Guidelines for Writing Your Personal Statement

As part of your application to study at Ó Fiaich Institute (OFI), you must complete a 100–200 words personal statement outlining why you would like to study your chosen course and why you feel that OFI is the right college for you.

Here are guidelines/ideas to help you get started. Please use the below headings to help structure your statement and to make sure that all required information is included.

Preparation and Research Look at the course

A description, found on our website and identify the qualities, skills, and experience it requires – you can use these to help you decide what to write about.

Motivation and Commitment

Explain why you’re applying – you must state whether you are a new applicant, or if you have already studied in OFI before and would like to apply again. Include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the course, the college itself, and further education in general. Can you commit to a one-year full-time course?

Include any clubs or societies you belong to – sporting, creative, or musical, especially if applying for a course in the vocational area (i.e. sports, art/design etc.)

Aptitude and Suitability

Think about what makes you suitable – this could be relevant experience in this area, skills, or achievements you’ve gained from education, work, or other activities that relate to the course area, for example, subjects studied in school; skills that you’ve developed so far that you could apply throughout your studies.

Mention any relevant employment experience (part-time work, previous employment, transition year work experience) or volunteering you’ve done, such as community or social initiatives.

Personal and Professional Goals
Explain what your personal and professional goals are (e.g. gaining more experience in this area, goal to progress into higher education and/or future employment in this area). How will you hope to achieve your goals, what challenges do you think you’ll face and how will you overcome these?

Supports

If there are any personal circumstances, or additional educational needs that have affected your previous studies, outline them in your personal statement. For example, if you have ever accessed learning support or if this is something that you feel you would benefit from. Don’t worry, this doesn’t decide whether or not you get a place on your chosen course. It just means that the necessary supports/services can be put in place if your application is successful. For example, this might be something that impacted your attendance or previous qualifications- such as a learning need, physical or mental health condition or caring for a family member.

Final Points to Note
Make sure that you’ve researched the course for which you’re applying, that this statement reflects your ambitions and suitability and that you have proofread your statement for spelling, grammar and paragraphing before submitting it.

Please note if a course is oversubscribed, shortlisting may take place and will be based on the uploaded information including reference, personal statement and results forwarded. In some instances, learners may also be asked to attend an interview in late August regarding selection for their chosen programme.

Fees:

All courses have a Registration Fee of €30 (non-refundable).

A non-refundable Registration fee of €30 will be payable on acceptance of a PLC place. Essential course materials may be required for some courses the cost of which will be borne by the student.

All fees are subject to change. All fees must be paid with a Credit/Debit card online. No cash is acceptable.

All registration fees must be paid online with a Credit/Debit card before commencing your studies in OFI and by no later than the 30th of August. Fees are subject to change. Total Fee for 2024 – 2025 is €30. Some courses have additional fees & these can be found on individual Course Pages. Please note that no refunds will be made by OFI after Friday 4th October 2024. All requests for refunds must be made by emailing [email protected]

We must have your up-to-date details. If your address or contact details change, please inform the admissions office. Please also complete Stage 2 of the application process as soon as possible.