The all-too-real UCAS undergraduate application deadlines – Tuesday 15th October 2024 for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses or Wednesday 29th January 2025 for everything else – are approaching, which means it’s time to make a start on your personal statement.
A personal statement is a vital part of the application process as it allows students to get noticed for their unique passions and experiences outside of school. Admissions staff will read a lot of these over the coming months, so here are three things to consider if you want to stand out from the crowd.
1. Do your research
University open days typically offer one-on-one time with lecturers, tutors and admissions staff, which provides a brilliant opportunity to find out exactly what they’re looking for in both applicants and a personal statement.
If you can't make the trip to your chosen university, you could head to a local industry careers fair or event linked to the subject you’re applying to study. Gresham College also has a huge online archive of lectures, covering everything from AI and cybercrime to climate change and fake news, which should help you find the perfect talking point.
2. Pick up new skills
Have you thought about what skills would make you a stronger applicant? For instance, business and marketing buffs won't want to miss Meta's online career challenges on 15th (Years 7-9) and 16th (Years 10-13) October. Participants will be presented with a brief centred around Wattsapp or Instagram, and encouraged to use problem solving, data and storytelling to address it.
Speakers for Schools' free Teen Book Club is also a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in writing and literature. As well as sharpening your critical thinking skills at monthly discussions with other members, you'll also hear from influencers within the industry,
Check out more skill-building opportunities on our Resources page.
3. Show some initiative
Gaining relevant work experience is a simple, yet effective way to demonstrate why you want to study your chosen subject. For in-person placements, look no further than our own Work Experience site. Current opportunities include Social Media Marketing, Canine Hydrotherapy, Gymnastics Coaching, Events Co-ordination and Coding.
Spring Pod, InvestIN, Pathway CTM and Career Days are also on a mission to help young people make informed decisions about their next steps, by hosting virtual programmes and taster days across every industry you can think of.
