Starting the UCAS personal statement

James Ogram 15th March 2019

Ulink College of Shanghai

Ulink College of Shanghai

PS Opening

• James Ogram

• Masters of Science in Violence, Conflict and Development (穷途发展)

• 2011

Ulink College of Shanghai

Student Example

• Oxford

• Computer Science

Ulink College of Shanghai

Ulink College of Shanghai

What not to do!

• Imagine an admissions officer reading this – how might they react?

Ulink College of Shanghai

Ulink College of Shanghai

So what are the priorities…

• The opening – draw the reader in, but don’t exaggerate, lie or use a fancy gimmick

• Energy and passion in your writing – style, tone, vocabulary

• Evidence of reading beyond the A-Level curriculum – START THIS NOW!

• Balance – competitions, extra-curriculars, volunteering, global citizenship etc to show SKLLS and CAPABILITIES

• ALWAYS come back to why the university should pick you! Don’t be 尴尬 about selling yourself!

Ulink College of Shanghai

Tips for a killer opening… Don't waste time trying to think of a catchy opening; it's often a

complete turn-off.

Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with why you

chose it.

The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course

and to demonstrate your understanding of it.

Talk about you and your enthusiasm for the subject from

the very start. Be specific from line 1.

Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's

interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.'

It's much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line, not 'from a

young age' or 'I have always wanted to'. Start with what's inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.' Ul

ink College of Shanghai

Maybe start in the middle???

• The opening line/section is the hardest to write.

• Maybe start with paragraph 2, where you explore in detail your understanding of the academic discipline and why you want to study

Ulink College of Shanghai

Ulink College of Shanghai

Ulink College of Shanghai

Understand the requirements

• https://targetcareers.co.uk/uni/applying-for-uni/314663-how-to-begin-your-ucas-personal-statement-the-opening-sentence

• https://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers-advice/personal-statements/personal-statement-opening-sentence

• https://university.which.co.uk/advice/personal-statements/10-things-not-to-put-in-your-personal-statement

Ulink College of Shanghai