Another academic year comes to an end! First of all, congratulations to those who finished their studies, are you ready to start a new chapter in your life? Just a few days later, I will also be attending my graduation ceremony! I would like to say thank you to everyone I met at Surrey, and my audience here reading my blogs <3 Before doing a farewell with Surrey, I would like to share some advice in writing a personal statement for my postgraduate application in this blog (I think it is also applicable for UCAS application!).
Introduction – Your background (20% of the word count)
Briefly introduce your background including your educational qualification, the reason you undertake postgraduate study at this point in your academic or professional career. Then, relate the above-mentioned ideas to your reason for choosing the course.
Main body- Your preparation and evidence of your skillset (70% of the word count)
In the main body of the personal statement, it is important to show you’re ready for the demands of postgraduate life by demonstrating your passion, knowledge and experience. The following are the guiding questions that you can include in your description. Please do some research on the course description and the university itself. You can try to look for the reviews and ask questions to the current students on Unibuddy if available.
Any specific areas of interest within the course?
-> Link this with your previous working experience or project you had done for your undergraduate studies. This helps to show your basic understanding of the course and its related modules. Evidence of research or reading can be provided to strengthen your points.
What contributions do you feel you can make to the course?
-> Highlight relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact on the development, summarising your abilities in core areas including organisation, communication and critical thinking etc.
Why you study in this university?
-> Discuss the university and department’s reputation that drives you to study there than other universities. You can also include your impression before studying this university like study atmosphere, study environment, societies and opportunities.
How do you see the course affecting your career plans?
-> Elaborate your reason to study this course to your future plans and how the course will help you achieve them.
How can you engage yourself in the new study environment?
-> When you mention any social activity or interest, give examples and explain how they reflect a skill relevant to the course. This section will tell a university about your character and the type of person you are.
Conclusion (10% of the word count)
This is your chance to leave a lasting impression. Thus, you can wrap the personal statement with your determination to study the course or your future aspirations after studying this course.
Reminder
- Check your grammar and spelling, and keep your sentences short and concise.
- Tailor every personal statement to the course you are applying to.
- Write in a positive, enthusiastic and professional tone
- Use ‘STAR- Situation, Task, Action, and Result’ model in delivering your stories
You can possibly find an outline of the different sections of the personal statement on your desired university website. Please feel free to drop any questions in writing your personal statement, university application or anything on the comment box. Good luck! See you guys in my next blog!
