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How to write a personal statement

How to approach writing your personal statement for graduate applications.

If you’re applying for a grad course that requires a personal statement (sometimes also called a ‘statement of purpose’), it can be difficult to know where to start and what to include. Read on for tips from some of our masters’ students about their process and what they found helpful.

1. Before you start

The academic work is the most important reason why we’re here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are as an academic. Lauren (MSc Modern Middle Eastern Studies)

Start by thinking about the skills, knowledge and interests you’ve acquired over time and how the course at Oxford will take them forward.

Your statement is the story you want to tell about yourself and your academic work to the department you are applying to.

Most of your application and its supporting documents communicate plain facts about your academic career so far. Your personal statement is your best opportunity to put these facts into context and show assessors how you’ve progressed and excelled.

Make sure you highlight evidence of your achievements (a high grade in a relevant area, an award or scholarship, a research internship).

Presenting yourself

When I was writing my personal statement, I went onto my course website. I looked at what they emphasised and what kind of students they were looking for, and I wrote about my experiences based on that. Kayla (MSc in Clinical Embryology)

Make it easy for an assessor to see how you meet the entry requirements for the course (you can find these on each course page ).

Don’t make any assumptions about what Oxford is looking for!

Get to know your department

You want to study this particular subject and you want to study at Oxford (you’re applying here, so we know that!) but why is Oxford the right place for you to study this subject? What interests or qualities of the academic department and its staff make it attractive to you?

Use your academic department’s website for an overview of their research, academic staff and course information (you'll find a link to the department's own website on each course page ).

I said, ‘why do I actually want to be here? What is it about being at Oxford that’s going to get me to what I want to do? Sarah (Bachelor of Civil Law)

Talk it out

Talking to others about your statement can be a great way to gather your ideas and decide how you’d like to approach it. Sarah even managed to get benefit out of this approach by herself:

“I spent a lot of time talking out loud. My written process was actually very vocal, so I did a lot of talking about myself in my room.”

2. The writing process

Know your format.

Make sure you’ve read all the guidance on the How to Apply section of your course page , so you know what’s needed in terms of the word count of the final statement, what it should cover and what it will be assessed for. This should help you to visualise roughly what you want to end up with at the end of the process.

Make a start

When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part.

One good way to get around writer’s block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur.

First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I’ve done, anything close to computer science, that was on my personal statement. Mayur (MSc Computer Science)

You’ll be editing later anyway so don’t let the blank page intimidate you - try writing a little under each of the following headings to get started:

  • areas of the course at Oxford that are the most interesting to you
  • which areas you’ve already studied or had some experience in
  • what you hope to use your Oxford course experience for afterwards.

3. Finishing up

Get some feedback.

Once you’ve got a draft of about the right length, ask for feedback on what you’ve written. It might take several drafts to get it right.

This could involve getting in touch with some of your undergraduate professors to ask them to read your draft and find any areas which needed strengthening.

You could also show it to people who know you well, like family or friends.

Because they’re the first people to say, ‘Who is that person?’ You want the people around you to recognise that it really sounds like you. It can be scary telling family and friends you’re applying for Oxford, because it makes it real, but be brave enough to share it and get feedback on it. Sarah (Bachelor of Law)

Be yourself

Finally - be genuine and be yourself. Make sure your personal statement represents you, not your idea about what Oxford might be looking for.

We have thousands of students arriving every year from a huge range of subjects, backgrounds, institutions and countries (you can hear from a few more of them in our My Oxford interviews).

Get moving on your application today

To find out more about supporting documents and everything else you need to apply, read your course page and visit our Application Guide .

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This content was previously available through our  Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our  Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.

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Writing a personal statement

Here is our advice on how best to show us what you have to offer and give us a sense of who you are as an individual. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for excellent writing and a statement that is personal and unique to you. We want to understand:

  • Your passion for your subject
  • How you are a good fit for your chosen programme
  • What you will bring to the university community

Before you start

Read the programme description and the modules offered.

Think about what skills, qualities, and experiences might be needed for a programme like this. 

Think about examples from your life that demonstrate these skills, qualities and experiences.

  • Academic studies
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Personal interests
  • Achievements
  • Exhibitions visited
  • Competitions
  • Work experience
  • Taster days 
  • Field trips
  • Volunteering experience
  • Were you inspired by the experience? What was inspiring about it?
  • Did it make you want to learn more about something? 
  • What did you learn through this experience about the subject? 
  • Did you learn anything about yourself through this experience?
  • Did you gain transferable skills through this experience? For example, teamwork, communication, or leadership skills? 

