Unit 3: Top tips for a personal statement

Assignment 1: What should you include in your personal statement?

• Explain your reasons for wanting to study the course.
• Explain how you're right for the course - Researched the course and profession, Provide evidence how you meet the selection criteria, understand the study at university level will involve, show how you're prepared for this.
• Say what you've done outside the classroom - outline how you've pursued your interest, what you've done outside, DON'T WRITE A LIST!, any further workshops, performances, lectures, drama schools etc. and avoid mentioning the wider reading that everyone else is doing.
• Why it's relevant to the course... - Work experience, taster sessions, volunteering, outreach programme, summer schools, museums, gallery or theatre visits.
• Relevant to your chosen career... - relevant experience or observations, reflect on YOUR experience DON'T JUST DESCRIBE IT!, Talk about the skills the profession needs and how you've noticed this and how you've developed those skills yourself.
• Can you demonstrate transferrable skills - ability to work independently, teamwork, good time management, problem-solving, leadership, listening and organisational skills.
• Expand on the most relevant ones - Don't simply list off the skills, projects and assignments, positions of responsibility, what did you achieve, how has it improved your self-confidence?, volunteering.
• What's your long-term plan? - Mention what your longer term goals are, show a spark of individuality or imagination.
• KEEP IT POSITIVE! - Don't panic!, start with your strengths, focus on your enthusiasm for the course and talk positively about yourself.
• Use formal language! - NO SLANG!!!