Personal Statments

[piffle123]

Point of confusion for DS who doesn't seem to be able to get a clear answer from his 6th tutors.
He wants to study Maritime Business at university but only 2 places offer it (Solent and Plymouth). Therefore as a fall back he will also apply to do Business Management at 3 other places.

However he is unsure how to tailor his PS as the Martime Business aspect will only be relevant to the preferred 2 of his choices.

Does he leave the specifics about MB in his statement or should he write a more generic one?
My feeling is it should be tailored as this is the course he really wants to do but he's not sure what to do.

He can do both. Talk about why Business. Then say he is interested in a career in Marine and feels a Business degree alongside this interest (experience?) in marine will give him a solid base from which to start such a career.

Why narrow down what you learn? I would keep it broad and aim higher. So business should be his focus on the ps. Mention interest in maritime. Maritime is secondary. What do employment stats look like? Does everyone work for a maritime company with the degree?

I agree with titchy but I’m no admissions officer! I’d tailor it to the course he desires and absolutely highlight his interest maritime business and why. The other universities won’t mind one iota that he’s interested in maritime as it’s still business. I think they’ll love the fact he’s a bit different and has passion.

Does anyone think the universities mentioned will read it? They are not selective universities. More bums on seats recruiting ones.

Good point @TizerorFizz
Always hard to know who does & doesn’t so they have to write a decent one just incase. Where is he applying to for the regular Business Management @piffle123

@NotDonna
I am not saying don’t bother but some universities do say they only use them as a tie breaker. So it’s worth looking at what they say. It’s pretty easy to say why you want a course and how you have prepared for it. It’s best to just add a bit in about marine business being an interest but I would not write the whole PS around that.

I would question whether putting all eggs in the marine basket is a good idea. Surely general business keeps so many doors open? Including marine companies.

For those universities they will probably take most applicants so as he is likely to be getting into his first choices either concentrate on his preferred subject or else do as titchy says.

Its a good practice for job applications. Read carefully what is on the course descriptions, any indication of what they are looking for in a student, and consider why the course appeals. If they are looking for specific qualities, evidence them.

Then merge what is needed for the five courses. If any of them are over subscribed and are using PS' as a filter, you will have ticked the boxes they want ticked so should score well.