Your main focus should be on demonstrating your interest in, and describing your engagement with, the subject itself. The majority of your statement, around 75-85%, should focus on this subject, with the remaining 15-25% on extra-curricular activities or career aspirations. 

First draft

From all of your examples, and bearing in mind the structure, choose a few that are most relevant, and write about them in a detailed, specific, and reflective way. Relate these back to the skills, qualities, and experiences that you have identified are relevant to your chosen programme. 

Don’t forget: 

  • Allow your passion for the subject to shine
  • Show why are a good fit for your chosen programme
  • Show what you will bring to our UCL community

Before you submit

Ask a teacher, advisor, friend or family member to read your statement and support you to think of other examples that you might have missed. Ask them to do a final spelling and grammar check.

Read your statement aloud to check that it flows well.

Make sure it is truthful and honest; some courses have an interview element so the admissions selector may ask you to expand further on something you wrote in your statement. 

Make sure it is applicable to all five of your UCAS choices; remember you can only submit one personal statement with your UCAS form.

Proofread for a final time. 

Our top tips

  • 75%-85% of the statement must be about the subject
  • Select only your best examples
  • Reflect on your experiences
  • Stay focused and relevant
  • Let your passion for your subject shine
  • Avoid clichés and bland, vague statements
  • Proofread before submitting

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UCAS personal statement examples

Having managed successfully to navigate through the 370,000 courses at over 370 providers across the UK, it is now time to make a start at drafting your personal statement.

Students often find this the most daunting of tasks within the application process. This guide will help you through putting together the statement that is going to help get you a place on your ideal course.

Knowing where to start and what to say to when setting out your reasons for applying and convincing the admissions tutor to offer you a place can be a challenge. Looking at examples of how other students have approached this can sometimes be helpful.

Example one

Things to consider when reading this example.

  • Consider the structure – what are your thoughts around this?
  • Think about spelling, grammar, and punctuation– how does this fare?
  • What course do you think this personal statement may have been for?

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Ghandi

From a young age this quote has inspired my chosen career path to become a children’s nurse. Being one of many siblings I have the role of supporting my nieces and nephews when they become ill and providing comfort. Working with children in my family has motivated along this career path as it has taught me to take responsibility in life, become more organised and mature.

I am currently undertaking a health and social care course. This course has given me insight into the different aspects of health care and its overarching infra structure. Caring for children and young people helped me gain an understanding of the risk that children and young people may be put in and the exploitative and abusive behaviour that they may encounter. We focused on the tragic case of Victoria Climbie. This brought home the significance of multi agency working.

I am committed to ensuring that children and young people in my care are safe,healthy, enjoying and achieving, economic well being and putting in a positive contribution. A core element of the course has been work placement, working with children. This came in very useful for me because it taught me how to deal with children at different ages and what I need to do in order to meet their needs. During this work experience I was responsible for supporting and maintaining the children’s hygiene needs and encouraging them with their speech. I learnt different approaches to meeting the needs of children; for example I was taught to talk the children in a calm, but stern tone of voice when they misbehaved and to use very positive gestures and praise when children listened and kept to task.

I consider myself as having very good communications skills I am able to reassure people positively in any circumstance, I am the committed to ensuring that children and young people in my care are safe and healthy and I am confident when dealing with both children and parents, For example when a child injured herself in the nursery I shadowed one of the senior staff while they administered first aid, it was then my responsibility to explain to the caregiver exactly what had occurred.

I take part in many activities which are helping me to become independent ad preparing me for my course that I want to take part in, in university; I presently volunteer in a nursery. I take part in planning and creating activities and I have a duty to observe the children throughout the day and then give feedback to the parents and carers.

I have many qualities which will be ideal for my future career path I am honest, patient and a reflective individual, this is something that I feel is most important when dealing with children and adolescents.

I have many hobbies that I carry out in my spare time. I have taken part in being a team leader to raise money for a charity that supports children who have been abused because I believe strongly in the cause. We raised awareness, held a campaign, fundraising and protest.

I also enjoy travel, I have visited countries such as Egypt, Eritrea, Holland, Germany and Italy - this has allowed me to explore the outside world and has given me a taste of different cultures and traditions; and ultimately giving me a better understanding of diversity.

