Making a good UCAS application Dr Roger Ash

Making a good UCAS application Dr Roger Ash Head of Admissions University of Bradford Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

UCAS forms are designed to make the life of every sixth-former pure living hell. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

The first part is easy. . . This is a cinch compared with the dreaded third page. . . THE PERSONAL STATEMENT Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

UCAS Personal Statement 1. Provide some reference as to why you are interested in the course(s), e. g. • career requirements • flexibility • delays need to specialise/keeps options open • particular subject combinations etc. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Given that I gain greater satisfaction from the pursuit of the biological-, rather than the chemical-, sciences, and the fact the may interests lie within the general area of functional/comparative animal biology, I have selected these courses which will satisfy these interests and also enable me to remain flexible with respect to my choice of specialisation and hence likely career opportunities within the biological sciences. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

By this means I feel comfortable that I can enter upon a chosen course and, as my knowledge base expands, make those important decisions regarding the route of specialisation from a more informed position that I am now currently able. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

In addition, I feel that my course selection has also retained the ability for me to pursue aspects of marine biology in combination with either a more molecular or systematic approach. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

2. Refer to any relevant experience you may have had which relates to career aspirations. i. e. demonstrates that you “know what it is all about” and that you have shown prior interest in, and research concerning, your intended career path (even if not particularly focused at this stage) e. g. work shadowing, community service, part-time employment Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

3. Provide reference to, and evidence of, inter-personal skills via: • part-time employment • society membership and positions • competitive experiences (enterprise, young scientist, debating society, sport. . . ) Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

4. Refer to any hobbies, particular skills or achievements • e. g. Duke of Edinburgh award, St John’s Ambulance etc. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

There’s my Saturday Job I work in a shop and, if I am honest, I do because I need the money True, I have learnt some useful things: How to fold sweaters faster than customers unfold them What colour socks men of different ages buy Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

What use is this for my personal statement? Creative Writing! “My part-time job in retail has improved my understanding of the business world and has given me valuable experience in time management and customer relations” Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

At present I have a part-time job in a local pizza outlet and. . . “I have found that this employment has developed my sense of responsibility; my ability to act as part of a team and has provided me a valuable experience in communicating with the general public (developing the art of conflict resolution!)” Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

“. . . Whilst it is true that I have not involved myself in a large number of school-based activities, I have enjoyed a good circle of friends and have taken part in most sporting activities at the level of the competent team member rather than the more gifted competitor” Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

“. . . Nevertheless, I have reached a level in. . . , and through my involvement with a local Sunday soccer team, I have taken part in tournaments in both Germany and Holland” Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Gap Year Include reference to: • • • initiative taken current status what you will be doing what do you expect to gain indicate relevance to course(s) applied for Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

“ I have enjoyed my time at school and look forward to the challenge of studying for a degree and to developing my own independence by attending University. ” Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

5. Avoid a simple list format Demonstrate that you can write concisely and that you are an interesting and intellectually attractive proposition for University entrance. Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Personal Statement Make it relevant to all your choices Do not alienate an institution Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Spelling and Grammar I own my own pony and I exorcise him daily My mother and I frequently attend dog shows where we have won many prizes Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Personal Statements on the web Royal Geographic Society has three sample personal statements to help those applying for geography degrees www. rgs. org/choosing-geography St Barts and Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry has an Admissions Forum with loads of postings on getting into Medical School: microbios 2. mds. qmw. ac. uk/vbul/ See also: www. oxbridge-admissions. org. uk www. personalstatement. info/ Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

How does the applicant. . . Relate the application to the course applied for? Suggest careful thinking about what s/he want to do? Convey a ‘feel’ of the sort of person s/he is? Get across personal qualities/aptitude/competencies/skills? Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk

Contact Us Dr Roger Ash 01274 233055 r. ash@bradford. ac. uk Enquiries: tel: +44 (0) 1274 233081 email: course-enquiries@bradford. ac. uk website: www. bradford. ac. uk