How to write a University personal statement

Persuading Admissions Tutors that you deserve a place on their university course can be pretty daunting. So here are some personal statement tips.

Be organised

• Make bullet points of everything you want to include and order each point in terms of importance.
  
  
• Get to the point quickly. Tell us what excites you about studying this course.
  
  
• Keep it simple and clear.
  
  
• Proof read. A misplaced apostrophe can be seriously off-putting to Admissions Tutors. 
  
  
• Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last.

Show curiosity and passion

• Be specific about what it is that interests you about your chosen course / subject.
  
  
• Where does your interest in the subject come from?
  
  
• How can you convey your passion?

Tell us about you

• Only mention hobbies that reveal something relevant. Perhaps they have taught you good timekeeping skills, teamwork or given you extra insight in your field of interest.
  
  
• Talk about any work experience in terms of what you learned from the experience.
  
  
• Input from friends and tutors can be helpful, but this is a personal statement - we want to hear your voice and personality.

Be unique

• Avoid using quotes from famous people. We want to know what you think.
  
  
• Refrain from using one of the most commonly-used opening statements, such as: 'From a young age…'; 'For as long as I can remember…'; 'I have always been interested in…'.