I would like to be given the opportunity to study at university because I believe it will be the perfect platform to launch my career. Having the chance to study Paediatric Nursing at university will allow me to fulfil my career path and make a change to my life as I will feel that I am achieving new things on a day to day basis with what I am able to offer children and young people when it comes to having a positive impact on their health.

Being given the opportunity of Working in an environment with children daily would be my dream goal in life that I wish to achieve.

Example two

  • Thinking about the experiences gained from a gap year, how has this applicant drawn on these transferrable skills?
  • How does experience both in and outside the classroom environment relate to the chosen subject area?

I am a hardworking, talented and motivated young woman looking forward to studying at degree level and taking an active part in university life.

I have a keen interest in the world around me, and enjoy taking part in a variety of activities for example: volunteering at my local brownies, volunteer marshal at Brighton Marathon; textile and weaving classes; completion of the Trinity Guildhall award at both Bronze and Silver level; and a Stand Up Paddle board instructor. These activities, coupled with part time work whilst at sixth form college, have not only been enjoyable but have also helped me to develop skills in communication, organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Although having been accepted to start university in 2014 (Primary Education) I realised that I was not ready to fully commit to the course and took the decision to gain some real life experience and reflect on what I really want from university and my future career.

Since leaving sixth-form college I have been working full time as a waitress/ bar assistant at a local hotel, which has been hard but interesting work demanding stamina, patience and an open mind. I have also secured 3 weeks work at a trade exhibition in New York, where I will have the chance to attend networking dinner and I plan to go inter-railing across Europe in Summer 2015. As a result of these experiences I am more self-assured and resilient. I am ready to commit to full time study and have much to contribute to university life.

I realise that I am most interested in people, what makes them the people they are and how this manifests in their behaviour and opinions.

I enjoyed studying sociology at A level and gaining an insight into how the study of sociology helps us to understand how society works. This coupled with my recent experience in the hospitality world and observation of the behaviour of those who use and manage the service, has fuelled my desire to study Sociology in depth at degree level. I am completely fascinated by the behaviour of others and why we act the way we do. I believe that studying sociology at degree level will allow me to begin to explore and understand aspects of human social behaviour, including the social dynamics of small groups of people, large organisations, communities, institutions and entire societies.

I believe that the skills and knowledge that I will accrue whilst studying will be applicable to a wide variety of careers and that is why I have chosen to study the topic at degree level.

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Personal statements for university applications

Forming a key part of your university application, you should use the UCAS personal statement to showcase how your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good fit for the course

What is a university personal statement?

With two sides of A4 to work with, this is your opportunity to tell course tutors in your own words the reasons why you feel you'd be an asset to their university.

How long should a personal statement be?

There's no maximum word count, but you'll need to remain within the 4,000 character limit (including spaces and punctuation) allowed in your UCAS application, as well as keeping the statement to a total of 47 lines of text.

UCAS recommends that you write your personal statement in Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it into the online application form. This is because the application page times out after being inactive for 35 minutes. You'll still need to account for how individual characters are counted differently between Microsoft Word and the online form.

What do I write about?

When considering what to include in your personal statement, take time to think about the reasons you're applying to university and what makes you a suitable candidate.

To make this work for different courses and universities, you'll need to find some common ground by providing examples of why you'll be a success - demonstrating enthusiasm for the choices you've made and how they fit in with your career ambitions.

You'll need to talk about the relevant skills, experience and achievements you've gained through extra-curricular activities - whether these are sporting, musical or creative.

As well as going through your academic record to date, your personal statement also gives you the opportunity to mention any work experience or volunteering you've undertaken, detailing what you've learned from it. For instance, you may have been involved with the Young Enterprise programme at school and have a better idea of how to manage your money.

It's never too late to show you're actively preparing for higher education. Get involved with an extra-curricular club, secure a part-time job or do some volunteering. You could even complete a free online course in a relevant subject with an organisation such as FutureLearn or the Tech Nation Digital Business Academy .

If you're an international student, you could discuss why the UK is your preferred study destination ahead of universities in your own country. Don't forget to mention the English language tests, courses and qualifications you've taken.

Finally, if there are any personal or financial circumstances that have had a strong bearing on your performance at school or college, you can outline these in this statement.

How do I write a personal statement?

By breaking your personal statement down into sections, you can ensure you cover the most relevant points.

