UNIQ Summer School 2015

Original post by TomCastles

It's just I've heard they're read by admissions officers and not academics. Wouldn't it be off putting if they didn't know what I was talking about?

No... Even if they're not read by people with a background in your subject, they're obviously not going to expect you to "dumb down" your personal statement for them, that would be silly...

Reply 83

TomCastles

1

Original post by Chlorophile

No... Even if they're not read by people with a background in your subject, they're obviously not going to expect you to "dumb down" your personal statement for them, that would be silly...

Ok thanks for your help :smile:

Reply 84

Jo220284

Original post by Chlorophile

Would anyone be interested in seeing the personal statement I wrote for UNIQ last year? I'm not sure how helpful it'd be but I'd be happy to send it to anyone who's interested. It's actually quite embarrassing looking back at it!

I would please! Not sure what it means by 80% academic, 20% hobbies as I have quite a bit of volunteering and also lectures.

Reply 85

emem2011

8

Original post by Jo220284

I would please! Not sure what it means by 80% academic, 20% hobbies as I have quite a bit of volunteering and also lectures.

Which summer school course are you applying to? :smile:

Reply 86

Jo220284

Original post by emem2011

Which summer school course are you applying to? :smile:

Medicine, second choice Oncology. But even with 100% of GCSEs at A* (not 14 though!), 5 ASs and neither parents having gone to uni I am still only average compared to other applicants who have weeks of experience in hospitals and have done a lot of wider reading - I watch a lot of documentaries but I'm anxious to mention it in the PS.

You? And how have you already done an AS?!

Reply 87

emem2011

8

Original post by Jo220284

Medicine, second choice Oncology. But even with 100% of GCSEs at A* (not 14 though!), 5 ASs and neither parents having gone to uni I am still only average compared to other applicants who have weeks of experience in hospitals and have done a lot of wider reading - I watch a lot of documentaries but I'm anxious to mention it in the PS.

You? And how have you already done an AS?!

I honestly wouldn't put yourself down- for the summer school they know it's unlikely you've done any experience yet. I've done hardly any- I've not done any proper work experience yet anyway!!

What were your stats, if you don't mind me asking? :smile:

I'm sure they were brilliant and you won't have to worry about anything.

I was entered early for my AS Religious Studies as my teacher felt that a few of us would be ready for the exam. I deliberated for ages over whether to do it or not because I didn't want to put any pressure on any of my actual GCSEs, although I'm so glad I did now!

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Reply 88

Jo220284

Wow, thats impressive.

GCSEs: 11 A*
AS: Biology, Chemistry, History, Latin, Maths
Some VERY short work experiences lined up in Boots pharmacy, hospice, hospital, optometrists, GP. But all are from 1 to 3 days long!
Volunteering: charity shop for a year, elderly home from september
And just Gold DofE for extracurricular, no wider reading yet

Are you planning on doing an EPQ? Don't see the point if it won't be graded until after we apply for uni.

Reply 89

emem2011

8

Original post by Jo220284

Wow, thats impressive.

GCSEs: 11 A*
AS: Biology, Chemistry, History, Latin, Maths
Some VERY short work experiences lined up in Boots pharmacy, hospice, hospital, optometrists, GP. But all are from 1 to 3 days long!
Volunteering: charity shop for a year, elderly home from september
And just Gold DofE for extracurricular, no wider reading yet

Are you planning on doing an EPQ? Don't see the point if it won't be graded until after we apply for uni.

Your stats are fab, you're not average at all!! Yes on average successful applicants have 10A*s, but that's for the uni itself and you're still above that average! :smile:

I very much doubt I'll be accepted if I'm honest- I don't feel my personal statement was that brilliant because it could only be 2000 characters and I just think my chances are low! Still thought I'd have a go though.

I don't think my school offers EPQs so I don't think so! I agree with you though, seems pointless to do something that won't be of any real benefit in that case

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Reply 90

restless5oul

1

Original post by Chlorophile

Would anyone be interested in seeing the personal statement I wrote for UNIQ last year? I'm not sure how helpful it'd be but I'd be happy to send it to anyone who's interested. It's actually quite embarrassing looking back at it!

Wondering if I could have a look? I'm in the process of writing mine and would really appreciate being able to look at a finished one :smile:

Reply 91

Original post by Jo220284

Wow, thats impressive.

GCSEs: 11 A*
AS: Biology, Chemistry, History, Latin, Maths
Some VERY short work experiences lined up in Boots pharmacy, hospice, hospital, optometrists, GP. But all are from 1 to 3 days long!
Volunteering: charity shop for a year, elderly home from september
And just Gold DofE for extracurricular, no wider reading yet

Are you planning on doing an EPQ? Don't see the point if it won't be graded until after we apply for uni.

There definitely is a point in doing an EPQ. I did mine during the first term of Year 13 so I don't have a grade for it. Nevertheless, I think it was the single most important part of my application. Having a structure to research a topic in a lot of detail helped me work out exactly what my interests where and I learned a massive amount because of it. My EPQ was discussed in every single one of my interview, including both of my interviews at Oxford. Obviously I can't say to what extent it helped me get in but a significant proportion of my interviews involved discussing what I learned from my EPQ, so it definitely formed an important part of my overall application. And on top of applications, I feel that it was generally useful and a great experience, if you take it seriously.

Reply 92

chicken15642

6

Hi,
Just wanted to say I was on the humanities UNIQ course 2014 (a mix of History and English) and that if anyone wants any help with their application feel free to PM me

Good luck everyone applying!!

Reply 93

Krollo

17

I think I might finally have finished my Personal Statement... :awesome:

Reply 94

Original post by Krollo

I think I might finally have finished my Personal Statement... :awesome:

Well done, and well before the deadline too! You are a lot more proactive than I was...

I wish I could apply!

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Reply 96

Krollo

17

This may sound a bit silly, but there isn't enough space on the form to enter all my qualifications! Do you think I should leave some GCSEs off or should I contact them?

Reply 97

antigone-

I'm going to apply for the PPE one. The personal statement is where I'm finding the most problems, seeing as for a subject like PPE they usually like to see your own opinions. It's difficult to write that in 2000 characters :/

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Reply 98

Original post by Krollo

This may sound a bit silly, but there isn't enough space on the form to enter all my qualifications! Do you think I should leave some GCSEs off or should I contact them?

Are you sure there's not an option to add more? I can't remember the UNIQ application form exactly but it's modelled on UCAS which doesn't have a limit on the number of qualifications. If there really is a limit, contact UNIQ (they've got various contact emails on their website).

Reply 99

Stillreading

14

Original post by antigone-

I'm going to apply for the PPE one. The personal statement is where I'm finding the most problems, seeing as for a subject like PPE they usually like to see your own opinions. It's difficult to write that in 2000 characters :/

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I got into the PPE one last year. If you have any questions feel free to ask :smile: