What specific qualities, experiences or reflections should Access to HE students focus on in their personal statement to make a strong impression?

When students are writing their personal statement, they should tail these towards the specific profession they are applying for. And through the personal statement, we are looking for relevant understanding and knowledge about what the profession is and what it entails. We're also looking for the student to have relevant experience and transferable skills that they can link to the specific profession. And these could be things like team working and communication skills. It's also really important for the students to demonstrate these skills through providing examples rather than just saying that they have them. The experience doesn't just need to be experience they've had as part of a placement. It could also involve thinking outside the box, and this could include things like being part of a sports team and also part-time work that they've had. It's also important not to overlook online opportunities with relevant professional bodies and charities.

Sometimes students feel pressured to only talk about formal placements, but what you’re saying is that everyday experiences – whether that’s being in a sports team, doing part-time work, or even engaging with online opportunities – can all demonstrate those transferable skills. So it’s less about listing achievements, and more about showing, with examples, how those experiences connect back to the profession they want to study.