EditAngels: Writing Guidance
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a very important part of the admission process and so should not be overlooked. More and more universities rely upon your statement in place of the interview as a means of assessing your attitude. They want to get to know you as a person as well as a student and so your statement is a window to what makes you tick. Make sure that it is a true reflection of you. It is an opportunity to demonstrate attributes that are not obvious from your application form or your grades alone such as your intellectual curiosity, what motivates you and your outlook on life.
Never be tempted to over-embellish your achievements. If you try to be someone else, it will be obvious to the admission officers. Even if you haven’t scaled Everest or spent all of your spare time volunteering, you can still create a positive impression. Speak from the heart using your own words and phrases. Clearly state why studying at university is important to you and set out your goals for future achievement.
Make your essay stand out by taking a creative approach to writing about
yourself. Often your first thoughts about how to evidence a particular
life choice will be the same as everyone else so be sure to take that
extra bit of time to explain it in a different and more original way.
Try and take a step back and objectively review your qualities then make
certain that your statement focuses on these. Have your overcome adversity
or encouraged and guided others? Have you had a moment when you realised
why you enjoy your subject? Tell the story around these experiences. Universities
want mature, committed and determined students who are able to demonstrate
original thought. Be sure to show how you fit their criteria.
Scientific Journal
By following a few simple rules you can improve your chances of getting your research published. Journals want to publish good research irrespective of the outcome. There is never a guarantee to getting published but if you have designed and carried out quality experiments and written up your findings in the correct way your work is publishable.
Always set out a hypothesis for testing and make sure your argument is clear and easy to read. Never assume that the reader will understand your choices so make sure every detail is covered such as why you chose a particular sample size or method of analysis. Be meticulous about every aspect of your writing particularly the Materials and Methods and Results sections. Choose the graphical representation of your results very carefully to avoid the inclusion of too much data. You don’t have to show all of your results in one figure, just the ones that are pertinent to your findings.
Never rush the writing of a paper and always seek guidance from others.
No matter how accomplished you are others will be able to pick up errors
that you have missed so use a professional editor or a very experienced
colleague. Return to your work after a few days and you will be amazed
at how you can see new ways of improving it. If you take that extra bit
of time and guidance you will improve your chances of success.