How should I structure a personal statement?

Structuring and preparing your personal statement
  1. A clear introduction, explaining why you want to study the course.
  2. Around 75% can focus on your academic achievements, to prove how you're qualified to study it.
  3. Around 25% can be about any extracurricular activity, to show what else makes you suitable.
  4. A clear conclusion.
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What are the 3 parts of a personal statement?

MAP the parts of your personal statement
  • Let's start with the M – Motivation. What makes you tick? Why have you made the decisions you have made? ...
  • Next, the A – Aspiration. Where is your bigger vision? ...
  • Finally, the P – Perspiration. When and how do you really have skin in the game?
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How should I format my personal statement?

A general rule of thumb you might follow is to submit a 2-3 page statement, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, in 12-pt. Times New Roman font. While there are no set rules about length or format, this is typically considered appropriate and sufficient.
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How should a personal statement be organized?

A common structure for a personal statement is to group paragraphs by your past, present and future if you're writing a general response. If you're answering a more specific question, organize your response into paragraphs that support the main point of your statement.
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How do you arrange a personal statement?

Careful formatting will make your personal statement appear neat and professional. To do this, separate it into paragraphs, making sure to include an introduction and conclusion. Each paragraph should discuss a different topic, so that, as a whole, your personal statement reads in a clear and fluid way.
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How to structure your UCAS personal statement

What is the best line to start a personal statement?

4. How to start your personal statement
  • From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…
  • For as long as I can remember, I have…
  • I am applying for this course because…
  • I have always been interested in…
  • Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
  • Reflecting on my educational experiences…
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What are the 5 steps to writing a personal statement?

Consider the following steps to help you outline your personal statement and introduce yourself to admissions officers in a compelling way:
  • Organize your statement into sections. ...
  • Include relevant background information. ...
  • Use examples. ...
  • Write your introductory sentence. ...
  • Proofread and revise.
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What should I cut out of my personal statement?

7 Tips for Cutting Words from Your Personal Statement
  • Eliminate adverbs. ...
  • Make sure you need every “very” ...
  • Get rid of the word “actually” ...
  • Double-check how you use “that” and “which” ...
  • Make better use of apostrophes. ...
  • Try to hyphenate words whenever possible. ...
  • Don't narrate your own writing.
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How to end a personal statement?

A good way to finish your personal statement is to summarise your overall goal or aim when moving forwards towards this job and your career. This means you have spoken about the past, present and future, in just a few lines and gives the employer a good idea of you and your potential.
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What are the 6 C's personal statement?

For any health and social care course, it is also really important that you can demonstrate that your qualities include the 'six Cs', a set of values that the NHS expect all staff to have. They are: Care, Compassion, Competence, Commitment, Communication and Courage​.
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What does a good personal statement look like?

But it's a good idea to include the following: A clear introduction, explaining why you want to study the course. Around 75% can focus on your academic achievements, to prove how you're qualified to study it. Around 25% can be about any extracurricular activity, to show what else makes you suitable.
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What makes a personal statement stand out?

If you want to make your personal statement stand out, demonstrate your engagement with the subject - this could be writing about a topic you've studied that you really enjoy, or a book or blog post you read that made you want to learn more.
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Do you say thank you at the end of a personal statement?

#3 A note of gratitude

There are 5 very powerful words that you can end a personal statement with: “Thank you for your consideration.” Expressing gratitude is not just good karma – it also shows a degree of self-awareness that selection committees are seeking in candidates.
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Should you leave lines in personal statement?

Clearly structured and correctly wri en statements

Use blank lines inbetween paras to make it easy to read. Proofread your statement carefully and ask others to check it for you too.
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How long is a personal statement?

How to open your personal statement. Admissions Tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it's important to grab their attention right from the start. Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you'll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in.
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How do you avoid cliches in a personal statement?

Using clichés

Avoid overused phrases like 'my passion for history began...' or 'I have been interested in geography since a young age'. Admissions tutors read a ton of personal statements and you want to stand out. So get creative with your sentences, but make sure not to go off-topic.
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What should you not talk about in a personal statement?

Facts With No Context

You don't have to demonstrate your knowledge by discussing facts or histories. Chances are, the admissions already know what you're talking about. They probably know more than you do! So steer clear of textbook-type explanations.
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How do you start a personal statement template?

Make a list of your hobbies, interests and social activities. Then think about how they demonstrate your personality, skills and abilities. Try to link them to the skills and experience required for your course(s).
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How do you hook a sentence for a personal statement?

The “Hook”: The first paragraph should engage the reader and make them want to keep reading your paper. Remember, the program's admissions committee you are applying to have hundreds (even thousands) of personal statements to read. The stronger your beginning, the more likely they will get to the end.
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What do grad schools look for in a personal statement?

The reader should feel your personal connection to the degree or program you're applying to and clearly understand your motivations. Discuss what makes you different from other candidates by including specific details and brief examples of your experiences to help your personal statement stand out.
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Should I name drop in my personal statement?

Dropping Names in College Essays Always Backfires

But will it assure that student's rejection? No. God knows why a student would wish to present as well-rounded but it will not guarantee that student's rejection. It will only significantly increase the likelihood of rejection.
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Can you use personal pronouns in a personal statement?

It is a personal statement, not an academic assignment or a CV. Personal pronouns are acceptable. Starting every sentence with “I” is not advisable, of course and you may feel self-conscious. However, do not be too modest!
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What is the ABC structure of a personal statement?

Try to apply this ABC throughout your personal statement: Activity –What you have done. Benefit – What skills it has given you. Course – How these skills relate to your course.
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What does a college personal statement look like?

A good college personal statement must explain how your background relates to your university's program and your goals. It must put in context the tools, resources, and background you bring to the table and how they are aligned with your school's profile.
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What is a personal statement supposed to include?

What is a personal statement? A personal statement is an account of your achievements, talents, interests and goals often included in job or university applications or on resumes. Personal statements for university and jobs have similar content, but university personal statements are usually longer and more detailed.
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