When you apply to a university for your undergraduate or graduate studies, you have to submit a personal statement along with your application. A personal statement is a piece of writing in which you highlight your skills, educational background, experiences, strengths, and future goals.
However, when you apply for a postgraduate degree, you must not use your undergraduate personal statement because you have progressed academically and experience-wise as well. Thus, your postgraduate personal statement should be unique and you should tailor it to the program you’re applying to. Also, use the opportunity to demonstrate your interests and abilities, while relating your future goals to the study program. However, if you need professional assistance in writing your university personal statement then get in touch with us on UCAS Personal statement. We have a team of highly qualified experts, who are ready to serve you on your call.
Undergraduate personal statements are different from postgraduate ones as you have to talk about specific programs and experiences. However, for the undergraduate level, you talk about your subjects broadly. However, in a postgraduate personal statement, you talk to demonstrate your expertise in a specific area. This blog will discuss the things that you need to add to both of the statements. Let’s discuss this.
How to Write a Postgraduate Personal Statement
Let’s see what you need to do to ace your master personal statement
1. Take your Time and Write
Your personal statement will either help you get admission or it will make a bad impression and you might end up not getting the admission. Thus, you must take enough time to add all the things in the personal statement. You must first study the guidelines and instructions before starting it and understand all the things that you need to add. Check the selection criteria, and research the field of study. However, never bluff and brag about your experiences. Just be yourself and try to express yourself by talking about the things that relate to the program of study.
2. What to Add
Discuss your educational background, academic aspirations, career goals, and the reputation of the university and college. You should talk about your subjects and the courses you find most appealing. Similarly, talking about networking, diversity at the campus, and job opportunities will be a good fit. Also, you should demonstrate your passion for studying in that program and show enthusiasm.
Similarly, talking about how your previous job and education experiences have prepared you to study a master’s program will help you relate your accomplishments to your future goals. Also, talk about your skillset, subject-specific knowledge, or experience that will help you stand out among other candidates. Explain how the program will help you achieve your long-term goals. However, it is better to be real and talk about your weaknesses such as low grades, and the gap in education history. The admission committee wants to know these things so positively talk about them and talk about how you’re going to improve.
3. Structure
You should have a brilliant start to your personal statement. Write a catchy introduction that should catch the attention of the reader. Make sure to introduce yourself followed by your educational background. You can start with a story or a background that explains your reason for doing certain things. Break your personal statement into 4 to 5 paragraphs and every paragraph should be around 100 words. Normally you get to write 3 pages which are around 800 words. Thus, have an introduction at the start followed by 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion.
In your body section, you will like to talk about things in detail. Discuss different things in each of the paragraphs and make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly. Also, ensure that you stick to the gist of your personal statement and keep it concise.
How to write an Undergraduate Personal Statement
There are certain things that you need to keep in mind when you write your undergraduate personal statement.
1. An undergraduate personal statement isn’t specific to a university
While writing an undergraduate personal statement, try focusing on the subject and your passions. Before writing for the university, make sure you research the university thoroughly. The undergraduate personal statement will focus heavily on the studies up to the further education level. You may also discuss your passions and why you find the subject interesting. However, you may not be required to talk about your job experiences as at this stage you’re not expected to have the job experience. However, be ambitious and talk about your plans and how this program or university will aid you in achieving them.
2. Focus on Extra and Co-curricular Activities
You should discuss your interests in extra and co-curricular activities and how studying at the university will provide you with these opportunities. Also, usually universities ask you in the personal statement about how you’re going to add value to the university. Therefore, talking about your experiences in debates, sports or any other volunteer work will most likely make you a favorable fit for the given university. On the other hand, master’s programs are more focused on making careers and networking.
What to avoid
- Irrelevant information
- Exaggeration and negativity
- Unsupported statements – back them with rational
- Grammar Mistakes
- Copying other’s ideas
Conclusion
Both personal statements are important to secure admission to a university. You just need to be yourself and talk to the point. Mention your strengths but don’t hide your weaknesses. Always be honest and show genuine interest in pursuing the degree. In a postgraduate personal statement, you should focus on making a career, networking, and job opportunities, so relate your ambitions to a personal reason. On the other hand, in an undergraduate personal statement, you are more focused on how want to spend your life in the university and how your educational interests align with the program and university. However, writing a brilliant personal statement is essential for you to get admission to your study of choice. Thus, if you need professional assistance to write your university personal statement, connect with us on UCAS Personal Statement, and let us help you with your personal statement.
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