Personal Statement Writing Guide
Don’t delay!=
But
before you start to write your personal statement, you should plan carefully
and work through this lesson. Universities have far more applicants than
places. It is imperative that you make an effort to write an excellent pers=
onal
statement to gain admission to your schools of choice.
Your
personal statement is one of the most important elements admission officers=
use
when deciding whether to accept or reject your application. The quality of =
your
writing can make or break your application so you want your statement to be=
as
unique and compelling as possible. With this in mind, writing your personal
statement the evening before is a bad idea.
Imagine
how difficult it must be to read through thousands of applications of stude=
nts
with straight ‘A’ grades. How will the admissions officer
distinguish your personal statement from the competition? Since many will be
rejected at first glance, the admission selector wants subjective criteria =
to
make a decision - the personal statement.
Before proceeding
further, it is worth considering the following factors:
Compare the range =
of
courses and the approach to learning offered and find out the following:
Compare and contra=
st the
quality reports for research and teaching in Higher Education universities =
and
colleges (searchable by institution or subject) at the:
League tables can =
be
accessed by clicking below:
The Times On-line League Table
Guardian – Good guide to universities
These quality
assessments should be read with care as courses within universities can var=
y in
quality, including some elite departments and departments in smaller
universities with lower grades. Ideally, it is always important to visit the
University of your choice. Email the university =
about open days – which will enab=
le
you to ask any questions. You can access information from opendays.com. Working part-time
may be important to you. Read the papers and assess employment potential.
International students can access information on studying in the UK form
British Council.The support for international
students differs between universities, most importantly, try to talk to the
admissions officer and enquire about support. Once you have a thorough
understanding of your selected universities, you can work on your personal
statement.
Access our next to=
pic in
our guide: <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt'>A Head Start
A Head Start – What Admission Officers think?
‘The Personal Statement is very important: it gives the
applicant the opportunity to explain why they have chosen the course of stu=
dy
and the University and why they think they would perform well on the course=
. It
also gives the applicant the opportunity to set out their unique features,
which they feel should lead them to be ranked ahead of their peers.’ =
‘At DMU, we are not looking only for students with a sou=
nd
academic background - we seek students who are motivated and passionate abo=
ut
their subject area and have the potential to succeed in their studies. The
graduate job market is competitive and we offer excellent preparation for b=
oth
undergraduate and postgraduate students to enter or re-enter the world of w=
ork,
but you have to be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities we offer=
if
you are to succeed. The personal statement is a crucial part of the applica=
tion
process and can make the difference as to whether you are offered a place or
not. This is especially true for courses where applicants are not invited to
attend an interview. In these cases, the personal statement is the only cha=
nce
to sell yourself and give a flavour of who you are.’ De Montford University
We are seeking aptitude, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and
genuine passion for the subject. The personal statement is important as a w=
ay
of gauging motivation and enthusiasm, and helps us to assess the character =
of
the applicant – what interests you and how you express yourself.
Admissions tutors want to read statements that are clearly written and show
what you are interested in the subject. Above all be honest – it is e=
asy
to tell if work has been cribbed or copied!
We surveyed over 50
<=
b>Tacking the personal statement Many
writers confess they have great difficulty in making themselves begin the
physical act of writing. If skilled writers find it hard, how much more so =
will
those for whom it is completely new territory? When you are considering the
sort of personal statement that you want, you will probably not know where =
to
start. There is no need to embark on writing a long assignment or detailed
account –you only have 600 words. A good place to start is to think up
techniques like flash backs and turning points in your life and describe why
you wish to study your topic. With this in mind, it is usually worth
brainstorming, make a note of anything and everything you can think of that
might be suitable. You
can select and remove anything later on, but, for the moment, you are merely
collecting possible material. The most successful form of writing is to sta=
rt
to answer the following questions within a time limit of half an hour. Answering
these questions will help you categorise broad =
areas
of your life, but these questions may not be obvious – it is worth
spending time to think. If you have a CV, even an old one, it could be very
helpful here. Before you begin to compose your personal statement, read the
instructions on the application form sent to you by the university or UCAS =
and
study the details of the specific department (s) to which you are applying.
