Trinity College Dublin: What it's really like

Find out more about trinity college dublin.

Trinity College Dublin: What it's really like

Want to study at one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world… in a cosmopolitan city? Trinity College Dublin could be the place for you!

Trinity College Dublin at a glance:

Antonio, who works in Trinity College Dublin’s global engagement department, tells us what it’s like to study there.

What is Trinity College Dublin?

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, was founded in 1592 and is the oldest university in Ireland. We’re also ranked as the top university in the country according to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2023.

Trinity is one of the seven ‘ancient’ universities of the English-speaking world – alongside universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and St Andrews – but it’s the only one in the European Union.

We’re a medium-sized university with around 18,000 students, 12,000 of which are undergraduates. When you study here, you’ll likely have that feeling of being connected to history, but also of helping to shape the world we live in today.

Why apply to Trinity College Dublin?

A great reason to apply to Trinity is its academic reputation: you’ll be studying at one of the best universities in the world, so you can expect to achieve an excellent degree that is highly valued by employers. 

Another reason is that Ireland is considered the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’. Some of the world’s biggest IT companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, and pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, have their headquarters in Ireland — so you’ll be on the doorstep of some amazing employment opportunities.

If you come to Trinity as an international student, you’ll of course have that typically ‘Irish’ experience – Irish people being considered some of the friendliest people in the world  – but Trinity is actually the 12th most international university in the world too. 120 different nationalities are represented on campus, with 27% of our students from outside of Ireland, so you’ll likely meet someone from where you’re from. 40% of our lecturers are also international, so we have the most international academic body of any university in Europe.  

Who isn’t the right fit for Trinity College Dublin?

If you’re looking for a really big city and a commute, Trinity might not be the place for you. Whilst Dublin is a very cosmopolitan city, there are only 800,000 people living in the city itself, so it’s a very manageable size. If you’re also looking for a more isolated, self-contained campus, Trinity might not be for you, as it’s so closely connected to the city centre.

Any application tips? 

You can apply to Trinity with your predicted grades and get a conditional offer. If you’re a non-native English speaker, you may need a certificate to prove your English proficiency as well. We also ask for two references, and for a 500-word Personal Statement, where you can show us why you’re a good fit for Trinity and for the programme of your choice.

I would say your transcript or predicted grades are most important, because Trinity is a very academic university. But otherwise, remember to apply as early as possible. Applications for most of our programmes open in November and close in June, but we assess applications on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting in. Offers are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

What’s the location like?

The location of Trinity College Dublin is unusual, in that it’s an entirely historic campus but set in a capital city centre.

As soon as you leave the campus, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city. So you can enjoy the exciting restaurants, bars, night clubs, museums, galleries, and festivals that Dublin has to offer – all within a short walk. Dublin’s airport is just a 30-40-minute drive away, which is particularly useful if you’re an international student.

We are partnered with Columbia University, so we also offer twelve degrees where you can spend two years studying in New York! What facilities does Trinity College Dublin have to offer?

Whilst it might look historical at a glance, Trinity offers state-of-the-art facilities designed for conducting research. For example, one of our newest buildings, due to open in September 23/24, will be a purpose-built research building to support students as part of our E3 project: those studying environmental science, engineering, and emerging technologies.

When it comes to facilities you can enjoy in your free time, we have the biggest gym in Dublin, as well as theatres and galleries you can visit on the campus itself.

We’re also renowned for our careers service, and ranked top in the world for producing entrepreneurs. Our Innovation Centre, where you can put forward an idea for a business, is open to all students regardless of the subject they’re studying. Here you’ll be supported to develop your idea, and if it’s considered especially strong, you could be given a place in our incubator, where you’ll get funding to start your own company.

What is the accommodation like?

When it comes to accommodation, Trinity gives priority to international students, particularly those on foundation courses or on their first year of undergraduate programmes.

