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Higher education

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UCAS application - personal statement

5 replies

Socrossrightnow · 01/12/2025 16:15

My son sat his Alevels last year. He really struggled during the course with his mental health that was compounded when his Dad was diagnosed with Cancer. The treatment was brutal and my son really found it very traumatic. I wasn't sure if he would sit the exams but he did and gained 96 points. Not the best results but there are options on courses he wants to do but might need to a foundation year. What I wanted to know was would it be appropriate to add anything in his personal statement about his father’s diagnosis or would this not be considered unnecessary. I just think that it explains how hard he worked. Thoughts please.

OP posts:
VanCleefArpels · 01/12/2025 18:32

Unless the courses are highly competitive (which, kindly, at that kind of entry requirement are not likely to be) the PS is highly unlikely to be read, applicants with the required grades / Predictions will be made offers. The PS should focus on why the applicant wants to do that course, and what wider reading / work experience etc they have which demonstrates an interest.

rachrose8 · 01/12/2025 18:35

The person writing the reference is able to fill in a section about special circumstances I think.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 01/12/2025 18:45

My dd has been accepted on to the degree she wants to do with about the same amount of points, she did write a good personal statement.

It included lots of details on why she wanted to the course and what she’s been doing on her year out (relevant to the course.)

I would think the stuff with his dad would be worth including but I’m not sure the personal statement is the place to put it iyswim.

cinnamontreat767 · 02/12/2025 02:03

This information will go into the reference section. There is a section about the extenuating circumstances. Connect with the school official and explain that you would like to make sure it is added.

poetryandwine · 02/12/2025 07:55

Definitely make sure the referee knows about this, OP. They will know the appropriate way to discuss it.

It would be a good idea for DS to put it into his written summary for them, or ask a teacher to do so.

Best wishes to him

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