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Personal statement ....?

I have to write my personal statement now and I'm worried as hell.

I have absolutely nothing to write about and don't even know where to start.

Could someone give me a rough format of how to structure one best...?

I'm applying for physics btw. :biggrin:

thanks

Reply 1

returnmigrant

1) Why do you want to do this course? What gets you going about Physics?

2) Career? Any ideas? (Doesnt matter if you dont at this stage - honest)

3) What do you do outside of school? Sport? Hobbies? DoE? What skills, attitudes or behaviours have these activities taught you?

The usual format is approx 2/3rds on why you wan tto do physics and 1/3rd on 'you'.

Write, read it, alter it. Write it all out again. Lots of times. You'll get there in the end.

Reply 2

Good bloke

Original post by mora11

thanks

Read my profile.

Reply 3

strangequark

I watched this video when doing mine last year, its a bit lengthy but really does go into immensely helpful detail.
http://wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/imedia/content/view/1738/how-to-write-an-excellent-personal-statement

This format worked solidly for me;
Academic strengths (how your subjects fit into your degree choice)
Outside interests in subject (extra curricular reading/short courses)
Work experience (should probably be related to your degree choice)
Extra curriculars (should be shorter than the other three - basic outline of sports achievements/tutoring you may have done)
Basically focus everything you talk about back to your subject.

Reply 4

mizzyman

I agree with "returnmigrant".

2/3 on how you are suited to the course and a 1/3 on yourself!

Reply 5

j.mason1306

Hi everyone, I'm currently tweaking my personal statement and have included a largish paragraph on my A level subjects. However all the teachers at my college are saying that we need to do a paragraph on each subject we're taking. Is it me or isn't that a bit much?
I thought that when they said 60% academic that included A level subjects, extra reading into subjects, maybe work experience and then the other 40% would be like voluntary, extra curricular and so on. What should I do? I don't really see the point in doing so much about my A level subjects because everyone takes them and everything else you do like extra reading and work experience makes you unique.

Reply 6

Good bloke

Original post by j.mason1306

It is way, way, way over the top. Your A level subjects are not really of all that much interest, unless they happen to be your proposed degree subject. Admissions tutors, amazingly, know what you get from studying A level physics or French, say, without you telling them.