Multiple personal statements

Nordie Durdle

I am trying to finish my Cao form. Stressful business!

I'm applying as a mature student to DCU along with a number of ITs, DCU has a separate personal statement and form to fill in, I'm just wondering if the DCU and CAO personal statements should essentially be the same except with the DCU one tailored slightly to DCU? I know DCU will read both forms, I'm just worried it might come across as lazy if they are too similar?

Also how brief should the Employment section be? I'm thinking a full CV sent separately may be slight overkill?

Also the hobbies and interests, surely it's not worth waffling on about hobbies or interests that aren't relevant to the course? Or perhaps it is to prove im not an unbalanced turbonerd?

If anyone gets time to give opinions it'd be appreciated, will be bald from pulling hair out by the time this whole process is finished!

paperclip2

The statements should be similar but with the DCU statement you could empahasise the specific knowledge you have about their courses and be very explicit in linking it to your own experience, interests and/or long-term plans.

If you have a lot of employment experience then focus on that employment most relevant to the courses you are applying for. A paper-round in your early teens for example, wouldn't need to go in, (unless specifically relevant ).

Some people do include a CV in their documents but its not a requirement. If you want to send it then do.

It is a good idea to use the hobby section to highlight other skills or achievements you have. E.g. something like 'I have been the secretary of the local amateur dramatic group for the past three years', shows creativity, community involvement, willingness to accept responsibility and ability to commit.
Contrast with 'I like pina coladas and walks in the rain' (or other variants like 'I enjoy reading, swimming, going to the gym, socialising with my friends, the cinema....) which effectively tells the college nothing unique about you and adds limited value to you as a potential student.

bri007

Hi i am in the process of finishing off my personal statement for trinity, I have 3 parts on it,

1) Which aspects of this subject/course interested you most?(Max 700words)
2) Explain the relevance of your life and/or educational experience to this subject/course. (maximum of 700 words) (please note, if you have applied for a TSM combination you will need to answer this question in relation to both subjects)
3) Please include any additional information in support of your application. (maximum of 500 words)

I have filled in the first two parts, just wondering for the 3rd part, is this just hobbies, interests etc?

paperclip2

bri007 wrote: »

3) Please include any additional information in support of your application. (maximum of 500 words)

I have filled in the first two parts, just wondering for the 3rd part, is this just hobbies, interests etc?

Part 3 refers to anything else you believe is relevant to your application that you haven't already covered in parts one or two.
If you are including hobbies and interests then focus on any successes or achievements you have had in them. Don't just list a selection of things.