UCAS applications can be daunting and sometimes we need a little help getting across who we are to potential universities. I remember resenting the thought of needing to 'sell myself' like a product to strangers who had never even met me. But unfortunately this is the kind of skill we all must learn and finely tune in order to basically persuade employers to hire you. I was rubbish at this but with time and more experience, your skill for this kind of writing will improve. Its all about putting a persuasive and engaging slant on everything you have done in a bid to look like the best version of yourself. Its a bit like telling someone exactly how you want to be seen (in a professional/academic way) with a subtle side of bullshit. I got into my uni with an unconditional offer from high predicted grades (that didn't work out...) and my statement. So here are some tips which are colour coordinated to highlight sections of my statement the tip relates to...
- Its called a personal statement- so don't be afraid to get personal! If you can find a way of saying something kind of deep (but not pitiable or off topic) that shows who you genuinely are as a person, you will stand out and be more memorable to the reader. This can be as deep as you want it to be. Personally, (lol pardon the pun) I don't like to get too soppy or deep as it can kind of do opposite of what you're trying to achieve by possibly putting people off or 'trying too hard'.
- Even if you don't know what career you want to do (which was/is me), focus everything you are writing about to how it relates to your chosen course subject(s). Explain why your interested in it and give examples. These examples can be things you've read/learnt, an inspirational public figure/teacher, things happening in the news, experiences inside/outside school, family/peer challenges and even pop culture. Really try and question why you want to study something for 3 plus years and dig deep about what caused this interest.
- Conclude with a short paragraph talking about who you are behind just academia/work experiences. This can be in reference to extra-curricular activities or just things about your character. Yeah, you're trying to sell them how successful a student you are but part of that success is about your personality and how you may fit into their student body spirit and uni ethos. This gives you a chance to talk about yourself a bit more informally and give a lasting impression into who you really are other than just what you can give them; ending your statement on a sincere and genuine feeling that your well-rounded.
- Make memorable statements. You're appealing to a person who knows far more about your course than you do, so don't be shy in trying to impress them with your knowledge. Show that you also know some stuff on the subject by giving specific examples of what you find interesting. Show off what you know by providing detailed examples that will be memorable or impressive to the reader or will even make them reminisce over the things they enjoy about their subject. Also, don't be afraid to give some opinions and views on topics (as long as you stay short, open-ended and uncontroversial. This shows you can think for yourself and that you have a deeper interest in your chosen course.
- A little fudging can go a long way. Telling a few white lies or enhancing the full truth can help be more persuasive. It's understandable if you feel like you don't have a lot to brag about considering you are still a young student with probably little tangible experience, who is just about to embark on their A levels. That was my thought and still often is. The expression 'everyone lies on their CV' is somewhat true and is relevant here as it is sometimes the requirement for a personal statement/cover letter etc. Embellish your experiences, examples and statements in a subtle and realistic way.
Here is my own Personal Statement (for my Joint honours Political Science and Philosophy degree) which can be used as an example, reference, template (whatever helps best):
My grandparents are English, Irish,
Pakistani and Asian West Indian. It was intriguing to learn that how I came
about was a direct result of many historical and political factors. The stories
passed down to me about their early lives put a very personal face on the
impact of the British Empire and resulted in me becoming very interested in the
history behind their decisions. In retrospect, this was my first exposure to
the effects of political decisions on everyday people.
As a young teenager, my interest in politics was further stirred when I read 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell - how easily the socialist ideal descended into totalitarianism started me thinking about how swiftly political systems can become corrupt through human nature. The conflict between power and morality, between the purity of an idea and the compromises involved in its implementation has fascinated me ever since. All political systems are rooted in ethical codes originating from religious and philosophical thinking about what is right or wrong. I like to examine ideologies behind political institutions and how every decision affects us both individually and collectively. One of my inspirations is Bertrand Russell whose 'Reith Lectures' raised my awareness of philosophy as a living part of the political process. His point that politics, economics and social organisation are not ends in themselves, but should exist "to bring a good life to the individuals who compose it" has made a huge impression on me. This led me to further explore his works and I was amazed at how prophetic he was in his analysis of China and that, 90 years ago, he foresaw the potential of China to become a superpower.
