A one-word change, gap years, and the power of reading.
😊 Welcome
This week we discover a simple, but brilliant idea from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. We learn when to apply for a deferred entry if we are thinking about taking a gap year. And we find out how to rise above the ordinary.
✍️ Personal Statements: Not ‘I have to…’ but ‘I get to…’
Every so often I come across an idea so simple and so brilliant, that it changes the way I look at almost everything. For me, this is one of those ideas. And for you, I hope it helps you take your first brave steps in writing your UCAS Personal Statement.
This wonderful nugget of usefulness comes from James Clear’s million seller Atomic Habits, and it’s hidden away in a small section in Chapter Ten. It’s brilliant, but I’m not sure even James himself knows how potentially powerful it can be across a wide range of challenges. His idea, you see, is to change just one word…
💡 Did You Know?
If you plan to take a gap year before university and you have a clear idea of what you will be doing, it’s generally a good idea to apply for deferred entry, and mention your plans in your UCAS Personal Statement.
If you don’t have a definite plan yet, then simply apply for the current year. Once your plans are certain, you can contact the universities, let them know what you hope to do, and ask for permission to defer your place.
📢 Quote of the week
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
Jim Rohan, Entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker
Youtube videos are fine for finding instructions on something simple.
But to learn deeply, and to really implement change in your life? There is nothing quite like a really good book!
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
🎯 In case you missed it: Writing your UCAS Personal Statement using ChatGPT
📅 Next week: When is a top university not a top university?
