Ucas Personal Statement Checklist
It’s that time of year where many of you are finalising your UCAS personal statement.
It is an important document and one which requires thought and several drafts to get right.
Your personal statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your personality through your application.
Once you’ve written your statement, why not use the checklist below to make sure you have included all the vital information.
Checklist:
· Introduction
The introduction should outline exactly what you want to study and your reasons why. Make it interesting so that it stands out from the crowd. Be honest and give your own personal reasons. Don’t use phrases such as “I have always wanted to be…” or “Ever since I can remember”. Be specific and provide and accurate account.
· Demonstrate your knowledge of the course
Show admissions that you know exactly what the course is about. Discuss the aspects of the course that appeal to you…. maybe it’s certain modules, work experience, Erasmus opportunities, small classes, practical projects, etc. Whatever it is, mention it. Refer to your research carried out such as attending Open Days, Insight events, watching webinars, YouTube channels, etc. This shows admissions that you have researched the course fully.
· Have you showed admissions how you came to select the course you are applying for? This is important as it illustrates your motivation and ambition to study the course. Refer to any work experience (real life or virtual) that you have completed to gain insight into the career. Discuss two or three things that you witnessed on work experience that you found interesting. It highlights your knowledge and awareness into a particular career. If you have been unable to complete work experience, refer to other resources to demonstrate your knowledge and interest such as online courses, books/ journals you have read, bloggers you follow, tv documentaries, etc.
· Have you got the balance right? Your statement should focus 80% on the course and 20% on you and your qualities and skills. Have you shown what makes you ideal for the course? Are the skills you’ve mentioned relevant to the course? Ask yourself the question ‘so what?’ If you can’t think about a reason to talk about a particular skill, the reader will wonder why you’ve mentioned it at all. Use the “ABC test” to ensure your qualities and skills are relevant to the course. A = Activity: This might be captaining a sports team, school prefect or being part of a drama club. B = Benefit: This is the skill(s) you have gained from doing the activity. C = Course: How the skill will help you to complete the course successfully
· Finally, have you proofread it? Does it have a clear structure with a beginning, middle and ending? It is a formal document so make sure you use correct punctuation, spellings, grammar, and paragraph structure.
In conclusion, remember that this is your personal statement so it should be all about you. Use a positive tone throughout to illustrate that you are the most suitable applicant for a place on the course.
Best wishes with your application.