Course Based Personal Statements
Getting Started
Course Based Personal Statements are typical required for the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many European countries.
In addition, some US colleges will ask why this major as a supplementary question and some of the more selective Canadian Engineering and Business programs will ask for your motivation. No matter what it is called, nor the length, the university wants to understand what drives to pursue THIS particular major.
Consider your audience: Your personal statement is likely to be read by a professor of your chosen subject. Your job is to impress upon them your commitment and curiosity to your chosen field--keep in mind they have dedicated a lifetime to it.
How to structure your UCAS personal statement
Stand out from the crowd by showcasing who you are and what you can bring to a university in your personal statement.
What' the point of a UCAS personal statement?
Universities are looking to see what kind of person you are and why you want to study at their university. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it, why you think it’s important, and what you’ve done to show it. Don’t be afraid to share those ambitions and interests. Let them out!
Personal statement brainstormer.docxHandy tool
Inspired by UCAS, and informed by various university admission tutors, this tool will take you through a series of questions to help you connect the dots of your experiences in a way that compels your reader to learn more about you no matter which country you are applying to when the major is the main concern. Make a copy and share with your counselor.
Using AI on your Personal Statement
UCAS offers advice on effectively using AI in writing your Personal statement:
Deeper Dive: UK Russell Group by Oxford admissition Tutor
How to write a killer personal statement webinar
Applying for Multiple courses and Joint Degrees
You only write one personal statement to all your choices. Do not to mention a university by name, even if you are applying to only one university - your personal statement cannot be changed if you apply to a different place later.
If you're applying for a joint degree you will need to explain why you are interested in both aspects of this joint programme.
If you're applying for different subjects or courses, you need to identify the common themes and skills that are relevant to your choices. Please discuss this with your counselor.
Find inspiration by reading others
How about The Netherlands?
We have you covered with Vilnius University Lecturer Gražina Cislikauskienė
Note: The first 12 minutes focuses on university applications, but her section jobs has relevancy too.