There is university accommodation both on-campus and nearby in the city, around a 15-minute bike ride away. Typically, you’ll live in flats of around five students, which have either ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. You’ll also share a living space and a kitchen.

In their second year, because the university is so centrally located, students tend to look for their own accommodation nearby and share houses or flats with their friends.

How does Trinity College Dublin meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?

Inclusivity is and always has been very important at Trinity; in fact, the first woman to get a degree from one of the ‘ancient’ universities of the English-speaking world studied here, and female students represent the majority at Trinity.

If you have a disability or any learning differences, we encourage you to contact our disability support team before even applying. The team will be happy to chat to you about meeting your accommodation, study, and examination needs.

Once you’re here, the team also offers confidential daily drop-in sessions so you can pop in any time if you have any worries or questions.

Want to explore more Irish universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.

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Costs above are reflective of the billed costs (Tuition, Fees, Room, and Board) plus estimated personal costs to attend Trinity College for the 2022-2023 academic year. Families should typically expect an increase in these costs each year.

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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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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DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings, and that they are the supreme and final authority in faith and life.

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man.

We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which is separation from God.

We believe that the Lord Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood and adopted into God’s family as His beloved children.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, and by whom the church is empowered to carry out Christ’s great commission.

We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate.

We believe in “that blessed hope,” the personal, pre-millennial, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting bliss of the saved, and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.

Trinity College believes and teaches the essential doctrines of the Christian faith that are commonly held to be the historic, Biblical, conservative, and evangelical position. The doctrinal statement above is applied within the academic and spiritual understanding of our student body and faculty.

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Dr. William T. Watson , a tent preacher from North Carolina, and pastor of a large Christian and Missionary Alliance church in St. Petersburg, felt the Lord leading him to establish a Bible college for the training of Christian workers. Following God’s call, he founded Florida Bible Institute in 1932, changing the name to Trinity College in 1947. Little did he realize when he started the College that a young man, Billy Graham, who would enroll in 1937 and graduate in 1940, was destined to become one of the great evangelists in the history of the church.

Billy Graham as student at Trinity College of Florida

Though Dr. Graham is the College’s most famous graduate, he is but one of many in the past years who have gone on from the College to serve the Lord all over the world, and in many different roles. Originally focused on training pastors and missionaries, the College has expanded its course offerings over the years to include worship ministry, youth ministry, elementary education, psychology, general studies, and business organizational leadership. In 1999, the College also added an evening degree completion program for adults, enabling those with families and careers to benefit from a Trinity education.

An important characteristic of the College has always been its distinctly evangelical, but nondenominational, nature. At Trinity, students from a wide variety of church backgrounds have the opportunity to study God’s Word and be equipped to serve Him in an atmosphere of respect. In a world where nondenominational cooperation among evangelicals is becoming increasingly vital, Trinity College of Florida believes this type of education best serves its students as they prepare to live and serve more  effectively.

A major milestone in the life of the College was achieved in 1996 when Trinity was accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Accreditation demonstrates an institution’s commitment to educational quality in general, and to the Biblical and theological as well as, Christian Service requirements unique to Bible colleges. The physical size of the College was doubled with a donation of land in 2003, and an ambitious 20-year expansion plan has been adopted and is being initiated. At this important point in its development, Trinity looks with pride on its past, and with enthusiasm at its future, as we continue the tradition of equipping men and women to serve our Lord.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Trinity College of Florida provides a biblically-centered education, equipping servant leaders for life and career opportunities.

The goals for achieving this mission are:

  • Spiritual – To orient, motivate and lead students to Christian maturity and spiritual depth.
  • Academic – To engage students with opportunities to integrate Biblical faith and learning.
  • Intellectual – To develop in students the ability for critical analysis and motivate in them a desire for continuing intellectual pursuits.
  • Professional – To produce graduates competent in the area of their professional training.
  • Social – To cultivate a culture that redefines how we learn, love, and live in a way that honors God, impacting our community for generations to come.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

The vision of Trinity College of Florida is to be the premier provider of Biblically-focused, multifaceted and diversified higher learning to fulfill the Great Commission in the life and career. Trinity College believes that the Bible should be at the heart and core of all training, and that it is the standard for evaluating all claims to knowledge. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is instrumental in thoroughly equipping God’s servants for ministry. This philosophy is reflected in the wide range of Bible and theology courses offered. The College believes that the Bible is the only framework within which a consistent, effective, and productive world, view, lifestyle, and life of service to God and humanity can be maintained.

