Personal Statement For Direct Entry Or Foreign Admission – How To Write It
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Do you know that a strong personal statement can give you an edge when applying for admission through direct entry in Nigeria or foreign admission?
Some students write a personal statement like an essay or CV; however, a personal statement has its own format and way of writing.
Whether you are applying for a scholarship or admission to foreign universities in the uk, Canada, Europe, etc or through direct entry into any Nigerian university, how you write and structure your personal statement can either make or break your chances of being considered.
Here I will share how to write a personal statement for direct entry or foreign admission, to help you in writing a strong and compelling personal statement for your applications.
But First, Let’s Get To Know What A Personal Statement Is Exactly
A personal statement is a document or a written summary that explains who you are, what you have done, and why you are a strong candidate who should be chosen for the course or program you are applying for.
In a personal statement, a candidate gets the chance to tell their academic story, express their passion for the course they are applying for, give details about their skills, background and potential, and state what makes them a strong candidate for admission.
Now that we understand what a personal statement is, let’s examine the essential elements that should be included in a strong personal statement.
Section One: Introduction
The first part of a personal statement is the introduction. This part needs to be engaging; it should start with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. You can start with a brief personal story or anything that reflects your passion for the course. Then, state your name (in full), your academic background, the course you are applying for, and why.
For Example, You Can Strat With Something Like This
Growing up, I have always love calculations and anything that has to do with money. This curiosity has evolved into a deep passion for anything that relates to banking , accounting and how to solve problems for people.
Section Two: Academic Background
In this part of the personal statement, you get to talk about your past education, what you studied, the levels you have completed and projects you have done( if applicable).
For example
- You mention academic qualifications you have attained before, like a diploma, A levels, NCE, etc.
- Mention your academic performance in those areas
- Explain how past education prepared you for the course you are applying for
Section Three: Express Your Passion For The Course
In this section, you get answers to questions like, Why do you want to study the course you are applying for. What stirs your interest in the course? Why are you so passionate about the course? Do you have prior knowledge of the course?
You can mention anything that has shaped your interest and passion for the course. It could be books, experiences, mentors, challenges, internships or personal goals.
Section Four: Mention Relevant Skills And Experiences
In this section, you have mentioned the skills that you have that align with the course or program you are applying for. Your experiences can include volunteer work you have done in the past, internships, jobs, leadership positions in school or any organisation, or extracurricular activities.
Section Five: Why You Choose The University
In this section, you need to express what made you choose the institution you are applying to study at. The university wants to know what made you choose them among others.
This can include what you like about the university, its curriculum, the lecturers or professors, facilities, etc., and if it is a foreign institution, you need to state why you chose the country.
Section Six: State Your Career and Goals
For this part, you need to picture the future, after completing the course, where do you see yourself, and how will the course you are applying for benefit your career goals?
For example
My long-term goal is to become a diplomat working with the United Nations to improve relations between member states and countries around the world. I believe studying international relations at the University of Nigeria will give me the academic knowledge I need to pursue this goal.
Section Seven: Conclusion
This is where you summarise everything. Your conclusion should end on a strong note with a summary of your goals, passion, reaffirmation, and how confident you are that you are a strong candidate for the course
5 Tips To Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out
- You should stick to the word count when writing
- Be specific with your information, don’t make claims, and give real information
- Make use of formal language and tone when writing
- Proofread your work after writing to correct any errors
- Use active voice when writing
- Make it clear and easy to understand
Conclusion
Don’t forget that each section of a personal statement is important and should be written with real information, not claims. It is also advisable to visit the school website or page to know the exact requirements and information you need to provide in your personal statement before writing
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to drop them in the comment section.