1. Future plans of how I want to use the knowledge ■ Give evidence of the skills I have that are required ■ Attributes that make me interesting, Hobbies, interests that
and experience that I’ll gain to study my subject or to get the occupation I want special and unique demonstrate my skills
■ Evidence of my academic insight and enthusiasm ■ Positions of responsibility that I’ve and abilities
Why I want to go ■ Evidence showing my understanding of held both in and out of school
to university or college what is required to study the course ■ How would I be an asset to the
■
university or college? Non-accredited skills
Why I’ve chosen the course
and achievements
■ Why the subject interests me What I want
■ My suitability for the course from the future Evidence Special attributes Achievements
■ How my current or previous studies I’m proud of
relate to the course(s) I’ve chosen About
■ Experience and understanding of the subject ■
the subject Say what I’ve done since leaving school
and course What to include ■ If I’ve had a variety of jobs and
■ Any activities that demonstrate my
interest in the course experiences that are relevant, consider
sending a detailed CV direct to my
If I’m a university and college choice(s)
Work mature ■ Demonstrate how I will cope with the
■ Details of jobs, placements, work
experience, voluntary work My UCAS student ■
academic work
■ Concentrate on aspects relevant
to my chosen course personal Critically evaluate my experiences,
matching them to my chosen
course requirements
■ Explain why an experience or activity
makes me an excellent candidate statement If I’m an
for the course
international student
Preparation Technicalities ■ Say why I want to study in the UK
Presentation ■ Give evidence on how I could
Check uni and college websites and style successfully complete a
higher education course in English:
and Course Search for the criteria Length: Up to 4,000
say if any of my studies have been
and qualities they want me to have characters or 47 lines of text
assessed in English
(including spaces or blank lines)
■ ■ Give examples of using
Show my enthusiasm and commitment (approximately 600 words)
■ Make it interesting my communication skills
■ Check my spelling and grammar
■ Create a list of ideas
■
Remember, there is only one personal statement,
Start drafting it early
regardless of whether I apply for one or five courses
■ Ask people for their feedback ■ Organise it into a logical structure
■ Introduction: Write an opening sentence that will
encourage the reader to read on The personal statement must be my own work
■ Conclusion: reinforce my commitment, enthusiasm and not copied from another source.
and skills suited to university or college life and study