Things to consider before writing your Personal Statement

An applicant is always faced with the arduous task of writing a personal statement as part of the application package. Every university in every country demands it. It is generally believed that the personal statement holds the key to all admission decisions.

But why is the personal statement so integral to an admission decision? According to the admissions office at the Buckingham University, a personal statement is a mirror to the applicant’s true self. It is an essay showcasing one’s motivations, character, strengths and academic interests. Dr. Adrian Bell at the admissions office at the University of Manchester claims that writing a personal statement is a difficult task. It requires a lot of research and good language skills. An admissions officer will only read a personal statement if it is different and concise. This is the one part of the application form where the applicant has the freedom to be his/ her true self. The personal statement should not be long and monotonous. It is where the applicant sells himself/ herself. The applicant needs to tell the admissions tutor why the University ought to select him/ her. The personal statement is a window of opportunity to an applicant to make his/ her application stand out and be noticed among the hordes of admissions applications.

According to the University of Manchester Admissions Guide, a personal statement ought to be divided into the following parts:

(i) Reasons for Applying to a Particular Course—In a nutshell, this first paragraph is commonly known as ‘setting the scene.’ The applicant needs to do sound research and be able to write crisply and at the same time knowledgably about the course, its various career options. This is often regarded as the most critical part of the personal statement. An applicant has to be very sure about his/her career goals, ambitions and motivations. The applicant should sound convincing and propel the admissions officer to read further.

(ii) Writing about Hobbies and Interests – After setting the scene – giving the admissions tutor a little insight into one’s self, it is time to write about one’s personal hobbies and interests. This section provides the tutor with a clear idea about the personality type of the applicant. The paragraph outlines academic interests and long term career aspirations.

(iii) Applicant’s Background - The third section provides includes details like family background, educational details and achievements.

(iv) Why Should He/She be Chosen?The last section is the persuasive part of the personal statement. Here, the applicant has to be blunt, frank and highly convincing. In short, the applicant has to write, what makes him/ her different from other applicants --Why should he/ she be chosen?

Many applicants write about their academic credentials to prove their worthiness. But, according to Dr. Ashton, the admissions tutor is not looking for educational qualifications. The personal statement should not read like an autobiography listing one’s achievements. The admissions tutor is looking for sincerity of the applicant. It is imperative, therefore, for the applicant to write the personal statement by himself or herself. The applicant can paint a true, interesting and honest picture of himself/herself which will make an admissions tutor sit up and say – We want this applicant.
This personalized construction is not possible when the personal statement is written by a professional essayist or agency.

The admission prospectus of the Leeds University clearly lists a few guidelines to help an applicant in writing the personal statement.
(i) Research – It is imperative for the applicant to look up the University departmental websites. The applicant ought to read and know the exact specifications required in a personal statement by a particular department.
The applicant should also conduct research on the usefulness of the selected subjects. This extends to the career options available including the reasons for the career choice. The applicant has to demonstrate his/her flexibility, willingness and determination. He/ she must provide ample proof of his/ her interest and motivation. The applicant ought to view his/ her personal statement from the viewpoint of the department also. The applicant has to showcase his/her commitment to the subject, an enquiring mind and a passionate interest.
(ii) Explain. Do not list – The applicant must not write the personal statement in a list format. The applicant ought to explain his/ her achievements. He/she needs to paint a picture of himself or herself through words. Achievements, prizes, skills and publications need to be written about in prose. The applicant should provide examples to give insight into his/her psyche and help the tutor in formulating an opinion about him/ her as a potential student.
(iii) Use correct English language – In other words, the applicant should exercise caution when writing the personal statement. He/ she should use correct grammar, tense and voice. The applicant needs to remember that it is not possible to turn in a polished, grammatically-correct essay on the first try.
(iv) Be specific – An applicant has to bear in mind that he/ she is writing a personal statement. Generalities will only be viewed as disinterest in the subject and the form will be discarded. Every applicant has to tailor his/ her personal statement in accordance to the subjects. It is important that the applicant keep abreast of current developments in the subject and not come across as lacking in knowledge about the field.

The personal statement provides the applicant the chance to prove his/ her capability and interest. The statement demonstrates the reasons why a candidate ought to be admitted into a course despite low scores. It is the only part of an admission form which allows the admissions tutor a glimpse into the applicant’s mind and his world.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are a UK or Overseas student applying for a place in a UK University, to stand out from the thousands of others, it is essential to have striking Personal Statement, for more information and professional guidance, see www.personal-statement.co.uk

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