Writing a Personal statement

Personal Statement - Hints and Tips

The personal statement is a key tool in the university application process.

This A4-size collection of words of up to 4,000 characters is your chance to prove to university admissions staff why you should be offered a place on your chosen course. It should convey your enthusiasm, skills, experience and commitment.

Here are some pointers to ensure you showcase your suitability to maximum effect:

• Start with a strong introduction focusing on why you are so interested in the subject. What has inspired/motivated you to study this at a higher level? What ambitions do you have and how will the course help you to achieve these? You can look at course descriptions and identify which parts you are really looking forward to. Describe what you have done that is relevant to your future course. Include links to your current studies, wider reading and independent research projects like an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) that really underpin your commitment.

• Explain what you have done to expand your knowledge in this area. Have you attended events/workshops, did you undertake any work experience/shadowing? Remember to reflect on what you learned from these experiences and what you have gained from them.

• What do you do outside of your academic work? Mention any part- time work, volunteering, clubs or societies you belong to. What transferable skills have you developed in these that would benefit your university studies?

Finish with a strong, closing paragraph. Pull the statement together by summarising what your ultimate career goals might be and the qualities you will bring to the university to re- confirm why you are suitable for the course.

The Personal Statement deserves your time and commitment:

• Don’t leave this important piece of work until the last minute. Invest the time to make sure your statement is well thought through and not rushed.

• Do expect to produce several drafts before you are finally happy with it. Don’t exaggerate.stick to the facts – you may, if interviewed, need to back up your claims.

• Proof-read your statement thoroughly. Don’t rely on a spellchecker as it won’t always pick up everything.

• Be focused and concise. Admissions staff have thousands of statements to read and appreciate clarity.

We are here to support you.

There is a wealth of information on Unifrog (our complete destinations platform) to help you structure your statement effectively and you will receive feedback from tutors to move positively through drafts to that all- important final version.

Useful links:

UCAS – How to Write a UCAS Undergraduate Personal Statement