Personal Statement for University Admission in UK – Have you ever fallen short of words while introducing yourself and observed how such a seemingly straightforward task is actually no piece of cake? You are not alone! Introducing oneself can turn out to be as complicated as it seems simple. One of the reasons for this predicament is that introducing oneself can entail different pieces of information in varying contexts. For example, compare your job interview self-description with your introduction to a person you just met at a casual party. What are the aspects you would or would not include in each?
Similarly, writing a personal statement while applying for a UK University is a different – albeit interesting – ball game. Students often have several questions about personal statements, typically in terms of what they are, what they should entail and what factors to consider while drafting this statement. Let us help you figure it out better by suggesting some key tips on writing your personal statement while applying for a university in the UK:
What is a Personal Statement for University Admission in UK?
A personal statement is a self-written account of a student’s personal journey, with an emphasis on one’s achievements, experiences, challenges and resolutions, and goals. Most universities in the UK require students to submit personal statements of specific lengths during the admission process. Your personal statement becomes a medium for the university to gauge your articulation skills as well as sense of conviction, ambition and passion towards in general and your chosen subject area.
How to Write Personal Statement for UK Universities – Prooven Tips
To write or not to write – Make a calculated decision – While it may be tempting for students to provide in-depth information about their lives in an effort to articulate themselves clearly, divulging more than necessary can impede the admission process. Essentially, your personal statement should aim to convincingly convey to the university that your educational background, goals, aspirations and achievements are aligned with the university’s offerings and expectations.
To this end, some of the best aspects to incorporate in your personal statement are your academic objectives, motivations for taking up your chosen subject, educational experiences, and specific features of the university that you believe are ideal for you in this scenario. In a nutshell, all your self-description efforts must be directed towards one ultimate goal — admission into the university. Some UK universities – for example, Birmingham City University – provide detailed guides on what they expect from students in their personal statements.
Old wine, new bottle? Avoid stating facts already included in your application – A common mistake while writing personal statements is paraphrasing the information already presented in the application form. Yes, you might have to reiterate some of the key details to drive home your point; however, such facts should be accompanied by deeper insights into your journey and aspirations. Stating the same information without further insights induces repetition; moreover, such essays are typically not convincing of a student’s sincerity towards securing admission at the university.
Highlight your weaknesses AND how you overcame them – Perfection is a myth and improvisation the norm. Universities typically never look for perfect students but shortlist the ones who constantly strive to overcome their weaknesses. Consequently, your personal statement should highlight some major challenges faced by you in the course of your academic journey and the ways in which you worked (or are working) on overcoming them. For example, if you generally fear public speaking, you may mention some challenges you perhaps faced while trying to deliver that speech in school, together with how you probably began practicing for such events before the mirror. The simplest of examples carry the greatest significance!
Prepare, but don’t predict – It is natural for students to browse through the university website to understand their expectations and draft their personal statements accordingly. However, predicting what the university may classify as the best personal statement and drafting one in adherence to these assumptions may lead to disappointment. It is best to check the rules and guidelines listed on the website and adhere only to what has been mentioned. Consider contacting the university — as opposed to assuming — in case of further clarifications regarding what must or must not be incorporated.
Truth always triumphs! – While it may be tempting to accentuate your strengths in your personal statement, knowing your limitations and highlighting only the relevant skills can go a long way in your application process. It helps to prepare a list of your perceived skills and strengths and validate each in terms of the degree of proficiency. Then, you may choose to elaborate on, mention, or eliminate the skill based on your expertise. This helps you highlight only your relevant skills while ensuring that you cover all the necessary aspects.
Preparing for the journey – Create a mind map – Last but not least, creating a mind map can considerably accelerate the process of writing a personal statement. A mind map is simply a list of all aspects you would like to incorporate in your personal statement. Ideally, over 50% of your content should be focused on your passion towards your chosen subject area and subsequent selection of the course. The De Montfort University website entails a detailed video and explanation on creating mind maps for your personal statement.
Many students misconstrue personal statements to be extensions of their application forms and resumes, which typically impedes their admissions into their preferred universities. As a student applying to UK universities, your first step towards a well-structured personal statement should be to refer to UCAS guidelines. However, universities typically provide specific guidelines for writing personal statements – these should also be considered carefully.
For example, for postgraduate applications, Brunel University requires students to write personal statements of 300–500 words, not exceeding one side of an A4-sized sheet. Students must browse through such specific requirements meticulously before beginning their statements. Are you all set to write your personal statement and looking for some further guidance? We are here to help you with the process. Click SecureMyScholarship to know more!
