The UCAS System: Personal Statements
The University of Edinburgh
Personal Statement:
Why is it important?
Large numbers of students applying
through UCAS – impossible to interview
for all courses
May be competing with other students
from across UK for small number of
places – personal statement could make
the difference between a successful or
unsuccessful application!
Admissions staff want to see evidence
that students are enthusiastic, wellprepared and have the right skills to do
well at university.
The University of Edinburgh
Getting Started: Subject Choice
Explain why you want to study the
courses you have applied for.
Show commitment and motivation!
Demonstrate a clear understanding of
what the subject entails. (Especially
when you have not studied the subject
before).
How do your current studies relate to
your choices?
The University of Edinburgh
Mechanical Engineering
“
I have chosen a degree in Engineering because I
enjoy working out problems and finding out how
mechanical and electrical things work. Throughout
school I have particularly enjoyed physics and
maths and I feel these are important subjects I
would like to explore more through Engineering. I
am currently studying Maths to AH level which I am
finding very enjoyable and which I hope will provide
me with experience for University study.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Law
“
From a very early age I have been interested in the legal
system of our country, as it is a vital part of our society. I
have visited local and national law courts and have been
intrigued by watching barristers and solicitors in action.
Consequently I reached the decision that the degree I wish
to study is Law based on research and visits to universities.
I am in the process of organising placements at local law
firms and at the Procurator Fiscal Service where I hope to
gain further insight into the responsibilities of lawyers at
various levels.
”
The University of Edinburgh
History & Politics
“
I want to combine History with Politics, because I find
the political aspects of history especially interesting.
Indeed as a career after University I would like to
undertake work in the media involving the analysis of
political events, and the analytical and research skills
gained through studying for such a degree would be of
great benefit in a career of this kind.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Chinese Studies
“
My first exposure to recent Chinese history and
culture was through books such as “Wild Swans” and “The Good
Women of China”. I was truly fascinated by the progression of
communism in China and how this affected the general population.
I started reading more factual historical books and have recently
become engrossed in “The Search for Modern China” by J.
Spence. I have also been reading newspaper reports regarding
China’s economic development. Beijing will be hosting the
Olympics while I am a student and I am keen to observe the
changes it brings about and also to compare the approaches taken
by the Chinese and the British as both prepare to host this
prestigious event.
”
The University of Edinburgh
English Literature
“
I have always enjoyed reading and creative writing and am proud of
the collection of poetry I have written. I have a dream to be a
published poet but in the meantime I am looking to a career to do
with my interest in people. Each year I have taken part in the
School’s Drama Festival and last year I was one of the main
organisers for our House. In previous years I have won two different
awards. In school productions I have been involved in a backstage
capacity. On Saturday’s I have a part time job at W.H. Smith’s
working in the books department. It is a good experience of dealing
with people.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Work Experience & Core Skills
Provide evidence that you understand the
career implications of your choice.
Detail any employment placements or
work experience.
What knowledge, skills or understanding
did you gain from the experience?
Emphasise the core skills you gained or
developed.
Avoid using lists!
The University of Edinburgh
“
Work Experience (Vet Med)
I have had a weekend job at a local kennels for three and a half years. In this time, the kennels have
expanded and are now double the size and cater for other animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
I am mainly involved in the feeding, cleaning and general care of the animals, but I also spend time
dealing with the customers, something which I feel demonstrates my good communication skills and
responsibility.
Over the last three years I have spent nine weeks seeing practice at five different veterinary
surgeries. I have seen a multitude of cases, from routine cat spays and canine parvovirus
vaccinations, to more complex problems including a cat with an intussusception, a dog with Lupus
and megaoesophagus and a bull suffering from light sensitisation. One of my weeks seeing practice
was spent in Ireland. This was an especially interesting experience as it showed me how differently
people view their animals over there. I am presently attending my local vets one afternoon a week.
Whilst at one of the surgeries, I was allowed to watch an acupuncture clinic for cats and dogs with
arthritis or other problems. Along with my visit to an equine hydrotherapy centre, I feel I gained an
insight into some of the benefits of alternative veterinary care.
