4,000 Characters | ~600 Words

You want to stand out

1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times)2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times)3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times)4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times)5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times)6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times)7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times)8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since ... (141 times)10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and ... (138 times)

Stand Out (for the right reasons)

Universities want their students to have: – A passion for the subject – Initiative – Commitment – Team playing skills – Organisation skills – Studentship skills

Stand Out (for the right reasons)

Admissions tutors want evidence of: – Independent study skills (eg. EPQ, coursework …)– Self-awareness (can you reflect on your skills?)– Motivation (demonstrate by showing what you do)– An understanding of the course and its demands– Good numeracy and literacy skills– Essay writing skills– Research skills – Time management skills – Enthusiasm to go beyond the syllabus

How do I show I’m passionate?

• Work experience - paid or unpaid (skills)

• Further reading – Documentaries - Extended Project– Research - Extension Tasks

• Involvement in related activities – Visiting galleries - Café scientifique – Making own films - HYMS/PBL, Newspaper– Going to conferences - Competitions, Mock Trials– Going to subject related - University access

events / trips programmes

?

Why? Subject

Link

‘AnythingElse’

The future

The difficult first paragraph

• Why do you want to study the subject that you have chosen?

• How are you right for the course?

Tip:• Don’t try to write the first sentence first.

Subject Links

• Can you demonstrate transferable skills..?• Why are the courses that you’re studying now

relevant to your course?• Expand on the most relevant ones.• Show that you’re a critical thinker (EPQ,CT etc.)

Tip:• Consider skills as well as content.

‘Anything Else’ …

Say what you’ve done outside the classroom:

Work experience, jobs, extra curricular activities, sports, hobbies, awards, achievements …

BUT …

Getting There & The Future

• What’s the long term plan?• Show how you see university as a stepping stone

on your career path.• Evidence you've researched your choices. • Saying what you want from your course.

The difficult last sentence … Make the conclusion short and sharp, choosing your key messages carefully and conveying them concisely.

Oxbridge Applications

• There's only one clear requirement: you need to be heading for the AAA or A*AA.

• Oxford and Cambridge are collegiate universities. You need to choose a university and a college (or make an open application)

• Choose a course you are really passionate about and focus on your course and why you.

• HE+ : look to the forums for extra support.

Oxbridge Applications

• Read widely around your chosen subject. It is not enough just to do well at school or college. Tutors have often devoted their life to their subject, so of course they want to teach students who share their enthusiasm.

• Practice talking about your subject: not just with your teachers and fellow students, but with other friends and family members. Talking to non-experts is an excellent exercise as it gets you thinking in new ways and helps you to find new ways of expressing the concepts and issues involved.

Medics, Vets and Dentists

• Check and research all entry requirements.• Focus on your Chemistry & Biology subjects.• Work experience must be demonstrated:– Actual experience, shadowing, working with

people. – HYMS courses, PBL courses, Sutton Trust etc. – Shadowing doctors / nurses / practitioners

• Don’t forget to book your UKCAT or BMAT.

admissionstestingservice.org

Contextualise Your Experiences

Good What you have done Activity

Better What skills it has given Benefit you

Best How these relate to Contextyour chosen course

Personal Statement Tips

• Universities are looking for students who stand out.

• Do not use generic phrases – personalise it. • Check university pages for courses – guidance

could be found their to aid course specific statements.

• Contextualise everything to the course that you are applying for.

• Don’t make it a list: I… I am… I also… I did…

www.ucas.com

Early Entry Deadline:Thursday, 24th September

College Deadline: Friday, 6th November