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which college?

which course?

applying

 

Notes on referees

Hints and tips for completing an application form

Checklist for completing a personal statement

What to put in a personal statement

 

When you have decided what course/s you want to apply for and at what college/s, you will probably need to complete an application form and write a personal statment.

The college prospectus will tell you have to apply for the course. You might have to ask the college for an application form. If you are applying for a full-time degree course, you will have to contact UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services).

When completing forms, it's a good idea to:

• Write notes first
• Photocopy the form and fill in the photocopy first
• Copy your final version on to the real form

 

The form may ask you to give details of referees - people who can tell the admissions tutor something about you. Always ask people's permission before giving them as referees.

Most application forms ask you to make a personal statement. This gives you the chance to sell yourself. You should show that you:

• Are highly motivated
• Are capable of completing the course
• Will benefit from the course
• Have good reasons for choosing the course.

 

 

Practise filling in a form and writing a personal statement using the form below. Assume you are applying for one of the courses you have found out about.

(Perhaps we could refer them to the UCAS web site - you can now apply for university on line)

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There are two types of referee:

• Academic
• Personal

 

Academic referees comment on what you are like as a student. Academic referees should be a teacher/lecturer at the last school or college you attended. Choose a referee who knew/knows you well so that he/she can give an all round comment on your abilities.

A personal referee comments on what you are like as a person, your motivations, your organisational abilities, your communication skills and your interest in pursuing a course. Choose a family friend or someone who knows you well. He/she should be a professional person such as a doctor, chemist, community/social/youth worker, a church elder or a business person.

 

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• Photocopy the form if you can. Then you can write several 'draft' versions first.
• Write neatly. Use a black pen. If they ask you to use block letters this means CAPITAL LETTERS.
• Make sure that you have not made any spelling mistakes.
• Make sure you get the title and course number/s correct.
• Indicate a title if asked (Dr. Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms).
• Check dates carefully - especially the years.
• Put your place of birth as the town or city NOT the hospital. If you were born outside the UK give the country only.
• Give the name and area of your schools and colleges. For example, Blenheim High School, Epsom, Surrey.
• Don't worry about the day you started and finished your secondary school and colleges, the month and year are sufficient. For example, Sept 92 to June 97.
• List your qualifications. If you are currently studying, give your expected grades/levels.

 

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• Plan very carefully what you want to say.
• Write a draft version.
• Ask someone to check this for you.
• Make sure your statement fits into the box provided. You can have a few trial runs if you have photocopied your form.
• Check all of your spellings.
• Make sure you divide your statement into paragraphs.
• Make sure you impress admissions tutors with your motivation, capability, reasons for choosing the course and the benefits you will get from it.

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In your personal statement you need to give information that shows you have the qualities needed for the course.  Always read the college/university prospectus very carefully.  This will give you ideas about what it looks for in its students and help you structure your personal statement.  Generally, most education institutions want to know that you are:

Highly motivated. So:

• Give brief details of your ambitions
• Talk about your enthusiasm for the subject
• Show how you have been keen and worked hard on previous courses.

Capable of completing the course.  So:

• Give details of your previous courses and the levels/grades you achieved
• Mention any extra workload you may have had at the time
• Mention any personal qualities that you feel may you capable of completing the course. For instance, you are hardworking and persistent.

Able to benefit from the course.  So:

• Say what you believe you will get from this course - think in terms of both career and personal benefits.
• Mention why you have chosen the particular college/university.

Choosing the course for a good reason.  So:

• Say why you have chosen this particular course/courses - think about why you want to do it and why it interests you.

 

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