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| So don't judge a book by its cover..... :p |
What I found particularly useful was a list of points that should be included... had I had this list I think I would have had an easier time writing mine... and had much more to write!
- Why have you chosen the degree/s that you have selected?
- Why you are interested in that subject?
- What aspects of your current studies are related to the degree you have chosen?
- Why do you think you would be a good student?
- Details of your jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work etc, especially if they are relevant to your field/chosen degree
- Details of your hobbies, interests and social activities that demonstrate that you are a well-rounded person
- Any non-accredited qualifications (UK examples: the Duke of Edinburgh or Young Enterprise)
- Any other achievements that you are proud of, e.g. passing a music exam, speech contest awards, being selected for a sports team...
- Any positions of responsibility that you hold either inside or outside of school
- Attributes that make you interesting, special or unique
- Your future plans... how do you want to use the knowledge and experience that you have gained?
During my first week at Essex I met with my programme director. First, she asked me to tell her about myself and after telling her a few things she said that she now remembered my application! Your application does go through the admissions departments where you are one of many, but it eventually finds its way to the department and the director of your programme.... It is your first introduction to people that will become really important to the academic aspects of your time in the UK! Realizing this is part of the reason I don't want to go back and read what I wrote....
Some other points that I found useful...
- Don't feel that you have to use fancy language, or even inspirational quotes... It can be more impressive just to write in your own words. Be concise and respectful, but be yourself!
- The closing is crucial! Be specific and positive, their example is, "I am passionate about working with young children in the future and therefore am highly determined to make the most of my degree and achieve my ambition to become a developmental psychologist."
- Make sure someone proof-reads your statement! It is sooo easy to miss some silly little grammatical mistakes...
Good Luck!
Emily
