So...you're stuck inside until further notice. You are bored. You need to start planning your personal statement. Well, we have you covered.
Here are 7 things you can do in self-isolation to make your personal statement more competitive:
(1) Write a list of all the super-curricular activities you have done so far. Super-curriculars are things you have done in your spare time (not in your A-Level studies) related to your degree course.
(2) Read a book, read an article, watch a TedTalk/YouTube video – have a look at the university recommended reading list or search for a book/video/online lecture about an aspect of the course you enjoy the most. Whilst you read/listen, take notes of things you find especially interesting and then spend some time critically and analytically thinking about what you have learned. Ask yourself the following question: Why is this important?
· For sciences, ask: does this link to other concepts? Can we take something from this concept and apply it to another? e.g. consider the mechanisms of gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes – you could demonstrate analytical and critical thinking by giving your thoughts on why the mechanisms need to be different.
· For humanities: How does this compare with other documentation and why might the sources differ? e.g. look at two historians' accounts of an historic event – to demonstrate critical and analytical skills, consider the period of time they are writing in, the purpose of the source etc. to explain why their accounts differ. You could also go on to say why both sources are useful – what information do they give you? Think GCSE History controlled assessment lol.
(3) Write an essay on a topic related to your subject. As part of my Welsh Baccalaureate I wrote an extended essay on whether there was a link between Alzheimer’s and gender. I analysed many different sources and data sets. This was not only interesting but it also gave me a lot to discuss in my personal statement and my Oxford interview. In addition, it gave me an opportunity to mention skills I developed whilst writing it e.g. data analysis and problem solving etc. I really recommend this!!
(4) Have a look for online courses that are related to your course. For example, FutureLearn does great courses and is super useful for students. There are a range of subjects from Business and Management to Literature to Healthcare and Medicine. Definitely take a look.
(5) Make a list of all the skills you have, how you developed them and why they will make you the best candidate for the course. For example, problem solving, organisation, time management etc. This will be useful for when you come to write your personal statement.
(6) Write down WHY you want to study the course you are applying for. What is it about the subject that inspires you? What made you fall in love with your subject?
· Little tip: Don’t write “I have wanted to study …… since I was little” because, realistically this was not the case and the universities will see straight through it. They want you to be genuine.
(7) Start a draft. It is never too early to start drafting your personal statement, especially if you are applying to Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry or any other early-entry course. With all this extra time, the process will be a lot less stressful (and teachers will only have your drafts to look at instead your whole sixth form/college year's drafts so feedback will be more thorough).
Overall, the most competitive personal statements are those that show genuine passion for the course and the best way to demonstrate this is to have done lots of super-curricular activities. Self-isolation is the prime time to start these super-curricular activities so GO GO GO.
Comment any questions below - we will be happy to answer them!!
Mary xx
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