• Question: Are there any interesting articles you would recommend reading for personal statements?

    Asked by anon-216141 to Robert, Olly, Nicola, Jasmin, Dennis, Caroline on 12 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Oliver Clabburn

      Oliver Clabburn answered on 12 Jun 2019:

      I’d definitely check out the UCAS guidance for writing personal statements. They’re advice is always really good https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-personal-statement

      You could also ask for support from your teachers, or see if you have any career guidance staff that can help out?

    • Photo: Dennis Relojo-Howell

      Dennis Relojo-Howell answered on 12 Jun 2019: last edited 12 Jun 2019 5:15 pm

      As for articles, I could not think of anything at the moment. It’s best to speak to your teachers and other people who know about you.

      Your personal statement is chance for you to tell something unique about you. And it’s also an opportunity for you to demonstrate logical structure on your writing.

      If you have the time read some biographies. They can help you get ideas on how people reflect upon their experiences. A personal favourite is the biography of Coco Chanel.

    • Photo: Robert Dempsey

      Robert Dempsey answered on 12 Jun 2019:

      I would suggest having a look at The Conversation – this is a news service where academics write news stories about their research and areas of expertise for a general audience (i.e. you don’t get loads of statistics or heavy language). This might give you some ideas if you’re wanting to get some insight into what is currently going on in academic science. The British Psychological Society also have a couple of magazines (the Psychologist), including some for college/university students, which may be worth having a look at (have a look at the BPS’s website!)

    • Photo: Jasmin Moon

      Jasmin Moon answered on 13 Jun 2019:

      I don’t know of any articles unfortunately, but my advice would be to write honestly and enthusiastically about why you want to study that particular subject. Admissions teams read a lot of statements so if you can show real passion and individual reasons for your interest then that will make you stand out. Your teachers and careers advice service at the school you attend should also be able to proof read it for you. Best of luck with your application!

    • Photo: Nicola Johnstone

      Nicola Johnstone answered on 13 Jun 2019:

      Depends on what you are interested in. I really like Rob’s suggestion of the conversation, that is a really good resource to find out about different topics.

    • Photo: Caroline Brett

      Caroline Brett answered on 13 Jun 2019:

      Not specifically articles, but there are lots of resources out there on careers and how to prepare applications, plus do talk to your teachers and read as much as you can about your chosen subject so that you can demonstrate your real passion for it in your statement. Rob’s suggestion of The Conversation is a good one and if you’re interested in psychology specifically then the BPS’s Research Digest is also good.

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