Do you have dreams of one day walking across a stage in a strange cap and gown to collect your diploma? Well, the all-too-real UCAS undergraduate application deadline (Wednesday 25th January 2023) is looming, so now’s the time to think about how you can elevate your personal statement.
Your personal statement is a vital part of the application process as it’s a chance for students to get noticed for their unique passions and experiences outside of school. To avoid a situation where you’re struggling to get even close to the word limit (it’s 500, in case you were wondering), you might want to take one or all of these measures over the next few months.
1. Do your research
University open days typically offer one-on-one time with lecturers, tutors and admissions staff. In other words, a brilliant opportunity to find out exactly what they are looking for in a personal statement around your chosen subject.
Escape Studios is welcoming prospective students to its campus on Saturday 22nd October. As well as talks led by their expert tutors, alumni from PlayStation, DNEG and Industrial Light & Magic are making an appearance, which will provide lots of inspiration for Motion Graphics personal statements. Handy, no?
2. Pick up new skills
Are there any relevant skills you could add to your arsenal to make you a stronger applicant? For example, if you're interested in a Fashion course, why not join Buckinghamshire New University’s free Fashion Futures workshops. You’ll be taught how to create effective concept boards, the best way to extend textile samples into designs and everything in-between.
If Film is more your bag, the BFI Film Academy is coming back to Pinewood Studios in January. Led by industry experts, the five-day course covers every aspect of the filmmaking process, so you’ll leave with a NCF qualification. Result!
3. Show some initiative
Gaining relevant work experience is a simple, yet effective way to demonstrate why you want to study your chosen subject – and it’s easier to find placements then you might think…
For in-person experiences, look no further than ‘the professional network connecting young people and employers’, Uptree. Current opportunities include Flying Start Accounting at PWC, Investment Banking at Credit Suisse and Insurance Brokerage at BPL Global. Pathway CTM is also on a mission to help young people make informed decisions about their next steps, by hosting virtual taster days across a range of industries, from the built environment to IT.
For more opportunities, head over to our events page.