WHY IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT IMPORTANT?
As you start to look at options for life after secondary school there are a number of options to look at. Whether that’s sixth form, college or university later down the line if you want to continue your academic education. When applying for sixth form you’ll most likely be asked to put together a personal statement to submit with your application form.
This will probably be your first experience writing one and it can be daunting looking at a blank page wondering what to include. A personal statement is your opportunity to showcase why you want to attend a certain sixth form, why you have chosen the courses on your preference list and most importantly what you can offer them. There are a number of key points to bear in mind when constructing your personal statement to make yours standout.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIXTH FORM
After doing your research into different sixth forms and what they can offer, it’s important to state why a particular sixth form or college is the right one for you.
- Do they have impressive facilities?
- Are they accredited by industry bodies in your field?
- Have they got a good reputation?
If any of these tick the boxes for the course you’re looking to enrol in, then it’s vital that you include why they are your first choice. Be sure to include why you are applying for that course and why it interests you.
This demonstrates that you have shown initiative to carefully look into what they can offer. Throw in some facts or illustrate examples of why the sixth form will be beneficial to your future. With a wide range of subjects on offer it’s good to be selective.
STARTING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT
Once you’ve explained why a sixth form or college is your first choice, now it’s time to showcase why you’re a great candidate for them. Include in your personal statement why you’re suitable for the course and how your current studies relate to the course you have chosen. This will show your dedication to the subject and why you will excel as one of their students.
Writing a personal statement is also your time to shine. What gives you the extra factor? Have you got a wider range of skills that will impress them? This can include hobbies such as sport, the arts, travelling, volunteering, as well as awards such as Duke of Edinburgh and musical grades.
Do these hobbies and achievements relate to your chosen course? If so, then this is a perfect example to share your passion for the subject. Also include your work history if you have a weekend or evening job. By doing so you’re sharing that you are committed and reliable.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
At this stage in your education you might not have made a solid decision about your chosen career path. This is completely fine and not uncommon. Your choice to delve into higher education demonstrates that you want to better yourself, gain qualifications and explore your options further with a range of subjects.
On the flip side, if you have a clear path ahead for your future plans and know what career you’d like to pursue, then it’s important to include this in your personal statement and why your chosen course will help you fulfil this dream. Some forms will ask about your career aspirations or university wishes, so be prepared to think this through thoroughly and put down an honest answer.
THE FINER DETAILS
A personal statement isn’t just a few paragraphs about yourself. It’s also an opportunity to show that you can conduct yourself well in writing. Therefore it’s important that you check the spelling and grammar carefully, as a misplacement of ‘you’re’ or ‘your’ could put off the reader as it shows lack of care and attention.
Another point is to not stretch the truth. It’s easy nowadays to do an online search of candidates and more often than not, you’ll be asked questions about your specific skill set and history. This not only puts you in an uncomfortable position but also puts you in a bad light if you are caught out.
Finally, do exactly what the form asks. It sounds simple but answering all the bullet points correctly and filling out the right boxes demonstrates your attention to detail and delivering what they are asking for.
IMPORTANT STEPS BEFORE SUBMITTING
- Just before sending off your personal statement and awaiting sixth form/college offers to come in, there’s a few things to double check before you hit send. if there is a limited word count have you fulfilled this?
- Also, get your peers, teachers or family to read your personal statement to have a second eye over the content to double check that there are no mistakes. It’s likely that you would have spent much time reading it over and over that you’re oblivious to any parts which might be wrong. They may also suggest a few additions to make.
- As people who know you well, it’s good to get an outsider's view on your character and may put a different spin on how you can present yourself. Alternatively they may read it and think that some sections are too ‘waffly’ and can help amend it to make it read better.
- Lastly, don’t leave it to the last minute. A deadline is set for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you have to submit your personal statement on the last day. By sending early, not only is this a weight off your shoulders it also shows that you are good at time management and keen to enrol with your chosen sixth form or college.
Whilst writing your first personal statement can be tough, it’s also a great experience to officially write down your strengths and educational background - whilst looking ahead to the prospects of an exciting future. This is your opportunity to project your potential and put you on track to success with your sixth form or college education.
TOP TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR SIXTH FORM PERSONAL STATEMENT
- Speak From the Heart: Infuse your personal statement with genuine enthusiasm, highlighting your passions and showcasing why you're an ideal fit for your chosen sixth form or college.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on impactful details rather than overwhelming with information. Ensure every word serves a purpose, making your personal statement concise and compelling.
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Demonstrate your skills and accomplishments through vivid examples. Whether it's your dedication to extracurriculars or your work history, let your experiences shine.
- Tailor to Perfection: Personalise your statement for each sixth form or college. Emphasise why their specific courses and offerings align with your aspirations, showcasing meticulous research and genuine interest.
- Embrace Constructive Critique: Don't shy away from feedback. Seek input from others to refine your statement. A fresh perspective can uncover blind spots and elevate the overall impact of your personal statement.
VISIT RENDCOMB COLLEGE
Throughout the academic year, we hold a number of events for those looking to join our day and boarding sixth form. Our Sixth Form Information Evening offers attendees the opportunity to meet our subject teachers, Heads of Department, Houseparents, pastoral team and current Sixth Form students. It is the ideal insight into life at Rendcomb College Sixth Form, and we hope that you will be able to develop a better understanding of the exceptional environment that we have here.
To attend our Sixth Form Information Evening, please contact our Admissions Team on admissions@rendcombcollege.org.uk or 01285 705 952, and they will be delighted to put the arrangements in place for you.
If you’d like to find out more about our sixth form, please do not hesitate to get in touch - our team should be delighted to answer your questions. Please drop us an email at info@rendcombcollege.org.uk or give us a call on 01285 708 171. Alternatively, you can visit us on one of our open days throughout the academic year.
For UK Admissions enquiries, please call the above number or email admissions@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
For International Admissions enquiries, please call the above number or email international@rendcombcollege.org.uk.