Trinity College is a private, Christian educational institution which has sought to create and encourage the kind of atmosphere in which quality Christian education can flourish. It is believed that the College should provide the student with precept and example from which a student can develop personal values within a Biblical framework.

In accordance with the objectives of the College, certain standards and norms have been adopted to create just such an atmosphere for the best possible educational experience.

The College expects its faculty, staff, and students to maintain personal conduct which is spiritually and morally constructive—thus glorifying the Lord in all things.

The student should understand that attendance at Trinity College is a privilege granted only to those who desire to work together in carrying out and attaining the aims of a Christian college.

When a student is accepted, an agreement is implied to be diligent in studies and employment, and to obey the Student Handbook regulations. The administration reserves the right to withdraw anyone who is considered to be out of harmony with the spirit of the College. It is expected that the conduct of each student will give evidence of Christian standards of honesty, morality, and courtesy.

The policy of the College in promoting spiritual growth and the pursuit of learning is best summed up in these words: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB)

Although the Trustees and Administration of Trinity College of Florida in no way guarantee employment to any of its graduates, they believe that the application of Biblical principles in the lives of faculty and the students will result in personal love and commitment to Christ, wholesome consideration for others, and a well-disciplined life.

STUDENT BODY

Geographical Distribution Seventeen states and two foreign countries were represented on campus in the Fall 2020-2021 semester with 86% of students coming from Florida.

Church Affiliation Trinity College is an nondenominational, evangelical Bible college, and in the last academic year more than 10 denominations or independent churches were represented, or attended, by students on campus. The represented denominations and churches included:

  • Assemblies of God
  • Baptist, Independent
  • Baptist, Southern
  • Church of God
  • Evangelical Free
  • Non-denominational
  • Methodist, United
  • Pentecostal
  • Presbyterian

Campus The campus of Trinity College is located in Trinity, just north of Tampa and near the Gulf of Mexico. It is in the heart of a rapidly expanding new area of Pasco County, the Trinity Communities, which contains its own medical facility, YMCA, and other facilities. It is convenient to several shopping areas, and its location provides easy access to many of Florida’s tourist areas and Gulf fishing and boating.

Trinity College of Florida Campus

Library The Librarian is available for reference/research assistance for both students and faculty. The library catalog can be searched online through Oasis. This is accessible from the Trinity College of Florida website or the library website directly. Electronic resources such as academic databases and e-books are available for all students. These can also be accessed from the Raymond H. Center library website trinitycollege.edu/library . The library has resources in both print and electronic format to meet the needs of 21st century students. In print, the library holds roughly 26,000 volumes and access to over 43 print periodicals. For electronic resources, the library offers multiple databases for academic journals.

For any resources that the library may not have currently, students can receive access to these books and journals through interlibrary loan. Search OCLC’s worldwide library catalog through worldcat.org to find available resources that may help with research. These items can be requested from the Librarian and typically delivered within a week or two. The Raymond H. Center library is also a part of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium, Christian Library Consortium and Association of Christian Librarians groups. This extends its resources available to students exponentially.

Residence Halls The L.L. Speer Hall serves as the main residence hall for the campus. The three-story residence building is equipped with the latest and safest technology. The Ruth Munce Hall is used as an additional residence hall for the campus.

W.T. Watson Administration Building The W.T. Watson Administration Building currently houses the student lounge, kitchen, dining room, administrative offices, faculty offices, and classrooms, along with the central maintenance facility.

