Preparing Your Personal Statement

Submission of a personal statement offers the opportunity to shed more light on your personality,
character and suitability for the course you are applying to. The information we are looking for
should add clarity, richness and meaning to the information you have already provided in your
application.

Take your time in preparing your statement and think about what you would like to write about, how
you would like to come across but most importantly, be honest when writing it.

This is what you should consider covering:

Who are you and where do you come from? How has your background and experiences
shaped you as a person?
Why are you applying to RCSI and for your chosen course? Why does it interest you?
Articulate your understanding of life as an RCSI student and as a professional in your
chosen career path.
Why do you think you are suitable for your chosen course? Do you have any particular skills
that will help you succeed?
Have you taken part in any activities or volunteering activities that supports your interest
and commitment to the course?
Think of any achievements you are proud of, positions of responsibility that you hold or have
held both in and out of school and attributes that make you unique and special.
Make a list of all your hobbies, interests and social activities. Think about how they
demonstrate your personality, skills, and abilities and how they may strengthen your
application.
Include details of jobs, work experiences, volunteering activities, particularly if they are
relevant to your chosen course.
If you are a Mature or Graduate student, elaborate on your CV and life experiences since
you left school. Have you, for instance, been working, carrying out research or completing a
post graduate course?

Tips on how to write your personal statement

There is no fixed structure or formula you should follow but here are some simple tips to assist you:
Start early: allow time for reflection, preparation and revision
Structure your statement to contain:
An Introduction provide a general introduction to yourself
Body organise your text to reflect your experiences, skills, interests and qualities
A Conclusion reinforce your commitment to your chosen course and your enthusiasm
about joining RCSI
Use a natural style, presenting your ideas in a structured and meaningful manner
Proof read and edit until you are happy that the structure, grammar, spelling and
punctuation are correct.
Keep your text to a maximum of 2 pages, with double line space