What Chemistry Admissions Tutors are Looking for in a Personal Statement

Bhavik Anil PatelSchool of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

b.a.patel@brighton.ac.uk

• Provides insight into your personality

• Gives us an indication on why your interested in the subject area/course

• Gives us an idea of your achievements and general interests

Is it an important part of the application?

How should I compose my personal statement?

• Why you have chosen the course/s that you have selected

• The reasons why the subject area interests you

• Aspects of your current studies or projects that relate to the course/s that you have chosen

• Why you think you would be a good student

• Details of work experience or voluntary work which you have undertaken (particularly if it has relevance to your chosen field)

• Whether you have any future plans of how you want to use the knowledge and experience that you gain from the course

What sort of things should I include in the subject section?

• Hobbies, interests and social activities that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person

• Non-accredited qualifications, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or Young Enterprise

• Any other achievements that you are proud of, eg. being selected for a county sport team or playing an instrument

• Positions of responsibility that you hold both in and out of school, eg. prefect or representative for a local charity

• Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique

What sort of things should I include in the general information section?

Do brainstorm your ideas on paper before attempting to write anything.

Do aim to use about five paragraphs, making sure that each one flows in a logical way.

Do ensure that you use your best English and don’t let silly spelling and grammar mistakes spoil your statement.

Do support all statements with some examples of evidence – anyone can say they have excellent team working skills!

Don’t feel that you need to use fancy language.

Don’t waffle on about things which aren’t relevant –admissions tutors will fall asleep!

Don’t try to be funny as admissions tutors may not share your sense of humor.

Don’t lie – if you stretch the truth you may fall down at interviews

Don’t copy someone else’s personal statement or ‘borrow’ chunks from existing personal statements.

Don’t leave it to the last minute – you’ll kick yourself!

• Admission tutors don’t see what other courses and universities you have applied for, unless this is within the same university

• You may be interviewed on comments and interests mentioned on your personal statement

• Use the advice and resources on the UCAS website

Finally……

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01273 642090

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Saturday 20 October 2012

www.brighton.ac.uk/opendays