Applied: 19 August
Endorsed: 12 September
Number of edits: 3 (August 31, Sept 10 and Sept12)
My main observation:
My evidence files are very similar to what this forum knows, so I decide to give my overall impression. My observation is that the assessors have gone through so many cases, and only the cases that stand out will be endorsed. Consider meeting the written criteria just a guide, not a guarantee for endorsement. The bar is raised every year because they intuitively know (through gained experience) what is impressive enough to be endorsed. I consider that, what was endorsed last year will most likely be rejected in two years time (everything else constant) and will get intense with each year, unless if there is a significant interest decline in the program (very unlikely). I donât mean to discourage anyone, but point you in the right direction because you find a lot of people pointing to the guide and wonder, how they did not get endorsed because what they have is exactly what the guide says (word for word).
My advice
Having experiences that reflect the guide is the first step to a three-step process, it just shows that with proper concept craft, you stand a chance of endorsement. If you do not have experience as listed in the guide, take your time, build the profile to meet the established criteria.
Step two: this is the hardest and unfortunately, most people fall off. Let your files âscreamâ exceptionalism! Example instead of saying I build item X using Z and profited Yâ, you could say âI identified a gap in the market that serves segment A, and implemented item B, which is better that the state-of-the-art C, by D% and enhanced quality by E% to achieve profile F, the highest in my company since year G. Give context, shine light on your excellence, prove how only the highly gifted could achieve your feat, otherwise you are just a capable individual, not exceptional. You obviously should back that with evidence that can be authenticated. This is important because I have seen so many rejections with âinsufficient evidenceâ. To avoid this, provide authentic, high quality evidence like independent news coverage, recognized awards, product profile in different platforms like Apple store and donât be tempted to exaggerate your profile instead build it if itâs not strong enough.
Step three: Build a unique story, that captivates the assessor. Donât tell them what they know, for example when writing your personal statement, donât be tempted to write things like âthe UK has the best universities, thatâs why I want to come and start my businessâ they know this. Show how you will add value on top of the value they already have. Take your time and think and put in some work.
Best of luck to all of you!
