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Personal statements

Monday, November 17, 2014

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Session outline•Introduce UCAS personal statements•What are admissions tutors looking for?•Good and bad practice

Monday, November 17, 2014

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Personal statements•Most important part of the UCAS form•The process is all about you and your skills•This is your chance to

– Promote yourself to admissions tutors– Stand out amongst the applications

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What are we looking for in a good application?•Strong academic profile

• may include specific GCSEs and AS/A2 levels

•Knowledge and interest in subject area• Strong teacher reference

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Structure and content•It is not enough just to list things•Present a clear and well structured statement•Demonstrate a genuine interest for the subject•Demonstrate an understanding of the subject area outside of normal studies

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What are we looking for?• Strong opening paragraph• Enthusiasm – people who are

eager to learn

• Why you want to study a degree in this subject area

• Joint honours or two subjects? Why those two in particular?

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What are we looking for?• Vocational i.e. teaching,

medicine – a commitment to the profession and understanding of the role

• Relevant work experience, interests and hobbies

• Link to key skills where possible

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What are we looking for?• Explanation of subjects and

skills learned (through studies and hobbies, interests etc.)

• A focus on information which is relevant

• Students who are going to contribute something to the university community

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Activity• Think about the subject you’d like

to study at university

• Write down a few bullet points with your reasons – but do not mention the subject by name!

• For example: “I like Picasso. And drawing. And Van Gogh inspires me”...

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Showcase your skills!• You’re attempting to prove to

admissions tutors that you have the relevant skills to pursue a degree

• How can you do this?

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Skills and ExperienceSkills and Experience

A level HistoryA level History

AssignmentAssignment

Research skillsResearch skills

Analytical skillsAnalytical skills

Presentation skillsPresentation skills

EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE

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Skills and ExperienceSkills and Experience

A level MathsA level Maths

ExamExam

Analysis of dataAnalysis of data

Application of knowledgeApplication of knowledge

Problem solvingProblem solving

EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE

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Skills and ExperienceSkills and Experience

SchoolSchool

SocietySociety

CreativityCreativity

CommunicationCommunication

ConfidenceConfidence

EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE

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Skills and ExperienceSkills and Experience

Part-time jobPart-time job

TESCO check-outTESCO check-out

TeamworkTeamwork

ResponsibilityResponsibility

OrganisationOrganisation

EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE

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Showcase your skills!Don’t just list your skills - explain

Example“At TESCO I work with a variety of

different people whether it be liaising with my Manager to negotiate upcoming shifts or helping a customer locate an item on the shelves. It is my responsibility to ensure customers have the best possible experience. I do this by constantly building and revising my product knowledge and working effectively alongside colleagues with different areas of specialism.”

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Activity• Choose a school subject,

hobby, part-time job or other activity that you are involved with

• Evidence the skills you have gained

• Relate skills to the degree subject

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Use of language• How you say something is just

as important as what you’re saying

• Be positive, take responsibility for your achievements

• Use proactive words and phrases: negotiated, coordinated, directed…

• Be aware of UCAS similarity detection rules

• Check spelling and grammar!

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Top tips!• Start early• Include gap year plans• Listen constructively• Avoid txt language• Avoid quotes, jokes and

poems!

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Questions?

Name, Student Recruitment Officer Want to know what it’s like to be a student? Find out at http://blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/studentlife

Not sure which university is for you? www.which.co.uk/university

UoNapplicants

The University of Nottingham

UoNapplicants

www.youtube.com/user/NottmUniversity