What's a personal statement?
An undergraduate personal statement is a chance to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have. It's an important part of the application process as it's an opportunity to talk about yourself and your passions, outside of your grades.
In this article, we're going to talk you through how to write an undergraduate personal statement that stands out, without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.
Preparing to write your personal statement
You'll have heard the saying preparation is key, and that's no different when you're tackling your personal statement. There are two things to think about when you're planning. The practical and factual information you need to get across, and the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else.
Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you a want an admissions tutor to know about you, and get them down on paper. Don't worry too much about making your notes perfect - this is more about making sure you know why you should be offered a place.
You can also look at the course description as this'll help you with what to include and give you a good idea of what each university is looking for.
How to open your personal statement
Admissions Tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it's important to grab their attention right from the start.
Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you'll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in.
The best statements tend to be genuine and specific from the very start. You'll be on the right track if you show your enthusiasm for the subject or course, your understanding of it, and what you want to achieve.
Admissions tutors - the people who read and score your personal statement - say don't get stressed about trying to think of a 'killer opening'. Discover the advice below and take your time to think about how best to introduce yourself.
Preparing to write your personal statement
Start by making some notes. The personal statement allows admissions tutors to form a picture of who you are. So, for the opener, think about writing down things, such as:
why you're a good candidate
your motivations
what brings you to this course
Don't begin with the overkill opening
Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard
Tutors said: 'The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Go straight in. What excites you about the course and why do you want to learn about it more?'
Write about why you want to study that course
Think about why you want to study the course and how you can demonstrate this in your written statement:
Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying the area you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.'
Avoid cliches
Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line. UCAS publishes a list of common opening lines each year. Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
From a young age...
For as long as I can remember...
I am applying for this course because...
I have always been interested in...
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed...
Maybe don't begin at the start?
'Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last. I think the opening line is the hardest one to write, so I often say leave it until the end and just try and get something down on paper.
It may be easier to get on with writing the main content of your statement and coming back to the introduction afterwards -that way you will also know what you're introducing.
Think about making a link between your opening sentence and closing paragraph - a technique sometimes called the necklace approach'.
You can reinforce what you said at the start or add an extra dimension. For example, if you started with an interesting line about what's currently motivating you to study your chosen degree course, you could link back to it at the end, perhaps with something about why you'd love to study this further at uni.
What’s including in Personal Statement?
Be Uniquely You
Show off your skills and experiences that make you unique. Link how that's relevant to the course you're applying for and how it'll serve you well in your university journey.
Show not tell!
It's all very well telling someone you're great at something, but an admissions tutor wants to see the evidence. Share a real-life scenario where you ve clearly demonstrated the skills or knowledge you're referring to.
Unapologetic passion
Don't be afraid to shout about how excited you are about a course or subject.
What is it you love and why do you want to study it? What impact do you think you could have when you're armed with more knowledge?
Your 'why'
We're all driven by something, and it's that drive that leads us to the uni and course we choose. Talk about your ambitions and the things you think your undergraduate study will help you achieve.
Humble confidence
Discussing about your achievements is important as it shows you're self-aware and clear on your strengths. Whether it's leading a sports team, completing your Duke of Edinburgh or winning a poetry competition, all achievements deserve to be recognised.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Look at course descriptions and identify the qualities, skills, and experience it requires - you can use these to help you decide what to write about.
Tell the reader why you re applying - include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider, and higher education.
Think about what makes you suitable - this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you've gained from education, work, or other activities.
Include any clubs or societies you belong to - sporting, creative, or musical.
Mention any relevant employment experience or volunteering you've done, such as vinspired Awards, Step Together, or Project Trust. With the current restrictions on our lives, carrying this out in-person can be difficult. Don't worry, universities and colleges understand this and will take it into consideration - read our advice to find out lots of other ways you can gain useful experience.
If you've developed skills through Duke of Edinburgh, ASDAN, National Citizen Service, the Crest Awards scheme, or young enterprise, tell them.
If you took part in a higher education taster course placement, or summer school, or something similar, include it.
In other words, keep it to the point and punchy.
There's no set way to end your statement. Instead, think about the following and how it might help you to stand out:
Tie it back to what you've written earlier
Revisit the key points you've already spoken about in the main body of your personal statement and emphasise them again in your conclusion. This could be reiterating key skills, interests, and experiences you've already touched on, giving them one last chance to hit home (but don't just regurgitate what you've already said.
Talk about the future
Looking to the future is an optimistic way to finish. It shows you're goal-oriented, and you've carefully thought about how this course fits into your plans. You don't need to have the next ten years mapped out, but if you've a broad sense of your career path - or any related life ambitions you want to fill – it’s worth mentioning them here, as well as how this calls aw help you achieve those.
