Top tips on how to write a powerful personal statement

The personal statement is something that’s a key part of any university or college application, and with the 15 January deadline fast approaching, there’s not much time left.

If you’re struggling to find inspiration, following these tips will help you get started. 

• Explain why you’re applying: tell them why the course subject interests you, why you’re keen to go to that university or college and why higher education is the right path for you.
• Use evidence: show that you’d be a great student by linking relevant skills and experiences from your studies and other activities to the course.
• Be honest: don’t be tempted to exaggerate; for your application honesty is definitely the best policy. Admissions tutors will often refer to personal statements during interviews too.
• Ask friends, family and teachers to read it: they may have suggestions that you haven’t considered and they can tell you whether it makes sense.
• Proof read it several times: reading it out loud will help you to spot bad punctuation and messy wording.

Louise Evans, Head of Adviser Experience at UCAS said: "The personal statement is the part of an application where someone can really sell themselves to make sure they stand out.

"It can be difficult to know where to start, but hopefully these tips will get them on the right road. It’s important to focus on academic achievements whilst also giving the university the opportunity to understand why they’re a good fit for the course they’re applying for."