JUPAS SLP Ultimate Guide
Master the skills of writing a Student Learning Profile to create the perfect SLP and improve your chances of getting into university. The Student Learning Profile (SLP) is an important supplement to the JUPAS application, which provides a comprehensive picture of the applicant's whole-person development in high school. A good SLP will enhance your competitiveness in the highly competitive university application process and give admissions officers a better understanding of your abilities, interests and potential.
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Content of this page
- SLP Overview - What is a Student Learning Profile?
- SLP Importance - Why do Universities Value SLPs?
- SLP Content - Core Components and Recommendations
- Writing Skills - Tips for Creating a Great SLP
- SLP Sample - Excellent Sample Reference and Analysis
- OEA and SLP - The Difference and the Connection
- Submission Guidelines - JUPAS Upload Process and Deadlines
- Common Mistakes - Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing an SLP
- University Requirements - Expectations of SLPs by Institutions
- Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to questions about SLPs
SLP Overview - What is a Student Learning Profile?
The Student Learning Profile (SLP) is an important supplement to the JUPAS application, designed to provide a comprehensive picture of an applicant's whole-person development in high school.
Definition and Purpose of SLP
- Definition:A comprehensive report written by the student summarising his/her academic, extracurricular and personal achievements.
- Purpose:It allows university admissions officers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant's abilities, interests, potential and personal attributes, and serves as an important reference in addition to DSE scores.
- Importance:In the highly competitive world of university applications, an outstanding SLP can effectively enhance an applicant's competitiveness.
Key components of the SLP
- Internal subject results
- Other Learning Experiences (OLE)
- Out-of-school activities and achievements (OEA)
- Student Personal Statement
- School Reference Report (completed by the school)
SLP Core Values
Whole Person Development
Demonstrate multiple abilities and potential beyond academia
Personalisation
Highlighting personal attributes, interests and aspirations
Reflecting on Growth
To realise the process of learning and growing from experience
University Reference
Provide universities with a basis for assessment other than DSE results.
SLP Importance - Why do Universities Value SLPs?
Why do universities value SLPs?
Comprehensive Assessment of Applicants
The SLP provides information about the individual that is not fully captured by DSE scores, such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, creativity, and perseverance.
Understanding Achievements Beyond Academics
The University seeks to recruit well-rounded students, and the SLP demonstrates the applicant's achievements in sports, arts, and community service.
Evaluate fit with the programme
Through the personal statements and activity experiences in the SLP, universities can determine whether an applicant has a genuine passion and readiness for their chosen programme.
Impact of SLP on University Admissions
Positive Impact of SLP
- Increase the chance of interviews: A well-organised and informative SLP will give a good impression to the admissions officer and increase the chance of getting an interview.
- Improve admission chances: Even if the DSE score is a bit low, a good SLP may make up for it and help the applicant to get an offer from the university of his/her choice.
- The key to "tie-breakers": When several applicants have the same DSE score, the quality of the SLP can directly affect the final admission result.
- Additional requirements for specific programmes: Some university programmes (e.g. medicine, law, architecture, etc.) have higher requirements for SLPs and even list them as important grading items.
Ignore the risk of SLPs
- Missed Presentation Opportunities: Failure to present your strengths and attributes beyond your academic achievements to the university.
- Reduced likelihood of acceptance: not having an SLP can put you at a disadvantage in a competitive programme.
- Fewer interviews: Lack of an SLP may result in admissions officers not getting to know you well enough to invite you for an interview.
- Inability to demonstrate personal attributes: Loss of important avenues for demonstrating personal attributes, passions and potential.
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Find an SLP InstructorSLP Content - Core Components and Recommendations
SLP Content Structure
1. Internal Academic Achievement
Content:Internal school results in various subjects from S4 to S6 (usually provided by the school).
Recommendation:
- Ensure that the results are accurate.
- If there is significant improvement, you may mention it in your personal statement.
- If there are special circumstances affecting the grade, they may be noted as appropriate.
2. Other Learning Experiences (OLE)
Content:Includes five areas: moral and civic education, social services, arts development, sports development, and work-related experience.
