Need to come up with some stuff that'll sound great for my uni application. Any suggestions?

Question

Applying for Art Foundation, need to write a personal statement.

I know what you're meant to include on a personal statement (why you wanna do this, what you're good at etc), but I don't know what else I should add that'll make it sound really great, and like I'm totally passionate about art. Art foundations are difficult to get into, so I need my personal statement to sound particularly good!

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'm an admissions tutor (not on an art course) and this is what we look for:

Does the candidate actually  know what the course is about? Show that you're interested in aspects of what's offered - perhaps by saying if you've been to galleries or exhibitions relevant to what's on offer and relating this back to the course content.

Show that you're passionate about art by saying both what you've done at school and any art you make or study in your spare time

Mention any classical or contemporary artists whose work you particularly admire and say why

Don't tell fibs with any of the above - if you get caught out; you're out; full stop

If you've done any relevant work experience mention that - if you haven't then set some up and mention this in your application

Make sure your application is perfectly spelled. Many are rejected for being semi-illiterate!

Answer 2

Whatever you do, don't go over the top. You probably haven't thought about this, but whilst they do want passion and enthusiasm, what they really want is a well-written, formal personal statement, combined with a good reference and good grades. They don't want completely pointless sentences saying "oh my god I love art" or whatever (I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean).

The best way to prove that you're passionate is to talk about any artwork you do out of school or college. Talk about which areas of art you're interested in, and what you especially like to do. But don't forget to tell them about other hobbies you have - they'll want you less if you're completely single-minded and have no other interests.

The most impressive personal statement is well-phrased, unarrogant and politely enthusiastic. Oh, and remember to proof-read it several times!

Answer 3

If you can, without fibbing, include some activity that is totally different from the course you're applying for.  Probably every applicant will show, or try to show, that they're passionate about art, so include something that others may not have done.

I knew someone who was applying for a job with accountants; she had all the qualifications (as had everyone else) but she'd also done some archaeology which she mentioned on her application.  The interviewers only asked her about the dig she was on, nothing else!  It was just so different that it caught their eye.  She got the job!

Answer 4

Explaining your passion for art is worthwhile in your statement...it could enable you to further explain why you would like to be accepted onto your choice of course.

Also try and include any 'extra' things you do in your spare time or social life. For example, do you do any volunteer work? Do you have any interests aside from art? Don't be afraid to talk yourself up!!

Remember that the people you are writing your statement for will have 3 questions

.Do we want this individual on this course

.Do we want this individual at our uni

.Will this individual be successful and happy both on campus and on their course