Course-relevant skills and credentials should be given prominence in the overall structure. You can use the course descriptions to help you.

However, as you only have the one personal statement for all your choices, if you've selected a variety of subjects that aren't that similar, you'll need to focus on the transferable skills and common qualities typically valued by universities - for example, creativity or problem-solving.

Adopt a simple, concise and natural style for writing your statement, while still showing enthusiasm. Allow your personality to shine through.

It can often take a number of redrafts until the statement is ready, so allow plenty of time to write it properly, and set yourself a schedule.

Get used to reading your statement aloud and asking for feedback from family, teachers and advisers before redrafting to make sure your writing flows well. You'll also need to check for the correct punctuation, spelling and grammar and not just rely on a spellchecker.

Keep an up-to-date copy of your statement saved so you can refer back to it during the interview process.

How do I start a personal statement?

At this point, think about why you're applying for the course, and how you became interested in it in the first place. Was it through work experience or studying the subject at A-level?

Once you've noted down your reasons for choosing the course, you can move on to your skills and what makes you stand out positively from other applicants, providing evidence of where each attribute has been utilised.

After you've written this down, condense it so it's less wordy. You can then attempt to write a punchy opening paragraph showcasing your excitement at the prospect of going to university, and an understanding of what you're getting yourself into.

Get off to the best start by using the UCAS personal statement builder .

What should I avoid?

  • As you'll only have the one statement, it's important not to mention universities by name - unless you plan on applying to just a single institution.
  • Remember that admissions staff may not share your sense of humour, so steer clear of anything that might get misinterpreted.
  • Refrain from using clichés or making arrogant or exaggerated statements.
  • Resist any temptation to use somebody else's work as your own. The UCAS Similarity Detection Service utilises the Copycatch system, which will compare your statement against those stored within a comprehensive library of statements - those sent to UCAS and elsewhere (including paper publications).
  • Be careful not to ramble. Structuring your work so you know how much space you have for each section will make sticking to your main points much easier.

University personal statement examples

While you can find some examples online - from the likes of Reed.co.uk and King's College London - it's important to use your own words and not copy them directly.

Indeed, the UCAS personal statement worksheet can prove just as useful when it comes to helping you decide what to put in your own personal statement.

You can simply print out this personal statement template and jot down any ideas into the various sections as you think of them.

Find out more

  • Read the full lowdown on how to apply for university .
  • Get tips on preparing for a university interview .
  • For further advice on writing a university personal statement, visit UCAS .
  • Take a look at The Topic for the latest news, insights and opinions.

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How to Write a Great Personal Statement

When you apply for a course at college you will need to write a personal statement. This is a couple of paragraphs of text which provide you an opportunity to tell the college why you should be considered for a place on your chosen course. Read our blog for some tips on writing a great personal statement for your application.

Plan it out

Before you even start putting pen to paper, you should research the course you want to apply for and plan out what you want to say in your personal statement. This could be done in written form, visually as a mind map, or even a voice memo on your phone. A good starting point is to look at the course description, pull out any parts that interest you and match it up with your skills and experience.

At this point you can also think about the structure your personal statement will take. A good structure will give your writing a good flow and make it easy for people to read and understand your key points. You should include clear sections on why you’re applying, your skills and achievements, any hobbies and interests you have, work experience and plans for the future.

Check out this  personal statement worksheet  from UCAS to help you structure your statement.

Make it relevant

Researching your course and matching up your skills and experience to the course description will help make sure your personal statement is as relevant as possible. You can also make your personal statement relevant to the course by writing about why you want to study the subject, what interests you about it and what you can bring to the profession after your time at college. This means you can demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate.

Don’t worry if you’re fresh out of school or looking to retrain in a brand-new area, as you will have a whole host of transferable skills which you can outline in your personal statement. For example, playing on a sports team demonstrates teamwork, raising a family demonstrates skills in time-keeping and so much more.

Think about what makes you great

Your personal statement is your opportunity to really sell yourself so you should think about what makes you stand out from the crowd.

We can all struggle a bit when asked what we’re good at, so why not ask friends and family what they think your best qualities are? You’re sure to be nodding your head in agreement and jotting down things in no time.

Be confident and positive in your writing

Thinking about your best qualities and reminding yourself why you want to progress in this area will help boost your confidence and this will come across in your writing.   

