A personal statement is 4,000 characters about you and why you deserve a place on your chosen course at the University of Roehampton. It is a key part of the UCAS application process, a chance for you to showcase your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
For tips and the dos and don’ts, carry on reading!
A few things to think about and note down:
- Why do you want to study this course?
- Does what I am studying now or in the past relate to this course?
- Have I got any relevant work experience?
- What life experiences can I mention?
- What accomplishments am I proud of so far?
- What skills of mine make me perfect for the course?
- What are my plans and aspirations for my future career?
Structure
- 10% Introduction.
- 35% Why you want to study the course and what your understanding of the course is.
- 25% Your experience and skills.
- 20% Your hobbies and interests.
- 10% Conclusion.
Writing a personal statement
You need to think of your personal statement as a written formal essay that is enthusiastic but professional. You shouldn’t just list your experiences; you need to demonstrate your skills and link them to the course you want to study. We recommend using the ABC method.
Activity- what have you done?
Benefit- what skills have you gained?
Course- how does it relate to your course?
A simple example of the ABC model would be:
Activity: I took part in the school play.
Benefit: I have confidence and can perform in front of an audience.
Course: This will help me in my Primary Education course as I can confidently present in front of large groups.
Think about your transferable skills. These are skills you can take from one place and apply to another, for example:
- Leadership
- Research
- Time keeping
- Problem solving
- Data Analysis
- Meeting deadlines
- Initiative
- Written communication
- Work ethic
- Verbal communication
- I.T Skills
Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Research and plan.
- Start early.
- Multiple drafts.
- Proofread.
- Stick to the word count (4,000 characters, 47 lines).
Don’t:
- Undersell yourself.
- Plagiarise.
- Use quotes.
- Lie.
- Use complicated language.
We have some upcoming webinars to support you with your application process, head over to our website to find out more. Why not come to our next open day on 16 November 2024, this is a perfect opportunity for you to discover life at Roehampton and ask any questions you might have.
You can watch the webinar on writing a personal statement here. If you need more information, please contact ug.information@roehampton.ac.uk or call +44(0)2083923232.