Focus on the personal statement reference

1. Focus on the personal statement & reference

2. What are admission tutors looking for in a personal statement (PS)? For most subjects, evidence of: Independent study skills Self-awareness Motivation and commitment A realistic understanding of what the course entails Good numeracy and literacy Essay writing, note taking and research skills Time management skills Enthusiasm to learn and to go beyond the syllabus Guaranteed equal consideration is given to all applications received by their closing date. After the deadline they will be considered by the institutions at their discretion. Guaranteed equal consideration is given to all applications received by their closing date. After the deadline they will be considered by the institutions at their discretion.

3. Personal statement (1)

4. Personal statement (2) Structure: Reflective and insightful What applicant has done What applicant has learnt Why this is relevant to chosen subject / career Structured, clear, concise, precise Check grammar and spelling

5. PS from Bristol EP � look at what the inst look for, check their websites, or speak to them, or email! PS from Bristol EP � look at what the inst look for, check their websites, or speak to them, or email!

6. The reference

7. The reference Essential part of the UCAS application process No single correct way of producing them Every one is read Inter-relationship with personal statement

8. Writing the reference (1) Honesty; the system depends on it! Subject-specific focus is important (best or most relevant subject first) Comments should fit the predicted grade (i.e. if you predict high grades � then use outstanding, exceptional, highly fluent etc; NOT fairly good at) PERSONAL STATEMENT -Invaluable opportunity to influence the admissions tutors and explain your motivation. -Explain your reasons/motivations for choosing the courses and try to think of the reasons why the selector should choose you rather than anyone else. -Avoid one-liners e.g. "at weekends I work in a supermarket". Better to add "and so this gives me an opportunity to meet people, handle money, learn about marketing, training others, teamwork etc" -Another example "in my spare time I read" - read what? Give some examples - but be prepared as the selector may also have read them. -List your activities, particularly if they are relevant to the course selected. Illustrate the experience you have gained from these activities. -Put your various statements together in a logical way e.g. school activities, special responsibilities, work experience, reasons for choosing the course, career aspirations, hobbies/pastimes. -If you have a mixture of subjects explain here. DO NOT WAFFLE or use impressive language that has no real substance. REMEMBER if you are asked for an interview, most questions will be based on what you have written in Section 10 TAKE A COPY! -Finally, although you are asked to make good use of Section 10, remember the form is reduced to almost half its original size when it is sent to the institutions. Do not be tempted to put too much in! PERSONAL STATEMENT -Invaluable opportunity to influence the admissions tutors and explain your motivation. -Explain your reasons/motivations for choosing the courses and try to think of the reasons why the selector should choose you rather than anyone else. -Avoid one-liners e.g. "at weekends I work in a supermarket". Better to add "and so this gives me an opportunity to meet people, handle money, learn about marketing, training others, teamwork etc" -Another example "in my spare time I read" - read what? Give some examples - but be prepared as the selector may also have read them. -List your activities, particularly if they are relevant to the course selected. Illustrate the experience you have gained from these activities. -Put your various statements together in a logical way e.g. school activities, special responsibilities, work experience, reasons for choosing the course, career aspirations, hobbies/pastimes. -If you have a mixture of subjects explain here. DO NOT WAFFLE or use impressive language that has no real substance. REMEMBER if you are asked for an interview, most questions will be based on what you have written in Section 10 TAKE A COPY! -Finally, although you are asked to make good use of Section 10, remember the form is reduced to almost half its original size when it is sent to the institutions. Do not be tempted to put too much in!

9. Writing the reference (2) For the majority of subjects � whichever are most appropriate: Academic ability Ability to self-direct study Commitment to subject Communication skills Evaluation relative to other students Powers of analysis Time management skills

10. Writing the reference (3) If applicable, add any factors which could influence performance: illness special needs family problems/personal circumstances personal traits teaching problems

11. Writing the reference (4) Assembling the reference Students provides fact sheet (out of school activities & interests) Subject teachers provide comments on each subject area Personal tutor provides statement on personal qualities

12. The reference Example �Hayley is a confident student who has impressed her tutors with her willingness to go beyond the syllabus. Quick on the uptake and with a refreshingly open attitude to differing learning and assessment approaches, her application to Year Three of your degree programme comes highly recommended�

13. The reference Accentuate the positive �She should make the transition to degree studies smoothly, given her study skills, and experience of team working, action learning and reflective practices.� �His generosity of spirit is evidenced by his voluntary work teaching computing skills at a local special school.�

14. The reference The importance of a positive concluding sentence Focus on the suitability of the student for his/her chosen course End with an unambiguous recommendation Example: �Jason�s technical know-how and enthusiasm for all aspects of motor sports is highly impressive; I unreservedly support his application.� Clear recommendationClear recommendation

15. Questions Alison King Professional Development Officer a.king@ucas.ac.uk