This summer I spent a week on a dairy farm in Ayrshire. The hands-on experience with the cattle
and sheep was fantastic and further increased my confidence with large animals, previously
developed through my earlier horse riding experience. Besides helping with the milking, I was
involved in, amongst other things, feeding calves, dosing sheep, dehorning calves and moving cattle.
In addition to this, I have spent three weekends assisting with lambing at a smallholding in Cumbria
with about 120 sheep.
I recently participated in an afternoon's lesson in Falconry where I was taught the basics in handling
and caring for birds of prey, an experience which I thoroughly enjoyed.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Work Experience (Medicine)
“
Working with St John’s Ambulance for 2 years has provided
me with challenging situations involving real casualties,
requiring me to remain calm in a frenzied atmosphere. Friday
night experiences such as treating assault victims or
persuading an intoxicated pregnant teenager to attend
hospital for medical attention have developed my
interpersonal and first aid skills. Further teamwork in a
residential home for the elderly over the past 15 months has
increased my caring skills. Aiding residents and families with
personal grief and acceptance of death, giving reassurance
and ensuring personal dignity and confidentiality are
fundamental skills which I have learned.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Work Experience (General)
“
My part time job as a waiter has provided me with the
opportunity to meet and work with new people. As I have
worked in the same job for two years, I have to help train
new members of staff, which has helped my leadership
skills. I really enjoy the contact with the public which is
part of this job. Although this can be challenging, I feel it
has given me more confidence and improved my
communication skills.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Personal Qualities and
Achievements
Demonstrate that you are an all-round
achiever with the ability to contribute to
university life
Describe any additional achievements
or qualifications gained and identify
positions of leadership or responsibility
you have held.
Relate your achievements to how
they will contribute to your success
on the course.
The University of Edinburgh
Extracurricular Activities/
Responsibilities
“
During this past year at school I have taken on various
responsibilities, all of which I feel have added to my skills. I am
a buddy to the first years and every week I have to do their
registration which has improved my public speaking skills as
well as my inter-personal skills with those younger than me. I do
paired reading with a younger pupil twice a week which I find
very rewarding as I am able to watch him gain confidence in his
reading. Finally, I am a co-editor of the school magazine. I am
finding this to be quite challenging, especially to fit in with all my
schoolwork, but it is proving to be very enjoyable and a test to
my organisation abilities.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Outside Interest (Sport)
“
Playing rugby from a very early age has given me great
self-motivation. I continue to play at a high standard and
recently won an international tournament with my current
club. I have also played for the district team. I also swim,
play football and badminton. My sporting experiences
have given me self-confidence and a desire to succeed at
whatever I do. I really hope to continue to play sports
while attending university and ideally would like to
become involved in the University rugby club.
”
The University of Edinburgh
Making the most of
yourself!
Remember, be honest, but not
too modest!
Be positive about your
experiences, the skills you have
gained, and how they can make
you a better candidate.
The University of Edinburgh
Example (Marketing)
“I am applying for a degree in Marketing because I would
like to pursue a career in marketing. Among the subjects I
am studying at present are Business Studies and
Sociology, which I enjoy and I feel will help me in this
work.
I spent a week's work placement working in the marketing
department of Joe Bloggs, biscuit manufacturer. During
this time I was working with a group which was promoting
a new product. I learned a lot about the development of a
marketing strategy and I gained practical experience in
using my core skills. I enjoyed my time there.
At school I am a member of the senior social committee,
which organises dances and such like. I also play hockey
for the school first team. Outside of school, I am a
member of a choir and I do a lot of photography. I have
just completed a First Aid course with St Andrews
Ambulance.”
The University of Edinburgh
Para 1- no reason given for choosing
marketing career. Sentence 2 adds
little to what already will have
appeared in the qualifications
section.
Para 2 - avoid repetition of words - eg
'working'. Some information about
the new product, and of the specifics
of practical experience in core
(transferable) skills would help which core skills? - what practical
experience? Why did you enjoy your
time there? Could afford to use a few
more words here.
Para 3 - does not tie social committee
work, choir or photography interests
to course applied for. Avoid using
vague expressions - 'such like'.
