What's the BEST #university PERSONAL STATEMENT? You decide!!

Summary

The video offers valuable insights into crafting effective personal statements for university applications, particularly to Oxford. It emphasizes the importance of clarity, understanding diverse audiences, and linking personal interests to chosen subjects. Applicants are advised to maintain a balance between academic and extracurricular activities, with a focus on authenticity and personal voice. The discussion includes examples of how to express interests in various subjects while remaining relevant to multiple universities. Concluding with encouragement to seek feedback and ask questions, the video serves as a comprehensive guide for prospective students navigating the complex application process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Self-reflection is crucial in crafting a personal statement to convey genuine interests and motivations.
• 📚 Clarity and simplicity in language help ensure that the personal statement is easily understood by admissions tutors.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 It's important to manage multiple audiences when applying to different universities and find common themes across various subjects.
• ⚖️ When discussing subjects of interest, avoid limiting statements that may not apply to all universities or courses.
• 🌍 Extracurricular activities, while less emphasized at Oxford, still provide valuable insights into time management and teamwork for other institutions.
• 🔗 Linking non-academic experiences to academic interests can strengthen the personal statement and demonstrate relevance.
• 📋 Maintain a balance in content, with approximately 80% focused on academic achievements and 20% on extracurricular activities.
• 📝 Seek feedback from trusted individuals but avoid excessive editing that may compromise the personal voice and flow of the statement.
• ✔️ Tools like Grammarly are recommended for checking grammar and punctuation to avoid errors that could harm the impression of the statement.
• 🔄 Concluding techniques, such as 'bookending,' can effectively wrap up the personal statement by referencing earlier themes.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the personal statement according to the speaker?

The personal statement should reflect your genuine self, showcasing your motivations, interests, and readiness for university study.

Why is it important to consider multiple audiences when writing a personal statement?

Since personal statements may be shared with various universities, it's crucial to find a common denominator among the subjects applied for to ensure all audiences find the statement relevant.

What issue is highlighted with the PPE example in the personal statements?

Stating a desire to study PPE could limit your application to other subjects, making it risky if those subjects aren't offered at the other universities you're applying to.

How can mentioning a lack of interest in microeconomics affect an economics and management application?

Expressing disinterest in microeconomics could be concerning because management studies often include microeconomic principles, potentially alarming admissions committees.

What does the speaker suggest regarding extracurricular activities in personal statements?

While Oxford places little weight on extracurricular activities, other universities may value them. A balance of 80% academic and 20% extracurricular content is recommended.

What is the 'bookending' technique mentioned in the video?

Bookending involves tying the conclusion of your personal statement back to an opening theme or idea, creating a cohesive narrative throughout.

What advice does the speaker give regarding seeking feedback on personal statements?

Feedback is essential, but be cautious of over-editing. The statement should maintain your personal voice and flow rather than become overly polished and impersonal.

How should students approach super curricular activities if they lack relevant content for their statements?

Students should engage in super curricular activities that relate to their academic interests to enhance their personal statements and demonstrate readiness for university.

What does the speaker imply about using AI tools like ChatGPT for writing personal statements?

While tools like Grammarly can help with grammar and spelling, the speaker advises against using AI tools like ChatGPT to draft personal statements, as they may not reflect the student's authentic voice.

What key qualities do admissions tutors look for in a personal statement?

Admissions tutors seek authenticity, clear communication of interests, and evidence of preparedness for university-level study through both academic and extracurricular involvement.