Advice on the Personal Statement for the UK

The representative from Durham University visited campus and spoke with students about writing a Personal Statement.

Krishan Naik, a Grade 12 student, distilled the information and recorded part of the conversation. (We apologise for the poor sound quality).

Top Five Tips for Writing a Personal Statement:

1.  Celebrate your Extended Essay and other aspects of your education that are uniquely IBDP (TOK)

2. Internships and Job Shadowing Opportunities related to your course will enhance your statement

3. Do not just list achievements; have evidence of learning

4. Be personal; be true to your voice. Do not use flowery language

5. Proofread

Have a look at the video too!

Here's some information that our intern, Mala Swaminathan compiled (from the talk by the Durham representative and from the UCAS website):

A personal statement that is written while applying to UK universities is very different from essays that are written while applying to universities in the US. A personal statement is a kind of letter that you write to your future self.

There needs to be a considerable emphasis on academic achievement through which the student’s personality should shine through. While several UK universities do not lay much emphasis on extracurricular activities, it may be a good idea to mention what your interests are other than academics. Talk about your wider contribution and what you do when you are not studying.

Two thirds of your Personal statement should focus on academic achievements with one-third that focuses on extra curricular activities.

        It is important to make a connection with your past and present  experiences.

Be specific.

Do not generalize.

Give selective examples of well-chosen ideas and experiences that have made you think. Aim to slow the reader down.

Avoid using overused opening sentences such as ‘I am passionate about History and I have wanted to study it since a young age”.

Tell the university why you are so keen to study the subject and demonstrate that by being specific.

Top 10 most overused personal statement opening sentences:

1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times)

2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times)

3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times)

4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times)

5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times)

6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times)

7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times)

8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)

9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since ... (141 times)

10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and ... (138 times)

Reproduced from the 'UCAS Guide to Getting into University and College' with permission of UCAS - available from www.ucasbooks.co.uk

       

        It is not necessary for the personal statement to have the same thread running all the way through. Let the IB ‘ness come through. Talk about how you have made the most of the IB program and try to make the connection between the different subjects that you are studying.

Make use of your cultural and personal background to express yourself. Talk about ideas and events that have got you interested in the subject that you are applying for.

        If you have lived in several countries and have travelled widely it is advisable not to mention all the countries that you have travelled to. Instead, talk about your experiences and how travelling has shaped your personality.

Mention the extended essay.

If you have had the opportunity to do a bit of job shadowing do talk about your experiences. Do not focus on the company where you worked, but talk about what you learnt during the experience. What sounded more complex than you thought? Give examples.

Strive for originality. Try not to appear cliché.

Make each thing count and your personality will come through.

You’ve have to write within 47 lines and 4000 characters (including spaces). Hence use well divided paragraphs.

        Several universities now offer a substitute personal statement for students who are applying to different programs. This is available on the university website. In such cases the admissions officer would look at the personal statement on the UCAS website and the substitute personal statement on the university website. It is hence advisable to use the substitute personal statement if you need it. The substitute personal statement should be more course specific.