Your Personal Statement: getting started
Higher Futures' guide to applying for a higher education course (127KB PDF) >
This is your opportunity to sell yourself - something which most people don't find easy. It is worth taking time over - be prepared to make several drafts.
General Advice
DO
- Make rough notes about what you are going to include.
- Discuss your first draft with a tutor or adviser.
- Use clear language, spelling and punctuation - obviously!
- Use an essay style, with paragraphs. Your written communication skills can be judged by the presentation of your statement.
DON'T
- Type directly into the text box provided. Use a Word document, then Cut and Paste into the text box. This is because you can't make all the alterations you want in the text box and there is no spelling or grammar check; there's also a tendency for you to be 'timed out' in the middle of working.
- Include information already given on your application form (e.g. 'I am currently studying....')
- Aim your statement at only one course - unless you are only applying for one course.
- Waffle
- Tell lies!
What to include in your statement
What follows is not a formula and is in no particular order, but here are general guidelines about what could be included.
Your motivation for studying
What do you enjoy about studying? Why do you want to study at a higher level? What are your short term and longer term plans (including career aims if you know them)?
Evidence of genuine interest in the course applied for.
(This is very important, and why it's difficult to write a good statement when you have applied for different courses).
Do the courses chosen link to your current course of study or current employment? How? If not, where has your interest come from and when did it start? What aspects of the higher education course are you particularly interested in? What relevant publications do you read? Have you attended any events, exhibitions or conferences? Have you undertaken any projects, reading or research over and above those which are part of you current course?
Relevant work experience or shadowing - paid or voluntary
For some courses (e.g. teaching, health related and other strongly vocational courses) this is essential. As well as stating where and when you had the experience, it is important to say what you learned from it and how it has enhanced your understanding of the career area and the course you are planning to take.
Information about you as a person
Your personal strengths, qualities and interests should be stated, but you must give evidence to support what you say. Your personal or work history could contribute to this, as could any extra-curricular activity, commitments or personal interests. Be specific - 'reading' is often included as an interest - but what do you read and why do you like it? 'Sport' - do you play or watch, and how much are you involved? Very ordinary interests are not helpful - e.g. 'socialising' could be claimed by all applicants. Anything which can demonstrate broader skills such as teamworking or independence is useful, as is anything which shows your willingness to work hard or persevere with problems and tasks.
Help and advice
If you need any help or advice on the application process or completing your form, please contact the Higher Futures adviser in your nearest college or university.
Contact your Higher Futures adviser >