5 things admissions officers at Trinity College Dublin look for in an application

5 things admissions officers at Trinity College Dublin look for in an application

Considering studying in Ireland ? If so, it’s likely that Trinity College Dublin has caught your eye as one of the most popular destinations for international students.

With its vast array of courses, incredible facilities and stunning historical campus, the university has an impressive amount to offer. But with real competition for places, what is it that admissions officers are looking for in prospective students’ applications.

I caught up with Trinity College Dublin to find out what they’re on the lookout for in their applicants at the moment. Here’s the top five things to keep in mind.

Table of Contents

  • English Language proficiency is essential
  • Your personal statement is important
  • Take into account additional assessment criteria
  • You must meet the minimum requirements for admission
  • Undergraduate module grades are important for postgraduate applicants

1. English Language proficiency is essential

English Language testing forms an important part of the application process for international students. It’s important that the university knows that you will be comfortable and confident studying and being assessed in a different language.

Standardised English Language Proficiency Tests, either IELTS or TOEFL , and two academic letters of recognition are mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate applications at Trinity.

2. Your personal statement is important

Your personal statement is an integral part of your application as it adds character to your academic qualifications. 

Trinity College Dublin assesses students’ motivation through the statement to make sure they have put in the required level of research to make an informed decision when applying.

Brushing up on your knowledge of the subject, on the things that interest and fascinate you about the course you’re applying for and the academics you’d most like to learn from are great places to start with this.  Taking the time to make sure your personal statement is perfect is an important part of the process too.

3. Take into account additional assessment criteria

Some courses will require you to complete and excel in additional assessments, especially at postgraduate level.

At Trinity, this can include the GMAT, an online programming test for some MSc programmes and interviews either by video or phone. 

Preparing for these additional assessments are an integral part of your application, and are used to determine your suitability for the programme.

4. You must meet the minimum requirements for admission

Unfortunately this is one of the most important parts of applying at a competitive university or for an in-demand course. Meeting the specific requirements for the programme of your choice is an essential part of your application.

Working hard and securing those grades, to match your passion for your course, is an important stepping stone to studying at Trinity College Dublin.

5. Undergraduate module grades are important for postgraduate applicants

Postgraduate applications are reviewed far more rigorously due to the competition for places. The standing of your undergraduate institution is taken into account when applying, using a range of rankings both domestically and internationally.

But performance in individual modules that are relevant to the programme you’re applying to are considered too. Your bachelor degree also needs to be equivalent to a 2:1 in Ireland.

Interested in studying abroad? Find out more about Dublin as a study abroad destination , and explore Trinity College Dublin’s courses on our website.

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Ll.m. applications: the personal statement.

LL.M. Applications: The Personal Statement

The personal statement can be a daunting part of the LL.M. application process—what to write, and how to write it? Here are some tips from admissions officials to help guide you through the process.

While it’s only one of many elements going into an LL.M. application, the personal statement can be a tricky one to master. 

Many law schools are not very specific about the requirements for the personal statement, aside from word count. Georgetown University Law Center, for instance, asks applicants to describe their background, goals, and reasons for applying to the program; Stanford is looking for information about the applicant’s experience in legal practice, interest in graduate study, and professional goals.

“To be honest we are purposefully broad in our description because we want applicants to have the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they see fit,” says Justin Swinsick, director of graduate admissions at Georgetown. 

“However, applicants should think about what they would say to the admissions committee if they were sat in front of them and had the chance to highlight the very best things about themselves and how the program and school will take them where they want to go.”  

Other law schools are more explicit; Northwestern asks applicants to answer two essay questions, while Harvard requires a two-part statement—one addressing a theoretical framework or analysis to a current legal problem, and another that says something about the applicant’s motivations for the LL.M. and how it relates to his/her future plans.

This year, University of Pennsylvania also updated its personal statement requirement to include a bit more guidance, calling for a statement of no more than two pages, and specifically recommending that the applicant avoid repeating his/her CV. 

For some schools, like Trinity College Dublin, the personal statement is optional; around 10 to 15 percent of each year’s pool of applicants sends one as part of their applications, according to Kelley McCabe, senior executive officer of the School of Law at Trinity.

“We’re looking for further insight into the applicant's current research interests and their career plans and goals for the future,” she says. “But we focus mostly on academic transcripts, the two academic references and the applicant's CV.”

“These documents give us a holistic picture of the applicant.” 

Tackling the LL.M. personal statement

One of the cornerstone pieces of advice is: be specific. Admissions officers read many personal statements, and you want yours to stand out in their memories. 

“Spend some time really thinking about why you want to get an LL.M.” and why that specific program fits this reason, says Elise Kraemer, director of graduate programs at UPenn.

Be honest and open about yourself; you could be moved to write about an inspirational figure in your life, an important event, or even about the school itself—which is fine, as long as you direct the statement back to you, Georgetown’s Swinsick recommends. 

Kraemer agrees: “Although a personal and/or family stories can be moving, if you use one, be sure that it directly supports your application.”

Sometimes, a well-justified directness can pay off. Swinsick says one applicant start her statement by writing that she wanted to pursue an LL.M. in order to make as much money as possible. “This was certainly an unusual way to start and played into negative stereotypes of why one pursues legal education,” Swinsick recalls. But she went on to tie this into how she planned to leverage her legal studies, career and financial success into bringing help and visibility to problems plaguing her community in a developing country.  

“It was very well written, highlighted her best qualities, and tied together why she wanted to pursue the program and why Georgetown’s program in particular would help her achieve her goals.” 

Mistakes to avoid in your personal statement

While it’s a good thing to be personal, don’t overdo it either. “Some of the more colorful statements I have read entail very personal details that usually would only be shared with clergy, partners or close personal friends,” Swinsick says.

And polish is key: proofread, check your word limit, and make sure it looks as professional as possible. For Kraemer, a minor typographical or grammatical error—especially from non-native speakers—is not a deal-breaker, but a statement that is “poorly written or contains unprofessional content” can be. 

“Take some time to work on it,” Kraemer says. “Don’t leave it to the last minute.”

And the resounding consensus from every law school is: always, always check the name of the school at the top of the page. Every year, every admission committee receives personal statements addressed to the wrong school. “I tend to be relatively forgiving on this one, but it never looks good,” Kraemer says. 

How much does your personal statement matter?

The value of the personal statement can vary from school to school, but in general, a strong one can significantly bolster the merit of an application. 

“It’s the only communication that we receive in the applicant’s own voice and is one of the best ways for the committee to ‘get to know’ the person applying,” says Kraemer. “It is not uncommon for a personal statement to have a significant impact on how we evaluate a candidate—a particularly strong or weak statement can be determinative.”

It can also afford an opportunity for the applicant to explain or put in context to the admissions committee a negative element of their application—a poor grade or language score, for instance. And this effort will show; an applicant that puts time and thought into their personal statement shows that they are serious about pursuing graduate legal education, Swinsick says.

“A personal statement is just that—personal,” says McCabe. “It gives the admissions committee a sense of who the applicant is so, when writing it, they should be true to themselves.”

LL.M. personal statement quick tips

  • Be specific. Address why you want to get an LL.M. and your career goals.
  • Be honest, about your background and the reasons for applying for an LL.M.
  • Address any negative elements of your application, such as a low TOEFL or ITELTS score.
  • Make sure to proofread your personal statement and check your word count.
  • Make sure that you've addressed the statement to the right law school.

