Personal Statements Before applying to university Why do

Personal Statements

Before applying to university. . . • Why do you want to go to university? • What do you want to study? • Why do you want to study this course? • What are the entry requirements? • Where do you want to study?

What Admission Tutors look for: Potential for academic success Potential for vocational success Potential for personal and social success

Personal Statements • Be positive – make yourself stand out from other applicants • Be concise – do not repeat information which is elsewhere on the form • Spend time on getting it right!

What should you cover? • Reasons for choosing the course • Show why you would be suitable for the course – relevant research, skills and experience • Capability for higher level study – independence, motivation, academic ability… • Career aspirations and why you would be suited to your chosen profession • Other interests, abilities and achievements – show that you are a ‘well-rounded’ person

Hints and tips… • Spelling, punctuation and grammar must be perfect • The statement should have a clear structure • Avoid the ‘obvious statements’ – “I read”, “I socialise with friends”… • Never list interests or activities • If applying for combined courses, make sure you address all subjects • Remember you only have one statement

Portfolios • Should have recent work and provide evidence of all relevant capabilities • Show evidence of visual enquiry, idea development and a sample of written work • Portfolios can include photo prints or slides of 3 D work, painting/printmaking, drawings or digital work

Things to think about… • Reference • Extra-curricular activities – sports, hobbies, voluntary work… • Academic achievement • Work experience • Life experience