Amongst many lectures on Politics and Philosophy, one by Peter Vardy led me to question how powerful figures impose their morality on others. At a 'Youth Question Time', I participated in a political discussion articulating my views on topics such as War and Work Experience. I spoke of the general injustice of war, but acknowledged that in some cases it is the lesser of 2 evils (to defend or protect). A recent visit to Parliament allowed me to observe the House of Lords and the Commons and further heightened my interest in the current state of British Politics and its integral workings. Whilst there, I took part in a workshop on 'Crime, Punishment and Youth Unemployment', and defended my opinion that punishment must be coupled with rehabilitation in a debate against students from other schools.
During the summer of 2013, I worked in an international company specialising in banking investments for high earners in Malaysia. Interacting and speaking to those in international finance made me realise how political decisions impact on people's' life savings and their faith in financial institutions. I was struck at how quickly confidence in the supposedly stable banking world has crumbled resulting in an almost global recession.
As the Social Sciences Prefect, I organised 'Parliament Week' for the school. My aim was to increase awareness and interest in political affairs and to involve young people in politics. I organised differentiated interactive activities for all age groups which required me to coordinate and liaise with a team of people including staff members. The aptitude for this role was a result of skills I gained from a week-long leadership course and completing Duke of Edinburgh.
Outside of school, I am a part time carer for my autistic brother, and have volunteered at his Special Needs school. This has given me perspective and has taught me to be responsible, resilient and patient. I have completed a course in Makaton (a sign language for people with severe learning and language difficulties). I also enjoy Choi Kwang Do (a form of Martial Arts), which requires discipline, self control and persistence; I am currently a first degree black belt. I firmly believe that hard work yields results and this ethos drives everything I do.
As a young teenager, my interest in politics was further stirred when I read 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell - how easily the socialist ideal descended into totalitarianism started me thinking about how swiftly political systems can become corrupt through human nature. The conflict between power and morality, between the purity of an idea and the compromises involved in its implementation has fascinated me ever since. All political systems are rooted in ethical codes originating from religious and philosophical thinking about what is right or wrong. I like to examine ideologies behind political institutions and how every decision affects us both individually and collectively. One of my inspirations is Bertrand Russell whose 'Reith Lectures' raised my awareness of philosophy as a living part of the political process. His point that politics, economics and social organisation are not ends in themselves, but should exist "to bring a good life to the individuals who compose it" has made a huge impression on me. This led me to further explore his works and I was amazed at how prophetic he was in his analysis of China and that, 90 years ago, he foresaw the potential of China to become a superpower.
Amongst many lectures on Politics and Philosophy, one by Peter Vardy led me to question how powerful figures impose their morality on others. At a 'Youth Question Time', I participated in a political discussion articulating my views on topics such as War and Work Experience. I spoke of the general injustice of war, but acknowledged that in some cases it is the lesser of 2 evils (to defend or protect). A recent visit to Parliament allowed me to observe the House of Lords and the Commons and further heightened my interest in the current state of British Politics and its integral workings. Whilst there, I took part in a workshop on 'Crime, Punishment and Youth Unemployment', and defended my opinion that punishment must be coupled with rehabilitation in a debate against students from other schools.
During the summer of 2013, I worked in an international company specialising in banking investments for high earners in Malaysia. Interacting and speaking to those in international finance made me realise how political decisions impact on people's' life savings and their faith in financial institutions. I was struck at how quickly confidence in the supposedly stable banking world has crumbled resulting in an almost global recession.
As the Social Sciences Prefect, I organised 'Parliament Week' for the school. My aim was to increase awareness and interest in political affairs and to involve young people in politics. I organised differentiated interactive activities for all age groups which required me to coordinate and liaise with a team of people including staff members. The aptitude for this role was a result of skills I gained from a week-long leadership course and completing Duke of Edinburgh.
Outside of school, I am a part time carer for my autistic brother, and have volunteered at his Special Needs school. This has given me perspective and has taught me to be responsible, resilient and patient. I have completed a course in Makaton (a sign language for people with severe learning and language difficulties). I also enjoy Choi Kwang Do (a form of Martial Arts), which requires discipline, self control and persistence; I am currently a first degree black belt. I firmly believe that hard work yields results and this ethos drives everything I do.
xx
