useful to look at them to get an idea of what to include, but whatever you do don't copy them. Your application could be rejected by the universities if it appears you have copied from someone else's statement.
So how would a university know if you've copied a statement?
UCAS is using special software to detect paragraphs and just phrases which have simply been lifted from other statements, make sure that everything you say is in your own words.
Finally are there any particular websites you would recommend looking at?
Well the UCAS website itself has some very useful advice on Personal Statements, but also you should look at the websites of the institutions you are applying to as they may have specific advice on what they are looking for.
OK, from what you've said it can seem a bit daunting when you're faced with a blank page but the key message is to take your time, plan ahead and work through it step by step.