Disclaimer Trinity College of Florida reserves the right to make any changes in the programs presented, tuition and fees, and the courses offered in this publication. The provisions of this catalog are subject to change without notice and do not constitute an irrevocable contract between any student and the College. All addendums will be posted on the Trinity College website, once approved.

[email protected] 800.388.0869 2430 Welbilt Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655

trinity college personal statement

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Welcome to working with trinity, our areas of work, hear our stories, equality, diversity and inclusion, our hiring promise, job vacancies, examiner vacancies, other opportunities, recruitment privacy notice.

Our people are the heartbeat of everything we do. We want everyone to be their best and have an inspiring work-environment where we can cater for individual needs.

trinity college personal statement

We are proud

Being proud is at the core of who we are. We take immense pride in our work, our team and our accomplishments. It’s not just about achieving success but about taking a moment to celebrate the milestones we reach. Our sense of pride drives us to consistently deliver our best, ensuring that everything we do reflect the quality and dedication that we stand for at Trinity. By being proud of ourselves, our colleagues and our organisation, we inspire an environment of positivity and excellence.

trinity college personal statement

We are passionate

Our passion is our driving force. We’re not just employees; we are individuals who are deeply enthusiastic about what we do. Our passion fuels our creativity and motivates us to explore new avenues and keeps us dedicated to our goals. We approach challenges with vigour, allowing our passionate selves to spark innovative solutions and create a dynamic atmosphere that encourages collaboration and learning.

trinity college personal statement

We keep promises

Understanding the importance of trust in all our relationships, whether with our colleagues, clients or partners means that when we make a commitment we follow through with unwavering dedication. This not only enhances our reliability but also cultivates a culture of accountability. By keeping our promises, we build lasting connections, foster mutual respect and demonstrate our dedication to the highest standards of professionalism.

How we connect

We offer various work arrangements at Trinity depending on your role, department, and location. Our head office in London is open 5 days a week and you can work flexibly from one of our open-plan desk spaces, in our break-out areas and pods, a selection of meeting rooms or, if you prefer, from your own personal space at home. Whatever you decide, we make sure to stay connected.

trinity college personal statement

Trinity welcome

We host quarterly induction welcome days for new starters where they can get to know their new colleagues, play a few games and enjoy a buffet lunch in our Central London office.

trinity college personal statement

Regular team meetings

Regular team meetings are encouraged and led by our people managers so that you can track keep up-to-date with your team and understand the way forward in achieving success. This will form part of your own personal development at Trinity.

trinity college personal statement

Hosted by the CEO, we have quarterly virtual Townhalls with all our colleagues where organisational updates are provided, important developments are shared, and future plans are discussed. We also have individual shout-outs during this time for individuals who have gone above and beyond for Trinity.

trinity college personal statement

We have 2 podcasts on Spotify. Our UK Music podcast allow us to learn about our music repertoire and our English Language Assessment podcast explores how our exam-takers are accessing our English Language portfolio around the world.

trinity college personal statement

Social events

Regular social events organised by our volunteer social committee always goes down well with our people, as well as our annual summer bash and winter party.

trinity college personal statement

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Dive into the heartbeat of Trinity with our latest quarterly newsletter where we spotlight innovative projects, share success stories and keep you in the loop on exciting developments. From employee spotlights to upcoming events, it's our source for staying connected, informed and inspired.

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As with our customers, we prioritise learning and skill development with our colleagues at Trinity. We support our people and help them realise their ambitions through providing access to learning and development resources and activities including:

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Mission Statement

​Engage. Connect. Transform.

As the preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.

We engage . We foster critical, reflective engagement with scholarship and the creative arts as well as with one another and the wider world. Our location in Connecticut’s capital offers excellent opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom in internships, student research, and community learning.

We connect . We link students, faculty, and staff to form a diverse community of learning. The connections of Hartford and Trinity College engage students as global citizens in the wider world, and a network of devoted alumni provide lifelong opportunities for Trinity graduates.