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TCD Personal Statement?

Hi all, I’m well aware that the Republic of Ireland is not a member of the United Kingdom, but I couldn’t find anywhere better to post this. I’m applying to Trinity College, Dublin as an American and am struggling a little bit with writing my Personal Statement. I’ve never really had to write a Personal Statement before, and so I’m struggling with how exactly to write it. Is it supposed to be formal? Do I mention my qualifications at all? Is it supposed to be anything like the Why St. Andrews essay on the Common App? Any tips for writing the PS and tips for applying would be appreciated please! Have a nice day!

You might find this helpful:

https://www.tcd.ie/Careers/assets/pdf/student-pdf/personal-statement-guidelines.pdf

It is for students applying to grad programs, but you won’t go wrong following the basic outline. Be sure to fit in elements that would show why you are looking to go Ireland, and that demonstrate some maturity (ie, “I’ve always loved Ireland and all things green and my mothers maiden name is O’Kelly and I can’t wait to…” will not make you look like a student who is making a serious academic choice, and who is ready to do the real work of moving to a new country and new educational system as an adult)

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personal statement for trinity college

How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges

← What Is an Application Theme and Why Is It Important?

10 Personal Statement Examples That Work →

personal statement for trinity college

  Most of the college applications process is fairly cut and dry. You’ll submit information about your classes and grades, standardized test scores, and various other accomplishments and honors. On much of the application, your accomplishments must speak for themselves. 

The personal statement is different though, and it’s your chance to let your voice be heard. To learn more about the personal statement, how to choose a topic, and how to write one that wows colleges, don’t miss this post.

What is the Personal Statement?

Personal statements are used in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. For undergrad admissions, personal statements are any essays students must write to submit their main application. For example, the Common App Essay and Coalition Application Essay are examples of personal statements. Similarly, the ApplyTexas Essays and University of California Essays are also good examples .

Personal statements in college admissions are generally not school-specific (those are called “supplemental essays”). Instead, they’re sent to a wide range of schools, usually every school you apply to. 

What is the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

The personal statement is generally your opportunity to speak to your unique experiences, qualities, or beliefs that aren’t elsewhere represented on the application. It is a chance to break away from the data that defines you on paper, and provide a glimpse into who you really are. In short, it’s the admissions committee’s chance to get to know the real you.

So, what are colleges looking for in your personal statement? They are looking for something that sets you apart. They are asking themselves: do you write about something truly unique? Do you write about something common, in a new and interesting way? Do you write about an aspect of your application that needed further explanation? All of these are great ways to impress with your personal statement.

Beyond getting to know you, admissions committees are also evaluating your writing skills. Are you able to write clearly and succinctly? Can you tell an engaging story? Writing effectively is an important skill in both college and life, so be sure to also fine-tune your actual writing (grammar and syntax), not just the content of your essay.

Is your personal statement strong enough? Get a free review of your personal statement with CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review.

How To a Choose A Topic For Your Personal Statement

Most of the time, you’re given a handful of prompts to choose from. Common personal statement prompts include:

  • Central aspect of your identity (activity, interest, talent, background)
  • Overcoming a failure
  • Time you rose to a challenge or showed leadership
  • Experience that changed your beliefs
  • Problem you’d like to solve
  • Subject or idea that captivates you

One of the questions that we hear most often about the personal statement is, “How do I choose what to write about?” For some students, the personal statement prompt triggers an immediate and strong idea. For many more, there is at least initially some uncertainty.

We often encourage students to think less about the exact prompt and more about what aspects of themselves they think are most worthy of highlighting. This is especially helpful if you’re offered a “topic of your choice” prompt, as the best essay topic for you might actually be one you make up!

For students with an interesting story or a defining background, these can serve as the perfect catalyst to shape your approach. For students with a unique voice or different perspective, simple topics written in a new way can be engaging and insightful.

Finally, you need to consider the rest of your application when you choose a topic for your personal statement. If you are returning from a gap year, failed a single class during sophomore year, or participated extensively in something you’re passionate about that isn’t elsewhere on your application, you might attempt to address one of these topics in your statement. After all, the admissions committee wants to get to know you and understand who you really are, and these are all things that will give them a deeper understanding of that.

Still, tons of students have a decent amount of writer’s block when it comes to choosing a topic. This is understandable since the personal statement tends to be considered rather high stakes. To help you get the ball rolling, we recommend the post What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for College

1. approach this as a creative writing assignment..

Personal statements are difficult for many students because they’ve never had to do this type of writing. High schoolers are used to writing academic reports or analytical papers, but not creative storytelling pieces.

The point of creative writing is to have fun with it, and to share a meaningful story. Choose a topic that inspires you so that you’ll enjoy writing your essay. It doesn’t have to be intellectual or impressive at all. You have your transcript and test scores to prove your academic skills, so the point of the personal statement is to give you free rein to showcase your personality. This will result in a more engaging essay and reading experience for admissions officers. 

As you’re writing, there’s no need to follow the traditional five-paragraph format with an explicit thesis. Your story should have an overarching message, but it doesn’t need to be explicitly stated—it should shine through organically. 

Your writing should also feel natural. While it will be more refined than a conversation with your best friend, it shouldn’t feel stuffy or contrived when it comes off your tongue. This balance can be difficult to strike, but a tone that would feel natural when talking with an admired teacher or a longtime mentor is usually a good fit.

2. Show, don’t tell.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to simply state everything that happened, instead of actually bringing the reader to the moment it happened, and telling a story. It’s boring to read: “I was overjoyed and felt empowered when I finished my first half marathon.” It’s much more interesting when the writing actually shows you what happened and what the writer felt in that moment: “As I rounded the final bend before the finish line, my heart fluttered in excitement. The adrenaline drowned out my burning legs and gasping lungs. I was going to finish my first half marathon! This was almost incomprehensible to me, as someone who could barely run a mile just a year ago.”

If you find yourself starting to write your essay like a report, and are having trouble going beyond “telling,” envision yourself in the moment you want to write about. What did you feel, emotionally and physically? Why was this moment meaningful? What did you see or hear? What were your thoughts?

For inspiration, read some memoirs or personal essays, like The New York Times Modern Love Column . You could also listen to podcasts of personal stories, like The Moth . What do these writers and storytellers do that make their stories engaging? If you didn’t enjoy a particular story, what was it that you didn’t like? Analyzing real stories can help you identify techniques that you personally resonate with.

3. Use dialogue.

A great way to keep your writing engaging is to include some dialogue. Instead of writing: “My brothers taunted me,” consider sharing what they actually said. It’s more powerful to read something like:

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

Having dialogue can break up longer paragraphs of text, and bring some action and immediacy to your story. That being said, don’t overdo it. It’s important to strike a balance between relying too much on dialogue, and using it occasionally as an effective writing tool. You don’t want your essay to read like a script for a movie (unless, of course, that’s intentional and you want to showcase your screenwriting skills!).

Want free essay feedback? Submit your essay to CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review and get fast, actionable edits on your essay. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements

1. giving a recap or report of all the events..

Your essay isn’t a play-by-play of everything that happened in that time frame. Only include relevant details that enrich the story, instead of making your personal statement a report of the events. Remember that the goal is to share your voice, what’s important to you, and who you are. 

