Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Radio 4 FM

My Life on Paper

Documentaries

Factual

11/06/2015

BBC Radio 4 - My Life on Paper

Jane Godber explores the UCAS personal statement - how close to the truth is it?

Playwright and actress Jane Godber explores the UCAS personal statement. How can you sum yourself up in 4,000 characters?

Across Britain, sixth formers are preparing to write and embellish their UCAS personal statements as they apply to university.

Actress, playwright and mother Jane Godber explores how creative you can get in 4000 characters - the limits of a personal statement - what if you really had to tell the truth about your life?

If you wrote that the most influential people in your life are not Jack Kerouac and Tennyson, but your mum or your dad, who is paralysed. That you are more mature than most sixth-formers because you've been the main carer for your mum and sisters since you were thirteen.

Jane hears from students, admissions tutors and heads of sixth-form, as well as creative writing tutors Ian Marchant and Helen Cross. She also attempts to write her own short biog, with the help of daughter Martha and a large packet of marshmallows.

Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

My Life on Paper

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4