We transform . We combine the liberal arts with life in a diverse city, enabling students to learn what they love, to build confidence, and to become leaders and innovators. We support all members of our community in achieving their potential and in moving forward with the skills to navigate and transform a dynamic world.

Trinity College is where the liberal arts meet the real world.

Adopted by the Trinity College Board of Trustees, October 15, 2016.​​

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You are here Students > Applications and interviews > Cover letter

Cover letter

Generally, as part of your application process you will be asked to provide CV and cover letter. A cover letter is a brief email or letter where you emphasise your relevant skills, experience and motivation for the role.

Below, you can find information about how to present and structure your cover letter.

Layout of your cover letter

A standard cover letter is either written in the body of an email, or sent as an attachment, as an A4 page. If you are sending it as an attachment convert it to PDF so that the formatting remains the same. Your cover letter should be short and to the point, approximately three to four paragraphs long, and no longer than one page.

If sending as an attachment:

  • Include your address and the date on the top right hand corner
  • Include the employer’s address on the left hand side
  • Always address the cover letter to the recruiter/member of staff named in the job description. If there is no name given, you can address your email or letter to “Dear Sir/Madam”.
  • Make sure to include the full, correct job title of the role to which you are applying. If there is a vacancy code mention this also, either in the subject title of your email, or in the body of the cover letter.
  • Tell the employer why you are suitable for this job by outlining your skills and experience. You can draw on your educational background, work experience, volunteering and other extra-curricular activities to provide evidence of your suitability. Focus on the skills, competencies and experience specified in the job description and make sure that you refer to them in your paragraphs.
  • Your cover letter should strike a balance between outlining why you match their criteria, and why this role and this company are of particular interest to you.
  • Avoid generic statements such as “I have excellent communication and time management skills”. Always provide evidence for any statement you make. For example you can say “I have demonstrated excellent communication skills through regularly participating in debates held by the Hist Society in college, and through numerous class presentations”.
  • Employers are interested to know why you chose them amongst others, and how you see yourself fitting into their company’s culture. Find out more about the company (projects, people, recent innovation etc.) and the job as this will help you to make a stronger application which emphasises your motivation.
  • Use a closing paragraph to reiterate your interest in the role.
  • There is no need to conclude by sharing your email address or mobile number in the cover letter, these details are in your CV.
  • Avoid saying "I am available for interview at your convenience" as this is a given.

Pointers for success

  • Address the letter to a particular person by name. Phone to find this out if necessary.
  • Communicate something personal that will grab their attention, e.g. "My project work put me in contact with X division in your company and I was very impressed by how helpful X and Y were. This cemented my interest in joining your organisation".
  • Research the company, their culture, values, interests and recent achievements. Demonstrate knowledge of the company in a complimentary way in the letter. "Having done extensive research on X I am very interested in your company's work in X area..."
  • Include the key phrases or language included in the job description, company literature and website. In that way you will show that you speak the same language and that you will fit into their culture.
  • Use a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout.
  • Look for feedback on what you have written. Show draft forms, letters or CVs to your careers consultant and seek their opinion.
  • Do not send dozens of applications with little tailoring. It is better to send less applications that are well executed than a high volume of generic applications, which employers can easily spot. Remember it is the quality, not the quantity of applications that count.
  • If there is anything that you think the employer may be concerned about in your application address this in your cover letter directly. If you had a period of unemployment refer to the creative way that you spent your time and the skills you acquired during that time.
  • You may also send out a speculative letter along with your CV expressing an interest in a company should a position arise in the future. In this way the employer can keep you in mind should an opportunity arise to hire.

Disclosing a disability

Information about disclosing a disability can be found here:

Information on disclosing a disability

  • Sample cover letter
  • gradireland Ireland’s graduate website provides information about writing effective cover letters
  • Targetjobs A UK graduate jobs website which provides an A-Z of careers that match degrees
  • Prospects Prospects – UK’s graduate website provides information about writing effective cover letters

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What’s a personal statement for college.