2. Writing about too many events or experiences. 

Similarly, another common mistake is to make your personal statement a resume or recap of all your high school accomplishments. The Activities Section of the Common App is the place for listing out your achievements, not your personal statement. Focus on one specific experience or a few related experiences, and go into detail on those. 

3. Using cliche language.

Try to avoid overdone quotes from famous people like Gandhi or Thoreau. Better yet, try to avoid quotes from other people in general, unless it’s a message from someone you personally know. Adding these famous quotes won’t make your essay unique, and it takes up valuable space for you to share your voice.

You should also steer away from broad language or lavish claims like “It was the best day of my life.” Since they’re so cliche, these statements also obscure your message, and it’s hard to understand what you actually mean. If it was actually the best day of your life, show us why, rather than just telling us.

If you want to learn more about personal statements, see our post of 11 Common App Essay Examples .

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

personal statement for trinity college

Personal Statement for Trinity College Dublin

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Home › University › How To Write A Personal Statement? 10 Tips + Student Questions Answered › How To End A Personal Statement So The Admissions Committee Remembers You

How To End A Personal Statement So The Admissions Committee Remembers You

  • Published January 20, 2023

A woman smiling while writing on her notebook.

Students are often unsure of  how to end a personal statement.  A strong conclusion makes all the difference in whether your application gets noticed by admissions officers or not.

If you’ve just finished writing your personal statement and you’re stuck on your ending, then don’t worry! This article will walk you through the essentials of personal statement conclusions.

Avoid writing a tedious and forgettable ending for your personal statement by following these rules.

Talk About Your Main Points

Don’t end your final paragraph by stating what you’ve never mentioned in the body of your personal statement. Remember, the purpose of your conclusion is to  wrap up  the package.

You shouldn’t say, “My experiences kindled my passion for engineering,” if you didn’t mention these “experiences” in the first place!

So actually summarising your key main body points is a great conclusion in many cases.

Summarise Your Key Points In A Simple Way

After reading thousands of personal statements, the admissions committee will be happy to see you concluding your personal statement with a clear summarisation of the vital points. 

Go over your personal statement and jot down the main takeaway of each paragraph. Once you have that list, find a way to integrate them into your conclusion.

You can dedicate a sentence to each key point, tie them all together, and you now have a conclusion that does what it’s supposed to do!

how to end a personal statement with 11 tips

Use Your Key Points To Restate Your Passion For Your Course

If you’re wondering how to end your personal statement using your key points, use them to restate your passion for the course you’re applying for.

Say your key points including your skills and experiences, and wrap them up by saying, “With the [your specific skills] and [your specific experiences] I’ve gained over the years, I’m committed to [mention your course].”

By doing so, you’re hitting two birds with one stone. One, you’re reminding the admissions committee that you have the skill set necessary to succeed in your course. Two, you’re demonstrating your dedication to your desired course.

Double Down On Your “Why”

Another powerful ending is to remind the reader of your “why.” Many students pursue their chosen course because they’re not sure what else to take.

So being clear on your purpose immediately sets you apart from the rest. 

To do this, take the most heart-moving story from the body of your personal statement on what inspired you to apply for your course. Mention the main idea of it in a sentence or two, then end with a “for this reason, I believe pursuing [mention course] is the best way to achieve my [state your why].”

If your course is related to education, perhaps your “why” is to help children learn by allowing them to show how they learn best.

Say you’re writing a medical personal statement . Maybe your “why” is to forward technology that helps safeguard the elderly from falling accidents because you witnessed your grandparent suffer injuries from a fall when you were young.

Doubling down on your “why” shows your conviction and direction on why you’re applying for your course.

Mention The Next Step Of Your Application Process

What’s the next step after the admissions committee accepts your personal statement? For many courses, they’ll call you up for an interview . Go ahead and mention this in your conclusion!

Write along the lines of “I’m looking forward to dedicating myself to this course, and I would love to receive an invitation for the interview.”

The reader will right away recognise that you’ve done your research. You know what the next step should be. You  are  serious about this application!

Make The Universities Excited To Have You As Their Student

Studying at a university is not merely a means to an end. It’s a profound journey in and of itself! You’ll meet new colleagues, form lifelong communities, and discover mentors who will guide you along with your future career.

Think of them when you’re pondering on how to end a personal statement. What can you contribute as a student to make the university a better place? Demonstrate your excitement in meeting them, building relationships with them, and serving them!

A statement as straightforward as “I am eager to establish new, lifelong relationships and use my [mention your skills] to help make the university a better place for learning and community-building.”

Demonstrate Your Willingness To Learn

Universities exist to train and mould students, not the other way around! A little humility goes a long way. Show yours by demonstrating your willingness to learn. Nothing excites teachers more than willing students.

To pull this off, make sure you know what values your course upholds. It could be service, excellence, inclusivity, and so on. State in your conclusion that “I’m looking forward to learning how to embody [write down the course’s values you resonate with], to grow and succeed in [mention your field of study].”

There’s so much value packed in this simple personal statement ending. Tweak it and make it yours!

Avoid Famous Quotes

Many students insert famous quotes from well-known persons when ending their personal statements. Avoid this tactic as much as possible because you’re driving attention  away  from YOU as the applicant.

If you want to include famous quotes, put them at the beginning of your personal statement to grab attention. To keep your reader’s attention focused on you in the end, why not come up with a memorable, relevant quote of your own?

Use The Bookend Strategy

Bookends are sturdy objects placed at either end of upright books to keep them standing. When you translate that into writing, the bookend strategy is when the introduction and conclusion statements connect to support the body between them.

You may start your personal statement with a heart-wrenching story about how you watched your beloved pet die of the wrong diagnosis. Then, for your conclusion, you can call back on this story and state how this event fuels you to pursue veterinary practice.

The bookend strategy is a clean and efficient way how to end your personal statement.

Ask Help From Your Family And Friends

If you’re still stuck on how to end a personal statement, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Approach your family and friends because they know you more than anyone. Read to them the introduction and body of your personal statement.

Ask them what particular line struck them the most. Maybe they know something about you that you missed including in your personal statement. What characteristics do they see in you that will help you succeed in your course?

Gather their answers in one place, and after reading them in one go, you now have a decent idea of what to emphasise in your conclusion statement.

Never State That It’s The “Conclusion” Or “Summary”

The most boring, generic way to end a personal statement is to write “In conclusion” or “In summary.” It’s actually one of the topics we cover in  what not to put in a personal statement .

Avoid this writing style at all costs. A good conclusion statement doesn’t require explicit announcements.

By its style and structure alone, the reader knows immediately they’re about to read a lasting statement. So don’t hesitate to proceed straight to the major points. As long as the conclusion connects seamlessly with the previous paragraph, you’re good to go!

Stay Authentic

Universities hold honesty in high esteem. Show authenticity and honesty in your personal statement beginning with an attention-grabbing introduction to a strong conclusion.

The best way to radiate honesty in your personal statement is to write from the right mindset. When you work on your personal statement, your objective is to show  who you are and demonstrate why you are a worthy candidate for the course .

Don’t try to impress. If you come from that standpoint, you’re more likely to add embellishments. The experienced admissions committee can smell insincere personal statements from a mile away. So stick with who you are and let your personality shine through.