Find out current research projects in your subject area and make notes on h=
ow
you can contribute. Where to Start? Brainstorming is w=
here
the creative process begins as you mentally travel through your life and let
the ideas flow. The most vital part of your personal statement =
is
the subject matter – your accomplishments. You have already identified
three key reasons for studying, so this section focuses on your key
accomplishments. Here is the first, most important maxim of personal statem=
ent
writing: vivid presentation of your accomplishments=3Dan excellent personal
statement. This is why it is necessary to: · =
Decide beforehand what are your accomplish=
ments. · =
Think of a compelling theme which will prevent you rambling all
over the place. A successful perso=
nal
statement is all about your accomplishments- if you can’t think of any
(for whatever reason), then read the guide below. Accomplishments are the
points that really help sell you to an admissions officer so this section is
essential. If
you have limited work experience, you may want to look at the following lis=
t
Following
identification of work experience possibilities you can now brainstorm
responses to the questions below. Be sure to list the context for each acco=
mplishment.
|
Question<=
/b> |
Answer |
|
Describe three l=
ife
experiences that have motivated your choice of study. Has it been a family
member or parent? |
|
|
What are your gr=
eatest
asserts that you can bring to your chosen subject? |
|
|
List special thi=
ngs
that set you apart from other students. |
|
|
List any prizes =
you
won, such as student of the year, Assignment of the year. |
|
|
What superlative=
s can
you list, such as the highest achievements, the best exam score or the
highest graded essay? |
|
|
What has been yo=
ur
greatest academic achievement? |
|
|
Describe factors=
that
have motivated you to consider a career in your chosen field of study. |
|
|
What are your gr=
eatest
assets and describe two situations when you used these assets? |
|
|
List situations =
in
which you have trained, taught, or oriented members. Have you spoken in
public or written for an audience? |
|
|
What are your
favourite books, movies, hobbies, etc? Have these influenced you to choose
your study subject? |
|
|
Have you faced a=
ny
difficulties in life? How did this difficulty change you? |
|
|
Have you ever wo=
rked
hard for something for a long time and finally achieved your goal? Give an
example of your leadership ability. |
|
|
Is there anythin=
g that
the admissions officer should know that is not in your personal statement=
? |
|
|
Where do you see
yourself in 5 years time? How does this university course fit into your p=
lans
for the future? |
|
|
What would your
friends/ family say if they were writing your personal statement?<=
span
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> |
|
It
is important that you aware of your readership because the personal stateme=
nt
should be shaped accordingly. This section will address what admission offi=
cers
look for in personal statements. There are two ways to approach writing for
your audience.
Choosing a topic
The
key is to keep it simple. Select all topics from your brainstorming list ab=
ove
and run them through these questions:
1. Nothing warms a reader more than a shared personal experien=
ce:
is your key topic a personal experience?
