Personal Statement Advice?

I am thoroughly stuck on writing my personal statement (applying for zoology) but the only advice I got from my progress tutor was 'be specific, but not too much'. Anyone got any advice?

Reply 1

DrTom_Butler

Hi there,

Why do you want to study zoology? Explaining this in your opening part of your personal statement would be a good, strong start. For example " I have been interested in animals since..."

I would then go on to talk about the skills you have that are relevant to zoology, and how the subjects you have studied help develop these skills. I would also say what you have learnt about yourself during this time, and what you have done to address any issues. For example, you might say that you have really enjoyed the animal aspect of studying A level biology, but you initially found this hard so you decided to do some online learning webinars to help improve your knowledge , showing determination and reflection.

Reply 2

McGinger

Start with - "I realised I wanted to study Zoology when...."
What was that moment - something in your A levels, something you read, saw on the telly.... etc .
Explain that moment.

Then explain two topics within Zoology that interest you, and why.

What practical stuff do you do outside school that is relevant to this subject - what do you get out of it, why do you do it.

What area of Zoology / Animal Science might you be interested in as a career?

Then show it to someone else to read and listen to their comments.

Reply 3

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Jaq_is_dead

I am thoroughly stuck on writing my personal statement (applying for zoology) but the only advice I got from my progress tutor was 'be specific, but not too much'. Anyone got any advice?

Hi! 🙂 I'm a current zoology student at Plymouth so I'll share of my tips below for your personal statement:

•

Show your enthusiasm- try to convey how your experiences (e.g. listening to a zoology podcast, undertaking an online course, volunteering, reading a book) have fuelled your enthusiasm and passion for the course. Explain why this makes you an ideal candidate and how this could push you to succeed.

•

Talk more about your experiences- don't just list what you have done outside of your current studies, but explain how your current course/s and experiences have helped you to find an interest in this and how it has prepared you for this course.

•

Don't go for a stereotypical opening line/paragraph- admissions teams read through loads of personal statements so try to write something that catches their interest immediately or sets you apart from others.

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Don't waffle on too much!- get to the point, then explain more about how it has shaped your interests/skills in a direct and concise way whilst remaining interesting to read.

Best of luck and if you have any zoology/university related questions, feel free to reach out! 😄

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep