- Interest in the course - this is the most important point
- No spelling or grammatical mistakes
- Clearly written
- Motivation
- Able to balance studies with non-academic life
- Interesting person
- Work experience - especially if it is relevant to the course
- Broad key skills - teamwork for example
- Numeracy and language skills - particularly if you have yet to pass GCSE
- Explanation of unusual degree combinations - don't appear undecided
- Career aspirations
- Waffle
- Long words
- Statements with no examples or evidence
- Very ordinary interests - going to the pub
- Trying to be someone you are not
- Rushed and careless statements
