How To Write A University Personal Statement in 10 MINUTES | Pen & Paper Needed

Transcript

hey everyone and welcome back to my channel if you are new here my name is amina and i make videos about education academia and productivity some statement writing time is upon us i know that lots of you are submitting your personal statements in the next couple of weeks and months and may be stuck or may not have any idea of even how to begin your... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗂️ Personal statements should be divided into five sections: stating why you chose the subject, demonstrating interest and suitability, showcasing relevant academics, highlighting personal qualities, and concluding with a closing statement.
• 🤪 Being specific and going into depth is crucial in each section to showcase academic and critical thinking skills.
• 🉐 Virtual volunteering, online courses, and virtual museum visits are alternative options for gaining experience during lockdown.
• ❓ It is important to avoid cliché statements and instead start with a specific moment or experience that inspired your interest in the subject.
• 💦 Demonstrating your interest in the subject can involve various activities such as work experience, reading, attending virtual events, or teaching others.
• 👨‍🔬 Relevant academics should focus on specific knowledge or research skills applicable to your chosen degree.
• 🍵 Personal qualities should be described with specific examples and how they relate to your ability to handle the demands of the degree.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do I write a university personal statement in 10 minutes?

Divide the statement into five sections: why you chose the subject, your interest and suitability, relevant academics, personal qualities, and a closing statement. Take one or two minutes to jot down notes for each section rather than trying to write polished sentences immediately.

Q: What are the five sections of a university personal statement?

The five sections cover why you chose the subject, evidence of your interest and suitability, relevant academic knowledge or skills, personal qualities, and a closing statement. Together, they provide a structure for drafting the complete statement.

Q: How should I start my university personal statement?

Start with a specific moment or experience that explains how your interest in the subject began. It could involve a family member, something you read, an activity, something you saw, or a person who inspired you.

Q: What clichés should I avoid in a personal statement?

Avoid broad openings such as saying you have always wanted to pursue the subject or have wanted to do so since childhood. Use a defining experience from recent weeks, months, or years to show your enthusiasm more specifically.

Q: How can I demonstrate interest in my chosen subject?

Discuss relevant work experience, volunteering, reading, conversations, virtual events, museum visits, teaching, or online courses. Explain precisely what you encountered and how it deepened your understanding or desire to study the subject.

Q: What can I include if I could not get traditional work experience?

You can discuss virtual volunteering, an online course, a virtual museum visit, subject-related reading, or a conversation with someone in the field. For example, the transcript suggests helping older or vulnerable people in your neighborhood or exploring the British Museum virtually.

Q: Should I include my grades in the relevant academics section?

You do not need to repeat grades that already appear on your application form. Instead, describe specific knowledge or research skills gained through your studies that apply to your chosen degree.

Q: How should I describe personal qualities in a personal statement?

Choose extracurricular examples that demonstrate qualities such as communication, teamwork, time management, leadership, or motivation. Explain specifically how you applied each quality, what you learned, and how it relates to handling the demands of the degree.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Amina breaks down the five sections that make an excellent personal statement: stating why you chose the subject, demonstrating your interest and suitability, showcasing relevant academics, highlighting personal qualities, and concluding with a closing statement.

• She emphasizes the importance of being specific and going into depth rather than discussing multiple things vaguely.

• Amina suggests taking notes and jotting down ideas for each section while watching the video.