The PERSONAL STATEMENT that got me into Imperial and UCL (As an Indian)

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their personal statement that secured admission to University College London (UCL). They outline a structured approach, emphasizing a strong academic foundation followed by extracurricular activities. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to humanize their narrative, highlighting experiences like teaching and research projects. They conclude by summarizing their core qualities of research, leadership, and empathy, offering practical tips for crafting an effective personal statement. This engaging reflection serves as a guide for prospective applicants aiming to strengthen their own applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with academics: Prioritize academic achievements in your personal statement to showcase your rigor to admissions officers.
• 🌱 Include work experience: Discuss relevant internships and experiences that demonstrate your passion and skills in your chosen field.
• 📚 Show your teaching skills: Mention any tutoring or teaching experiences, highlighting tangible outcomes to emphasize your effectiveness.
• 🔬 Engage in research: Participation in research projects can enhance your profile and demonstrate your commitment to your field of study.
• 💡 Structure is key: Organize your statement into clear sections, separating academic accomplishments from extracurricular activities.
• 🌍 Highlight environmental awareness: Incorporate your commitment to sustainability to show your awareness of global issues.
• 🛠️ Discuss leadership roles: Share your experiences in leadership positions, as they reflect your ability to manage projects and inspire others.
• 🎨 Be creative in extracurriculars: Use creativity to showcase your involvement in projects that combine your interests, like STEM education through art.
• 💬 Reflect on experiences: For each activity, explain what you learned and how it shaped your aspirations and character.
• 🏆 Conclude with personal qualities: Summarize your key traits—such as research, leadership, and empathy—to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video centers around the speaker's personal statement that helped them gain admission to University College London (UCL) and other top universities, offering insights on how to structure and present a personal statement effectively.

How does the speaker suggest organizing a personal statement?

The speaker recommends dividing the personal statement into two main sections: academic achievements and extracurricular activities, prioritizing academic rigor at the beginning to demonstrate readiness for university-level study.

Why is it important to express passion in a personal statement?

Expressing passion helps to humanize the applicant and makes their enthusiasm for the subject matter relatable to admissions officers, which can positively influence their impression of the candidate.

What examples of academic experiences does the speaker mention?

The speaker discusses their internship at a cutting tools distributor and participation in research projects, highlighting how these experiences deepened their understanding of physics and increased their desire to study it.

What teaching experience does the speaker highlight, and why is it significant?

The speaker mentions tutoring a discouraged 10th-grade student, resulting in a 171% increase in scores. This demonstrates their ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and achieve tangible results.

What extracurricular activities does the speaker discuss?

The speaker details their role as the youngest elected head girl, founding an advocacy initiative, and their involvement in STEM projects, showcasing leadership skills and commitment to community service.

How does the speaker recommend concluding a personal statement?

The speaker suggests summarizing the statement with a focus on three key qualities—research, leadership, and empathy—connecting these traits to their experiences, making it easier for the reader to remember them.

What framework does the speaker propose for writing a personal statement?

The suggested framework includes outlining the motivation for an activity, describing the activity itself, and reflecting on what was learned, helping to create a cohesive narrative.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of adaptability?

The speaker notes that their shift in curriculum after 10th grade allowed them to achieve high scores in multiple subjects, demonstrating their ability to adapt to new challenges in academia.

What overall message does the speaker convey about personal statements?

The speaker emphasizes that a well-crafted personal statement should reflect the applicant's unique experiences and qualities, presenting a compelling narrative that connects their past, present, and future aspirations.