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university-music

Hey everyone, i am a year 13 student and like always, i've left everything to the last minute. I have yet to fill out my personal statement, however now i know what i want to do. I am thinking of doing music for university, however i think the best option for me is to do a joint course option. I have looked at UCAS, and the ones that have really stood out for me are from glasgow university, as there is a wider option for archaeology/business/french/spanish/italian/phycology and others with music. I definitely want to do something with music since I have been playing the violin from an early age, and to be honest I'm not really going to get into courses that are in favour with my other subjects (sociology and classics). I don't really know what to add to my personal statement though, as i feel i haven't done enough. Although I have participated in some charity performances, I'm not part of any prestigious orchestra (just my secondary one), since I never got the opportunity to join one as my single mother couldn't afford it. . Although I have done my EPQ, relating to music in a way (how can music therapy help adolescents with mental health), I feel like it is still not enough to add to my personal statement, so it stands out against other applicants for this year.

I really hope that i do get in but i am predicted at BBB, which i really hope i can get higher, but it's been really stressful for me.
This year has genuinely not been it for me as i am also under a lot of stress as my mother is unable to find housing as my landlord wants to kick us out, despite we have been paying the rent and we haven't been putting up to all the faults around the house (plumbing issues, problems with the windows not opening/ closing properly- causing the walls to be damp, and so damp that its ruined my clothes, and sockets have been completely damaged because of the dampness). I honestly don't know what to do and university applications are just around the corner, and i don't even know what to do with myself.
Hi,

It feels like things are really stressful for you atm, I'm so sorry to hear about the housing situation. Are your school aware of it (just in case things escalate/get worse?)? As your situation could be something worth mentioning in the teacher's reference.

As for personal statements, I believe you still have to write a 4,000 character statement and that it's only next year that the personal statement format changes? I used to be a music PS reviewer on here. I tend to suggest a five-point structure for music(-related) PSes:

Paragraph 1: Short introduction. Introduce yourself and the reason(s) you are picking this subject/these subjects. It could be useful to mention what your principal instrument (voice counts as an instrument!) is somewhere in this paragraph - though if it fits better in another paragraph, then that's OK too!

Paragraph 2: Music performance-related experiences. These don't have to be amazing/extensive/mindblowing. Try and focus on positives, achievements, and things you are proud of - but also mention the skills these experiences have given you (time management, working with others, etc.).

Paragraph 3: More academic music achievements (e.g. your EPQ), or you may want to make this paragraph about the other subject you will be studying. Similar to paragraph 2, in that you should mention your transferable skills and highlight these, as well as the reading you've done, etc.

Paragraph 4: Non-music extra-curriculars/achievements/experiences. This can be DofE, learning/speaking other languages, volunteering, hobbies, etc. Again, transferrable skills are important! Try to see if you can show a different set of transferrable skills throughout your PS (i.e. don't have time management cropping up 4-5 times!).

Paragraph 5: Short conclusion, reminding them why YOU would be an excellent addition to their uni. You might want to mention modules or topics you look forward to studying at uni (ensuring these crossover at enough of your uni choices to be worth mentioning!)

Make sure you mention your first instrument, any additional instruments, keyboard skills (e.g. Grade 5 piano, if it's not your first instrument) and theory grades somewhere in your PS, for ease of reading!

Good luck :biggrin:
Reply 2
Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd
Hi,
It feels like things are really stressful for you atm, I'm so sorry to hear about the housing situation. Are your school aware of it (just in case things escalate/get worse?)? As your situation could be something worth mentioning in the teacher's reference.
As for personal statements, I believe you still have to write a 4,000 character statement and that it's only next year that the personal statement format changes? I used to be a music PS reviewer on here. I tend to suggest a five-point structure for music(-related) PSes:
Paragraph 1: Short introduction. Introduce yourself and the reason(s) you are picking this subject/these subjects. It could be useful to mention what your principal instrument (voice counts as an instrument!) is somewhere in this paragraph - though if it fits better in another paragraph, then that's OK too!
Paragraph 2: Music performance-related experiences. These don't have to be amazing/extensive/mindblowing. Try and focus on positives, achievements, and things you are proud of - but also mention the skills these experiences have given you (time management, working with others, etc.).
Paragraph 3: More academic music achievements (e.g. your EPQ), or you may want to make this paragraph about the other subject you will be studying. Similar to paragraph 2, in that you should mention your transferable skills and highlight these, as well as the reading you've done, etc.
Paragraph 4: Non-music extra-curriculars/achievements/experiences. This can be DofE, learning/speaking other languages, volunteering, hobbies, etc. Again, transferrable skills are important! Try to see if you can show a different set of transferrable skills throughout your PS (i.e. don't have time management cropping up 4-5 times!).
Paragraph 5: Short conclusion, reminding them why YOU would be an excellent addition to their uni. You might want to mention modules or topics you look forward to studying at uni (ensuring these crossover at enough of your uni choices to be worth mentioning!)
Make sure you mention your first instrument, any additional instruments, keyboard skills (e.g. Grade 5 piano, if it's not your first instrument) and theory grades somewhere in your PS, for ease of reading!
Good luck :biggrin:

thank you so much. this has definitely helped me get started for my personal statement, and i really think it will sound more formulated as i go on (and it is still the 4000 characters, which i think i prefer than the new model they will do for next year).

My school is aware, but they haven't really done much, just said if i need any books or laptops i can ask for them, which isn't too bad, but they always said i could ask for any additional support.

Thankyou so much again
You're so welcome! Do speak to teachers at school or your school counsellor if home stuff is getting to you :console:
Reply 4
Original post by The_Lonely_Goatherd
You're so welcome! Do speak to teachers at school or your school counsellor if home stuff is getting to you :console:

thankyouuu ❤️*🩹

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