2. Does my topic show motivations for my subject area? Or university of choice?
3. Make sure your topic does not list activities. 4. Make sure your topics present both social and academic goal=
s. =
; Per=
fect
Structure It is important to=
begin
with a compelling introduction to arouse the interest of a weary admissions
officer - who may have spent all night sifting through thousands of personal
statements. Giving your personal statement a strong opening will engage the
reader's attention from the outset. Common student mistakes include starting
the personal statement with clichéd and overused sentences. For exam=
ple,
you should avoid starting your sentence with the following: '' I always wanted=
to
study Dentistry" Start your personal
statement with an interesting event. Study the sample introductory paragraph
below and the analysis of the introduction which follows it. "I am fascina=
ted
with dentistry because I love to network and build computers. If I spoke th=
ese
words aloud, many people would scratch their heads and appear confused. At
first glance, this statement appears absurd. On a closer look, however, it
makes perfect sense.When I work on computers, I=
must
operate within a tiny space inside a computer cache, taking extreme care to
avoid damaging the delicate equipment. As a dentist, I will also perform my
duties within the smallest of spaces, using tiny instruments on fragile
surfaces." Your personal stat=
ement
must proceed in a logical succession from one thought to the next. The body=
of
the personal statement should lead in a convincing way from the introductio=
n to
conclusion. The paragraphing can be used as a planning tool. The beginning =
of
each paragraph should introduce the topic and the paragraph must end in a
'hook' to the next paragraph. Introductory paragraph Body of the personal statement Each paragraph s=
hould
follow this general structure: You should round o=
ff the
personal statement with an attention grabbing sentence. You may find it hel=
pful
to reflect on your main accomplishments and experience. The main point of t=
he
conclusion is to underline your desire to study. Study the sample conclusion
paragraphs below. "By
combining these disciplines into a dual degree program, I can pursue my
professional goal of doing education and military policy work for the
government and perhaps teaching at university level. My experience as a
Homeless Specialist has not only equipped me with an intellectual foundation
for my future studies but has also supplied me with my career plans. After
gaining knowledge of both psychology and political techniques at the highly
regarded Bui=
lding
Your Personal Statement Draft Outline – how to structure your personal stateme=
nt Attention
Grabbing Introduction – (150 words) Attention-grabbing
paragraph: Start with a unique paragraph about you, why you want to study or
who motivates you in your study topic? The first two sentences should be
attention grabbing. Fill in this sample
section on your particular interests in the university course. Opening
paragraph Paragraph 1 Educational background –
(100 words) Compose
a short summation of your education background in your study area. The key =
here
is to be brief –the admissions officer already has your exam
grades. Paragraph 2: Your
personal experiences – (150 words) This may include a=
brief
area on family support, your accomplishments or poor grades. You want to
provide a description of how you became an excellent student.
Don’t forget to include particular reasons why you wish to study at
university. Paragraph 3: Why s=
hould
they choose you? – (100 words) This may comprise
academic abilities but also on your social interests. Paragraph 4: Summa=
ry and
Conclusion – (100 words) This paragraph wil=
l tie
everything in from all the information you have written. Integrate all the
information gathered in the above paragraphs and finish on two positive sen=
tences!
The closing sentences must be attention grabbing.<=
span
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> When
thinking about why you wish to study your topic you will undoubtedly be
bombarded with different objectives. Attending university is a huge commitm=
ent
and it will help if you capture the essence of your objectives in a few
sentences. If you are pursuing a research degree, it is worth describi=
ng
your areas of research and professional interest. Someone applying to a
marketing program might say: "My particular interests are in corpora=
te
identity and corporate responsibility. As an undergraduate research assista=
nt,
I studied the principles of corporate identity, both as a management issue =
and
as an academic discipline. This subject has grown significantly over the la=
st
decade. Currently I am investigating potential discrepancies between the ac=
tual
and the ideal identity of the organisation as
perceived by employees. University X's program in marketing management prov=
ides
the direction and environment in which I can pursue my work in corporate
identity." What experiences and qualifications do you hold? Some
universities may ask you to write about experiences and qualifications that=
you
have undergone which have led you to pursue your field of study. Any experi=
ence
can be stated as long as it is related to your subject area. It may be worth
noting key historic dates, which will help you place where you were. It is
important to look at major events here. Those that come readily to mind:
'' I want to study dentistry because….''
'' My passion has always been for dentistry''
This paragraph contains all the elements of a good introduction. It include=
s a
gripping statement that compels the reader to keep going. Once you have
established a good introduction, you are ready to think about your
qualifications and experiences in your subject area.
1. Whenever possible give the first sentence an interesting angle. Make s=
ure
the paragraph ends with a hook into your next topic.