Give Yourself A Break, Then Come Back To It

When working on how to conclude a personal statement, you need to give yourself time. After writing a rough draft of your conclusion statement, take a break and return to it after a few days. 

When you return to it, you’ll be surprised to notice details you haven’t seen before. Edit as you like, and make it better. Keep the old versions of your conclusion at hand so you can readily compare them with your newest, edited text. Compare and choose which one sounds better.

5 Bad Examples For A Personal Statement Conclusion

These are 5 personal statement examples for conclusions that don’t meet the criteria outlined above.

  • In this application essay, I have made it clear I am an outstanding candidate for a degree because I think everyone will love my positive attitude and I deserve it.
  • In summary, you can see my highlighted qualifications and experience, I know they’re not the best, but I want to stress that my passion for this field is what sets me apart as a candidate. It shouldn’t matter if the others are more qualified or experienced than me.
  • Remember the skills I have, that’s really what sets me apart from other students, they don’t have what it takes to break the rules creatively and not follow the book.
  • Finally, I would like to thank you for considering me for this opportunity and I hope you will make the right decision by choosing me, otherwise, I may cry and be disappointed.
  • As a final note, it’s easy to see how qualified I am for this degree and how I will excel in it – but you should accept me because I’m cool and will get along with everyone else.

5 Amazing Examples Of A Personal Statement Ending

  • In conclusion, I am excited about the opportunity to study computer science at this university. My passion for technology, combined with my programming skills and experience, make me an ideal candidate for the program. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the research community. I am confident that this program will enable me to achieve my career goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of technology.
  • In summary, I have always been fascinated by the human body and its functions. My experience in volunteering in hospitals, combined with my academic record, makes me confident in my ability to handle the rigours of a medical degree. I am excited about the opportunity to study at this esteemed university and to contribute to the field of medicine through research and patient care.
  • To wrap things up, I am excited to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at this university. My passion for designing and building, combined with my experience in physics and mathematics, make me confident that I have the knowledge and skills to excel in this program. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the field of mechanical engineering through research and innovation.
  • Finally, I am honoured to be considered for a law degree at this university. My passion for justice, combined with my research skills and experience, make me an ideal candidate for the program. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from the esteemed faculty and to contribute to the legal field through research and practice.
  • As a final note, I am excited to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at this university. My passion for the environment, combined with my experience in environmental research, makes me confident that I have the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in this field. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the field through research and conservation efforts.

How Long Should the Conclusion To A Personal Statement Be?

A personal statement conclusion should be 150-200 words long and leave a positive lasting impression on the reader. A UCAS personal statement should be 4000 characters long, making the conclusion 705-940 characters long – this is just a rough estimation based on the average number of characters per word (4.7).

Do You Feel More Confident Writing A Personal Statement Conclusion?

To  end your personal statement  in the best possible way, you need to know the body’s key points. Use them as pillars when deciding which direction your conclusion takes. 

Will you highlight your future goals? Maybe you want to focus on your why? Take the time to decide. And if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends so you can leave a lasting impression on the applications committee.

How much did this article help you out? Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference!

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Personal Statements Bank

Want some help from successful applicants.

Writing your personal statement can be daunting – for many university applicants it might be their first time preparing a formal summary of their academic achievements, and that can often feel boastful or uncomfortable – where should you even begin!?

Our current students have very kindly given us permission to publish some of their unammended personal statements to help give you some suggestions as to how to structure your personal statement. Most importantly, these personal statements are by no means perfect, but they earned these students their places at the University of Oxford, and therefore your personal statement doesn't have to be perfect either. 

If you haven't already, check out our Personal Statements Overview video where we explain the basics of personal statements, and watch our Personal Statements Tips video, where students give some of the advice they found most useful when writing their own personal statements. Even if the subject you are applying for isn't contained in the list below, seeing how the students structured their personal statements and the kinds of language & sentences they used can be really useful in writing your own – but always make sure to be original and not plagiarise! UCAS does use anti-plagiarism software to verify each personal statement's originality.

This page is being regularly updated as more St Anne's students kindly submit their personal statements, so watch this space for developments. If there isn't yet an example personal statement here for the subject you're applying for, then please get in touch and we may still have one on-file that we can send to you.

Academic year application was made:  2022-23

What attracts me to biochemistry is the potential to explore the molecular intricacies that uphold life in all its forms. I find it compelling how the closer I look into a certain function, the more complex it becomes. Learning about immunology in A-Level biology piqued my initial interest in biochemistry, as I questioned how communication between cells occurs. This inspired me to read ‘Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System that Keeps Us Alive’ by Philip Dettmer, which deepened my interest as I discovered the vast diversity of cells in the immune system. My previous perception of immune cells fighting pathogens was elevated to a sophisticated sequence of cells and molecules interacting to defend the body via initiation, propagation and termination of the immune response. I was also fascinated by the key role of proteins in the mechanisms of immune cells, such as signalling and response.

My research into proteomics led me to a podcast on protein structure and AI, where researchers discussed the development of an AI computer programme, AlphaFold2 (AF2): a breakthrough in predicting the 3D structure of proteins using existing data. The importance of this technological advance was stressed to me as I investigated protein structure further. I learned about Levinthal’s paradox, which illustrates the complexity of the protein folding problem and helped me to grasp the significance and potential of AF2. I gained an appreciation for the increasing relevance of bioinformatics in life science. It was also exciting to learn of the advances in molecular medicine that AF2 can lead to. I attended a taster lecture at Oxford focusing on physiological adaptations of the neuromuscular junction. A memorable segment looked at the crucial function of SNARE proteins in membrane fusion, and their importance in synapse transmission. I thought back to AF2’s discovery and how it can allow scientists to model these kinds of proteins more accurately. At university, I hope to delve further into the field of computational biochemistry and its future applications, such as advancements in drug development. It amazes me how understanding details of life on a molecular level can answer wider questions and help to solve real-life problems.

My interest in cells motivated me to engage in Gonville and Caius’ essay competition, answering the question “What are the logistical challenges of multicellularity and how do organisms overcome them?”. I enjoyed evaluating the pros and cons of organisms becoming multicellular, and the evolutionary stages that led to the unique range of life that we observe today. It revealed to me many advantages of unicellularity that I had not considered before, such as exchange with the environment and adapting to changing conditions. While researching single-celled organisms, I was struck by the simplicity of some of their structures and behaviours, leading me to question the borderline between living and non-living matter. I was inspired to read Prof. Paul Davies’ article titled “What is life?” which examines the philosophical and scientific debate surrounding matter and life. Aristotle took a teleological approach, while Schrodinger suggested that new laws of nature may be required to fully comprehend life. From a biochemist’s perspective, I would counter that life is a series of chemical reactions occurring within and between cells, evolved for sustenance and reproduction. It is this seemingly simple yet astonishingly complex idea which makes biochemistry so enthralling to me.

Aside from my studies, I’m also an active member of my community. In addition to volunteering and mentoring, I cultivated my leadership skills and initiative to celebrate diversity at my school by leading the organisation of our first ever Culture Week. Through this, I developed my teamwork and management skills, which are applicable in any lab setting. I was glad to make an impact at my school, and look forward to continuing to do so at university.