It’s important that you come across passionate and confident by writing in an enthusiastic and natural style. Avoiding words like ‘think’ and ‘just’ will make you sound more confident in your personal statement. For example, “I am suitable for this course”, instead of “I think I am suitable” can make a big difference.

Triple check it

You will want to make sure that your personal statement is the best it can be so make sure that you read over it a few times, looking out for anything that doesn’t read well or any spelling mistakes. It’s also a good idea to get a friend or family member to read it over for you as they may pick up on something you’ve missed.

Ready to start your application?  View our courses.

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Personal statement

Personal statement

Your personal statement is a really important part of your UCAS application. 

It helps our admissions tutors get an insight into who you are and whether you'd be a good fit for the course you're applying to. 

You can only submit one personal statement for the five courses and universities you apply for. 

You're also limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines, whichever comes first, so it's useful to make a plan of what you want to say before you start.

Tell us why you want to study the course you're applying for

We're looking for people with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject they're applying for – and that they understand what it involves – so it's useful to   highlight things that inspired your interest, including:

  • books you have read
  • work or voluntary experience you have undertaken
  • lectures or courses you have attended
  • any relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in

This a really important part of your personal statement so make sure your passion really shines through.

This means avoid saying you want to study something just because it is interesting.

Instead, explain what you find interesting about it, for example, a particular topic you know you’ll be able to carry on studying at university or something related to it.

Don’t be afraid to use language which shows your enthusiasm for the course or life in general. Be positive and focus on things you thoroughly enjoy.

Skills and experiences

At Imperial, you'll have the freedom to take control of your learning, with options within many courses to customise what you learn and the experiences you have. 

As a research-led university, we'll encourage you to get hands-on in the process of discovery, innovation and learning through and from your own mistakes.

You will also learn to communicate your research findings and have the opportunity to work in teams, as well as on your own.

Think about the sort of skills that you have gained that are relevant to your chosen subject – you'll be able to find more detail about the style of learning for your chosen subject on our course pages .

Don't forget to provide evidence for the skills and knowledge you have. And remember to choose quality over quantity – we'd rather read about a smaller number of skills with evidence than a long list which doesn't explain how you've acquired each skill/quality and how it will help you be successful in your chosen course of study.  

Work experience

Work experience isn’t essential for most Imperial courses, but if it is a course requirement, make sure you get some and then tell us how it's helped to confirm your choice of subject.

You may also wish to use your personal statement to outline your career aspirations and motivation for the future.

Get the right balance

Imperial is not all work and no play. Our students have a huge range of interests – evidenced in our 350+ student-run clubs and societies.

Tell us about your passions and your hobbies, particularly how they have helped you develop skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate. Made you a better leader, for example. Made you more resilient. Or improved your teamwork and communication skills. 

Also tell us about something you do simply for the fun of it. You don't need to go into too much detail as you don’t have the space, but it helps us to get to know you and may be something we ask you more about if you're invited for an interview at a later stage.

Make it personal

Your personal statement should be about you so don't focus on what your friends are writing. Be clear about your own motivations and what you can bring to Imperial. 

Use it to create a unique picture for our admissions tutors of who you are and why you'll be successful in your chosen course of study. 

Also avoid the temptation to copy anyone else's. UCAS runs all personal statements through its similarity detection system, Copycatch, to compare them with previous statements.

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A Guide to an Interesting College Personal Statement UK

Table of Contents

Are you applying to a college in the UK and need help writing your statement?

This blog will give you advice on crafting effective and engaging personal information that will stand out among other applicants. We’ll cover topics such as what should be included and tips for putting together a compelling essay.

By doing these, you can ensure that your unique attributes shine through in the application process! So let’s get started on crafting a great college personal statement UK .

What Should Be Included in a College Personal Statement UK?

When crafting your personal statement for a college in the UK, certain elements must be included for it to have maximum impact. These elements; 

  • Include background information about yourself, such as your education and work experience
  • Any relevant extracurricular activities or awards you have achieved
  • An explanation of why you are applying to the college in question and what makes you a good fit for their program
  • An outline of academic goals and ambitions
  • Details on how your current skill set would benefit the course.

Tips for Putting Together a Unique Personal Statement UK

When piecing together the perfect personal statement , specific tips can help make sure yours stands out. 

  • First, be clear about what you want to say in your essay – this will ensure that the flow of ideas is smooth and coherent. 
  • Additionally, take time to research the college in question, and make sure your statement reflects the unique qualities of their program. 
  • Use vivid tone that shows off your writing ability but also ensures the essay is easy to read and understand. 
  • Finally, make sure you go through multiple drafts before submitting. This will help ensure that there are no mistakes or errors in the final version.

How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out From the Crowd

how to write a personal statement for college uk examples

When it comes to making sure your personal statement stands out from other applicants, there are a few tips that can help.

First, try to use specific examples and anecdotes when discussing yourself. This helps give readers an insight into who you are as a person rather than just listing facts about yourself.

Additionally, showcase your personality in the essay. Detail why you are passionate about a certain subject or field and how this will help you succeed on your course.

Finally, ensure you edit and proofread thoroughly before submitting – providing no errors or typos can help demonstrate your attention to detail!

Dos and Don’ts of College Personal Statement UK

When putting together your personal statement, some certain dos and don’ts will help ensure it is successful. 

  • Do make sure you research the college in question and tailor the essay to their specific program.
  • Try to use vivid language while also ensuring the essay is easy to read.
  • do showcase your personality and give readers an insight into who you are as a person .
  • Do proofread multiple times before submitting.

On the other hand, some important don’t include:

  • don’t be overly general when discussing yourself – try to provide specific examples whenever possible.
  • Do not focus too much on negative experiences or emotions.
  • don’t use jargon or technical terms without giving explanations.

Example of a College Personal Statement UK

For example, here is a sample from a successful application to the University of London:

I am excited to apply to the University of London’s prestigious computer science program. Throughout my education and career, I have developed strong analytical skills and a passion for technology. This has served me well in solving complex problems. Additionally, through various internships and experiences working in tech-related fields, I have gained invaluable insights. This is towards the different applications of computer programming and software engineering.

In particular, my abilities will be an asset to this course due to my strong focus on finding practical, real-world solutions to complex problems. My research background in artificial intelligence will prove invaluable as I seek to gain a deep understanding of computer science theory and its applications.

In sum, my experience, skill set, and passion for technology make me an ideal candidate for the University of London’s computer science program. I am eager to take on the challenges presented by the course and put them into practice through innovative projects.

What Makes a Good Personal Statement?

With a college, a personal statement should be your introduction to the world of academia. It should help highlight your talents and qualifications. The idea is to situate your qualifications within the context of your experience and life.

A good personal statement is about integrating your experience into your qualifications and highlighting the overlap and relationships between the two. The best time to do this is in your personal statement when you talk about your experience. This is because your college has already decided your qualifications.

What Shaped Your Perspective on This Subject for Some Time, or When You Became Interested in Studying It More Deeply?

It’s important to think about who you are, what motivates you, and how you are interested in studying your chosen subject. As it will shape the content and tone of your personal statement.

Be true to who you are and don’t forget to include personal anecdotes and opinions. Finally, remember to focus on the key message that you want to deliver with your personal statement. Otherwise, people just won’t know what you are trying to say.

Writing a college personal statement UK is an important part of the application process, so it’s essential that yours stands out from other applicants.

By following the advice outlined above, you can ensure that your unique attributes shine through in the essay . It will paint a vivid picture for admissions officers.

With these tips, you can craft an engaging and compelling personal statement that will capture the attention of those reviewing your application! Good luck!

A Guide to an Interesting College Personal Statement UK

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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  1. How To Write The Best Personal Statement For UK / USA Universities

  2. How to Write a Personal Statement for Graduate School Scribbr 🎓

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  4. How to write a Personal Statement?

  5. MY GKS PERSONAL STATEMENT + TIPS

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COMMENTS

  1. How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber

    2. 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 ...

  2. How to write a personal statement

    1. Before you start. The academic work is the most important reason why we're here, but that also translates into work experiences, internships, volunteering. I think a big part of the personal statement is crafting that narrative of academic self that fits alongside your professional experiences, to give that greater picture of who you are ...

  3. How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

    Use your closing couple of lines to summarise the most important points in your statement. 9. Check your writing thoroughly and get someone else to check it, too. 10. Give your brain a rest by forgetting about your personal statement for a while before going back to review it one last time with fresh eyes.

  4. Writing a personal statement

    75%-85% of the statement must be about the subject. Select only your best examples. Reflect on your experiences. Stay focused and relevant. Let your passion for your subject shine. Avoid clichés and bland, vague statements. Proofread before submitting.

