The UCAS Personal Statement and Academic References. Guidelines from universities

Transcription

1 The UCAS Personal Statement and Academic References Guidelines from universities

2 The role of the Personal Statement The Personal Statement should: Set you apart from other applications Give you the opportunity to show how interested you are in the course Show your range of skills and abilities Detail relevant work experience very important for vocational degrees

3 Can it really make a difference?

4 What are we looking for? Evidence that you have researched the subject area Rationale behind any differing course choices Examples of your communication skills and skills relevant to the degree itself Your career aspirations

5 Guidelines You can only write one personal statement for all 5 choices Limited to 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text (including spaces and blank lines). The statement needs to be your own work Copycatch similarity detection system is used by UCAS to screen all applications

6 What should you include? A reason for choosing the course Any background interest in the area Particular interest in current studies Any employment, work experience or voluntary work and the skills developed Reasons for deferring (if applicable) and plans for your year out

7 What should you include? Social, sporting or other interests and activities Details of non-examined subjects being studied Particular relatable achievements Positions of responsibility Evidence of team working ability

8 Nursing Example - 1 I am applying for a place on the nursing degree course as I want to make nursing my career and progress to a higher nursing position. Im a peopleperson who shows empathy competency, I believe im caring but I also have ability to show resilience and display these skills in my current role as a health care assestant in a nursing home.

9 Nursing Example - 2 My desire to take a course in adult nursing was established after my first work placement at a nursing home where I later acquired a paid job as a Domestic Care Assistant. During my time at the nursing home, I enjoyed talking to and caring for residents and developing relationships with them and this is something that really attracts me to nursing. My experience working in the nursing home also taught me how to work well in team with other professionals.

10 Top Tips Use positive language Consideration of your experiences; What have you done? What skills did you gain? How does it relate to the course? Develop your statement over several drafts, re-reading to ensure no errors!

11 The Academic Reference We will cover: What is the purpose of the reference? Content Points to note What Academic Selectors like/dislike in a reference

12 Can it really make a difference?

13 Purpose of the Reference Provides comment on the applicant s academic performance and potential Describes their skills and abilities Confirms their suitability and aptitude for HE study Emphasises any information that puts achievements in a greater perspective Should be written by someone who knows the applicant well enough to comment on their abilities and personal qualities

14 Academic Reference - content Brief introduction on your school to set it in context, including information on: Description of school Distinguishing features of the school that might impact on the range of subjects available (e.g. Island community) Number of students taking 4 or more Highers Number of students in Senior School Typical progression to Higher Education Number of pupils eligible for free school meals

15 Academic Reference - content Interpretation of academic performance to date Particular reference to subjects studied which relate to the course for which they are applying Motivation and aptitude for learning Potential to succeed on an HE course, evidenced by independent working, critical analysis Any factors which have impacted on achievement e.g. illness, family/personal circumstances, disruption to education, widening participation factors

16 Academic Reference - content Interpersonal skills Extra curricular activities and the impact on the applicant s development Positions of responsibility in the school Evidence of maturity, independence Evidence of working with others

17 Points to note Universities rely on the reference to demonstrate the real potential of the applicant Make sure the reference supports the course choice and personal statement to avoid any contradictions Include contact details in case the Academic Selector has queries The applicant can request to see the reference Bullet points are helpful

18 What Academic Selectors like An impression that the referee knows the applicant well Comments on the applicant s potential and motivation Extenuating circumstances for poorer than predicted performance in S4 or S5 Description of the applicant s contribution to the school and achievements in and out of school

19 Quotes from Academic Selectors I like to read about anything interesting that makes the pupil memorable The reference is important to highlight extenuating circumstances, e.g. if a pupil has missed a grade, if they are good at practical Chemistry although the marks are not reflected in exam results Useful if there is an obvious gap in subjects, e.g. no English Higher or no Maths why is it missing

20 Questions?