Topic sentence about one of the ideas or categories mentioned in the
introductory paragraph.
1. Specific detail (action that supports the point)
2. Specific detail (action that supports the point)
3. Specific detail (action that supports the point)
1982
– Completed BSC (Hons) in English<=
span
style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>
1985
– Graduate Trainee Program – IBM
1987
– Marketing Manager
1999
– Meeting Mary and settling down
1989
– MA in Marketing Management
2001
– Marketing Manager for Foods Plc
2004
- Volunteer in homeless – decide to study medicine
You
can be creative in how you want to structure your personal statement. You c=
an
express your ideas in time spans, unless there are distinctive areas in your
life with unique experiences. This is not a recommended structure, and you
should just concentrate on a simple structure based on major events in your
life and integrate your experiences and qualifications. In regard to your
qualifications, it is important to talk around these and how each qualifica=
tion
has improved your critical thinking. It is important to remember--this is a
short personal statement, not an autobiography. Focus on your subject
experience, and be particular about each experience. If you are lacking
practical experience, demonstrate your interest and ability to study your
topic.
Remember
to keep the discussion personal. How much you revel about yourself is up to
you. Many students fall into the trap of keeping the reader at arms length.
Having reached the conclusion, admissions officers need to feel that they k=
now
more about you than when they started. Do not get lost in jargon. The spotl=
ight
of the personal statement should remain on you and your
accomplishments. A significant tool is to impart the information by showing
rather than telling. The fact that you have been swimming every day is
impressive, but what is more interesting is the inspiration behind it: the =
fact
that you had seen Olympic winner Mark Spitz and the reasons why he inspired
you.
Your goals in the future=
It is important to
outline your short and long-term goals; tell how the universities on the
application form can help you meet them.
What
are the reasons you are pursuing an MBA program?
Whenever I have se=
t a
goal in life, my mind has always drifted to the example set by Lester Wunderman. Growing up poor amidst the Great Depressio=
n, he
went on to become a marketing mastermind, responsible for innovative direct
media techniques such as the insert card and 'Gold Box.'
Wunderman was never content=
to
accept setbacks. When faced with a struggle, I have always sought to emulate
him by emerging from obstacles--not with a sense of defeat--but with a rene=
wed
sense of determination and greater problem-solving skills.
While at school, I
underwent a two-day hospital procedure that caused me to miss a considerable
amount of class; as a result, I fell behind in my studies and faced extensi=
ve
makeup work. I quickly made a vow, however, not to allow my schoolwork to
suffer. By spending many hours on my academics even while rebuilding my
physical health, I continued to excel in school, achieving straight A grades in my GCSE's. After graduation, I
decided to gain exposure to the insurance field, taking a position at Norwi=
ch
Union Insurance. As a sales advisor, I primarily generated insurance quotes.
After one year, I craved greater challenge, deciding to look for new
opportunities. Transferring to the travel section, I assumed the position of
Travel Executive, during which I performed many customer service tasks and
managed the distribution of insurance certificates. Yet, I still yearn=
ed for
more challenge, more risk, and more opportunity. After two years of service=
at
Norwich Union, I decided to enter the perpetually stimulating field of
business. However, I wanted to pursue a business career after gaining a
thorough mastery of the subject matter; therefore, I needed a university
degree. In June 2002, afte=
r much
hard work and intense focus, I graduated with Honours<=
/span>,
achieving a first class degree. After six months in a graduate Management
Trainee position, I knew that I wanted to perfect my knowledge; an MBA would
impart essential skills such as account analysis, stock valuing, and a sound
understanding of finance. During 2003, I imm=
ersed
myself in thorough preparations for business school, learning to write busi=
ness
plans, model businesses and carry out statistical tests. Through my
self-directed study and experience in the Management position, I'm thorough=
ly
familiar with the concepts behind strategy, marketing and operations. I now
wish to expand my proficiency in these areas on the MBA program. While an academic =
record
can reveal much about a person's character, illustrating traits such as
discipline, determination, and responsibility, it does not provide the comp=
lete
picture. Namely, grades and scores cannot detail lessons learned, challenges
met and victories achieved. Throughout my life, I have always sought greater
intellectual stimulation, and this search has typically entailed abandonmen=
t of
the familiar to pursue the unknown. In my business pursuits, I will continu=
e to
adopt this risk-taking approach and will not rest until I reach my maximum
level of accomplishment. By adopting the constructive, determined approach =
of
business wizards such as Wunderman, I have a mu=
ch
better chance of getting there. What do you hope to achieve in the
future? When I envision my=
life
five years from now, I imagine two possible scenarios. In the first, I am
standing in front of a boardroom of a profitable company, assisting executi=
ves
in solving a central challenge to their company's maximum functioning. The
other image could not be more different: in this vision, I am working to my
bolster my own fledgling business. Whichever route I
ultimately pursue, an MBA will endow me with the broad business acumen to
address the specific issues encountered in a broad range of positions.
