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Ann Starkie discovers what goes into making a successful UCAS personal statement
“Differentiation” has become the defining catch word connected to university application. Admissions tutors at UK universities are increasingly faced with the challenge of picking out “the best from the rest” when the rest are all well qualified and able candidates. This alongside the fact that references are no longer confidential means that greater emphasis has been placed on additional selection techniques. Inevitably this has increased the power of the personal statement.
“40 Successful Personal Statements for UCAS application” is therefore a timely and welcome addition for burdened admission tutors and advisers looking to convey to their students the standard of what is required. Its purpose is to inspire and guide, demystify the personal statement by showing what admission tutors want, and help admissions tutors pick out the best students. For those hoping for a convenient crib sheet, even using the modern technique of cut and paste they will be sadly disappointed. This is not what is intended nor is it provided. All the examples used are very personal and really give a sense of the individual behind the statement.
The book is expertly laid out with a snappy introduction followed by a series of short sections. These sections include an excellent piece on planning the personal statement. This divides the content into the first 60% tailored to achievements and information specific to the course that is being applied for and the rest which is general achievements and activities. Also there is a helpful inclusion on how to begin and end the personal statement with suggestions for making these creative without the risk of appearing an “oddball”. The 10 Golden Rules are something to have up in your department and contain how to avoid frequent mistakes so often seen and repeated by students who lack attention to detail and focus.
The rest of the book is dedicated to real life examples of personal statements according to course subject. There is a critique throughout each statement provided by a series of open question marks which point to weaknesses and strengths of the statement. This allows the reader to feel involved in the process and highlights points to be considered. At the bottom of each statement is a thumbs up sign for the named institutions that offered places to that candidate. There is a handy index cross referenced by subject at the back of the book allowing the reader to dip and pick.
Some subjects are given a couple of examples so the reader can compare the different styles. The statements make for interesting reading. Each statement is unique and some of the opening lines are extraordinary to the point of being moving. There is a sense of fun highlighted in the “howlers” such as “At school I held the position of head bog” and the application which abandoned caution by targeting the statement to one institution only.
This book is an invaluable aid to all applicants, advisers and tutors. It provides a much needed example of the standard applicants need to aspire to in order to stand out. It challenges students to produce a statement that accurately reflects the very best they have to offer in a way that will capture the interest of admission tutors. Finally 40 Successful Personal Statements keeps to its own Platinum rule. It differentiates itself from other guides on personal statements. It doesn’t just tell you what makes a defining personal statement – it shows you.
Ann Starkie is the East of England Council Representative for the Institute of Careers Guidance.
40 Successful Personal Statements for UCAS Application is published by COA (2006) and edited by Ken Reynolds with introduction and comments by Guy Nobes and Gavin Nobes Ph.D. ISBN 0-9550541-2-5.
 40 Successful Personal Statements can be purchased here
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