Hockey and first aid not particularly
relevant - better to use space to focus
on relevant items.
Example (Marketing)
“I am applying for a degree in Marketing because I
would like to pursue a career in marketing. Among
the subjects I am studying at present are Business
Studies and Sociology, which I enjoy and I feel will
help me in this work.
I spent a week's work placement working in the
marketing department of Joe Bloggs, biscuit
manufacturer. During this time I was working with
a group which was promoting a new product. I
learned a lot about the development of a marketing
strategy and I gained practical experience in using
my core skills. I enjoyed my time there.
At school I am a member of the senior social
committee, which organises dances and such like.
I also play hockey for the school first team.
Outside of school, I am a member of a choir and I
do a lot of photography. I have just completed a
First Aid course with St Andrews Ambulance.”
The University of Edinburgh
Example (Marketing – Draft 2)
“I would like to make my career in marketing, which I believe to be
an important, expanding area of work. I think it would let me to use
and develop my creative skills and apply what I have learned about
society through studying Sociology.
I spent a one week work placement in the marketing department of
Joe Bloggs, biscuit manufacturer. During this time I was involved in
the promotion of a new, healthy, muesli biscuit. I learned a great
deal about the development of a marketing strategy. I also gained
practical experience in using my core skills: communication
(spoken, both in person and on the phone, and written); information
technology (using a computer for record keeping); numeracy
(recording financial costs); problem solving (helping plan a small
part of the promotion); and working with other people as part of a
team. I benefited a great deal from this experience.
At school I am a member of the senior social committee, which
organises and advertises social events. Outside school, I am a
member of a choir. For the last two years, as well as singing, I have
helped to advertise performances. I am a keen photographer,
particularly interested in the development of images for advertising
and marketing.”
The University of Edinburgh
Example (Marketing – Draft 2))
Overall, text flows and reads
well.
Para 1 - brief comment, but
tries to say why marketing is
chosen career. Also links with
subject studied already.
“I would like to make my career in marketing, which I believe to
be an important, expanding area of work. I think it would let me
to use and develop my creative skills and apply what I have
learned about society through studying Sociology.
Para 2 - appreciates value of
relevant work experience,
specifies new product, details
core (transferable) skills used
(and possibly learned) in work
placement and mentions
benefit.
I spent a one week work placement in the marketing department
of Joe Bloggs, biscuit manufacturer. During this time I was
involved in the promotion of a new, healthy, muesli biscuit. I
learned a great deal about the development of a marketing
strategy. I also gained practical experience in using my core
skills: communication (spoken, both in person and on the
phone, and written); information technology (using a computer
for record keeping); numeracy (recording financial costs);
problem solving (helping plan a small part of the promotion);
and working with other people as part of a team. I benefited a
great deal from this experience.
Para 3 - ties all information
used into coherent narrative
focussing on marketing and
related activity (advertising). In
order to do this omits activities
which are not directly relevant.
At school I am a member of the senior social committee, which
organises and advertises social events. Outside school, I am a
member of a choir. For the last two years, as well as singing, I
have helped to advertise performances. I am a keen
photographer, particularly interested in the development of
images for advertising and marketing.”
The University of Edinburgh
Personal Statement:
Research
Do your research – what does the
course involve? What skills /
experience are they looking for?
Check:
• Prosectuses
• University websites
• UCAS entry profiles (if available)
Attend Open Days
Ask questions!
The University of Edinburgh
Personal Statement:
Remember…
You can only write one personal
statement for all 5 choices
Don’t just list achievements / skills
Make sure it reads well (do a spell
check!)
Demonstrate that you are an all-round
achiever with the ability to contribute to
university life
If possible relate your achievements /
experiences/ courses studied back to
your application – a focused and relevant
statement is very effective.
The University of Edinburgh
Useful Contacts:
UCAS: www.ucas.com
University of Edinburgh
(Student Recruitment & Admissions)
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Web: www.sra.ed.ac.uk
Email: sra.enquiries@ed.ac.uk
Phone: 0131 650 4360
The University of Edinburgh