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UPDATE: A DB FRAMEWORK
This is purely a
suggestion; I'm not saying this is how
all personal statements should be set out. Indeed, several of my suggested points appear on a list of cliches - though I don't think there's much to be gained from stressing over attempting to achieve originality given the sheer scale (100s of 1000s each year) of PSs issued each year. Hopefully, though, it will help you get going if you're stuck or struggling.
There are lots of documents in this post - and looking afresh at the UCAS guide below, its not a million miles from my own suggested framework!
I've used 'soft' and 'hard' as very loose terms to roughly denote more personal attributes evidenced through leisure and extra-curricular activities (soft) and direct academic credentials evidenced mainly through academic achievement and activity in school (hard), though these certainly overlap. A good PS requires a decent amount of both: you're establishing that you are equipped to cope with HE and more independent living, working with many new people, as much as your capacity to read, research and pass exams.
I've numbered these as well to indicate one possible structure; you may have more than one paragraph from any one of these points, or, depending on the course you're applying for, may think it better to combine more than one into one paragraph. Just pick out what you think will benefit your application.
1: PERSONAL ANECDOTE - Common but useful starting point
My passion for/interest in x is longstanding/was sparked by... [FROM SOFT/PERSONAL TO HARD/ACADEMIC] More recently my commitment to x has been reflected in ... (eg, my own wider reading, such as the writing of x, which I found especially intriguing because... [you could also compare with a writer/theory you disagree with])
Is this a subject that excites you? Are you passionate about it? Is it a recent 'discovery' (that's okay!) or a longstanding interest? Was there a specific event that triggered this? Has some recent learning, reading or experience reinforced this? Be specific if so! You could briefly indicate why you think this is the best subject for you; where it might take you (and maybe expand on this in a final paragraph). You could include brief points on the range of possible specialisms within the field as a positive in and of itself, and/or indicate a possible focus for you.
2: DEVELOP THE HARD ACADEMIC CREDENTIALSPick out key skills, attributes demonstrated in ANY of your courses: writing, research, finding your own resources, reports, presentations, lab work, design, creative thinking, group work, collaboration, meeting tight deadlines, organising your work, wider reading, asking questions - not just being a passive learner, self-assessment: recognising your subject weak spots & showing determination (outline strategy) to overcome these, making cross-curricular links (synthesising ideas not formally linked by your teacher/subject is a strong indicator of academic prowess).
Draft points like these in detail at first then start thinking about the word limit. Don't set out to write the statement from scratch, organise a set of notes and possible points, be clear on the detail, and gradually whittle away extraneous points or detail to fit within the word limit and achieve a balanced, flowing PS.
3: BACK TO SOFT-ISH: OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
Strip-mine your leisure activities for useful transferrable skills and positive characteristics. Don't underestimate any pursuit, hobby or interest. Think about leadership, working with a team, delegating, organisation (arranging meetings, taking minutes etc), working with public/others more broadly, reliability, dealing positively with challenging people/behaviours, inspiring younger people, work-life balance to maintain a healthy approach to academic work, a creative/expressive outlet, media & communication skills (articles for school newsletters/local paper, blogging, sports reports, social media for a group/organisation/club, posters, photography, a YouTube channel...), communicating with other organisations, campaigning (don't detail the politics too much, focus on the skills and commitment/energy/roundedness/engagement this shows), balancing competing commitments, technical/ICT skills...
4: WORK EXPERIENCE/PAID WORK
May be part of above paragraph or separated if its especially pertinent for your course/career path. Most of the above points apply too, and my points below can apply above!!! If you're praised by an employer use that - be clear on what attributes have been highlighted. What responsibilities have you been entrusted with? Have you shown a long-term consistency, reliability, commitment? You can make direct links to the subject: how this has informed or expanded (inspired?!) your learning; brought to life theory x or writing by x or a case study? Have you faced and overcome any specific challenges? Have you shown any initiative? Are you demonstrating general maturity, self-reliance, independence, financial self-responsibility, a capacity for juggling workloads - all of which point to your suitability for the tough challenges of university as a young independent adult?
5: WHY THIS SUBJECT/WHY I'M SUITED FOR UNI
Tying things together and quite a direct pitch to course selectors (possibly building on your opening paragraph too). Summing up - some reiteration of earlier points is fine. Throwing in a specific academic point (maybe a field of research/critical thinking you especially look forward to exploring in depth) and stressing your intellectual curiosity; plain hunger for learning, is advisable! Why would a tutor conclude after a year that you've been a positive addition to and presence on the course - what personal attributes make you well equipped for the challenges of HE? What suggests you're ready to forge your own path? What will you do that means you'll take better advantage of the diverse opportunities HE study brings than candidate x with the same grades? Strongly express your enthusiasm, desire and commitment. Have you made it clear and explicit WHY you want to pursue this subject? Familial links to an industry/profession are a perfectly valid point, but make sure there's a clear personal voice and choice expressed!
I hope that helps. There is much more learned guidance in the documents below!Don't be afraid to approach subject teachers - we are all rather over-stretched, but most will endeavour to help you nonetheless!
KEY DOCUMENTS
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PERSONAL STATEMENTS
PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHEETS