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trinity college personal statement

As you complete your college applications, whether it’s through the Common App or by individually applying, you’ll likely come across prompts in the application that ask you to write about yourself. Think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committees of the schools you’re applying to in a different way than the insights recommendations and your transcript can provide.

Sometimes called an admissions or application essay, a personal statement, or a statement of purpose, what’s typically being asked for is information about your background, experiences, accomplishments, future goals, and any challenges or obstacles you may have had to overcome. Because of that, when it comes to any personal statements you write for college applications, the aim is usually to showcase your personality, interests, and character in a compelling and authentic way.

Keep reading for more information about personal statements, the prompts to expect, and some tips for mastering this part of a college application.

When will you have to write a personal statement during the college application process?

Many college applications require a personal statement of some kind. For applications submitted through the Common App, a personal statement is a required component for nearly all colleges and universities that use the platform. The Common App allows students to write one comprehensive essay that’s sent to all colleges they’re applying to through the system. This means you’ll write just one personal statement, which will be part of every college application you submit through the Common App. Some colleges might ask for additional shorter essays, known as supplemental essays, on top of this, so be prepared for those asks.

Many scholarship applications also require at least one personal statement or essay as part of the application process. Like college applications, scholarship personal statements provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and personal motivations. A personal statement for a scholarship application often serves as a way for applicants to demonstrate their merit, express their career and educational goals, and explain how they’d benefit from and contribute to a scholarship program.

How can your personal statement impact your college applications?

Your personal statement can have a significant impact on your college applications in several ways:

  • Demonstrating your character and personality: Your personal statement offers admission committees insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It can showcase your values, motivations, and unique qualities, helping to paint a more comprehensive picture of you as a prospective student.
  • Highlighting your achievements and experiences: It allows you to discuss your academic accomplishments, extracurriculars, and any challenges you’ve overcome. This can demonstrate your potential for success and your ability to contribute to a campus community.
  • Conveying your passion and commitment to a particular school: A personal statement allows you to articulate your academic and career goals and connect them to your reasons for applying to a specific college or program. Admissions committees are looking for students who are genuinely interested in and committed to their educational and personal growth, along with being excited to attend their school.
  • Setting you apart from other applicants: A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out among applicants with similar academic credentials. It allows you to showcase what makes you unique.
  • Addressing any weaknesses or challenges: If any aspects of your application may raise concerns to the admissions committees, such as a lower grade point average (GPA) in a particular semester, your personal statement can allow you to provide context and explain any extenuating circumstances. This can help mitigate potential red flags in your application.

How do you know what topic to write about in your personal statement?

Over 1,000 U.S. colleges accept the Common App, so many students will be choosing from among the Common App’s seven essay prompts.

Below is the list of essay prompts from 2023-24 Common App :

  • “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”
  • “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”
  • “Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?”
  • “Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”
  • “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”
  • “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”
  • “Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.”

Beyond the prompts from the Common App, which many students utilize, some schools may have their own applications with their own prompts or supplementary prompts that they expect students to complete.

For instance, at Yale University , one of the school’s supplementary prompts is: “Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above [on your application].” At Amherst College, one of the supplementary questions is: “In what ways could your unique experiences enhance our understanding of our nation and our world.”

What makes a good personal statement for a college application?

A lot goes into writing a strong personal statement for college applications.

Hafeez Lakhani of educational coaching firm Lakhani Coaching told the New York Times to think of it like this: “Every college is like a dinner table. What will make you the most interesting contributor to that dinner table conversation? What will make you help everyone else have a more interesting experience?”

Lacy Crawford, a former independent college application counselor and author of Early Decision, told USA Today : “These essays should read like smart, interesting 17-year-olds wrote them. A sense of perspective and self-awareness is what’s interesting...I think most students are torn between a pathway dividing a diary entry and a press release. It’s supposed to be a marketing document of the self.”

Here are a few tips to make the most of a personal statement.

  • Tell a story: Use the space to showcase your personality, interests, personal values, life experiences, and even your sense of humor. Don’t just use it to regurgitate your accomplishments, which can be gleaned from your high school transcript and other parts of your application.
  • Consider emphasizing your volunteer work and other community work: Many college admissions offices look for students who are active in their communities, be it volunteering or in different ways. The personal statement is a good place to emphasize how you’re making the world a better place.
  • Emphasize any extra work you’ve done to dive into your field of interest: Be it internships, college-level courses at a community college, or extracurricular activities, anything that shows you’ve done extra work to explore your chosen field of study will help to emphasize your passion. Tie this passion to why you’re particularly excited about attending a particular school, and you may have a winning formula.
  • Make sure you check grammar and spelling: You don’t want to write a great essay and let a few grammatical and spelling errors get in your way. Read and re-read your essay to check for spelling and grammar, and get a few people you trust to help you proofread your work as well.

Final thoughts

A strong personal statement can make a positive impression on admissions officers and contribute to a well-rounded and compelling college application. It allows you to showcase your strengths, demonstrate your potential, and express your genuine interest in the college or program.

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Boyer signed with Trinity Christian College on Wednesday afternoon.

Copyright 2024 WPTA. All rights reserved.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Personal statement

    Personal statement. Personal statements form a core part of applications for further study. They help to convey a sense of your passion, personality, and intellectual drive. In addition, a well-written statement should provide the selection committee with an insight into your motivation and rationale for the proposed graduate study programme ...

  2. PDF Completing Personal Statements

    Completing Personal Statements Careers Service Trinity College Dublin . The Importance of Personal Statements What is it? ... Sample personal statement "You must submit a personal statement with your application form. This should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words.

  3. PDF Applicant Guide

    Trinity admissions office will consider alternative evidence from students applying for entry in 2021/22. In lieu of standardised tests, the admissions office will consider criteria including: GPA, academic transcripts, two references, a personal statement for your application. We will also consider other academic criteria such as Advanced ...

  4. 5 things admissions officers at Trinity College Dublin look for ...

    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.

  5. How should I go about writing my personal statement at a European

    Hi! I applied to TCD too and got accepted for the history+political science joint degreel! :) I pretty much went really straightforward—I talked about why Trinity in particular (academic strengths, Dublin's historical/literary background, etc.) and then wrote a bit about why my major interested me and how it relates to what I hope to pursue.

  6. Trinity College Dublin: What it's really like : Unifrog Blog

    We also ask for two references, and for a 500-word Personal Statement, where you can show us why you're a good fit for Trinity and for the programme of your choice. I would say your transcript or predicted grades are most important, because Trinity is a very academic university. But otherwise, remember to apply as early as possible.

  7. Statement of Finances Form

    Your application will remain incomplete without a completed International Statement of Finances. You can send any questions you have about this form to [email protected]. Estimated Costs (2022-23 Academic Year) Amounts (U.S Dollars) Tuition and Fees. $63,930. Room and Board. $16,660. Personal and Travel Expenses.

  8. TCD Personal Statement?

    TCD Personal Statement? united-kingdom. supernova52 November 5, 2020, 4:43pm 1. 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.

  9. Student Integrity Contract

    With this document, the Trinity College student body, in accordance with the mission statement of the College, declares its commitment to a code of honor that fosters moral growth and upholds academic and personal integrity. By signing this document, each matriculated student commits to act with honor and integrity at Trinity College.

  10. LL.M. Applications: The Personal Statement

    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. ... "A personal statement is just that—personal," says McCabe. "It ...

  11. PDF (860) 297-2080 Trinity College Career and Life Design Center PERSONAL

    a personal statement, after all!) Reiterating other parts of the application (résumé, transcript, etc.) Use this space to generate some ideas and bullet points that you'd like to include in your personal statement. If you're having trouble getting started, make an appointment with our Pre- Law Advisor! MEET WITH A CAREER & LIFE DESIGN COACH!

  12. First-Year Applicant

    The subreddit for Trinity College Dublin. "Ireland's highest-ranked university with a 425-year history of teaching and research. ... I will be applying to Trinity this year and was wondering whether any kind of personal statement or a motivation letter is required. I couldn't find any clear information regarding that on the website, but then ...

  13. Undergraduate

    How to Qualify for Admission to Trinity College Dublin. 1) Meet the minimum matriculation requirements. 2) Meet the age requirement. ... GPA, academic transcripts, two references, a personal statement for your application. We will also consider other academic criteria such as Advanced Placement courses (APs), college and honors level classes ...

  14. TCD's Personal Statement : r/trinitycollege

    Try to be specific and mention why Trinity can provide the experience you are looking for and how you can contribute to the community both socially and academically. If you are having difficulty, do some research into some of the student-run clubs. They have one for pretty much everything. As a Northern-Califorian, I grew up sailing and surfing ...

  15. Personal Statement for Trinity College Dublin

    You have to write a short personal statement of 500 words, at least for Masters Ive also applied to Trinity, fingers crossed! Okay so I'll prepare a short paragraph, thank you all for helping me out. I am from India and I have been accepted at Trinity College Dublin for my Masters 2017/18.

  16. Educational Studies

    The interdisciplinary major in Educational Studies is designed for students who desire a liberal arts education blended with real-world experience and research methods, whether they aspire to become educators, activists, policymakers, or simply in their role as more informed citizens. Our faculty integrate the theory, policy, and practice of schooling, as well as its broader […]

  17. Academic Catalog General Information

    OUR VISION STATEMENT. The vision of Trinity College of Florida is to be the premier provider of Biblically-focused, multifaceted and diversified higher learning to fulfill the Great Commission in the life and career. ... The College expects its faculty, staff, and students to maintain personal conduct which is spiritually and morally ...

  18. Our people

    We offer various work arrangements at Trinity depending on your role, department, and location. Our head office in London is open 5 days a week and you can work flexibly from one of our open-plan desk spaces, in our break-out areas and pods, a selection of meeting rooms or, if you prefer, from your own personal space at home.

  19. TCD Personal Statement : r/Dublin

    TCD Personal Statement Hey all, Wondering if there's anyone out there who can give me some guidance on how to write the personal statement for trinity college. I'm an international student, and I'm unfamiliar with the Irish university application process.

  20. Trinity College Personal Statement

    Trinity College Personal Statement. Decent Essays. 337 Words. 2 Pages. Open Document. So many little kids have dream jobs. The doctors, the astronauts, even the cowboys of the world grow up and apply to college. I can't say I've ever fantasized a dream job, I've been a pretty realistic person my entire life, but that's not to say I don ...

  21. Trinity College Personal Statement

    Trinity College Personal Statement; Trinity College Personal Statement. 271 Words 2 Pages. Ever since I started my high school I've been desperate for getting to know people, who were just like me - passionate about knowledge and the process of creating and sharing. I am driven to unite with such people, as when I know my ideas are understood ...

  22. Mission Statement

    We support all members of our community in achieving their potential and in moving forward with the skills to navigate and transform a dynamic world. Trinity College is where the liberal arts meet the real world. Adopted by the Trinity College Board of Trustees, October 15, 2016. A highly selective liberal arts college in the heart of Hartford ...

  23. Cover letter

    Contact Us. [email protected] +353 1 896 1721. 2nd Floor 7-9 South Leinster Street Trinity College Dublin 2 D02 K104 View the contact page for more contact and location information

  24. What's A Personal Statement For College?

    Like college applications, scholarship personal statements provide an opportunity for applicants to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and personal motivations. A personal statement for a scholarship application often serves as a way for applicants to demonstrate their merit, express their career and educational goals, and explain how ...

  25. Blackhawk Christian's Boyer Signs with Trinity Christian College volleyball

    Boyer signed with Trinity ...