My interest in biochemistry began while I read an article on the dynamics of ssDNA hybridisation. The scientists achieved an extraordinary amount of detail when using TIRF imaging. They revealed the kinetics of independent strands and explained how these were affected by extrinsic factors with the Eyring equation. Their precision inspired me – chemical principles can be applied to produce a dynamic view of biological systems. The overlap between biology and chemistry highlighted the intricacies of the molecules which allow for life – all of which contain carbon. This special atom has the perfect number of electrons to have sp3 hybridised orbitals, lending it the ability to form 4 equal sigma bonds and long chains – a phenomenon known as catenation. When a lecture and supervision by Stewart Sage of Selwyn College, Cambridge presented the delicate subcellular pathways of osmoregulation, I was fixed on learning more about the chemistry of life. Having taken part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, I enjoy being exposed to problems which at first seem challenging but can be solved by applying prior knowledge in elegant ways. I have been especially interested in methods with which enzymes carry out their functions. By gaining a detailed understanding of these mechanisms, we can seek to use the biological machinery to our advantage, as I saw when at the Royal Institution. I was tasked with using gel electrophoresis to compare DNA fragments from different group A Streptococci strains. After running the gel successfully, I understood that palindromic mutations in the fragments had acted as markers for the restriction enzymes, producing DNA bands which were identifiable with the ladder. When analysing the results, we were able to predict the severity of the infection, ranging from mild strep throat to necrotising fasciitis. The first section of MITx’s Molecular Biology MOOC, discussing DNA replication and repair, drew me more towards enzyme mechanics. I enjoyed learning about the structure of DNA polymerase and how its ‘fingers’ hold dNTPs in place using pi-stacking, interactions with other charged amino acids in the O-helix, and Mg2+ ions. Nucleotide tautomerisation also poses a threat to the accuracy of replication; therefore, the dienzyme contains a proofreading exonuclease, making the process 100 times more accurate. The overlap between mutation and apoptosis interested me; changes in the fine balance between bcl2 and Bax expressions could escalate to cell death, with bh3 mimetic drugs being used to combat this. I saw how problems in the biological field could be solved using chemistry. Articles on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s and ARMD led me to read about iPSCs and their use in deriving specialised tissues in vitro – tissues which were used as organoids to study potential therapies for the diseases. After listening to Shinya Yamanaka’s lecture on the future of iPSCs, I was inspired to undertake an EPQ dissertation on the viability of iPSCs in precision medicine. During the research phase, I shadowed researchers in the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, where I was trained in primer design, protein BLAST, western blots, genotyping murine lines, and PBMC isolation. Above all, I was able to speak to researchers in Prof. Pete Coffey’s lab about their work using a patient-derived iPSC organoid model. This led me closer to understanding how research was approaching to their use in medicine – the team had already developed a strong stem cell replacement therapy. I found an importance in self-study early as I taught myself the drums and guitar to a high level. This gave me a sense of accomplishment as I sought to imitate this in other impersonal interests. In college, I found it fulfilling to study ancient world literature, via a MOOC; stretching my interests in the arts, I read classical plays and joined a college poetry society. On my DofE Bronze expedition, I developed an interest in adventure sports, camping frequently since.

Academic year application was made: 2021-22

Used to also apply for: Medical Biosciences; Biochemistry

Used to also apply for: Geology

Used to also apply for: Mechanical Engineering

From the age of seven I have had a world map on my bedroom wall. I was fascinated by the borders, flags, and the perspective it gave me of my position in the wider world. Throughout the years since, I have loved the natural world and embraced every opportunity to be outside and explore the physical landscape.
My interest in Geography started as a desire to learn and understand how and why the world around me has formed. Studying Geography has allowed me to immerse myself into the breadth of the subject and I have been fascinated by the intricacies of mobilities within Geography, as well as the many issues and challenges associated with transport planning in the cities of our world. My interest in Urban Geography was first ignited when I was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in an international Geography essay writing competition, working on this essay provided an opportunity for me to develop my research and analytical skills. I explored affordable ways to solve London’s housing crisis and was inspired by the architect Walter Segal, Chile’s ‘Half Houses’ and other bottom up, community led approaches to development. This led to a further research project into the implementation of ‘Shared Spaces’ and a video call with an Urban Planner in Portland, Oregon. Throughout these projects, I was challenged to consider different forms of active transport, designed to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. As I worked on my Shared Space project, I investigated the accessibility and inclusivity issues surrounding implementing Shared Spaces, leading me to consider alternative modes of active transport, including cycleways. I am now researching a cycleway in Cardiff for my Geography Non-Examined Assessment, and have been in contact with members of the Welsh Government who played key roles in designing and planning the scheme. Part of this coursework involved me meeting and interviewing business owners who had been impacted by the cycleway. I have thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of geographical fieldwork and getting to know the individual stakeholders, who were impacted, gave me a valuable insight into the challenges of government initiatives versus community led development.
I further broadened my experience during a week with a Chartered Surveying company where I observed another stakeholder’s viewpoint. I learnt about rural land management from a professional business perspective and had a basic introduction into the role of GIS and Mapping within infrastructure planning (inspired by my love of maps). This brought to life many of the geographies surrounding conflicts between opposing stakeholders, and allowed me to empathise with different people impacted by new developments. As my interest in Urban Geographies has grown, I remain passionate about Physical Geography and am concerned about the environmental impact of our everyday lives. I have been a founding member of my Sixth Form’s Environmental Society, and have taken a leading role in establishing the new ‘College Community Garden’ as well as other projects designed to reduce my College’s carbon footprint. Further opportunities for leadership have become possible through Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Scouting, as I have shared my experience and skills in team situations. As a Young Leader with the Cub Scouts and youth representative on the District Executive Committee for Mid Cheshire Scouts, I have grown in confidence and learnt to communicate effectively across age groups in different situations and with different stakeholders.
10 years later, the same map is still up on my wall, and I am even more fascinated by the world in which we live. I am driven to understand more about the geographies of our world and a degree in Geography is my next step in learning how I can make a positive contribution to our planet within my lifetime.

