Chapter 1: Background The structure of this guide The importance of the university Personal Statement How a UCAS Personal Statement enhances your university application Chapter 2: Applying to university through UCAS What is UCAS? Key dates: How to apply and when What is on the UCAS form? The importance of your reference Chapter 3: Where and what to study Choosing a course Choosing a university Applying to different subjects Grade requirements and competition for courses Chapter 4: Important factors to consider Tuition fees and financial help Taking a gap year: Help or hindrance Working in the industry: Sandwich course Repeating exams: Not the end of the world Chapter 5: The Clearing process Chapter 6: Personal Statement overview The UCAS Personal Statement Gathering ideas What a UCAS Personal Statement should contain The rules your UCAS Personal Statement needs to adhere to Structuring your Personal Statement The introductory paragraph Justifying your choice of course The main body Describing your academic experiences Writing about your work experience Writing about your extra-curricular activities Composing your concluding paragraph Chapter 7: Writing tips Top tips Reflection How to turn something mundane into a positive The dirty dozen: Most common mistakes Chapter 8: From 'Draft' to 'Refined' An example to consider Enhancing your Personal Statement Chapter 9: Overseas and mature students Overseas students Mature students Chapter 10: Redrafting and proofreading Chapter 11: Information for teachers and parents Chapter 12: Further reference: Personal Statement examples Chapter 13: Final thoughts Appendix: Useful websites