UCAS Application/Personal Statement

[3andnogore]

I can't seem to get this even started....I am going to apply for OT and Socialwork and well, I have seem to have lost any ability to write anything about myself....sigh....

How did otehrs attack this?

I can send you mine for 'pointers' !!!

( mine was nursing- but will give you a base to do yours on)

oh that would be great...as I'm seriously lacking any inspiration right now...

god, how will that be when I actually study and have to write Essays and the likes...lol...the course I am doing right now, better be good to prepare me properly, lol!

my E-mail is
[email protected]

Just wodnering now...seeing as I am applying for 2 different courses (OT and Social work)...do I keep it very open or do I mention why I would enjoy either of those careers equally but because of different points related to the work?

Can you apply through UCAS for different courses? I thought that you could only apply for one course but to multiple unis??

( I may be wrong)

be warned universities dont like you applying for different courses, apparently it shows a lack of committment (this is from the head of admissions at my uni and my previous access lecturer) we were warned against it (i wanted to apply for nursing and midwifery).

Mossy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hm...well, the OT Lady (that I spoke to at the Open Day) said that she would not hold it agaisnt me
I mean, if I was offered both, I would choose OT hands down...however...not many Universities offer an OT course...and tbh, this University is the only viable option for me, so, I would really limit myself...i.e. 1 course at 1 University....and am to chicken for this, sigh...although she was very positive that I would get a place....BUT....iykwim.
However, I can see how it could look a bit uncommitted.
Thing is with OT, I jsut like the lot, with Social Work, I know there will be certain areas 9that are thriving right now) that I would be very interested in working in ...hohum....what to do
Obvioulsy I don't want tehm to think that I don't take it serious

anymore thoughts????

Well...been doing some thinking...and have decided just to apply for the 1 OT course, now...will make writing that personal statement easier, I suppose...I just am so scared because this limits my chances so much....wish there was more Unis nearby that did OT, sigh.....

Just happened to notice this thread today, I applied for OT degree through UCAS, only one London Uni offers full time. I was turned down point blank within 2 days!!! I didn't have recent relevant study, I'm doing an OU course but subject matter not relevant enough. I'm now going to have to do an access course and reapply next year. Could I ask if you did an access course or are you entering by a different route? You could apply to Uni directly you know especially if a mature student, you don't have to go through UCAS.

3andnogore, what happened? If you don't get offered a place on your 1 OT course choice, there's still the option of UCAS extra - do they still do that? - where you can apply for another 5 places if you don't get any offers the first time.

Hi,
thornrose, I went to the Uni's Open day and the OT Lecturer there told me, that as I am a qualified Nurse (not registred anymore) that I have good chances, and that she would take me on if I do a Study Skills for academic success course (CfAP)...which teaches you all relevent study skills, like how to write an essay and stuff...and I am doing that course right now.
Have send my Application off recently, and Uni has it now, but will have to wait and see now what happens...I am hoping I hear soon!
You can only apply to the Uni direcly if you go down the part time study route...but I suppose it depends from Uni to Uni!

Fluffy, I could only apply to 1 Uni, because not many Unis even offer the course, and it's only this one which would be within a reasonable distance. I showed my CfAP Course tutor my personal statement and she deemed it as very good and thinks it should get me an Interview. Lets hope so!
My tuor also told me to tell them that she thinks I would do very good in a degree course, as she thinks I am a natural student and I got an A- on my first essay. Twas a very interesting Subject though (assisted suicide legal and ethical issues surrounding it), so, easy to get stuck in.
Must say, now I am freaking out, because we just got a choice of subjects for the next essay, to be handed in in January...and the only one appealing at all to me is about communicationskills and if they are important within Nursing...obviously havng done well in my last Essay I now feel I have to do well in this one. Almost wish I had a B or C in my last one, would be easier to improve then, lol!
Anyway, am rambling as usual!
If I don't get taken on teh course I will return into Nursing and hope for the best, lol!

Incase anyone is interested, lol...I have gotten an invitation to a mandatory Selection Day at the University...wohoo...one step closer

Not sure if anyone is still around but can I hijack this thread please?

I applied as a mature student to study OT last year and got a place down south but my circumstances changed and I was unable to take my place. I have talked it through with DP and am going to apply for the uni near me which also offers it. The only problem is the applications are due in 4 days. Eeeek!!

My main problems are:

Personal statement - I did some OT observations last year and put myself through an (unrelated) exam at work but the exam was 3 years ago now. Would this be enough to show "recent study" considering I had no help with this exam, chose to do it and paid for it myself and had to self motivate?

Reference: - I left my job in November and am currently not working. I used to work for a large company whos policy was that managers were not permitted to provide employees with personal references. However the only person I can ask who would be suitable would be my old manager who is also a sort of friend. I have e-mailed him via FB and am waiting for him to reply but what if he says no. Who else could I ask as I worked for this company for four years?

Any advice at all would be fab!

Thanks!!

notalone, contact UCAS abnd ask about teh reference stuff...

I know all Universities have slightly different procedures, but the Northampton one would offer you a place if they think you are the right person, and maybe just put some conditions to fulfill before the course actually starts, like if they feel you need better preparation and recent study, they may advice you to do a study skills course, etc...!
Might be worth contacting the University and ask at admissions....

Thanks 3andnomore - my old manager has agreed to do it so thats one weight off my mind. Phew!

Its just the personal statement I need to tackle now. Eeek!

Have you saved your other Personal Statement? It must have been good enough, if it got you an offer of a Place last time....

A very helpful MNner send me her Personal Statement (she applied for Nursing) and that did really help me getting an idea, etc...
so, if you like I could E-mail you mine,it might give you some ideas of what you could put....just leave your E-mail addi on here and I would send it to you.

I dont mind emailing my PS ( nursing though- but gives a good idea how to structure it)

it was tiredemma who send me hers...and it is an excellent personal statement

Ah thankyou.

I can't beleive I forgot I posted this. I'm going to make a great student with a brain like this lol.

Thanks for all your replies. I finlly got my statement in. I think it is ok (touch wood!) and pretty similar to the one I did last year. My old manager - bless him - gave me a fantastic reference, so fingers crossed!!!

Thanks and good luck to anyone else applying this year too

Best of luck to you!
I had a letter through the post today, and I have been offered a place on the Occupational Therapy degree course for September....whoopee Am so chuffed about it

3andnomore - that is fabulous news!! Well done you!! Where will you be studying? I have applied for Sheffield but they are supposed to be really strict about who they say yes to so am not counting any chickens yet

I am going to go to Northampton University.