Transcript Writing a personal statement:

Writing a personal
statement: For UCAS
and ????
It’s not as bad as you
think
So what’s the point?
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The personal statement is your
opportunity to stand out!
Let your personal statement work for you
Questions to ask yourself
before you start…
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What's special, unique, distinctive, and/or
impressive about you or your life story?
Questions…
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What details of your life (personal or family
problems, history, people or events that have
shaped you or influenced your goals) might help
the admissions officer better understand you or
help set you apart from other applicants?
Questions…
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Have you had to overcome any unusual
obstacles or hardships (for example, economic,
familial, or physical) in your life?
Questions…
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What personal characteristics (for example.
integrity. compassion. persistence) do you
possess that would improve your prospects for
success in the field or profession? Is there a way
to demonstrate or document that you have
these characteristics?
Questions…
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When did you become interested in this
field and what have you learned about it
(and about yourself) that has further
stimulated your interest and reinforced
your conviction that you are well suited to
this field? What insights have you gained?
Questions…
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What skills (for example, leadership,
communicative, analytical) do you possess?
Other tips for writing
your personal statement
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Tell a story: Use a story to illustrate the point that you
really want to express. Stories are easier to remember
than straight facts and this will make the committee
members remember you.
Give supporting details: If you mention in your personal
statement that you will be a great doctor because you
are hard working, then you’ll have to provide proof!
Don’t be afraid to show them how much you know!
Personal Statement
Don’ts
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Do not try to be “cute” or funny
Do not touch on controversial or political topics
DO NOT LIE!!!
Avoid clichés
Grammatical Tips
As with writing any essay remember these tips:
 Always make the introduction pop. You want to draw
them in!
 Use the funnel approach in your introduction
 Remember the basic structure of an essay: introduction,
body, conclusion
 CHECK FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!!
~Write~