i have no idea what to put in my UCAS personal statement?

Question

Right today a friend of mine was writing what shes thinking about putting in her personal statement, even though its not due in till like september/october this year. I am now thinking oh god i havent got anything to put on it!! What sort of stuff do you suggest?? i am clueless when it comes to this. lol

Answer 1

Egger's Top Tips...

start with a catchy phrase - they see loads of forms so you'll want them to remember yours over others

really think about what courses you are applying for and what attributes you'll need to do well on that course and complete the course. they'll only want you if you're likely to do their department proud. then use that info to say why you're suitable for the course. e.g., historians must be analytical and balanced so put something like 'I spend a lot of time reading and i'm an analytical person who enjoys weighing up evidence and writing an informed and balanced answer'. Blah blah. or for a med student, needs to be clever and good with people so you could write something like 'i enjoy academia and I am proud when I achieve good results and expand my mind but would hate to miss out on working with people as I get great personal satisfaction and growth from it'. they were just a few quick examples off the top of my head

try and not apply for too many different courses because they'll think you are undecided or unsure and therefore not motivated.

give examples of work experience. they'll be reassured that you know what you're getting into.

be an all rounder. they'll like it if you are involved in clubs, groups and sports and have a good social life as well as a good academic record. remember that they want to know you'll cope at university. if you became unhappy in your social life you might possibly leave and they would have wasted time and resources

other advice is go to uni open days so you get a feel for the uni before you commit yourself. it might be wise to also visit on a non- open day to get the non-glammed up impression and to actually establish whether you like the city - you will have to live there for at least 3 years...

don't pick places your friends have, pick where you want to go

pick a course that you want to do, not you parents, friends, boyfriend / girlfriend etc. if you don't enjoy the course you won't complete it, it's that simple. then what a waste of time and money that would be.

I hope that helps. don't panic yet though, you've got ages.... if you need any more advice you could try your form tutor or connexions etc.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

The person way above me, 'egger', has a great answer. Just for more info though, this is what I posted ages ago to an American who asked the same question:

"Well I don't know whether its the same for you, since I'm guessing you are American, and I'm English... but when I had to write a personal statement last year for University It included 4 areas:

Why I wanted to study the subject (which bits most interested me, what i most enjoyed)

My past experience and therefore why it was a suitable course (relevant school trips, work experience)

Future career plans (is this a wide course so that you can specialise later, or specific because you have made your mind up firmly?)

Non-academic details, ie. community activities, school contributions, hobbies, achievements and special responsibilities (carer, prefect, head of house etc.)

Its really about showing that you are dedicated, really passionate about the subject (in my case Biology, I looooove it), and that you are hard working, but will be willing to take part in the wider community of the institution.
Hope I helped, and good luck! Mine worked a treat, no rejections woo! "

xx

Answer 3

I waited until a month before the deadline, then spent an hour or so coming up with ideas which I placed in two categories. The first included the things I had done that made me distinct from other candidates, or at least proved I did stuff with my time, and the second included attributes that I believed would make me compatible with the course I wished to take. That Plus I put in one outrageous sentence designed to grab the attention of the reader. Remember that it is going to be read by six incredibly bored people who have to look at hundreds and hundreds of the things.

Answer 4

As an Admission's tutor at a university I can tell you that the statement doesn't really count. If you have your grades or are predicted good grades then it doesn't even get looked at. If there are gaps in your academic career, or you have ticked the disability box, then a tutor may have a look at the statement for additional info. The university Admissions Office may also flag statements that you've made if they seem important so that the tutor will look at them (e.g., you have faced hardship, such as a death in the family or illness). If you are applying for Joint Honours degrees you might want to mention both subjects in the statement. Sometimes tutors who do look at the statement will reject a candidate if their subject isn't mentioned (they say that the form has been badly filled in as their reason for rejection).

Answer 5

Well it depends on what course you want to do, if I remember correctly when I did mine (for nursing) I talked about what had led me to want to be a nurse, all the work I had done to get there, how I passed my course with good marks etc, why I thought I'd make a good nurse, talked about the job and how I understood what it entailed, the physical emotional stress etc and what personal attributes I had that would make me good at handling that and then some personal stuff about myself, personal interests etc. When I showed my tutor at college she said it was perfect but I'm not sure if the process is the same for other courses as nursing is a bit different with it being a vocational course.

Answer 6

Speak to your teacher, tutor or a careers officer. They will be happy to help you nearer the time. You will probably get sessions in college or school about how to fill in the form. Start writing down a few notes until then about what your interests and ambitions are. Don't worry it will all work out OK. Good luck.

Answer 7

say that u are a very competant and able person who has a clear understanding and idea of what is to come for ur own future and are determined to work hard for it....which i dont know if u are lol
just a wild statement, dont know if its what u ment lol

Answer 8

I spend hours and hours on Yahoo Anwers.. no I think that might count AGAINST you!!!!

Answer 9

your name and course might be a good start

lol, :-)

Answer 10

got me- im in the same position!!!! aaarrrggh!!! lol