Essential advice from University
Admissions Tutors
The following advice about good practice in a Personal Statement derives from a number of admissions tutors in a range of universities.The universities selected were:
Anglia Polytechnic University, DR.A.CONSTANTAZ, Admissions Tutor, Division of Social Policy
Brunel University, P.PARKIN Admissions Tutor, BSc ( Hons ) Health Studies
Hertfordshire University, P.WOOLEY, Admissions Tutor for B.A. Social Science
Oxford University, S. INGRAM, Schools Liaison Officer
The advice offered by the Admissions Tutors appears as a response to the following questions. As far as possible, the language used by each Admissions Tutor, in the response to the questionnaire, has been used to remain as close the original advice as possible.When would you advise students to submit their UCAS application?
s soon as possible but not before students have made a thorough decision about the courses they really want to do. Late applications are less likely to be offered a place because many degree/HND courses fill up quickly. Oxbridge applications are due in earlier, usually by mid October. At what particular stage is a Personal Statement most useful?Personal Statements are useful at all stages. The Statement plays an important role in helping to decide course offers. In addition, the Personal Statement aids the choice of who to interview as well as helping to decide what questions to ask during an interview eg. If a book has been mentioned then interviewers may well decide to ask about the particular book. Finally, the Personal Statement helps when admissions tutors are considering offering a place to
a student who has narrowly missed their conditional offer.What do you see as the main purpose of a Personal Statement?
To provide the student with an opportunity to give a fuller picture of her/himself, beyond that which is purely academic; though showing academic abilities is an important part of the Personal statement. The Statement may give a sense of how motivated an applicant appears. It also shows if the applicant is genuinely interested in the course at a particular university. Providing useful insight into the personality, interests and motivation of the applicant as well as achievement is another purpose of the Personal Statement. Relevant areas of work experience or academic endeavour are worth including. A Personal Statement may also let an admissions tutor know if there has been some problems, personal or academic, which might have a bearing on their grades and also their predicted grades (however, the school/college reference may deal with this issue)
What information in a Personal Statement is most useful?
The most important section within the Personal Statement is the explanation of why a student has applied for a particular course. A brief outline of what aspects of a course, other academic qualifications or work experience, are relevant for the course(s) being applied for is very useful. It is also helpful to write about aims ie. What a student hopes to gain from the course. Interests in the wider community are also useful to mention. Any long-term career plans may be interesting but, depending on the department and the university, admissions tutors hold a variety of different views on the importance of career plans.
Some Personal Statements have sub-headings others do not. Do you have a preference and why?
Most universities have no preference about whether to use sub-headings. However, it was pointed out the sub-headings may make Personal Statements too similar and it was also pointed out that sub-headings may suggest that the student finds it difficult to write a continuous and fluent piece of writing. One admissions tutor preferred sub-headings because they believed it made writing the |Personal Statement slightly easier for students.
Should students mention if they wish to attend a particular university?
All responses advise against stating a preference for a university. Although it may be helpful for admissions tutors at the stated choice of the candidate, id an offer is declined then it would create difficulties at the alternative universities. Admissions tutors state that they understand the predicament that student’s face in attempting to gain preferred university.
Should students explain why they are interested in studying a particular degree/HND?
Yes. It is absolutely essential to write about why students have applied to study a particular degree. However, if the student has opted for a range of courses then it is important to explain such a diverse choice. Diversity is not seen to be a major problem especially if the range is justified. Any comments which reflect a student’s commitment and enthusiasm for their course is extremely helpful.
Apart from specific subjects that relate to the degree course do admissions tutors prefer some subjects more that others?
No specific subject requirements were reported by admissions tutors, except for very specific degrees such as Medicine. However, candidates are advised to make sure that their courses provide underpinning skills and knowledge for their chosen degree. It is important to show a general academic background. There was no reported status attached to any particular subject as long as the students existing courses reflect the type of chosen degree/HND. The UCAS details, as well as the prospectus issued by each university, indicates preferred ‘A’ level subjects, Access courses or GNVQ.
In what way is it useful / not useful for students to write about the skills they have that might be relevant for their chosen course?
Writing about skills is very useful because it not only gives the admissions tutor insight but it also shows that the student is able to identify relevant experiences and apply it to their application. There are clearly useful skills to have on a degree/HND. By focusing on skills it may highlight the extent to which the student is capable of succeeding on their course. It is also an indicator of the fact the students have thought about the demands of their particular course.
In what way might it be useful / not useful for students to write about what aspects of their A levels / Access / GNVQ they have enjoyed most?
Any comments which provide a positive and aware impression of the candidate will be helpful. It is vital that the areas commented upon relate to skills or academic issues not trivia eg. "My course consists of friendly people."
Do you have a large number of people claiming they have completed certain roles when they have not?
This is difficult to gauge but it would be easily picked up during an interview.
What additional advice would you give students who are completing their Personal Statement?
The Personal Statement is often the weakest and most poorly presented section of the UCAS application. The main weaknesses are: (a) poor structure, (b) poor grammar and spelling, (c) too much waffle with students frequently not seeming to know about what to write, (d) unprofessional in both presentation and content: treating the personal Statement as if it were merely a piece of writing which resembles a personal diary instead of treating the process as if it were a serious and professional job application.
Students should try to write as much as they can in their Personal Statements because a short statement may show an uninteresting person. Use the Personal Statement as a selling opportunity. Often admissions tutors like to see somebody with a ‘well rounded’ personality who have some interests. The Personal Statement should reveal somebody who is extremely enthusiastic about their chosen course. Some students can often focus too much on extra-curricular activities and not enough on academic issues or choice of course. A Personal Statement must be as logical and clear as possible. When mentioning hobbies, candidates should try to move from the general to the specific eg. If a candidate mentions listening to music as an interest then it is important to state what particular musicians are preferred. Checking spellings is essential. Students must remember that any points written in the Personal Statement may be brought up during an interview, so candidates need to make sure that all the claims within the Personal Statement are genuine