We have devised some helpful advice and guidance on how to write a strong statement: to include their plans for the future and what the applicant hopes to do once they’ve completed their studies i.e. once completed will it help them to obtain a better job, earn a higher salary or start his own business. If called up for an interview they will be asked to explain exactly how studying the proposed course in the UK will benefit their future career plans.
What is a personal statement?
A personal statement is a written essay normally required from student to express and articulate their zeal for the desired course, why they think the course can further be integrated into the experience you possess
If you’re applying for an apprenticeship – you probably won’t need to write a personal statement, but you’ll need to prepare a CV.
What to write about
This is totally about you telling the admissions officer about yourself academic wise as it relates to the subject. It entail why you think you are suitable and qualified for the university or college.
It important to remember a student can write more than one personal statement especially in situation has multiple choice of fields (e.g Biomedical Science and Nursing). Student should avoid mentioning institutions by name in their personal statement except if the target university demand that you do so.
Writing a strong statement of purpose:
Why the University?
Choosing a University is very important as one plan to study. Making a choice of school depends on what you have in mind to study as you are looking into the future. Here, one should be able to tell if the school is your career course inclined or perhaps has graduated students on the same line of your choice, with good testimonies, that is if the school is not a newly launched one. On the other hand, you could be inclined to the university ranking, however, that is not the most important thing to look out for, what is important is the course ranking.
Your choice of school should be able to meet up with facilities for the success of your career or study line. In the same vein, how expensive, or cheap a school is should not be the priority.
In addition, the physical. It is worth mentioning that mere structure or appearance of a school does not guarantee a successful learning center.
- Outlining career goals:
Your career goals are the achievements attached to your profession. What you stand to obtain as you embark on a particular line of study, one must have understood his or her goals in life before making a choice to be sure he’s on the right track. Some questions to answer includes, why the career worth giving your time and energy? Why is it worth investing your resources? And so on.
We live in a world of every moment advancement in high technology. Whatever career on embarks on should make such a person useful. Whatever career one embarks on should makes you useful and relevant to the world. Your career goals and choices should make you a global citizen.
- How is the course related to their career goals and how will it help them achieve it?
Your career is part of your vision. The course you study today has the ability to set you on the right or wrong platform. Do what makes you happy, not just happy but what makes you better than who you were. It is best to choose a course today that will solve the problems of your career tomorrow.
- What is their motivation
The motivation of any student should be oneself and the vision that lies ahead. Your present circumstances does not define who you are, neither does it determine your future. A popular saying asserts that “Where the mind can go, the man can go”. Therefore, every student should believe that education is first achieved from the inside; your thought, determination, commitment, passion, self-worth and then deliberate action. Once it is from the inside, then it can be acquired through academics (What you are taught)
- Post Study Plan
A prospective student should be able to express him/herself clearly where they see themselves in the coming years and what they intend to do with the degree acquired. They should try as much not to be vague and too specific
Financing your studies
I will start by saying whatever is valuable should cost us our resources and most especially our time. Financing your studies abroad is 80 – 85% of the entire process. It absolutely impossible to think about study abroad without money. Financing your studies can be done by oneself by sponsor (State or Federal Government, Employer, Parent and or family etc.)
One this note, student should be able to have at least 60% of their tuition fee in the first instance and a bank statement that shows a student has what it takes to balance up their fee and also sustain their stay while in school abroad.
Tuition payment plan
For every school or rather most schools due to the cost of academics. There is a chance to pay tuition fees in up to 7 installments in some schools, provide you have made payment of at least 60% on enrolment. More so, payment in full in usually preferable or perhaps recommendable when it is available.
Work study plans
Working while studying is a nice deal. But always remember that the opportunity to work while you study does not apply to all courses. For instance, a student who is in the UK for a pathway program (Undergraduate Foundation or Masters Foundation) or College program like IGCSE or A levels do not qualify for a part-time job while studying because of the program they are into is intensive which as result, their success in the program could not be traded with a part-time job whatsoever. One the other hand age is determinant to not work while studying especially for the college students who are considered to be minor.
The good news is, students on direct year one undergraduate or direct Masters have on their visa opportunity to work 20hrs every week. This brings us to the newly introduced Post Study work Visa (PSWV) by the UK government. With this, students who undergone and completed an undergraduate or Master’s Program can apply and stay for a period of 2 years in search of jobs in the UK.
Managing your finances as an International Student
Managing your finances is very important because unnecessary expenditure may likely affect your stay. The institution has already put this into consideration by giving a breakdown on what you need to hold ranging from tuition fee balance and living expense as it is reflected in the bank statement. With this, an estimated daily minimum expenditure has been put together to arrive at the living expense total.
In addition, having more than required is highly recommended for those who have a very high standard of living. As a student also, your cost of living should not be too high but average so that you can have a conducive and successful learning environment
