Personal Statement

Burly

Burly

Burly

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21 Aug 2005
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I have started writing my personal statement for my UCAS application and was wondering if the fellows on OCUK would have any tips, as I'm sure many of you would have been through this stage already.

I'm thinking of starting it off on a quote. Good idea?
 
I didn't use a quote in mine; it's a personal statement so really it's about you, and what you think, not somebody else. There's really no structure to follow but it's important you address a few things, mainly why you're applying for whatever course you're going for (develop this by talking about the subjects you're taking at the moment and what research you've done on the course), what personal qualities you have with some examples to show them, and any extra-curricular activities you have...

I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to start it with a quote, it's a bit different and that may be an advantage, just make sure you do not stray too far from what it is you're meant to be saying.
 
I wouldn't stick a quote or anything like that in my personal statement, personally. :p

Mine was basically introducing myself, and giving a good background of my interests, hobbies activities and responsibilities. As I was applying for Engineering degrees, I made sure to note my interests in Engineering and maths through my life, and my ambitions to continue learning about the subject and that Uni is the best way you see for it.

Don't go too much into your courses that you're doing now, as the person reading the UCAS application will already see what you're studying and what qualifications you already have anyway.

That's based on my personal statement I did 5 years ago.
 
Burly said:
I'm thinking of starting it off on a quote. Good idea?
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Would probably make you look a bit pretentious in my opinion.

Davey D has the right idea. A few tips:

- If you do anything in your own time related to the course you are applying for then make sure you put in details + say something like "this shows my keen interest in this subject blah blah blah".
- Mention any significant projects / pieces of coursework that you are doing if they are relevant.
- Obviously mention any job you have + "this shows I am responsible blah blah blah"
 
If it is relevent then a quote may come in useful

something like "Throughout my life I have aspired to be like Mr. xxx, his organisational skills and management abilities helped me decide what I want to do for a career."
 
Lagz said:
Would probably make you look a bit pretentious in my opinion.

Davey D has the right idea. A few tips:

- If you do anything in your own time related to the course you are applying for then make sure you put in details + say something like "this shows my keen interest in this subject blah blah blah".
- Mention any significant projects / pieces of coursework that you are doing if they are relevant.
- Obviously mention any job you have + "this shows I am responsible blah blah blah"
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Mentioning your job is a pretty weak idea actually. Best bet is to talk about the extra curricular activities and your subjects that directly relate to what you want to do. If you start talking about your job makes it sound more like a CV or something. Unless your job obviously relates to your course, e.g your doing some sort of engineering job and applying for a degree in engineering.
 
Yeah i could do with this im really struggling....I work in a supermarket, and im applying for Marketing/Economics so would mentioning "Active work in retail" or something good or boring?
 
As others have said, don't start with a quote. It gives the impression that you're trying to be clever, and at the end of the day, your personal statement is about you, not someone else. It's in the name. :)

I started mine (handed in on Friday) with a couple of sentences one why I think my subject (physics) stands out among other the sciences. It's important to make the beginning of your statement stand out; avoid boring, generic starts such as "[Insert subject] has always been a great passion of mine..."; of course it has, or you wouldn't be applying. :p
 
penski said:
"I like beer. Give me cheap accomodation and a loan plzthx."

*n
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You know nothing about students. You have to write it in a way that sounds good. Something like:

"I enjoy socialising with my peers. I wish to pay a low amount of rent and to utilise my student loan as I feel part-time work will negatively affect my studies."

:p
 
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