University Guide for the Personal Statement

Some universities provide admission applicants with a guide to help them with their personal statement writing. Usually, this guide is written not by the admissions selectors themselves but with their help. This component of the application is read by admissions selectors and insights from them are very helpful. Though the guides are not written by the selectors themselves, what is important is they are written based on what the selectors give as answers to the questions frequently asked which are facilitated by the persons preparing the guide.

It is important to know what are the most common questions asked by applicants about personal statement writing. These questions involve the word limit and its strict compliance, gap year, how far to go back when it comes to hobbies and interests, personal uniqueness or being interesting and how to end the statement, among others.

Regarding the word limit for your personal statement writing, applications sent through UCAS should be written within the 47 line limit in the online application. Thus, you should plan and finalise your statement with the limit. The limit is given with the purpose of giving applicants the fair chance of showcasing themselves. It is also a test of whether you have the academic knowledge and skills to write clearly and succinctly in the given limit.

When it comes to gap years, you should include it in your personal statement. Explain why you are taking a gap year and what are your specific plans. In doing this, you should show that you are enthusiastic and have the initiative. Focus on how the activity can relate to your course.

When talking about how far back should one go when including one’s hobbies and interests, mention only the things which can help support your application. Avoid making a long list of the many things you have done. Select one or two which can help support your application. Write about the skills you have learned through them. More recent activities are better than older ones. Lastly, you should include mentioning something in your that is interesting or unique. It is assumed that everybody should or does have. Excluding this will be detrimental to your application.

Author Bio: 

 

Megan Potter considers the Northumbria Newcastle City campus to be her second home. Under the tutelage of the university, she has not just completed various essays such as sciences essay and military essays; but successfully exhibited her technical writing skills and passion for anything novel.