UCAS personal statements: “So many are now written, polished, edited, co-created by advisers, teachers and parents and not students themselves”
At today’s (16 Feb) “CONNECTING THE WORLD TO UK HE” event, UCAS forecast the shape of the sector over the next five years, with the first look at January equal consideration deadline data, ahead of publication, and what it means for the 2022 cycle.
They also provided an overview of their new postgraduate platform for international students, Myriad by UCAS, and heard the very latest perspective from Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Higher and Further Education about the future direction of travel for HE.
Commenting on remarks made by Michelle Donelan about UCAS personal statements,
Lee Elliot Major, Professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, said:
“It’s great that the Universities Minister supports a review of personal statements in university admissions.
“So many are now written, polished, edited, co-created by advisers, teachers and parents and not students themselves, amid growing skepticism in universities over their usefulness.
“Reforming personal statements is a key part of levelling the playing field in university selection, removing systematic disadvantages faced by poorer applicants.”
The UCAS application process is often given much preparation and support, compared with any others and is often seen as a learning opportunity to summarise, write succinctly effectively and accurately.
This takes time and often results in students having to rewrite with support as with any learning process.
When College and School Sixth Forms are asked to supply stats of progression to University (Apprenticeships are left out of the equation, even though linked with university studies) – that is part of the problem with asking staff to encourage other routes, not just mention often routes more relevant and appropriate to future aspirations of the student.
Time for Colleges and Schools to be proud that they have done their best to ensure students progress according to their interests and abilities, not just as data fodder.