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Your personal statement is an important part of the application process. It is how you show a university that you are right for their course. Writing a good one can take a lot of work, but don’t worry. This isn’t a test, but an opportunity to show yourself off in the best possible light. You need to show them what would make you a good student. Be clear, be honest, and be enthusiastic about your course.
Your course
The university is interested in you as a student. Show them that you are interested in your subject and will work hard at it during your studies. Look in detail at what studying this subject will involve and try to apply your existing knowledge or experience.
Think about...
Why are you interested?
What sparked your interest?
What specific topics do you enjoy?
What have you done to learn about these topics?
What have you read about your subject?
What projects have you done to do with your subject?
If the subject is one you study at school - how have you gone beyond school requirements to learn more about it?
If you have an idea of a career path you’d like to follow - how does the course fit into it?
If you're applying for a combined course, make sure to include why you’re interested in both subjects and talk about them both equally!
Who is your audience?
Admissions Tutors
Experts in your subject
Often lecturers on the course
Read hundreds of applications every year
Remember: your statement will be read by up to 5 admissions tutors
What are they looking for?
What are they looking for?
Why would you be an excellent student?
How are you different from other applicants?
What can you bring to the course and the university community?
STRUCTURE
It can be difficult to start writing a personal statement but knowing the structure can be a big help! Guidance on the things to include in a personal statement can support in getting over the writers block because it is all about you so you should be able to think of something. It is suggested to note down some ideas for each section before worrying about forming full sentences.
Some people even leave the first paragraph last! Whatever works for you!
SECTION 1
WHY?
Why do you want to study this course?
What is it about the course that intrigues and interests you?
Where did you get the desire to want to explore this course further?
SECTION 2
HOW?
How do your current studies relate to your chosen course?
Are there any links to your course through your A-levels (or BTEC, EPQ etc.)
For example any skills you learned. You may want to do English Literature and writing essays in school has supported your critical analysis skills.
SECTION 2 CON'T
WHAT?
What have you done that makes you suitable for the course?
This can include any work experience whether it be linked to your course or even your part-time job.
You can use the ABC method to link sections
Action, Benefit. Course
SECTION 3
WHEN?
When have you done something that makes you somebody who will contribute to the course and to the university?
What do you intend in doing after completing your course?
Further study or a certain career?
Do
Do
Don't
Don't
Plan your structure
Leave it to the last minute
Sell your best skills and experience
Make it up
Be honest and sound natural
Try to sound funny or smart
Show self-awareness and reflection
Just write lists
Proofread and get someone else to proofread
Have too many proofreaders
Make it personal to you
Plagiarise other statements
Example
Example
“I spent two weeks managing customer enquiries at a department store. I learned how to interact with customers and handle complaints. The experience highlighted the importance of positive communication between a business and its customers, and taught me how to manage difficult enquiries effectively. I would like to develop this skill further by studying a degree in public relations.”
“I spent two weeks working at a department store. I enjoyed speaking to customers and helping them with their enquiries”
Skills and activities bank
This bank is here to support you with examples of skills and activities you can use in your personal statement, in case you are feeling stuck!
Problem solving skills
Creativity
Coordination
Concentration
Communication
Teamwork
Entrepreneurship
Communication
Networking
Data Handling
Leadership
Time management
Responsibility
Organisation
Presenting
Critical thinking
Listening
Educational Clubs
Art
Performance
Volunteer Work
Sport
Student politics
Student societies
Part-time job
Cultural
Languages
Music
Social Activism
Books
Articles
Journal
Radio
Ted Talks
Taster Days
Useful resources
Useful resources
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