I am applying to this course to further my knowledge in the design subject area; as I feel there is still so much more to learn. I am a good candidate for this course because I value learning above everything, in life and in my career. I want to learn, and I feel I infuse that into my studies.
I have chosen courses related to digital design and illustration, which are the two areas I have been focusing on in my foundation degree in creative digital design. I love the subject of design in general, particularly when you get inspiration all of a sudden, the excitement comes, and your brain starts whirring with ideas for the project.
I am a very creative person in the way I think, so I think I am ideal for a design career. I really enjoy many areas for design work, and want to push myself to learn as much as I can in my chosen areas.
My personal skills include good listening skills and memory, I am kind and like to help my course mates whenever they need it, particularly with my knowledge skills, and life experience as I am older than most.
The achievement I am most proud of is my three children. This has been the biggest learning curve for life, and has taught me a lot about patience and time management. I am very proud to have managed to have complete my foundation degree whilst looking after my children and keeping the house running at the same time.
My motivation for continuing my study is to create a career path that I enjoy and that challenges me, whilst working around my children.
I have loved studying my course, as I have had the opportunity to explore many different areas that I had been interested in, and could mould my projects around those interests. I have tried Animation, 2D and 3D design within the software Blender, Ceramics and the printing studio. My software skills for design include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator on the PC, and Procreate on the iPad. For 3D design and animation, I have skills in Blender and Cinema 4D.
I would like to have the opportunity to develop my existing skill set further, as well as develop other ways to use my digital skills.
I enjoy designing digital seamless pattern repeats for fabrics in my spare time. I have primarily been focusing on fabric designs for children, as I have a lot of experience with children, and I love the whimsical styles I can use. I also have a love of floral designs. I have already started to sell my pattern designs through my Instagram Page Emilie’s Digital Design, I have also done some custom designs for clients.
I have enjoyed all of the areas I have tried out the last two years, however I feel I need to now narrow down my skills into one or two areas for my future career.
Whilst in my second year of my foundation degree I was able to explore children’s book illustration, which I have been wanting to try for a while. I found I really enjoyed this module and wanted to explore the area more so I decided to create a whole children’s story book for my final major project.
My future goal is to be able to explore children’s illustration further, and publish my own children’s book. My plan for the future is to be self-employed at least part time, and to continue selling pattern designs alongside other projects.
ADVICE I READ
What should a personal statement include?
Personal statements with a clearly defined structure are not only more understandable and compelling but also easier to write. Use the following three section approach to structure your personal statement:
Part 1
Explain why you are making the application (30-50%)
Start your personal statement by telling us why you're applying to study your chosen subject at degree level. We want to see your enthusiasm for the subject and evidence that you've thought deeply about your choices. You might refer to personal experiences in your life, courses you've attended, or how your own character traits would make you a suitable applicant. You could also mention your career goals, particularly if they are relevant to the subject you're applying for.
Part 2
Highlight your academic experience, knowledge and abilities (25-35%)
Here you should highlight which areas of your academic studies you find especially interesting and that are relevant to your application. Tell us about any wider reading or experiences that go beyond your regular studies. Describe any work placements within your field of interest as this demonstrates real commitment and initiative.
Part 3
Summarise your extracurricular interests and skills (20-30%)
The final few paragraphs of your personal statement should focus on your activities beyond academic study. Here you can indicate valued skills and qualities you have to offer, e.g. time management, organisation, leadership, communication skills or teamwork.
End your personal statement by summarising the key points you've already written about and remind the reader why you should be offered a place on your chosen course.
How to open your personal statement
Admissions Tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start.
Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you’ll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in.
Don’t overthink the opening. Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
Avoid cliches! Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you.
Keep it relevant and simple. You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 20 words when 10 can make your point?
How to end your personal statement
It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start.
You want to see the ending as your chance to finish in a way that’ll make the admissions tutor remember you.
This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course.
Dos
Do talk about why you’re a good candidate – talk about you, your motivations and what brings you to this course.
Do be enthusiastic – if you show you’re interested in the course, it may help you get a place.
Do make it relevant. Connect what you’re saying with the course and with your experiences.
Do outline your ideas clearly.
Do avoid the negatives – highlight the positives about you, and show you know your strengths.
Do expect to produce several drafts of your personal statement before being totally happy with it.
Do ask people you trust for their feedback.
Don'ts
Don’t be modest or shy. You want your passions to come across.
Don’t exaggerate – if you do, you may get caught out in an interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement.
Don’t use quotes from someone else, or cliches.
Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out.
Don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement, but don't just rely on a spellchecker. Proofread as many times as possible.
Don’t copy and paste – make yours original.
Don’t worry about it – we have all the advice you need to help you stand out in your personal statement.
Be Uniquely You
Show off your skills and experiences that make you unique. Link how that’s relevant to the course you’re applying for and how it’ll serve you well in your university journey.
Show not tell!
It’s all very well telling someone you’re great at something, but an admissions tutor wants to see the evidence. Share a real-life scenario where you’ve clearly demonstrated the skills or knowledge you’re referring to.
Unapologetic passion
Don’t be afraid to shout about how excited you are about a course or subject. What is it you love and why do you want to study it? What impact do you think you could have when you’re armed with more knowledge?
Your ‘why’
We’re all driven by something, and it’s that drive that leads us to the uni and course we choose. Talk about your ambitions and the things you think your undergraduate study will help you achieve.
Humble confidence
Discussing about your achievements is important as it shows you’re self-aware and clear on your strengths. Whether it’s leading a sports team, completing your Duke of Edinburgh or winning a poetry competition, all achievements deserve to be recognised.
Top tips on how to write your statement opener
We spoke to admissions tutors at uni's and colleges – read on for their tips.
1. Don't begin with the overkill opening
Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard.
Tutors said: ‘The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Go straight in. What excites you about the course and why do you want to learn about it more?’
Be succinct and draw the reader in, but not with a gimmick. This isn't the X Factor.
Admissions tutor
2. Write about why you want to study that course
Think about why you want to study the course and how you can demonstrate this in your written statement:
’Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you’re interested in studying the area you’re applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.’
It's much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line… Start with what's inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.
Admissions tutor
3. Avoid cliches
Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line. UCAS publishes a list of common opening lines each year. Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
From a young age…
For as long as I can remember…
I am applying for this course because…
I have always been interested in…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
And try not to use quotes. Quotations are top of the list of admissions tutors' pet hates.
4. Maybe don't begin at the start?
’Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last. I think the opening line is the hardest one to write, so I often say leave it until the end and just try and get something down on paper.’
It may be easier to get on with writing the main content of your statement and coming back to the introduction afterwards –that way you will also know what you’re introducing.
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