Thoughts about Personal Statements

Don't really need to think about this yet because I've just started y12, but its been on my mind recently. Hoping to do an english/history degree, is it worth mentioning completely unrelated music qualifications on it? Tbh I haven't got really far and its not my priority, but I'm hoping to do grade 6 this year and grade 7 next year for piano. I started flute three years ago and haven't got very far with that either, only on grade 4. Its completely my fault because I don't practice .
Do they want to know about that, and is it worth putting more effort in to secure the qualifications so I can write about them?? I know most people mentioning them will have grade 8+, will they look down on me for not being so musically talented lol? x

Don't really need to think about this yet because I've just started y12, but its been on my mind recently. Hoping to do an english/history degree, is it worth mentioning completely unrelated music qualifications on it? Tbh I haven't got really far and its not my priority, but I'm hoping to do grade 6 this year and grade 7 next year for piano. I started flute three years ago and haven't got very far with that either, only on grade 4. Its completely my fault because I don't practice .
Do they want to know about that, and is it worth putting more effort in to secure the qualifications so I can write about them?? I know most people mentioning them will have grade 8+, will they look down on me for not being so musically talented lol? x

Yeah, the last question on the personal statement is something about what you have done outside your studies, music is great. It shows you have interests and a life outside school and a great way to demonstrate passion and determination. Lots of people put sports teams or music or orchestra if you attend one as it shows teamwork. You probably have to check UCAS to see what grade you need in order to put in in the qualifications section but even if you can't still definitely mention it in your personal statement.

Hi @eimme 🙂 I don't think universities will look down at you for not having a higher grade! If you'd like to talk about it in your Personal Statement I'd agree with the other post here in saying it could fit nicely in to the third section where you get to talk about other interests and hobbies outside of your academics.
By the time you get to Y13 and are going through the UCAS process you'll be thinking about what's most relevant to include in your Personal Statement. For your examples I'd tend to recommend starting with the ABC framework which stands for Action, Benefit and Course. You're basically looking to explain what you did, what you gained from doing that, and how its relevant to the course. When it comes to playing musical instruments this can be valuable in showing commitment, resilience and dedication to progressing, as well as potentially the ability to work in a team and collaborate (if you've played as part of a wider group) which are all useful skills to have at University. If you're trying to talk about it and can't make it fit within the ABC framework then it might not be relevant enough for you to use, and you can focus on using the space to chat about something else.
Hope this helps a little but let me know if there's anything else I can help with!
Massive good luck 😀🎶
Caitlin 🎓️
Official University of Strathclyde Rep