Wealden Times | WT175 | September 2016 | Education supplement inside

WT Education Supplement
The uni student
showing-off, a certain selfconsciousness
is generated within
the peer groups of a sixth form
that is hard to shake as exam
stress and cut-off dates loom.
But there is hope! It was at
this point I found that by just
keeping my head down and
avoiding comparing myself with
the others around me I could
write in a calmer manner without
risking damage to my confidence.
I also came to appreciate what
a resource I had in the advice
from teachers who had known
me the longest, over my time
at Battle Abbey School.
They knew me well enough
to be completely honest about
my work, which is by far the
most valuable guidance when
writing about yourself for
what might be the first time.
This included picking up
on nerve-induced spelling and
grammar mistakes
and suggesting
which areas could
be improved
and made to
sound more
impressive. By
being honest, as well as
constructive, my teachers allowed
me to perfect my work myself
and produce a piece of writing
that sincerely and confidently
reflected my achievements.
More helpful still is seeking the
opinion of a teacher in the subject
you hope to study. They are often
more understanding of what has
motivated you to pursue your
choices – and have expert insight
into what will appeal to university
admission tutors in that subject.
But perhaps the thought that
most personally encouraged me
was that without this vital step,
I could not
go to bigger
and better
things. Having
just finished
a brilliant
first year at
university and keenly anticipating
the start of my second, if I
could say one thing to my past
sixth former self, it would be
that the initial confusion and
stress was more than worth it.
“seek the opinion
of a teacher in
the subject you
hope to study”
Top tips
We asked schools to share the advice they give Year 13 pupils
to get them through the personal statement meltdown
Bethany School
Explain your reasons
for wanting to study
your chosen course.
Write about what you’ve
done outside the classroom
and why it’s relevant.
Concentrate on your
strengths and be positive.
Begin with an effective
opening that engages
the reader.
draft and re-draft your
statement until you
have the perfect phrases
and expressions.
Get someone to proof
read it for you.
Guildford College
don’t rush give yourself
plenty of time to prepare,
write and review your
personal statement as
many times as you need.
Take time out if you’re
experiencing a writer’s block,
take time away from it and
new ideas will come to you.
Be unique write your skills,
experiences and aspirations
in an interesting, creative
and imaginative way.
Stay positive personal
statements are hard to write,
but positivity will come
across in your statement.
Proof read ask your
teacher, sibling, next door
neighbour…get a wide
range of people to read
your statement and provide
feedback. The more you
ask, the more advice and
opinions you will get.
Let it go once you have
submitted your personal
statement, stop reading it!
There’s no point fretting about
things you can’t change.
27 wealdentimes.co.uk