Recommendation:
- Focus on experiences that are highly participatory and deeply felt.
- Describe the activity, roles, learning outcomes and reflections.
- Provide concrete examples and data support as far as possible.
- Priority will be given to experiences relevant to the programme being applied for.
3. Out-of-school activities and achievements (OEA)
Content:Competitions, activities, awards, skill certificates, etc. participated in outside of school.
Recommendation:
- Select the most representative and valuable items.
- Provide supporting documents (e.g., copies of awards).
- Briefly describe the nature of the activities, personal contributions and achievements.
- Again, relevance to the programme being applied for is preferred.
4. Student's Personal Statement
Content:This is the most personal part of the SLP and usually includes a brief biography, academic interests, extracurricular achievements, future goals, and reasons for applying.
Recommendation:
- Strong targeting:Adapt the content to the different programmes applied for to highlight the match.
- Sincere and unique:Use your own words to express your true thoughts and experiences and avoid plagiarism.
- The structure is clear:It is presented in paragraphs with logical continuity.
- Highlights:Emphasis is placed on skills, experience and enthusiasm relevant to the programme.
- Simple and concise:Express yourself clearly within the word limit (usually about 500-1000 words).
- Positive Positive:Demonstrate a positive learning attitude and outlook on life.
5. School Reference Report (SRR)
Content:To be completed by the school teacher or headmaster to assess the student's academic ability, character, potential, etc.
Recommendation:
- Maintain good communication with your teachers so that they are fully aware of your situation.
- Provide relevant information for teachers' reference (e.g., resume, list of activities).
- Invite teachers to write early to allow plenty of time.
Content Writing Tips
Highlights
There is no need to be exhaustive. Choose the experiences that best reflect your abilities and attributes.
STAR Principles
The principles of Situation, Task, Action and Result can be used when describing experiences.
Quantitative achievements
Use concrete data or examples of your achievements and contributions wherever possible.
Reflection Summary
Emphasis is placed on learning from experience and personal growth.
Writing Skills - Tips for Creating a Great SLP
Personal statement writing strategy
Understanding Targeted Programmes
In-depth study of the content, features and entry requirements of the Mindfulness Programme, with a close link between personal presentation and the programme.
Express your unique personality
Think about what makes you unique and impress admissions officers with real stories and experiences.
Clear Structure
Intriguing beginning, informative main body, and powerful conclusion.
OEA/OLE description skills
| descriptive element | General Description | Description |
| Activity Role | "I'm on the school debate team." | "As captain of the school's debate team, I am responsible for leading the team in preparing for the competition and formulating strategies." |
| achievement description | "We've won a competition award." | "Under my leadership, the team overcame the difficulty of short preparation time and eventually won the first runner-up prize in the Hong Kong Secondary School Debate Competition". |
| Skills Demonstration | "I've learnt communication skills." | "This experience has sharpened my critical thinking, ability to cope on the spot, and teamwork skills." |
| Reflection Summary | "It was a good experience." | "This experience has not only enhanced my debating skills, but also taught me how to remain calm under pressure and how to effectively lead a team to overcome difficulties". |
Language Style and Notes
Chinese or English?
The JUPAS SLP can be written in either Chinese or English, depending on the language of instruction of the programme being applied for. If there is no specific requirement, you may choose the language you are most comfortable with.
The tone is sincere.
Speak in a matter-of-fact and honest tone, avoiding over-exaggeration or inaccurate descriptions. Be professional and decent, avoiding the use of Internet slang or irregular writing style.
Pro Tip:Proofread carefully before submitting to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. Please ask your classmates or teachers to review your submission for valuable feedback.
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Find an SLP InstructorSLP Sample - Excellent Sample Reference and Analysis
Examples of SLP personal presentations from different disciplines (excerpts) are provided below to help stimulate your thinking:
Example 1: Application for the Department of Engineering
"Ever since I was a child, I have been curious about mechanical structures, and the old electrical appliances at home were always dismantled by me. Participating in a robot design competition when I was in secondary school gave me a taste of the joy of applying theoretical knowledge into practice. The experience of leading a team that overcame many obstacles and eventually won the third place in Hong Kong not only honed my problem-solving skills and teamwork spirit, but also strengthened my determination to pursue a career in the field of engineering. I look forward to learning advanced engineering knowledge systematically in your professional programme and contributing to the development of Hong Kong's infrastructure in the future ......".
