How to write a personal statement for entering an academic course.

Possible content for your statement

• Why do you want to do the course/research?
  Try to convey your enthusiasm and motivation for study/research. Don't try to write what you think they want to hear, write your real reasons. Write about any projects dissertations or extended essays you have done if they are relevant or demonstrate relevant skills. Mention any prizes you have won, also travel or study abroad and relevant employment. Describe anything that shows creativity, dependability or independence.
• Why this subject?
  Be clear about why you have chosen this. Is the programme noted for a particular emphasis, speciality or orientation? When did you become interested in this field and what have you learned about it? What insights have you gained? How have you learned about this field - through classes, seminars, work or conversations with academic staff?
• Why this university?
  Are there specific academic staff you want to do research or study with?
• What academic skills have you got to offer?
  Computing skills, knowledge of relevant scientific techniques etc. If your A levels were poor (or you didn't do these, try to show an upward progression during your time at University).
• What personal skills can you offer? e.g. ability to work in a team, with little supervision.
  Demonstrate that you've done your homework about the course/research and that you've seriously considered your strengths and weaknesses for postgraduate study or research. If you have done vacation jobs, what skills have you learned e.g. teamworking, communication, working under pressure. Have you had to overcome any obstacles or hardships in your life? This may show evidence of determination/resilience.
• What are your strengths?
  In what ways are you better than other applicants. If you can't answer this question, don't expect the selectors to answer it for you!
• What is the relevance of your first degree to this study?
  Point out any circumstances that may have effected your academic results, that you think should be considerered by the selectors.
• What are your career aims?
  You may not have a very clear focus on what you want to do afterwards, but you should have some ideas. A clear direction will strengthen your commitment to do well in your studies and selectors will know this. Your desire to become a lawyer, lecturer, or whatever should be logical, the result of specific experience in your statement.

Useful Links

• www.kent.ac.uk
• Personal Statement Writing Guide www.getintouni.com
• Writing a Personal Statement (with examples) - Purdue University http://owl.english.purdue.edu
• UC Berkely - step by step guide to writing the personal statement. http://uga.berkeley.edu