Uni personal statements.

schoolrunmum

My son has decided (with 24hours to go!) that he would rather apply to do English, then his original choice of Maritme studies. He has until tomorrow to re write his personal statement- eek!!! School have not been terribly helpful, just suggesting he uses the basis of his orginal one and changing it where necessary to apply for english. Trouble is, there's not much crossover between the two! Any top tips for writing an english specific one??? Thanks all x.

Sharon87

You can use the original one for the structure. He needs to explain why he wants to do it, he needs to show passion - preferably referring to what he's already done in his A Levels.

schoolrunmum

Good start there Sharon-any more top tips? He's a typical teenage boy...doesn't have much passion for anything beyond cars and music!! Oh, and as for "bigging himself up", he says he "sounds like a douchebag" to use the vernacular! Not having been to uni myself I can't really help much..

Prothet_of_Doom

Is that deadline right ? Is it an artificial one, set up by the school ?

schoolrunmum

Yes it is...I think the "real" deadline is January. I have told him to ask school for an extension, but I am disappointed they have not offered any help with his rewrite...it's kind of important!

Fruitloops

The school doesn't sound too helpful at all, very frustrating. There are resources around the internet that can act as a guide. There's also a website with forums called The Student Room which has, or certainly used to have a section specifically giving advice on personal statements. Last I knew, this was also split into sub-sections including one for English. He could also ask for advice on the English applicants forums there. I hope you find some help.

nimbo

It seems like so long ago that I wrote mine (wouldn't be any help as I am on a social work degree) - but look here:

http://www.studential.com/personalstatements/getpscourse.asp?type=20

there are some good English personal statements there (a few do seem a bit pretentious - I studied English at university years ago, and know I didn't sound that high brow when I applied). but it may help him to get a 'flavor' of what to include.

if the school are getting them in this early I can only assume that he will have time to re write? or at least get a bit of feedback.

good luck.