Progression and portfolio
To prepare for my UCAS application and University interviews, I have documented my process of creating a portfolio and personal statement.
Step ThreeWriting a Personal StatementNow that I have chosen my options, to complete my UCAS processes, I need to write a personal statement to support my application. This can only be 4,000 characters, so it is very limited. I started this process by reading through some personal statement guides, this gave me an idea of what to include and what a personal statement should look like. These guides then helped me write some notes to structure my statement. Using mind-maps helps me spread out and section my ideas, which I could later form into paragraphs. Reading through the course content of my number one choice, UO Gloucestershire, really helped me tailor my personal statement plan to the course. I then started to write up my first draft, using the personal statement guides to help.
Spelling and grammar has to be perfect in the personal statement, as once it's sent off, you cannot go back and edit it. As well as using words checking function, I also got my mum, who is a teacher, to proof read my work.
Each time I edited my personal statement, I created a new draft/ document, to highlight my progression.
Finally, I also got my tutor to read through my work, to ensure that it was what the university recruiters would be looking for. I learn it is so important to get feedback to help develop to the best of your ability. I finally edited my personal statement down to fit within the character count, I ended with 3,621. After three drafts, I saved my work, proof read it for the very last time and copy and paced it into the UCAS application form. Meaning my application was complete and I hap applied for university!
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Step ThreeMy Final ChoicesAfter researching my options and attending virtual open days, I now have a big design to make... What Universities do I want to apply for? In my previous post, I went through the pros and cons of each course, factoring in location, this helped me come to a final decision that I put through to UCAS. Choice One (In Order)The University of Gloucestershire - Ed and Ad Photography Advertising and Editorial at Gloucestershire University is my top choice! After attending their virtually open day, I researched more about the university ethos and student life and was so inspired! The course modules are really interesting and suited to what I want to do in the future. They have lots of different contacts with brands and companies, where they work on live briefs or invite for talks, meaning I would be exposed to amazing industry links. All the tutors are so passionate and have had students go on to do amazing things! Finally, the location is perfect, as I can travel from home! Through out lockdown, the tutors on the course have been running live talks on Instagram, with past and current students. This has given me a massive insight into what life would be like on this course. I have been following their Instagram since the open day and have been really excited about the content they have been updating. Additionally, I have learnt that they run a very small course, and, although thus may make it harder to get in, it does mean that the connection between student and teacher is stronger and more personal. Finally, their studios and equipment is really advanced. They have lots of different studios and darkrooms, meaning I can make the most out of their advanced technology. These are just some of the reasons why this is my number one course! Entry Requirements On their course website they do not mention specific UCAS point requirements. Their course is based upon creativity, and although you have to be studying a level 3 to apply, (which I am) offers are granted after interviews, rather than based off of predicted grades. Choice TwoPhotography at Birmingham City University My second choice is Photography at BCU. Although this is more of a generalised course, as appose to just focussing on commercial, I am really excited by the idea of going to university in such a cultured and diverse city. Birmingham has some amazing galleries and art centres, additionally the equipment they have in the university is so advanced. My only issue with this course, is that it is really big and their intake numbers are high. Therefore, I would worry about that connection with the tutors and that I would just be a number. Despite that, I really like the modules they offer and the location, that is why this is my second choice. Choice ThreeProfessional Creative Practice at Solihull College and University Centre My final choice would be to stay on at Solihull and complete their creative practice degree. This is in-expensive option, as it based at the college. However, I was really drawn to this course because of the tutors. They really inspire me and I would love to learn more for them. This definitely not my first choice as it is not as focused on photography, however, I would really enjoy staying on at Solihull. Why Only Three Choices?In the end, I only choose to use three out of my five UCAS spaces. I feel really confident about these choices and didn't feel a need to add more for the sake of it, entry requirements are below my predicted grade, therefore I feel happy with my decision not to research any further.
Step TwoVirtual Open DaysThis year has been different in many different ways, due to COVID and lockdown a lot has changed. This includes the process of choosing a university, where students would normally visit different campuses and see what universities they want to attend, this year we do not have that option, everything is virtual! This week I have attended an open day for one of my choices, The University of Gloucestershire. Although I would've preferred to attended the open day in person, I do feel I could get a good feel of the university because of the amount of material they provided! I was given access to the open day at 10am, when I got onto the website I could explore live talks, with course leaders, past students and finance advisors! I found it really helpful that I was able to live chat with students, as this could give me a real inside as to what life would be like on the course. The open day was well organised and easy to navigate around. Additionally, they left all of the videos up after the event, so I could go back and watch anything I missed. My favourite part of the virtual interview was the live talk with the course leader. She was so passionate about her course and it made me feel so excited! I have definitely enjoyed attending the talk and am so inspired any the course! Gloucestershire offers such an amazing course that I am really interested in, its values are so similar to mine. It has become my number one choice by far! Step One |
Pros
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Cons
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Jasmine Victoria Morris
All
My Choices
My Personal Statement
Open Days
Researching Universities
Unit Evaluation
Writing A Personal Statement