Analysis:
- Beginning with a personal interest and demonstrating a long-term passion for engineering.
- Integrate the specific experience of the competition, highlighting problem-solving skills and team spirit.
- Clearly articulate future goals and expectations for the programme
- The contents are closely related to the professional characteristics of the Department of Engineering.
Example 2: Application for Business School
"In the Mock Entrepreneurship Competition, I was the Marketing Team Leader responsible for formulating marketing strategies and executing plans. In the face of the ever-changing market, our team constantly adjusted our strategies and eventually succeeded in attracting a large number of customers and won the Best Marketing Award. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the business world, and inspired me to take a keen interest in marketing. I am confident that the international perspective and practical programmes offered by the Institute will help me to become an outstanding business professional ......".
Analysis:
- Demonstrate business acumen by highlighting leadership and market acumen
- Demonstrate practical skills and problem-solving abilities through specific competition experiences.
- Express your passion for business studies and your expectations of the programme.
- Professional language and terminology in line with the business world.
Example 3: Application for the Department of Social Sciences
"Participating in the volunteer services of elderly centres has enabled me to gain a better understanding of the needs of different sectors of the community. My interaction with the elderly has made me reflect on the welfare policy and the problem of ageing population in our society. I hope to acquire professional analytical methods and theoretical knowledge through my studies in the social science programme of your department, so that I can devote myself to social policy research in the future and contribute to the improvement of people's livelihood ......".
Analysis:
- Demonstrating concern and thinking about social issues from the perspective of volunteer experience.
- Expressing a strong sense of social responsibility and spirit of service
- Clearly explain the motivation for learning and future career planning.
- The content is closely related to areas of study in the social sciences.
Important Reminder:The examples are for reference only and should not be copied directly. Learn from the structure, presentation, and perspective of the examples and combine them with your own experiences and characteristics to write your own SLP.
OEA and SLP - The Difference and the Connection
| Compare items | OEA (Other Experiences and Achievements) | SLP (Student Learning Profile) |
| nature | List of Off-Campus Activities and Achievements | Comprehensive Profile of Whole Person Development of Students |
| Content Highlights | Objective listing of activities, awards, and skills | Includes academic, OLE, OEA, personal statement, etc. |
| Writing Style | Usually in bullet point or brief form | Contains descriptions, reflections and personal statements |
| time (in a printed page or news story) | The JUPAS system has column limits. | There is usually an overall page or file size limit |
| Submission method | Fill in the JUPAS system | Upload PDF files to JUPAS system |
| cut-off date | Letter dated 2 January 2025 from the Permanent Representative of | Letter dated 28 May 2025 from the Permanent Representative of |
Linkage between the two
- OEA is one of the key components of SLP and SLP covers OEA.
- In the SLP it is possible to describe in more detail the important experiences and reflections in the OEA.
- Both are designed to demonstrate to the University the applicant's non-academic abilities and achievements.
- When applying for JUPAS, both need to be completed or submitted as required.
Tip:It is recommended to complete the OEA first and then write the SLP based on the OEA to ensure that the two contents are consistent and complementary to each other; the OEA can be an important reference for the SLP.
Submission Guidelines - JUPAS Upload Process and Deadlines
JUPAS SLP uploaded steps
-
Prepare PDF files
Save the completed SLP in PDF format, the file size should not exceed 3MB.
-
Log in to your JUPAS account
Use your JUPAS application number and password to log in to the JUPAS Online Application System.
-
Choose to upload SLP
On the My Applications page, find the option to "Upload a Student Learning Profile (SLP)".
-
Upload File
Follow the system instructions to select and upload your SLP PDF file.
-
Confirm Submission
After successful uploading, reconfirm that the file is correct and complete the submission process.
Important deadlines
JUPAS SLP submission deadline for 2025:
Date of birth: 28 May 2025 (11:59 p.m.)
