Writing a personal statement for university

When applying for an undergraduate degree the journey of writing a personal statement begins well before the UCAS deadline, which for 2026 entry is 14 January 2026.

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 you to look at the three questions and draft, receive feedback and make revisions. 

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

• academic studies and relevant work experience 
• extracurricular activities  
• skills, achievements and experiences relevant to your course 
• evidence of interest in the subject.

Your answers 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. 

Question three gives you the chance to detail what 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. 

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.

For more guidance, visit the UCAS website and make good use of university support services. UCAS offers useful videos 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! 

• Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

  Not usually. If you’re applying through UCAS Clearing in 2025, most universities – including Brighton – don’t require a full personal statement.

  If you applied earlier in the year, your original statement will still be visible to universities. You can’t upload a new one, but you can talk about any updates or changes in interest when speaking to universities directly.

  If you're applying for the first time during Clearing (without having submitted a UCAS application earlier), some universities might ask for a short explanation of your course choice – but this usually isn't a full personal statement.

• What is the admission tutor looking for in a personal statement?

  The admissions tutor is looking for a well-written personal statement that showcases your strengths, passion for the subject and suitability for the course. It’s also important to demonstrate relevant skills and experiences. 

• Is it beneficial to redraft and edit my personal statement multiple times?

  Yes, it’s highly beneficial to redraft and edit your personal statement multiple times. You'll be able to refine your writing, clarify your thoughts and ensure that your statement is impactful and error-free. 

• What are the don’ts when writing a personal statement for university application?

  Your personal statement should be truthful and authentic, it's about you. So, important things to avoid when answering the three questions or writing a personal statement include copying from others, exaggerating your achievements and submitting a generic statement for multiple courses. 

• What are the key points to consider when writing a UCAS personal statement?

  When writing your UCAS personal statement, make sure you’re clear and concise, and explain why you want to study your chosen subject. It's important to display relevant skills, experiences and qualifications that you may have and to demonstrate your passion for the subject.  

• Can I use personal statement examples as a guide when writing mine?

  While it’s okay to seek inspiration from personal statement examples, it’s essential to ensure that your personal statement remains original and reflects your own experiences, achievements and aspirations. 

• How can I make my personal statement stand out from the crowd?

  To make your personal statement stand out, focus on highlighting your unique experiences, achievements and what excites you about your chosen subject. Be authentic, compelling and ensure that your personal statement reflects your individuality. 

• Can writing a good personal statement increase my chances of being admitted to a university?

  Yes, a well-crafted personal statement or answers to the new three questions can significantly improve your chances of being admitted to your chosen university. It gives you the opportunity to talk about your strengths and reasons for wanting to study the course, setting you apart from other applicants.