Personal Statement

 What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is where one makes an essay to apply to enter places such as University, new job or college. This statement should talk about your experiences, your ambitions (both short term and long term), achivements (such as GCSEs, A-Levels, B-Tec, awards won) as well as any hobbies that help with your work. 

How important is a personal statement?

It is very important because it is most likely going to be asked when applying for universities. They will most likely rad them to help select the perfect candidate, they also will read them to know YOU as a person and not just as a stranger or student. Universities also like people who are original and who stand out from the rest, universities will like to see empowering phrases/sentences. 

What to put on a Personal Statement? 

You should put on your hobbies; so for me I could talk about my intense interest for old comedy shows and game shows and/or my love for animals especially things from fantasy or sci fi films/books I could also mention my passion for singing, playing keys and guitar. You could also include extra-curricular activities you have or are currently doing such as for me it is drama club and Youth club as well as Karate classes; these will help the reader learn what you've done in the past and you as a person. You can also talk about how you got into your chosen area of study, example of this is "I got into illustration through seeing Quentin Blake's illustrations growing up and watching Eddsworld in my teenage years." 

How to start a Personal Statement?

Start by discussing why you are applying, also do a short introduction of yourself. You do not want to drown on (or waffle) at the start as that'll make it drag and look boring and unreadable. Start planning a Personal Statement by making drafts and showing people for feedback and making sure all errors. DO NOT put a title on your Personal Statement, also you shouldn't use quotes from people or places as it will look like plagiarism. 

What NOT to put in a Personal Statement?

Never put any slang, the place you are applying for will probably not understand it and will consider it as informal language. Try to keep spelling and grammar mistakes to a minimal, these will down grade you and you'll be marked down for poor spelling. Do not use any quotes; whether they are from Einstein or Micky Mouse, never ever use them, this is because it is not original and it is plagiarism. DO NOT talk about the negatives of you; negatives that could put someone off are things like your own mental health history, family problems, your drug problems and money. You also shouldn't use cliches that do not relate to you because it will look bad and unflattering. 

How to End it?

You can talk about how excited/nervous you are for these new experiences and how it will help you in your future. You can mention how you hope to meet them soon and also make sure it is short and simple, never waffle.