HOW to write the BEST PERSONAL STATEMENT | Mine got 5/5 OFFERS

Summary

In this video, Scha, a fourth-year Dental student, provides invaluable tips on crafting the perfect personal statement for university applications, especially for competitive courses like dentistry and medicine. She emphasizes avoiding clichés, the importance of starting early, and structuring the statement effectively, balancing academic achievements with personal experiences. Scha also highlights the significance of work experience and hobbies, ensuring they are related to the degree. Additionally, she offers advice on grammar, spelling, and seeking feedback from knowledgeable people, helping applicants stand out and improve their chances of success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your personal statement early to allow time for revision and refinement.
• 😀 Use the 70/30 rule: 70% academic achievements and experiences, 30% personal hobbies and extracurricular activities.
• 😀 Avoid generic statements—be genuine about your motivations and experiences.
• 😀 Your personal statement should have a clear structure: introduction, main body, and conclusion.
• 😀 Reflect on your experiences and connect them to the course you're applying for.
• 😀 Be honest and avoid exaggeration—what you write should be truthful and defensible in an interview.
• 😀 Use specific examples to show how your experiences have prepared you for the course.
• 😀 Always run your personal statement through grammar and spelling checkers to ensure accuracy.
• 😀 Get feedback from trusted individuals who understand the course and field you're applying to.
• 😀 Focus on your unique qualities and how your personal interests can relate to the degree program.
• 😀 Finalize your statement with a thorough review to ensure it is polished and free of mistakes.

Q & A

What is the biggest mistake people make when writing their personal statements?

The biggest mistake is using clichés such as 'since I was 5 years old' or focusing too much on what their parents did. The personal statement should focus on your own experiences and motivations.

How should one start writing their personal statement?

Start by writing down everything you want to include, even if it's messy, in bullet points, or with spelling mistakes. The key is to capture all ideas before refining them later.

Why is starting early important when writing a personal statement?

Starting early allows time for refinement. If you leave it until the last minute, you risk submitting something unpolished, which could negatively affect your chances.

What is the 70/30 split, and why is it important?

The 70/30 split refers to dividing your personal statement into 70% academic content and 30% personal content. It helps show that you're a well-rounded individual with both academic and personal qualities.

What should the academic part of the personal statement focus on?

The academic part should highlight things like research, books, work experience, and other activities that sparked your interest in the field you're applying for.

What should be included in the personal section of the statement?

The personal section should showcase hobbies, extracurricular activities, and interests outside academics. These could include volunteer work, unique skills, or personal achievements that show qualities relevant to the course.

How do you link personal experiences to the degree you're applying for?

You should demonstrate how your personal experiences relate to the skills needed for the degree. For example, if you enjoy art, explain how this shows creativity and manual dexterity, qualities valuable for dentistry.

What role does work experience play in a personal statement?

Work experience is crucial because it shows you’ve gained real insight into the career. You should reflect on what you learned from the experience and connect it to the qualities needed for the degree.

What advice is given about including personal achievements or hobbies?

You should mention personal achievements or hobbies, but they must be relevant. For example, if you’re into digital art, explain how it enhances skills like attention to detail, which are important for fields like dentistry.

Why is grammar and spelling so important in a personal statement?

Poor grammar and spelling can make a bad impression, especially in competitive fields. Even small mistakes can impact your chances of securing an interview, so it’s essential to carefully proofread your statement.