College/University personal statement

Cosmic182

Cosmic182

Cosmic182

Soldato
Joined
25 Jul 2006
Posts
3,105
Good morning

I'm just after a little bit of advice from people who are at/have been to college or university on how to write a good personal statement. I currently work in construction self employed. I've done this ever since leaving school, well over 10 years now. I currently attend college 2hrs a week on an evening class to obtain my GCSE biology which then allows me to apply for my access course next September at college (which will hopefully grant me a place at university the following year. I'm a mature student wanting to do my adult nursing degree. I understand this is a long road ahead of me but it's someone I really want to achieve. I've worked in the hospital as a HCA a few years ago and now is the time for me to work for this. Any advice, tips on how to write a successful personal statement would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks for your time :)
 
I did one for university years ago (engineering) , however :

Express your interest in the subject
Express what relevant experience you've had (placements?)
Express how you're a good communicator (important for nursing!), eg you do X activities with friends
Express other interests relevant to nursing, demonstrate why you would be a good student.
 
Last edited:
Don't worry about it, they won't really care what's in your personal statement as long as it's coherent. Being a mature student you should have plenty to put in.
 
I have just looked back on mine and it was no work of art :)

just talk about yourself - what you have been doing, the kinds of things you enjoy in your spare time and finish it by talking about where you feel you are now and why you feel you are ready for, and want, a change of direction.

The uni interview is really so informal unless you list hobbies as touring murder sites dressed as the killer, I am sure you will be fine - in fact it's so easy to go over the word limit you will probably end up having to delete several lines of information anyway.

Good luck !
 
1) Why you're interested in the subject. Anecdote especially useful if mature student
2) Why you'd be good at it
3) What you have done to investigate what is involved and to clarify everything about the career
4) Teamwork (+example)
5) Your experience so far (is a must)
6) Extra curricular activities, and how they demonstrate attributes that can be used in your chosen career

etc

PS can be more important that many realise
 
Is this a personal statement for acceptance to the access course ? They will just want to see that you've considered carefully the work you will be taking on and have the drive to see it through. Once you are on the access course they will have sessions allocated for writing university personal statements.
 
cm1179 said:
do you think they really give a stuff about these?
Click to expand...

Most of the time they don't even read them. They come into play for over-subscribed courses (e.g. medicine/law) and places that still interview. However, for most universities and courses they base it solely on your grades/lack thereof.
 
Reading your work history and life experience I'll be suprised if you need to submit one. I didn't and Lancaster made me an unconditional offer when I went to an open day in June.
 
I have done mine recently and I've already got two uni offers (out of five).

Show your passion, that's very important. Put in things that make you stand out and explain what you've learnt from them.

Vary the words you use to describe things, don't just say good all the time, say interesting, etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom