How to write your UCAS Personal Statement

Your personal statement will include three questions that will help guide you through providing the information relevant to universities and colleges. Each of your answers will have a minimum count of 350 characters, and this will be clearly labelled on each answer box with a character counter to help you keep track.

There is an overall limit of 4000 characters (including spaces) for all three of the answers you provide.

Writing a personal statement for your university application can be daunting, but it shouldn’t be.

We would suggest that you complete this section once you have selected your university course choices, as this will allow you to tailor your personal statement to your chosen subject or course(s).

Your personal statement will be structured by three questions:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications or studies helped to prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

You should use these questions to explain your motivation for applying to university. It is important to showcase your drive and passion for the subject area, and any skills or experience you may have which will help you become a successful student.

The UCAS website has some great examples and guidance on how to structure your answers, but a great starting point would be:

Question 1 - Start off with a great opening sentence that conveys how excited you are about the course and shows that you really understand what you’re getting into.

Question 2 - Emphasise your skills and knowledge and; provide evidence that proves your interest in the course and your personal qualities.

Question 3 – this bit is about what makes you unique, what will make you fit into the course you are interested in.

Universities are looking for a statement that is personal to you, and is a good combination of head and heart that captures your enthusiasm. Make sure you outline your skills, experience and passion for the subject, and take your time, you’ll then produce something special that sums up what you are all about.

• Think about what gets you excited about the course you are applying for and just start writing - you will be amazed at how effective it is to get all your thoughts on paper
• Be positive when you describe how you get motivated about the course you want to study, and what inspired your decision
• Talk about your transferable skills and knowledge - e.g. leadership, teamwork, problem solving, communication, organisation, that will help you on the course
• Talk about you and what makes you unique, exciting, interesting. What makes you stand out? Back it up with evidence from relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, outside reading, and all the other things you do
• Don’t overcomplicate things or repeat yourself, and stick to plain English

DO

• Be authentic, positive and enthusiastic
  • Be clear and concise in your answers
  • Plan your statement like an essay
  • Make sure your statement is appropriate for all of your course choices
  • List your skills and qualities
  • Draft, redraft and seek feedback
  • Be careful when using quotes – only use those which are relevant, and well thought out
  • Back up your answers with evidence
  • Allow plenty of time to write your statement

DON'T 

• Copy someone else’s statement – there is software that will catch you out on this!
  • Waffle – it is better to be short and relevant
  • Use clichés
  • Rely on spell check – proofread
  • Rush or underestimate the time it takes to write an excellent statement