The Importance Of The Personal Statement Discussed In Brief Terms

Personal statements are an important part of the university application procedure. Personal statements should always be quite concise and well written. A good personal statement must first of all demonstrate basic writing skills such as correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Personal statements should also be interesting to read. Since personal statements are different to other types of writing and applications it is a good idea to read all guidelines carefully before you submit your personal statement.

Personal statements are an expression of your strengths, interests, suitability to your chosen courses, and more. While grades are extremely important, personal statements are more personal and are often used to choose between a number of candidates who look the same on paper. Initially, UCAS personal statements are used as part of the acceptance process. However, if you end up applying through Extra, Clearing, or if you decide to apply to additional institutions, then it is possible to submit a new or revised personal statement if institutions agree.

When writing your UCAS personal statement, one of the most challenging things is getting the tone right. Try not to sound either too formal or too familiar. Personal statements should be simple and honest. Be yourself, think of what it is you are trying to convey through your writing, and then try writing a few different opening paragraphs of personal statements so that you can experiment with tone and see what style of writing you are most comfortable with.

Personal statements should be full of your skills, achievements, reasons why you want to apply for particular courses, and reasons why you are best suited to study those courses. Make sure that every sentence and paragraph you write expresses something. Don't try and fill personal statements with meaningless but elaborate language as this simply will not impress the admissions tutors.

As well as spending time focusing on your writing, it is a good idea to think about personal statements in the context of an interview. It is likely that academics will ask you questions about your UCAS Personal statement if they decide to interview. If you are worried about interviewing, try practising with a teacher or tutor.

Personal statements should be used to talk in detail about your interest in a particular course. As well as going on to study a subject you are already familiar with from A-Levels or GCSEs, there are a whole host of new subjects which you may not have the opportunity to study at college or school. Personal statements are the perfect place to express an interest in courses such as these, and this is an interest that will not necessarily be obvious from your grades and references.

Personal statements reflect not only your personality, but also the ways in which you think. Academics want to see clear and well thought out ideas. Personal statements are a platform for showing why you stand out - and why you should be chosen to study a particular course.