Attention:
- Late submissions/revisions will not be accepted.
- It is recommended to complete and submit the application as soon as possible to avoid last minute system busyness.
- After submission, you can preview the uploaded file to ensure that the content is correct.
- Printed copies/submissions by email will not be accepted.
Common Mistakes - Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing an SLP
1. Vague and lacking in focus
Question:Only activities were listed without in-depth description and reflection.
Avoid:Select significant experiences and elaborate on personal contributions and achievements.
2. excessive exaggeration or misrepresentation
Question:Fictitious experiences or exaggerated achievements are easily recognised.
Avoid:Be honest and truthful about your personal situation.
3. misspellings and grammatical errors
Question:It affects the reading experience and gives an impression of insincerity.
Avoid:Proofread carefully before submitting, or ask someone to help you check.
4. Lack of specificity and uniformity
Question:One SLP used to apply for all programmes fails to highlight the match with a specific programme.
Avoid:The content of the personal statement will be appropriately adjusted according to the characteristics and requirements of different programmes.
5. negative emotions or complaints
Question:Express dissatisfaction with school or exams in SLP.
Avoid:Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
6. Ignoring formatting and file size requirements
Question:Failure to use PDF format or file exceeding 3MB results in failure to upload.
Avoid:Prepare files in strict accordance with official JUPAS guidelines.
7. Over-reliance on templates and lack of individuality
Question:A lot of online examples are copied and individuality is lost.
Avoid:Refer to the structure and ideas of the examples, but be sure to fill in the content with your own words and experiences.
8. Late or missed deadlines
Question:Failure to submit SLP on time affects application.
Avoid:Plan and prepare early to allow sufficient time for completion and submission.
University Requirements - Expectations of SLPs by Institutions
Although JUPAS has standardised the submission requirements for SLPs, the emphasis on SLPs may vary from university to university and from department to department. The following are general recommendations:
University of Hong Kong (HKU)
The SLP should reflect the overall quality and unique potential of the applicant, emphasising academic ability, leadership, international vision and social responsibility.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
With an emphasis on whole-person development and enthusiasm for the subject, the SLP should be able to demonstrate the applicant's academic interest, reflective skills, and concern for the community.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Focusing on innovative thinking, research potential and problem-solving skills, SLPs are favoured for experiences related to science, technology and research.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Emphasis is placed on practical skills, professional skills and industry awareness. experiences related to career development and internships are more important in the SLP.
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
Students' creativity, critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills are valued, and the SLP should demonstrate the applicant's diverse talents and motivation.
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Emphasis is placed on humanistic qualities, artistic cultivation and the spirit of service, and SLP content that demonstrates humanistic concern and social participation will be more popular.
Recommendation:Before writing your SLP, read the official websites of your preferred universities and programmes to understand their admission requirements and expectations, so that your SLP will be more focused.
Frequently Asked Questions - Answers to questions about SLPs
Q1: Is the SLP mandatory?
A1: Applicants can choose whether or not to submit an SLP, but it is highly recommended as most institutions will refer to the SLP as part of their assessment and a good SLP can significantly improve the chances of admission.
Q2: How many pages should I write in SLP?
A2: JUPAS officially recommends that the length of the SLP (including the student's self-report, OLE, OEA, etc.) should not be too long, and that the focus should be on concise and representative content. The file size is limited to 3MB PDF.
Q3: What should I write in my SLP if I don't have many extracurricular activities?
A3: Even if there are not a lot of activities, you can focus on describing what you have learnt and reflected on the activities you have participated in. At the same time, you can highlight your academic interests, personal attributes and future goals in your personal statement. Sincerity and uniqueness are more important than the number of activities.
Q4: Should the language of SLP be Chinese or English?
A4: It depends on the main language of instruction of the programme you are applying for. Generally speaking, if you are applying for an English-medium programme, it is recommended that you write your SLP in English, but if there is no specific requirement, you can choose the language you are most comfortable with.
Q5: Can I change my SLP after I submit it?
A5: Before the deadline, you can upload the updated version of SLP several times and the system will take the last successfully uploaded version as the best. After the deadline, you cannot make any further changes or submissions.
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