Particularly, an MBA from At Postgraduate Personal Statements The first stage is=
to
identify the perfect university in terms of course, location, potential, and
cost. Secondly you need a winning formula to can include details of skills
developed in or outside employment. To maintain a clear focus on your selli=
ng
points, you need to tackle each question individually and make sure you
describe yourself in a way that does you justice. Prove you are what they a=
re
looking for. The application fo=
rm is
the foundation of your admission. While many application forms will ask for
similar information, some application forms will be more detailed than othe=
rs,
and you should pay careful attention to the questions they are asking. It is important to=
be
prepared so make a note of important deadlines to arrange suitable time to =
fill
in your application. You do not want to leave it until the night before! Fo=
r a
comprehensive guide to the admissions process please visit: =
MBA experience for
some useful information. Always end your personal statement on a high note =
so
that you leave the reader feeling positive. This
sample personal statement is a vivid, concise and readability and originali=
ty
will certainly gain the appreciation of an admissions officer. I
am fascinated with dentistry because I love to network and build computers.=
If
I spoke these words aloud, many people would scratch their heads and appear
confused. At first glance, this statement appears absurd. On a closer look,
however, it makes perfect sense. When
I work on computers, I must operate within a tiny space inside a computer
cache, taking extreme care to avoid damaging the delicate equipment. As a
dentist, I will also perform my duties within the smallest of spaces, using
tiny instruments on fragile surfaces. Of
course, there is a crucial distinction between building a computer and
providing dental care. While both fields allow me to employ my manual skill=
s,
only one has the significant interpersonal component that I seek in a caree=
r.
While I am grateful to the computer technician who corrects glitches in my
operating system, I have far more gratitude to the orthodontist who
straightened my teeth as a child. To
glimpse the daily duties of a dentist, I spent this summer actively acquiri=
ng
work experience in several branches of dentistry. For one month, I shadowed=
two
dentists in general practice, both offering NHS and private treatment. I le=
arnt
to make dentures by working with my orthodontist for two weeks and spent
several days observing activity at Orpington's =
Oral
and Maxillofacial department. I also attended dental lectures in a Medisix course held at These
experiences further convinced me that dentistry is the profession that
correctly combines my mechanical aptitude with my desire for interpersonal
interaction. Observing each dentist, I concluded that a common thread of sk=
ills
united them all, regardless of their speciality=
: each
dentist worked well on a team, exercised strong leadership skills and posse=
ssed
the ability to communicate clearly and precisely. Through
my volunteer activities, I have learned to connect with people from a varie=
ty
of ages and social backgrounds. Volunteering at a primary school, I used a
soothing tone and simple vocabulary to put children at ease. While working =
at a
home for disabled adults, I learned to gauge the emotional state of each
resident and tailor my conversational style and content appropriately. For
example, I discovered that thorough explanations often quelled the anxiety =
of
those who appeared nervous about a medical or personal situation. Having
attained three gold certificates in the National Mathematics Challenge, I h=
ave
the academic mettle to handle this demanding course. I also possess the
flexible mind required to adapt to new advances in the field. Whether earni=
ng a
bronze medal in a national competition as a brown belt in karate or playing
cricket for my sports team, I have readily embraced and excelled at new
challenges. Discussions
with undergraduate dental students have only reinforced my decision to purs=
ue dentistry.