Academic year application was made:  2021-22

Academic year application was made: 2019-20

Used to also apply for: Liberal arts; Languages and cultures; Sociology

Without studying History, we would never draw patterns in our failures to act with humanity, nor prevent such patterns from recurring. When I visited Auschwitz Birkenau as a HET Ambassador its emptiness infuriated me, for it serves as a reminder of the grim capacity of humans to facilitate genocide remorselessly until caught in the act, but this lesson is lost without the correct historical context. Hearing an account of the bureaucracy involved in transporting 1800 Jews from Corfu to Auschwitz enlightened me to the consequences of being a bystander, but through studying History, we reject complacency on behalf of those who made that mistake before us.
Attending two university summer schools encouraged me to assess different sources and compare historians’ interpretations whilst presenting my own, a skill that I have developed through evaluating case studies in A-Level Sociology and apply to historiographical debate through my NEA. From these residentials I gained an awareness of how society is fabricated through headlines and omissions. For this reason, I believe that engagement with History is inseparable from engagement with the present day, for historians’ skills are crucial for navigating current affairs. By studying History at a higher level, I hope to reach beyond the timeline of events and influential figures that constitutes mainstream history, uncovering who is missing from this grand rhetoric, which in truth, is a product of the biases of those who have made active decisions over time to construct it; a systemic erasure of women and people of colour. Through Cheryl Rubenberg’s book ‘Palestinian Women’, I found that this process of erasure persists where women still suffer immense exploitation, due to the inadvertent ignorance of those with the privilege to speak on their behalf towards rural areas of the country.
The value of Spanish proficiency today cannot be underestimated, given how the impending Venezuelan migrant crisis and xenophobic rhetoric that pollutes the US border lend a growing political relevance to Spanish. Investigating Hispanic culture has shown me how languages provide a broader perspective of History that would otherwise have been overlooked; the series ‘Las Chicas del Cable’ offers a convergence of my interests in Women’s History and Spanish, and my interest in the artist Frida Kahlo enhanced my understanding of the Russian communist movement as I uncovered her involvement with Leon Trotsky. I am determined to continue advancing with my Spanish, as languages grant access to primary sources such as oral history, and empower human connection. I have shown dedication to Spanish by aiding a Year 11 class with their grammar and pronunciation, which motivated me to busk to fundraise for a TEFL project abroad.
I am eager to continue my extra-curricular interests of drama and music at university, as I value the strong sense of community that musical theatre cultivates. At school, I recently played Sandy in Grease, a demanding role but one that I relished, often leading warm-ups for younger students and peers. I accredit much of my self-confidence and drive to my involvement with MH:2K, a project which gave me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded young people on the creation and delivery of workshops about youth mental health. We then pitched proposals for policies and activities that would support young people’s wellbeing to over 200 decision makers and social workers. These projects have reminded me to maintain a positive outlook when facing difficulty and provided insight into effective individual and collective working, thus they have not acted as a detriment to my studies but enhanced them greatly.
I believe that the personal and academic skills that I have gained from these experiences combined with my high level of self-motivation and enthusiasm for knowledge demonstrate my suitability for university life and the demands of pursuing History and Spanish at a more advanced level.

Academic year application was made: 2022-23

Academic year application was made: 2020-21

Used to also apply for: Theoretical Physics; Mathematics and Physics

Current St Anne’s Students

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If you are a current St Anne’s student and want to share your personal statement as a way to guide prospective applicants toward a more successful application, please submit your personal statement (anonymously) here .

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Personal Statement

Applicants will be required to upload a personal statement with the admission application in the space provided. Prior to submitting, please review file upload requirements .

Requirements

Princeton is strongly committed to welcoming students with diverse experiences. Describe a personal experience that influenced your decision to pursue graduate study. Explain how the lessons from this experience would enrich Princeton’s residential scholarly community.

The essay must be written in English and should not exceed 250 words. No specific formatting is required.

Review your final statement before uploading and submitting the admission application. If you submitted an application and need to revise your essay, you may upload the corrected version through the checklist before the deadline. After the deadline, no revised essays will be accepted.

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You are here Students > Applications and interviews > CVs

Your CV is an essential part of any application process as it showcases your qualifications, skills and experience.  On this page you will find information about how to present and structure your CV, as well as a range of sample CVs.

Essential Elements of a Strong CV is a new interactive presentation that covers the essential steps for you to create a great CV. In the presentation, you will be guided through the S.T.E.P.S. approach to creating a strong CV – Structure, Targeted, Evidence, Professional and Succinct.

Presentation

A standard CV in Ireland and the UK should not exceed two A4 pages and should be presented in a concise and easy-to-read manner. Choose accessible language - if you are coming from a science or technical background choose simple language that matches the terms in the job description, as the person in HR reviewing your CV may not come from the same background.

Your CV is your first point of contact with an employer, and it’s important to make a positive first impression. Employers receive a high volume of applications, so their first job is often to find reasons to dismiss applications and have less applications to read through in detail. In a competitive market, your CV could be put into the “no” pile for reasons which may seem minor but are in fact incredibly important. For example, you need to make sure that there are no spelling and grammar mistakes, and to spend time on the overall look of your CV so that it is easy for an employer to navigate. Misspelled words, poorly written content and an untidy layout all indicate a lack of attention to detail and professionalism. Take the time to go through your CV in detail and make sure it creates a positive impression. As it takes about 6 seconds for employers to decide whether they will look into your application further, you need to include your unique selling points on first page of your CV to attract employers’ attention.

What should you include in a CV?

An effective CV is one that showcases your skills, knowledge and experience that are relevant to the role. See ‘ What type of CV should I prepare? ’ for more detailed content.

The following sections should be included

Personal details

Full name, current address, accessible contact number (usually your mobile number), a professional email address and your LinkedIn profile URL, or your Github if relevant.

Career Objective / Personal Profile (optional) 

In this section you should reference your relevant experience briefly including highlighting key skills, and confirm your interest in a particular job or employment sector. This section should not be more than 4 or 5 lines long.

Skills Profile (optional) 

Your skills profile should include a list of concrete skills, such as language or technical skills. Avoid listing generic skills such as team work and communication skills unless you also provide evidence of where these were developed.

Education and qualifications

  • Your education should be presented in reverse-chronological order. If you are looking to show your in-depth knowledge about any particular subject, include your projects or thesis which evidence this.
  • Show your overall grades and the breakdown of subjects within your degree relevant to your application, but don’t include all your subjects. List the four or five modules that are most relevant to the role.
  • Leave out your Junior Certificate.
  • Include your Leaving Certificate but do not include information about points achieved or individual subjects taken.

Employment history

  • Your experience should be presented in reverse-chronological order.
  • Where relevant, you can split your experience into 2 sections: Relevant Work Experience (highlight first) and Other Work Experience.
  • Include employment dates, your job title and the name of the organisation you worked for in each role.
  • Emphasise both what you have learned and how you have made a difference to your employer, and talk about achievements at the workplace. Quantify where possible (e.g. “Taught English to groups of up to 25 adult learners”,
  • Emphasise the skills gained in each job and make it clear where you demonstrated these skills.

Volunteering

  • Your volunteering experience should be presented in reverse-chronological order.
  • Include dates you were involved, a role title, and the name of the organisation for each position.
  • Your experience whilst volunteering may not be directly related to your future job. If you have demonstrated transferrable skills in your volunteer work make sure to explain this, with supporting evidence.

Interests and activities

Mention any positions of responsibility that you have held in societies or clubs in College or in any outside organisations. Outline any tasks you undertook which provide evidence of skills development.

You do not need to provide your referees on your CV (unless specifically asked to do so), you can include “Available upon request” in this section.

However referees listed on a CV where space allows adds weight to a CV. Get permission before you use someone as a referee and include referees name, job title, employer and location and indicate “referee contact details available upon request.”

We advise international students to list an Ireland based referee (e.g. a Trinity academic or boss from part time or volunteering experience) as it can be helpful to localise yourself to a prospective employer.

For jobs in the private sector you can include academic or work references, for recent graduates include one of each. For postgraduate programmes you are likely to require two academic referees.

Applicant Tracking Systems

It’s important to be aware that when you apply for a job, the first screening of your CV might be done by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems play an important role in the initial screening process, so understanding their nuances can significantly boost your chances of progressing through the recruitment stages.

An ATS will scan your CV for specific keywords and phrases aligned with the job description. Tailoring your CV to mirror the job requirements is key – incorporate job and industry-specific terminology and include both hard and soft skills mentioned in the job posting to score well in the initial screening. See our advice on tailoring your applications in our General Tips section for more information on how to do this key piece of developing strong applications.

