Your personal statement is an opportunity to weigh
up your personal values, your strengths, your general philosophy
and outlook on life.
What to do
To write a personal statement think about all the
things you have done. There is no set way for recollecting memories
so… write, take photographs, draw/doodle, create lists, compose
a poem, remember important conversations - record your most memorable
moments, thoughts and attitudes.
These might include:
• things you have put a lot of time and effort
into.
• things you really care about.
• negotiating 2 or more cultural worlds.
• special abilities and talents.
• involvement in voluntary organisations, community
groups.
• your family, friends, team mates.
• strategies for juggling career ambitions,
friendship, intimacy, leisure, travel or adventure.
• role models, heroes.
How to go about it
How do your friends, family, community groups and
clubs relate to your aspirations and identity. List all those
things where you are confident and competent as a team player
in your school/work environment. What do they mean to you, how
important are they? This would include your ability to:
work independently, meet deadlines, finish what
you start
be cooperative in a team project, dependable, reliable,
flexible or assertive
persist or persevere when determination is necessary
be open, honest, loyal, self critical, imaginative,
creative, motivated
communicate effectively with different groups
network with people who could work together or be
a team
assert yourself or conform according to demands
made on you
Also list things that you do for yourself, for your
enjoyment and self esteem: where you gain satisfaction:
What is special about you?
Do you have musical talent, artistic abilities,
theatrical pursuits, special skills and interests?
What do your friends appreciate and admire about
you? What do you like most about yourself?
Are there some things about you that present a challenge
to your plans and personal growth?
What 'mountains' are essential to climb and which
ones have you already started climbing. How do your beliefs influence
your choices and career.