  5. UCAS personal statement examples

    I have a keen interest in the world around me, and enjoy taking part in a variety of activities for example: volunteering at my local brownies, volunteer marshal at Brighton Marathon; textile and weaving classes; completion of the Trinity Guildhall award at both Bronze and Silver level; and a Stand Up Paddle board instructor.

  6. PDF How to Write a Personal Statement for The University of Essex

    personal statement should explain why a student wants to study their chosen course at university. The student should demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment, and convince the Admissions Selectors that they will be suitable for their chosen course. Remember that the Admission Selector reading the statement will want to know why the student ...

  7. Five top tips for writing your personal statement

    More on Fran's top tips. 1. Make sure it's the right course for you. As Fran explains, making sure you've picked the right course for you is essential for keeping motivated both in writing your ...

  8. Personal statements for university applications

    UCAS recommends that you write your personal statement in Microsoft Word before copying and pasting it into the online application form. This is because the application page times out after being inactive for 35 minutes. You'll still need to account for how individual characters are counted differently between Microsoft Word and the online form.

  9. How to Write a Great Personal Statement

    A good structure will give your writing a good flow and make it easy for people to read and understand your key points. You should include clear sections on why you're applying, your skills and achievements, any hobbies and interests you have, work experience and plans for the future. Check out this personal statement worksheet from UCAS to ...

  10. How To Write A UCAS Personal Statement

    Tips for writing a Personal Statement. Express a passion for your subject. Start the statement strongly to grab attention. Link outside interests and passions to your course. Be honest, but don't include negative information. Don't attempt to sound too clever. Don't leave it until the last minute; prepare ahead of the deadline.

  11. PDF Applications for College

    Example 1 I am interested in joining Anytown Sixth Form College because I want to gain A-levels and maybe apply to university. I have looked at the sixth form prospectus so I know it offers A levels in the subjects I'd like to study.

  12. Personal statement

    Your personal statement is a really important part of your UCAS application. It helps our admissions tutors get an insight into who you are and whether you'd be a good fit for the course you're applying to. You can only submit one personal statement for the five courses and universities you apply for. You're also limited to 4,000 characters ...

  13. How to Write the UCAS Personal Statement

    Often, when students struggle with a UCAS personal statement, it's because they are trying to make the statement work for a couple of different subjects. With a clear focus on one subject, the essay can do the job it is supposed to do. Keep in mind you're limited to 47 lines or 4000 characters, so this has to be concise.

  14. A Guide to an Interesting College Personal Statement UK

    Example of a College Personal Statement UK. For example, here is a sample from a successful application to the University of London: I am excited to apply to the University of London's prestigious computer science program. Throughout my education and career, I have developed strong analytical skills and a passion for technology.

  15. Tips for writing your sixth form college application personal statement

    Here are three general examples of sixth-form personal statements that could give you some ideas about what to write about in yours: Example personal statement 1. Example personal statement 2. Example personal statement 3. If you've got a question about your personal statement, head over to our secondary school, sixth form and FE college forum ...

  16. PDF Applications for College -‐ How to Write a Personal Statement

    Here you could outline: ü Who are you and/or where are you currently studying ü What are you applying for (e.g. English literature, bricklaying, childcare) ü Your reasons for wanting to study your chosen subjects ü Your reasons for wanting to study at that particular college(e.g. what makes that college standout for you?)

  17. Personal statement examples for sixth form (plus steps)

    Example 2. Review this personal statement for an arts-based sixth form application: I'm a Year 10 student at Glasgow Academy studying GCSEs in various subjects, particularly interested in English, art, design and drama. I want to pursue my passion for English literature and art history by completing A-levels at sixth form college.

  18. How to Write Your Personal Statement

    Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene. An effective way to catch the reader's attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you're stuck, try thinking about: A personal experience that changed your perspective. A story from your family's history.

  19. 9 winning personal statement examples for a job

    Here are some examples of personal and professional statements: 1. Personal statement for a postgraduate programme. Joan David Personal statement for master's programme in Public Policy and Administration London School of Policy 'I held my first textbook when I was a 23-year-old undergraduate.

  20. How To Write a School Leaver CV (With Template and Example)

    How to write a CV as a school leaver. If you're a recent school leaver, consider following these steps to help you create a CV: 1. Choose a format and template. There are a variety of formats and templates you can choose from when creating a CV. As a school leaver, you may want to use a functional or hybrid format.