I embrace the opportunity to put my communication, academic and mechanical
skills to use as I work to maintain the oral health of my patients. =
This
personal statement does an excellent job of presenting a unique candidate w=
ho
has experienced a lengthy and enriching personal growth process. After
working over one hundred hours a week for more than three months, I complet=
ed
the project to great success. I had worked hard on this difficult assignmen=
t;
on the surface, my job was going well. With an MA in Management and a coven=
ant
position with a Big Four accounting firm, I had impressive credentials. I h=
ad
also gained substantial experience working with information systems and
performing financial audits and reconciliations. Why,
then, was I not satisfied? Upon
entering my career, I had assumed that professional and financial success w=
ould
surely bring personal fulfilment. After some ti=
me,
however, I became frustrated because I did not enjoy my work. I decided to
interview for similar positions. During this process, however, reality hit =
me:
changing companies would not solve my problem because the entire career fie=
ld
did not meet my needs. This
realization triggered a process of self-searching that led me to medicine. =
This
decision did not come quickly or easily. After all, the commitment to provi=
de
others with healthcare is a serious decision for anyone, particularly someo=
ne
with an established career. As I examined my interests and goals, however, I
underwent a process of personal growth that has propelled me towards a care=
er
as a physician. Upon
examining my job responsibilities, I realised t=
hat I
enjoyed the problem-solving duties of my corporate career much more than the
specific subject matter. I had always worked hard to understand and communi=
cate
my company's line of business. Furthermore, my detailed programming and
financial analysis had identified many profitable opportunities for the com=
pany
amidst a constantly changing, complicated economy. Not
only did my preferred career emphasise problem
solving, but it also allowed me to work closely with others in a caretaking
role. When I examined my past, I observed a pattern of volunteer work and
leadership. Of
course, many careers would allow me to solve problems and benefit others. A
career in medicine will allow me to integrate thoroughly my passion for sci=
ence
into a public-service framework. Since childhood, I have loved acquiring
scientific knowledge, particularly involving biological processes. I also h=
ave
a keen interest in health care policy and public health; while serving as a
physician, I plan to pursue additional roles in these fields. My
colleagues at work have commented on my idealism. While many motivate
themselves with thoughts of maintaining a high salary or proving their worth
through achievements, I have sought to shed those goals in favour of provid=
ing
tangible health benefits to others. I have already had more fun than I dese=
rve;
I seek the long-term intellectual challenge and interpersonal rewards that
accompany work in the medical field. In
making this career transition, I must show evidence of the prolonged
commitment, intellectual maturity, and altruism required to excel in medical
school and as a physician. During my undergraduate studies, I displayed my
ability to juggle competing demands while still maintaining my academic foc=
us;
I have succeeded at school while volunteering part time, spending time with
family and friends, and working part-time. To better serve my expected pati=
ent
population, I plan to take some refresher Spanish classes while in medical
school. I
have come to discover that a job and even a good income, absent another
significant purpose, will not bring satisfaction. I plan to utilize my asse=
ts,
namely my problem- solving affinity, strong work ethic, and interpersonal
commitment, to craft a stimulating, personally rewarding career in medicine.
