How do I make working in a pub sound like I’ll be good at doing a physics degree? Stefan Feenington, Swindon

Why do you need to? You can say I’m a good time manager so I could manage my degree, if you really want to. But the fact is their prime interest is in the academic record. If you are applying somewhere like Oxbridge where you will have an interview, it may give them something to talk about, but I wouldn’t worry about it. The fact you’ve cycled from John O'Groats to Land’s End is of bugger all interest. You can include some interests, but don't worry to much.

I’ve always been good at school. I was a prefect, head of house, I was even in the scouts! But I’m applying to cool universities like Leeds and Manchester so I don’t want to sound too geeky. Should I leave that stuff out? Richard S. Bodsworth

The fact is that adults don’t think of these people as geeks. If you’ve proved yourself to be a good boy they don’t care if you’re cool. So called cool universities don’t want people who have done loads of dope and dropped out of school. It’s a business after all. They have to prove that the course is worthwhile, attracts students and keeps them in order to get government funding. That's why they have these contracts to say you must attend lectures. University is getting to be rather hard and less relaxed.

I am applying to study economics at the top universities. Unfortunately, I’ve never done any work experience, volunteering or won anything. My Dad says I should just make some things up, but at school they warned me not to. What do I do? Marcus Lewis, Sunderland

Never bullshit, it’s the first rule. You will be found out. My advice would be, if you’ve done no work experience, say that you want to do economics because you always read The Economist and the business pages and understand that it is so important. Or pick something else you can do at home to demonstrate your interest. Make sure you do it though, or you may get found out again.

Do admission people have a sort of checklist of things you have to say to get in? Eliza Kapp-Onagel, Manchester

No, I don’t think there’s a list, but the admissions tutor at Warwick confirmed to me that applications will be judged on presentation. Not are you artistic? But is your form presentable. I’m amazed at the appalling grammar and punctuation I see. Also try to avoid rambling and don’t repeat yourself. You don’t necessarily have to fill the space, they are reading hundreds of applications, so you don’t need to go wittering on.

Get someone else to read it, not your Mum or Dad, another adult. Ask them how you come across. Do you seem pathetic or arrogant? You want to create the right impression.

What’s the best personal statement you’ve ever seen? Katie Duffle, Buckinghamshire

I wouldn’t say there’s one. Try to avoid starting it: “I’ve been fascinated by x since…” or “Since I was a kid…” I’ve seen those so many times before. Also don’t try to be a smart-arse and start it: “As Descartes says…” There’s nothing worse than being pretentious.

The best forms are by people who really show why they want to do something. A love of the subject and clear demonstration that this love has been reflected by what you have done, seen or read is vital. Be truthful though, after 15 years reading applications, I can smell a liar straight away and if I can smell it so can the university. Be yourself and show why you want to do the course.

How much does the personal statement matter when you are applying for a biology degree? K Blakey

The personal statement matters whatever you’re doing – so many people have A*s and As. Whether you want to do Biology, English or Sport Science the statement is what differentiates Fred from Alice.

Cathie Griffin and Sheila Taylor run Taylor and Griffin Training Consultants. taylorgriffin2@aol.com

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