Summary:
- Why do I need to perfect my UCAS Personal Statement?
- Components of a great UCAS Personal Statement
- IvyPrep expert services
Here’s a hint. It’s not about being the most accomplished candidate in the world. Rather, it’s about being able to talk about your interests in a compelling way that reinforces your aspirations.
As admissions grow more competitive at top universities, it’s more important than ever to craft a strong application. The UCAS Personal Statement gives admissions officers an insight into who you are as a student, as well as into your academic motivations. Writing an amazing personal statement also allows you to gain deeper insight into your own interests and aspirations. This is the last year where the ‘Personal Statement’ format will be used, as some changes are slated for the UCAS application. If you’re curious, we’ll be releasing an article about the changes to the UCAS essay format soon, so stay tuned!
But, do note that all of the basic principles we’re talking about here will hold true even as the UCAS undergoes changes!
Why Do I Need To Perfect My UCAS Personal Statement?
Your statement gives readers a sense of who you are as a student. What motivates you? What are you interested in delving further into, when you arrive at university? Writing an excellent Personal Statement improves your chances of admission by breathing more personality into your transcripts and achievements.
What Are The Components Of A Great UCAS Personal Statement?
It’s not about achieving more than everyone else, but how well you connect the dots, and it’s about creating intersections between an array of experiences and examples which ultimately serve to exemplify your academic engagement.
For instance, if you’re applying to a law degree, you’ll want to think through all the things that help you develop the interest and engagement you have in law. Do you debate? Do you like literature? History? Have you done any legalistic research? Have you engaged with local and global legal systems? Think about how these academic and extracurricular experiences contributed to your development of this interest. Think also about all the articles you’ve read recently and what you’ve learned from them.
Here are the key components to keep in mind:
Relevant To Subject Of Further Study
- Your personal statement must have relevance to the subject you are applying to study.
- If you are applying to a range of subjects, try to write a statement which is relevant to all of the courses you are applying for.
- This doesn’t necessarily mean that you cut out all your extracurricular activities and engagements. It’s more about how you tie different narrative threads together to form a coherent story of who you are and what you want. For example, we met a student of engineering with a passion for environmental activism. By developing his interest in the environment, he came up with ways in which his interest in engineering could intersect with his hopes for a greener world. This became a central part of the essay.
Filled With Evidence Of Your Academic Engagement
- Your personal statement must point to evidence that you have genuine interest in your courses of choice.
- This includes academic examples and awards, but also extends to what you do outside of what’s required. Do you read about the subject in your own time? Do you have examples of books or articles that piqued your interest?
- Whether you’re applying to science courses or to pursue the humanities, it’s important to show that you have a thirst for knowledge. If you’re interested in physics, for instance, you might want to find published scientific papers to read. If you’re interested in history, take stock of all the books you’ve been enjoying. You’ll want to mention these moments of personal engagement.
Speaks Clearly And Coherently About Your Motivations And Goals
- Your Personal Statement should give readers a sense of what you wish to do with your education.
- Following from some of our previous examples, it’s evident that the most important factor is a sense of true fascination. The secret is to connect different areas of your life together under the banner of the subject you intend to pursue. What drives you? What moves you?
Written Well
- Finally, your Personal Statement should be proofread to ensure that it is free of errors and mistakes, as well as to make sure that it is written in an engaging way. Small errors are a way to show that you haven’t put in the effort to proof read, so make sure you eliminate them to further show your commitment and attention to detail.
Advice For Oxbridge Applicants On The UCAS Personal Statement
If you’re applying to Oxbridge, note that your deadline is sooner. You will need to submit your UCAS application on October 15th, which is earlier than the majority of schools in the UK. You should prepare to have a polished statement earlier rather than later, to avoid stress when you come up on your deadline.
Worried About Writing A Convincing UCAS Personal Statement?
If you feel stressed or need help with crafting your statement, guidance from essay experts and UK admissions consultants is extremely useful.
If you’re ready to craft an excellent UCAS Personal Statement, or if you’re not quite sure how to tell your story, get in touch for a free consultation with one of our UK admissions experts.
Looking to get started on your journey with our UK Admissions Consulting Team?
Get in touch with us and we will guide you on your path to success!
FAQ
4000 characters, which is about 550-1000 words!
Some big changes have been planned for the UCAS, and we have another article coming soon.
If you’re looking for additional guidance, our U.K experts are here to help!
