Before you get started please spend some time filling out the Brag Sheet. 

Here is a the slide deck from the Warwick presentation and Video from Trent Nottingham University about writing the UK personal statement that you might find helpful. 

Step 1.  Research all 5 Programs you are applying to and make a chart

Look at the modules-- what is the content/themes covered

  How is the content taught? 

  Key words from programs

  Opportunities for travel/work/ etc...

Step 2. Look for common threads across all 5 schools, with more weight if needed going to top choices-but careful as if you mention things that a school does not offer they may not look at you Eg: I want to study International Law, when course only offers EU or UK law a Uni knows that they are not your first choice and may pass you by accordingly. 

Step 3. What are three things that you want a University to know about you and what experiences do you have to show these things!  

Do not assume that Universities make the connection between an experience and the major, you need to be specific and show what you learned or gained from an experience!  Tell them how that connects to the major.  

These experiences can also be books that you have read, Ted Talks that you watched, Mooks or other classes that you have taken.  All of this counts!   

Step 4. Write Draft 

Step 5.  Take out all quotes and cliché  or commonly used statements. 

https://www.universityfinder.org.uk/blog/post/10-most-common-opening-lines-personal-statements

Imperial, LSE UCK Kings and SOAS expressed their "Bug Bear"'s or things that turn them off when reading an essay: 

• Poorly used quotes and most often they are poorly used better to avoid if possible

• Reads as a list-- no sense of the individual

• Student tries to say too much-- focus and use detail is better!

• Referencing desire to study things that are not part of this program at this school-- eg- I love physical geography-- when the program has a human geography focus. 

• DO NOT USE "Ever since I was born....!"  This can't be true and sets you up for the "circular file" not the admissions file.

• For clinical degrees do not say that you want to help people-- this is too general and is a waste of space and words

• List of courses or other material that we can see in the rest of the application.

Step 6. Read out loud and look for rhythm and flow to writing.  Rewrite for the reader and keeping them engaged in your story.

Step 7. Share with others and ask for assistance

Step 8.  Repeat until satisfied. 

Suggestions on how to write a Personal Statement from Warwick University, UCAS Page on Writing your Personal Statement, Personal statements for Oxford and Cambridge and The Student Room offers a personal statement tool along with exemplars and step-by-step help.  Oxbridge also has a blog with good suggestions on quality personal statements.