Fortunately, I have an opportunity to make a change, and I could not be more
grateful. I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences,=
and
goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for
advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career=
in
healthcare. The
process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it =
all,
I have never lost confidence-the confidence that I will actively absorb all
available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and em=
erge
from my training as a skilful and caring physician. Grammar & Style &nb=
sp; =
Li=
mit use
of long words: The
first mistake students make is to use very long words. There's nothing wrong
with long words, but if used inappropriately - long words can hinder your
application. Words such as functionality and methodology have their correct
uses. If you need a concise approach, think about using function and=
method. Us=
e a
combination of long and short sentences Sample
Personal Statements
Dentistry Sample
Doctor
Sample
Perfecting
your sentences is the most critical element of any personal statement. A go=
od
personal statement will contain a mixture of both long and short sentences.
Read your personal statement aloud, count how many words each sentence cont=
ains
and look to omit unnecessary words.
Ap=
ply -
Show, Don’t Tell rule (SDT)
One
law in writing is ‘Show Don’t Tell’ The rule is not always
obvious. Admissions officers don’t necessary believe what they are
told. So when you really need them to believe something, it's better =
to
show it to them rather than to tell them about it. A persuasive personal
statement convinces the reader.
‘I'll never forget how upset I felt after Sarah died. I =
was
sad.’
The
passage above names the feeling rather than showing what they felt. Wording=
can
be improved from changing "upset" to "distressed
Ge=
t your
grammar right!
Given
the importance of your personal statement, grammar and punctuation are
critical. Punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence or paragraph; it=
is
useful to be aware of the grammar and punctuation errors that frequently oc=
cur.
Please see our grammar
guide and get it right.
1.&n=
bsp;
Keep your sentences short and to the point.
2.&n=
bsp;
Every sentence begins with a capital letter and ends in a fall
stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
3.&n=
bsp;
Avoid using superfluous word
4.&n=
bsp;
Use simple words: for example, use instead of utilise/utilisation, sign(s) instead of=
signage,
link instead of linkage, and (as an adjective) local inst=
ead
of localised
5.&n=
bsp;
Use serial commas, those commas that are before the
“and” in a series.
6.&n=
bsp;
When using quotation marks, the comma and the period are placed
inside the closing quotation mark. The semicolon is placed outside the clos=
ing
quotation mark.
7.&n=
bsp;
Use one space after periods and colons (referred to as close
spacing). Word processing programs now incorporate proportional spacing, wh=
ich
typewriters did not, and this precludes the need for double spaces between
periods.
8.&n=
bsp;
Most words with “multi” (mult=
ipage,
multidisciplinary, multimedia) do NOT have a hyphen. This is also true for =
most
“non” words; nonnative, nontoxic,
9.&n=
bsp;
Use that for clauses that restrict the meaning of a
sentence; use which for clauses that provide additional information =
and
are not necessary to understand the sentence.
10.&=
nbsp;
Avoid the overuse of bold and italics to emphasize text. If
everything is in bold or italics, then nothing is being emphasised.
Just finished the
personal statement? Run the word count and panic sets in. Use these hints to
reduce your word count now!
You can normally de=
lete
the following without changing the meaning of the paragraph
‘’amazi=
ng,
fantastic, nice, terrific, cohort, context, interaction, materialise,
syndrome, pretty, ambience, wanted, really, very, believe, always, honestly,
seriously, confidentially, personally, surprisingly, even, for my sake, as =
much
as possible, even, only, concerned, why, where, who, what, how, if, ideally,
economically, officially, obviously, clearly, surely, undoubtedly, to concl=
ude,
conclusion, introduce, knew, surprised, therefore, however, moreover and
Illustrating’’
· =
Remove "that" - unless it's necessary
· =
Reword sentences containing "and, I, the, he, she, his, a=
nd
her,"
· =
Delete adverbs ("ly" end=
ings,)
· =
Amend using the ending "ing.&=
quot;
· =
Delete "just" and "so."
· =
Erase "was" and "were" (These normally make
the sentence passive and you should not have more than 2% in one
document).
The
advice of other readers is invaluable as you build and improve your essay. =
Goo=
d luck
and happy writing.