Consider the formatting of your CV. ATSs can struggle with intricate layouts, graphics or unconventional fonts. Use a simple and clean format with standard fonts to ensure accurate parsing of your information by the ATS. There are a lot of CV templates available online which can look very attractive, but ATS can struggle to parse the information in these templates.  Stick to commonly used formats like .doc or .pdf, as some ATS systems may face difficulties with less conventional file types such as Overleaf or Canva CVs. ATS tend to “read” information in your CV from left to right and from top to bottom, so use plain formatting and avoid columns, graphics, or tables in the background. They are also looking to calculate your experience so include the full span of your experience e.g. May 2023-August 2023 instead of Summer 2023, and give the full length of your degree as opposed to just the year when you will complete it.

Websites such as jobscan.co and resumeworded.com enable you to check if your CV can be accurately parsed by ATS for free. When using these websites you might want to remove your name and contact details from the document before submitting to protect your personal information. While optimizing your CV for ATS is essential, don't solely rely on it. Human recruiters will also review your document. Strike a balance between ATS optimization and crafting a compelling narrative about your skills and experiences to make your CV effective for both automated and human aspects of the hiring process.

CV Samples: Chronological, Academic, Technical, Resume and Skills-based CVs

You should use a format that best reflects your experience and skills and suits the job you are applying for. The 4 main types of CVs are:

  • Chronological CV A chronological CV summarises your experience and background, usually, in 2 pages. List duties, achievements and skills gained after each work experience or educational qualification. Use active verbs e.g. led, completed, achieved, awarded etc.
  • Academic CV Academic CVs are used in applications for research, teaching or lecturing positions. This type of CV often includes details of research interests, research experience, funding, teaching experience, publications and conference presentations
  • Technical CV Technical CVs should highlight your technical skills in a skills section, and then demonstrate where you have applied these skills in projects and other experience. These CVs are typically one page, or 2 pages maximum.
  • Resume - US style CV All relevant information is presented on one page, including: education, projects, work experience and other extra-curricular activities. This style of CV is also the preferred format for applications to investment banking firms.
  • Skills based CV This type of CV is best used in cases of career change. A skills-based CV helps to categorise your work experience and education according to your skills and capabilities.

Europass CV

In some instances a job advert may specify that applicants use the European or Europass CV format. This standard format CV has been developed as part of the Europass European initiative, to help people make their skills and qualifications clearly and easily understood in Europe, thus facilitating the mobility of both learners and workers. View the Europass CV example .

CVs when applying overseas

Recruitment practices are different in each country, and if you are applying overseas you should familiarise yourself with the standard application procedures and CV format and content in that country to increase your chance of success.

Common CV mistakes

  • Generic CVs – sending the same, untailored CV to every role to which you apply won’t impress your potential employer. It is important to highlight relevant work experience, education and skills for each role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and incorporate some of the employer’s language from the job description when referring to skills in your CV to show relevance.
  • Sending your CV – make sure that you check your CV and give an appropriate name to your file when sending your CV as an attachment.
  • Spelling and presentation – Think of your CV as being your first assignment sent to a potential employer - you want to do it well. Look at your format, structure and spelling. It is worth asking a friend, family or Careers Consultant to have a look at it to ensure you are creating a strong impression.

Please note that your Careers Consultant can give you feedback on the overall presentation of our CV as well as the content, but that we do not offer a proof-reading service.

Gaps can best be described as times on your CV when you were not in formal education or employment. These can range from several months to several years, be voluntarily or involuntarily, and can be for any number of reasons, such as ill health, family matters or travel for example.

The Coronavirus pandemic may also have disrupted your career plans and left you feeling like there are gaps on your CV. Perhaps your internship was cancelled, you were let go from your part-time job or didn’t get a position you wanted.

If you are currently unemployed and job searching there are things that you can do to fill the time between jobs . Opportunities such as volunteering, charity fundraising, online courses, adding to your hobbies and finding new interests are all valuable talking points when you meet with employers. They can also provide evidence of developing your soft skills and showing your potential for future leadership.

If you are currently experiencing a gap in education or employment, we advise the following:

  • Focus on what you can control - a gap only becomes a problem when it affects your mindset and confidence. Focus on what you have done, your skills and competencies. Use your gap time to prepare to return to your career journey.
  • Take the initiative - consider expanding your knowledge through online courses, visit Springboard courses , Fetch courses and HEA and check out short accredited learning experiences such as Trinity's microcredentials .
  • Start networking – try to build contacts in areas of interest, get active on Linkedin, attend relevant webinars and events and consider seeking a mentor .
  • Be open and honest about your gap time. Include a note in your CV about the reason for your gap and consider expanding on this in your cover letter where relevant. You could consider preparing using a functional CV approach to highlight your skills and experiences. The suitability of this approach depends on your personal situation so we would recommend you come and talk to your Career Consultant to figure out the best type of CV for your job search.
  • During interviews be ready to explain your circumstances and display how you have shown key skills such as resilience, self-management and initiative taking during this time.
  • Check out the Evolve page on our website for a range of online supports.
  • Every situation is different and your Career Consultant is experienced at working with people who have gaps on their CV. Book an appointment with your consultant to talk through your circumstances and to find the best way to approach this in your job search.

Some common reason for CV gaps and how to explain them

Explain how you used your time given your limitations due to illness. Perhaps you did some voluntary work or were involved with a hobby? Did you keep up to date with industry trends and news? Confirm that you are ready to return to work. Show how you are a good fit for the role in question.

Example: I was unable to work/study due to an illness. I’m better now and ready to restart my career. I feel I am a good fit for this role because….

Family caring responsibilities

Explain that you were needed to deal with a family situation but that has now resolved itself or you have put other supports in place. State that you are now ready to give your full commitment to work and reiterate your skills and experiences as they relate to the role.

Example: I had to take some time to care for a family member. I’ve now put some extra supports in place so that I can fully refocus on my career. I believe this position would be a good fit for me because…

Focus on why you decided to travel and the value of this experience. Emphasise your increased cultural awareness and new perspectives gained. Be clear that you are ready now to resume your career.

Example: I decided to take some time out to travel so I could expose myself to new cultures and places. During my time away I learnt many valuable lifelong lessons. I’m now ready to focus on my career and believe this position would be a good fit because…

Coronavirus pandemic affected an Internship, Placement or Job Opportunity

Acknowledge the placement/internship/job you were given and the unfortunate circumstances that meant you couldn’t avail of the opportunity. Show that you used this time to do other things and keep abreast of developments in your area of interest. Remain positive in your explanation of this gap.

Example: I was lucky enough to be selected for an internship in X company for the Summer of 2020. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic this was cancelled. At the time I was very disappointed, but on reflection I can see that it improved my resilience to deal with unexpected and challenging situations. I used this time instead to volunteer with the local Club who delivered groceries to the elderly and found this to be a very rewarding way to spend my time by helping others through difficult times.

Disclosing a disability

Information about disclosing disability can be found here.

CV and LinkedIn profile clinic

In these clinics you can reserve a bookable slot using MyCareer.

A team of PhD students, who are fully trained CV Reviewers, offer a weekly clinic to review your CV, cover letter or LinkedIn profile. This is a 15 minute meeting with a CV Reviewer who will review one document and give you feedback. This service is ideal if you want a quick general review of the layout and content of one of these documents and tips on how to target your CV for specific roles. Usage is restricted to once a month during busy periods .

