Writing a personal statement for university

The personal statement is your opportunity to shine in the UK university applications process. It's more than just a formality; it's a chance to show admissions staff who you are beyond grades and test scores. 

This guide will help you write a UCAS personal statement that captures your unique character and academic aspirations, making sure that you know what to include to stand out in the crowded field of applicants.  

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Starting your personal statement

When you start a personal statement, it's common to face blank page syndrome. Don't stress about crafting the perfect opening sentence right away. Begin with any idea, even a rough one, and refine it as you go. 

Organise your thoughts with bullet-point lists to cover all main points, ensuring nothing crucial is missed. These can then be written up in full to create your final statement.

While personal statement examples online can provide structure inspiration, remember to craft a statement that is authentically yours, avoiding plagiarism.

 

View the UCAS personal statement worksheet

Writing style: Clear, concise, and authentic 

Your writing style is an important part of your personal statement. Admissions tutors, who read many personal statements for different courses, appreciate clarity and conciseness.

Using an active voice will make your statement more engaging and direct, helping you to clearly articulate your thoughts. 

Authenticity is key. Your personal statement should reflect your true self, balancing your voice with the appropriate level of formality.

This balance demonstrates your readiness for university life and study. 

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Timeline for writing a personal statement 

When applying for an undergraduate degree the journey of writing a personal statement begins well before the UCAS deadline, which for 2025 entry is 29 January 2025.

Start early, ideally when you return for your final year of school or a few months before the deadline if you're not in school. This allows ample time for drafting, receiving feedback and making revisions. 

Structuring your personal statement 

A well-structured personal statement includes a compelling introduction, a detailed body and a strong conclusion.

The introduction should grab the reader's attention, the body should elaborate on your academic and personal experiences relevant to the course you're applying for, and the conclusion should summarise your aspirations and show that you are ready for university study. 

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What to include in your personal statement 

Your personal statement should highlight your suitability for the course and the university. Here are key elements to include: 

Academic studies and relevant work experience 

Around 80% of your statement should detail your academic studies and work experience, emphasising how they've shaped your interest in the course and your ability to succeed.

For example, if you are applying for a business course, mention any relevant skills, industry experience or participation in entrepreneurship competitions. 

Extracurricular activities 

The remaining 20% can cover activities that you have taken part in outside of school or college. Choose to talk about activities that complement your academic pursuits. Discuss how these activities have developed skills that are transferable to your chosen course. 

Skills, achievements, and experiences relevant to your course 

It helps if your skills and experiences relate to the qualification you're applying for.

For instance, if you're aiming for a journalism course, mention your blogging experience or media habits, demonstrating your active interest and engagement in the field, not just why you want to study the course.

Don't forget to also include other experiences too: maybe you have a part-time job, or you volunteer in your spare time.

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Evidence of interest in the subject 

Admissions tutors seek candidates with a genuine interest in their subject. Discuss your experiences, like attending related talks or reading specific literature, that highlight your passion and understanding of the field.

Reflect on how these experiences have contributed to your skill set – such as leadership or time management – and how they fit with the course requirements. 

Evidence might include:

  • attending seminars or lectures on the subject outside of school
  • seeking out relevant work experience
  • voluntary work
  • reading journal papers or relevant books
  • listening to podcasts (you could give an example of one which especially contributed to your interest or understanding of the subject)
  • entering competitions, for example writing competitions or young enterprise schemes.

Drafting and revision

After drafting your statement, take a break before coming back to it. You'll get a fresh perspective that can help identify gaps or unnecessary details. Have friends, family or tutors proofread for errors. Stay true to your voice, avoiding overly complex language. 

Additional tips for writing a personal statement

  • Ensure all information supports your application.
  • Focus on recent activities and how they contribute to your application.
  • Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject and your post-university aspirations.
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Final checklist before submission

  • Before submitting, make sure your statement is within the UCAS character limit (4,000 characters or 47 lines).
  • Proofread for spelling and grammar errors and confirm alignment with course requirements.
  • Once you are approaching a final draft you can get check your character limit by looking in Word or by entering it into the personal statement page on UCAS.
  • UCAS software does not check for spelling or grammar errors so make sure that you do this before submitting it to UCAS.
  • Remember, be yourself and avoid unnecessarily elaborate language. 
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Remember: Be yourself

The tutors want to know about the real you, so don't try to be somebody else. Make your personal statement about you!

When writing a personal statement for university avoid unnecessarily elaborate language and long sentences. These can be hard to follow and could obscure your message. 

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Additional resources 

For more guidance, visit the UCAS website and make good use of university support services. UCAS offers a personal statement worksheet and lots of helpful resources for writing an effective personal statement. 

Incorporating these tips and carefully considering each part of your application, from the personal statement to the UCAS form, will significantly enhance your chances of securing a place on the course of your choice. 

Remember, this is your opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the course and the subject, and to demonstrate why you deserve a place at the university. Good luck! 

Useful questions and answers about writing personal statements