Selling the story of you

Alison Lane June 2014

Starting on your personal
statement
Selling the story of you
You have around 600 words to sell yourself
Dont listen to those people who say that
universities dont read them this simply isnt true
Focus on your academic achievements and
interests and RELEVANT skills and experience
Draft. Redraft. Draft again. It needs to be
perfect
You are telling the reader a story what makes a
good story?


How not to do it
I enjoy the theatre and used to go a couple of times a
year. (Drama)
I am committed to the study of human behaviour
through watching TV soaps. (Psychology)
I have led a full life over the last 18 years and this is a
tradition I intend to continue.
I describe myself in the following words: TO ODIN!!!!
the ancient Viking war cry. (Law)
My favourite hobby is beekeeping and I want to be an
engineer.
My interest in medicine stems from watching Casualty
and other related series.
I enjoy socialising with my friends.

1 - A striking start
Why are you are applying for this course?

Be specific not just I love Maths say WHY.
Talk about what it is you hope to get from the
course.
Tell the story of your decision a personal anecdote
can be powerful
If you already have a career aspiration - say so

2. The plot thickens
Why are YOU right for this subject, course,
university?
What particularly interests you in your AS/A2
subjects, and how do these relate to the course?
What work experience, trips, books or
experiences did you find inspiring - be specific

3. Tell me something about yourself.
Universities want to recruit interesting people and
interesting people tend to have a lot of interests.
Particularly important if you are applying for a course
that you havent studied at school.
Dont just list your activities though focus on what
SKILLS you have developed


Some ideas do you need to add to
these?
Duke of Edinburgh
Young Enterprise
Charity work
community service
Attendee or Head of any
society
CCF leadership, Ten Tors
Arts and music- House
and school
Drama, costume design,
stagehand, theatre
production and direction-
school, House and local
Prefect/ School Officer
Mentoring schemes
Work experience
Travel
Interest in another
language, culture or
religion
Political involvement
Sports leader / player
Web site design
Film
Journalism or editorial
work
Champions of Enterprise
Finalists
Competitions you have
won
Voluntary work, e.g. at
Mencap

Skills that impress admissions tutors




e.g.A problem solving approach is
essential for success in Mathematics
at degree level and I have repeatedly
demonstrated this aptitude. My work
as Production Manager in our Young
Enterprise company meant I had to
resolve many logistical problems. My
interest in chess, which I play at
County level, is intrinsically about
strategy and thinking ahead.










Listening
Communication
Speaking/presentation skills/debating
Working independently
ICT literacy
Team working/collaboration
Managing others
Managing my time
Working to deadlines
Diplomacy
Problem solving
Using initiative
Giving presentations
Argument led writing
Leadership


Personal qualities that impress
admissions tutors
Independence of thinking
Leadership
Efficiency
Self motivation
Sensitivity
Practical
Originality/Creativity
Flexibility
Empathy
Responsibility/Dependabl
e
Confidence
Organised
Ability/aptitude/flair
Perseverance
Determination

e.g. My ability to
empathise with others
has been enhanced by
my involvement in
mentoring younger
students. This skill is also
developed in approaches
to Literature, as
empathising with a
character is one aspect of
a readers response.
4. The Big Finish
Finish with a one or two line summary drawing out why you want to
study this course, your key qualities that make you suitable, and what
you would bring.

Some possible ways to wrap it up
My passion for/ interest in <..> is clearly
demonstrated by <.>
It is because of my experience with <.> that I
believe I will make a successful student
Having a long term goal of a career in <.> I believe I
have the determination and tenacity to make a success
of a degree in <.>
My experiences and skills developed while in sixth form
have enabled me to be <..> (main areas
developed, e.g. self motivation, efficiency, analytical
thinking), which should prove invaluable preparation for
life at university/studying <.>
My choice of degree has been carefully selected to suit
my interests and skills.
I am looking forward to building on my existing
experience of studying and to further my understanding
of .(state subject).

DONT LIE OR EXAGGERATE

Be honest - remember you might be asked to
talk about it at interview or on the phone on
results day: if you wrote something down in a
panic because it sounded good and then
forgot to research it, you could find yourself
in trouble.