How to write a personal statement
Your personal statement should demonstrate your interest in the subject, and your skills and abilities.
If done well, it'll set you apart from applicants who have similar qualifications. Some courses invite applicants to an interview, so a clear personal statement can lead to a productive discussion.
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We've prepared some tips to help you understand what we're after.
, 75kb)Make it clear why you're applying
This is especially important if you are applying for a subject you haven't studied before. You might write about why you've applied for your course, what appeals to you about the subject, how you became interested, and how you've pursued it in your own time.
Give specific examples
A recent CV, or a list of your experience and achievements, can help you decide which activities to include. The key is to be selective.
Make sure any examples are relevant to the course and university you're applying to, rather than a long list of everything you've done. Try to only write about what you've done recently, or are doing now.
Go beyond the classroom
To better stand out from the crowd, it's great to show how you've explored the subject in ways other than learning about it in school or college. It'll prove you're ready to take on all aspects of the course.
For some courses, like Medicine or Nursing, work experience may be essential. Taking part in courses online or in person is another way to prove your enthusiasm.
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You could also mention voluntary work, sporting achievements, jobs you've had, or how you engage with podcasts or extra reading that relate to your subject interest.
These all demonstrate valuable skills that'll be useful for studying your course, like teamwork and time management.
Above all, your personal statement is a chance to show yourself in the best light. Talk about your passions, and how far you want to take them through your career. It all helps.
Don't plagiarise
Remember, your personal statement must be your own. When you submit it to UCAS, they'll use programmes to check that you haven't copied any part of it from someone else or online.
Check, then check again
Give yourself time to proofread your finished personal statement as many times as possible. Getting others to read it is a great way to correct any mistakes you might've missed, and to get suggestions about anything you haven't thought of.