Your Personal Statement: gathering evidence
Higher Futures' guide to applying for a higher education course (127KB PDF) >
Use the following examples to compile your own list of achievements and examples which may be included to support your Personal Statement.
Personal qualities, skills and strengths
Use (and add to) this list to identify your own strengths. Then consider which of your experiences would best illustrate that quality
interpersonal skills |
organisational skills |
multi-tasking |
Experiences
Use (and add to) this list to identify appropriate and relevant experiences which you might want to include in your Personal Statement.
work experience |
information technology |
Describe yourself!
Use (and add to) this list to decide what you would like to say about yourself - this depends on you and your course choice - there are many other words you could use.
independent |
sociable |
hard working |
Style and structure for your Personal Statement
There is no set way to write a Personal Statement; the ideas which follow are only one way to complete the task so don't be afraid to do something different. This section offers you some sections you may wish to include, and some tips on writing them. Sketch out your paragraphs to make a first draft. The order in which you write your paragraphs is not that important - move them around to see how they look. When writing up, use a style which is natural to you and feels comfortable, but err on the formal rather than the informal side. However, don't use rambling sentences and wordy explanations. Humour is probably best avoided (an admissions tutor may not share your sense of humour) and it is almost always inappropriate to go into detail about personal experiences and problems. It may be obvious, but always use the correct grammar and punctuation, and never use slang or text type abbreviations.
Writing an introduction
Avoid stating anything already on your application such as what you are studying now - you could start with the topics / subjects you most enjoy on your current course - you could introduce yourself as a person - you may choose not to have an introductory paragraph and can start with any of the sections below.
Writing about the choice of course
Demonstrating your interest in the course is the most important part of the Personal Statement - explain why you are applying for the course - why you really want to study it - show that you understand clearly what the course involves - the particular aspects of it you like - you possess the skills required to succeed on it - you have a related career in mind - you have read articles or books relating to the course (say which, and what you earned from them) - any other reasons for your choice.
Writing about work experience
School based work experience is unlikely to be very relevant - the most valuable is experience you have set up yourself - explain what the work experience involved - what skills developed from it and which duties developed those skills - what you learned from the work - link this to the course you are applying for.
Writing about your educational background and experiences
Explain any relevant issues relating to your educational history - any gaps in your educational record - if yet to pass GCSE English or Maths. explain your plan to do so - why you chose your level 3 course - what skills you have learned other than study related - your participation in college life.
Writing about your interests and extra-curricular experiences
Key activities or experiences gained outside an educational setting - outline what they involve - explain the relevance - what skills and abilities you have acquired as a result - your ability to balance studying with other aspects of your life.
Writing about yourself
Why you are suited to the course chosen - describe your personal qualities - why you are suited to higher education - (only if appropriate) family or health matters - sound like an interesting person!
Writing a conclusion
Choose one of your ideas and move it to the end, developing it into a conclusion, e.g. your career aim, your personal qualities - think of an experience you have not mentioned which you can develop to illustrate your suitability - state what you are expecting from higher education - what you are most looking forward to - why you will be successful on your chosen course.
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 >