These clinics are held in-person in the Careers Service and virtual via MSTeams. Check the location when booking your place. Download the MS Teams desktop app from https://teams.microsoft.com/downloads - this is necessary to review your digital CV, Cover Letter or LinkedIn Profile.

As we limit CV Clinic bookings to one per month , if you miss your booked slot you will be unable to book into another clinic for the next 28 days . We would ask that if you can no longer attend your booked slot that you cancel it on MyCareer with as much notice as possible to give another student the chance to avail of this slot.

View session times on MyCareer

Trinity SELT Glasgow

personal statement for trinity college

Take your Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at our Glasgow Centre . Trinity SELTs are approved for applications to UKVI for UK visas, UK visa renewal, British Citizenship, Settlement, Leave to Remain, Student, Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker and Innovator visas.

With tests available every day of the week, you can book your preferred date, time, and level of test for your UK visa requirements below. If you're unsure what test you need, you can find more information about UKVI here .

Page contents:

Trinity selt glasgow centre, prepare for your test, extra products to help you, glasgow selt preparation course provider, glasgow immigration advisors, why choose trinity, glasgow frequently asked questions.

The Trinity SELT Glasgow centre is located at:

7 Buchanan Street, 6Th Floor Next To House Of Fraser, Glasgow G1 3HL

personal statement for trinity college

Find your way to Trinity SELT Glasgow with Google Maps .

Trinity has many resources available to help you prepare for your exam. Depending on the exam that you need to take, you can access study guides, materials, and practice activities tailored to your learning needs.

RESOURCES AND MATERIALS

Improve your Trinity experience with our exceptional products, specifically designed to help you perform at your best on the day of your SELT exam. The Trinity GESE Study App helps you prepare for the exam . Exam Protect gives you flexibility and reassurance . Click the links below to learn more.

personal statement for trinity college

Trinity GESE Study App

personal statement for trinity college

Exam Protect

  Please know that Exam Protect and the GESE App are only for GESE SELT exams in Grades 2 (A1), 3 (A2), and 5 (B1)

If you are interested in attending SELT exam preparation classes before you take your test, you can see a full list of Approved Service Providers below.

APPROVED SERVICE PROVIDERS - PREPARATION COURSES

If you require independent and qualified advice to help and support you on your visa/Citizenship Immigration journey you can speak to your local Glasgow immigration advisor below.

RODRIGUEZ IMMIGRATION

To see a full list of Immigration Advisors click here . 

Trinity English language tests are very good at promoting effective learning because they reflect the way English is used in real life outside of the exam room. But that’s not the only reason to book your SELT test in Glasgow with Trinity College London.

personal statement for trinity college

Real-life accredited examiners

Trinity College London uses human examiners to run SELT tests. This allows for more flexibility than computer adapted tests do.

personal statement for trinity college

Convenient location

Our Glasgow SELT centre is conveniently located on the corner of Hill Street and New Street opposite Glasgow Town Hall - you can choose the exam date and time that fits your schedule. Learn more

personal statement for trinity college

Digital Certificate

To ensure fast and secure delivery we issue digital certificates to candidates through the Accredible platform. Learn more  

“ Very easy and convenient. Staff were helpful. The examiner was friendly and made the whole test feel more of a conversation instead. Would highly recommend. ”

Pujitha, Trinity SELT Glasgow              

Book your SELT test now in Glasgow

Where can I take my Trinity SELT in Glasgow?

The Trinity SELT centre in Glasgow is located at 7 Buchanan Street, 6th Floor next to House of Fraser, Glasgow G1 3HL. Tests are available to book every day of the week. With over 20 SELT test centres across the UK, Trinity offers tests seven days a week. You can choose from 100's of slots based on the date, time, and location that works best for you. View them all here .

What type of personal ID is required for my SELT in Glasgow?

Your ID must be valid on the date of the exam, and  you must have it with you  on the day of the exam. Please see our   SELT Candidate ID Policy  for more information.

The following are the only ID types that can be used to book an exam:

Identity card of EEA nationals

The EEA includes the European Union (EU) countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. European Union countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden.

UK Biometric Residence Permit

Convention Travel Document

Stateless person's Travel Document

Where can I find a SELT course provider in Glasgow?

If you are interested in attending SELT exam preparation classes before you take your test, you can see a full list of Approved Service Providers by clicking here .

Where can I find an Immigration Advisor in Glasgow?

Trinity’s Directory of Immigration Advisors is a list of some of the organisations in the UK that offer independent and qualified advice to help and support you on your Visa/Citizenship Immigration journey. Visit Rodriguez Immigration , your local Glasgow immigration advisor.

See a full list of  Immigration Advisors.

When will I receive my results from my SELT in Glasgow?

For GESE tests: Your provisional result will be emailed to you by 9am the day after you take the test. A provisional result is an unconfirmed result, and is potentially subject to change, until approved by Trinity and confirmed as the final result. Once we have approved your result, within 4-7 days after your test date, you will receive another email to confirm your final result. After receiving your final result email, you will receive an email from ‘Trinity College London via Accredible’ within 24 hours with a link to access your digital certificate. You can then use your UER number in your digital certificate to proceed with your UKVI application. For ISE tests: Within 21 days of taking your exam, you will be emailed your final result and your Diagnostic Report, containing your performance across all the skills tested in your exam. Upon receiving a passing grade, after receiving your final result email, you will receive a 2nd email within 24hrs from, 'Trinity College London via Accredible', with a link to access your digital certificate.

How long is a SELT certificate valid for?

All Trinity certificates are valid for life as evidence of the candidate’s achievement and performance in a Trinity exam. However, where certificates are used for UK visa or immigration purposes, Trinity has recommended to the UK Home Office that, for security reasons, only certificates less than two years old should be accepted.

How do I contact Trinity about taking a SELT in Glasgow?

For enquiries about Trinity Secure English Language tests in SELT centres:

For general Trinity enquiries:

  • visit Contact us

How do I notify Trinity of any special needs requests I have?

When you book your test online for Glasgow, please select ‘Yes’ on the part of the form where it says ‘Special needs/requirements’ and enter any information about your needs/requirements. A Trinity SELT staff member will be in touch to discuss your needs and tell you how to apply for any arrangements.

Passing a Trinity exam is a reliable predictor of language performance in the world outside the test. Trinity English tests are very good at promoting effective learning because they reflect the way English is used in real life outside of the exam room. Our speaking exam is a one-to-one conversation with a Trinity examiner. The exam format enables a meaningful exchange of information, ideas and opinions with the examiner, instead of a formal ‘question and answer’ interview, so this helps you to feel confident and do your best. With Trinity you are supported all the way. Trinity SELTs and the test processes have to meet specific UKVI requirements and they must be ‘secure’ to make sure that the person taking the test is who they say they are and that people cannot cheat. This approach might seem very strict, but it is necessary and our SELT staff make every effort to help you navigate through the process with as much ease as is possible – from booking your exam online to taking your test on the day. About Trinity College London Trinity College London is a leading international exam board and independent education charity that has been providing assessments around the world since 1877. We specialise in the assessment of communicative and performance skills covering music, drama, combined arts and English language. With over 850,000 candidates a year in more than 60 countries worldwide, Trinity qualifications are specifically designed to help students progress. Visit About us to find out more.

Keep in touch

Make sure you don’t miss the latest news from Trinity College London. Sign up for email updates about your subject area.

COMMENTS

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