UCAS Personal statement tips

Hey

For prospective students, whether you are applying for ODP or something different.

Personal statements suck and I always find it difficult to start, so here’s some tips to get you on your way;

• Take your time when writing and like most things, don’t leave it last minute.

• Write up a draft and constantly make changes and edit it until you are happy with the final product.

• Give it to others to read and get constructive criticism which you can use to make your P.S even better! Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective, whether that is your teachers, family or friends.

• Talk about why you have chosen the course and if relevant what your goals are. Try to avoid repetition, using the word ‘I’ too much and words which are deemed very cliche like ‘passionate’.

• Make it relevant and personal, talk about your past education, skills and qualities and how they give you an advantage over other candidates. Mention all previous experience relevant to the course you are applying to whether that is volunteering opportunities, jobs, work experience or real life situations that make you an ideal candidate.

• Demonstrate transferrable skills and always relate it back to the course and your chosen profession after every point you make!

• Do some research. Read up on the desired qualities expected from someone in that profession. For E.G; An ODP need to be a team player as well as be able to work using their own initiative, have excellent communication and organisation skills and the ability to work well under pressure. The course is split between Clinical placement and study block hours and assessments range from case studies and assignments, to hands on practice which is signed off once one is proficient. With this in mind, I would first express the reason behind me choosing this course and profession. I would them tailor my experiences to this job role and show the admissions team that I would make an amazing ODP and this course is perfect for me as I would be able to cope with the structure and assessment techniques used.

Good luck!

-Aliyah