Personal Statement Resources: Write a Winning Application
Your personal statement is your chance to stand out from thousands of other applicants. With just 4,000 characters to make your case, every word counts. These resources will help you craft a compelling statement.
UCAS Official Personal Statement Guide
Website: www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/how-write-ucas-undergraduate-personal-statement
The official UCAS guide is your starting point. It covers:
What admissions tutors are looking forHow to structure your statementCommon mistakes to avoidSubject-specific adviceCharacter and line limitsKey UCAS Advice
Be specific: Generic statements don't impressShow, don't tell: Give evidence for your claimsBe yourself: Authenticity mattersProofread carefully: Errors suggest carelessnessThe Uni Guide Personal Statement Section
Website: www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/personal-statements
The Uni Guide offers detailed, subject-specific personal statement advice:
Medicine and healthcare applicationsLaw school statementsEngineering and sciencesArts and humanitiesBusiness and economicsHelpful Features
Example statements (with analysis)Subject-specific tips from admissions tutorsCommon questions answeredOpening line suggestionsWhat to avoidWhich? University Guide
Website: university.which.co.uk
Which? provides consumer-focused advice that cuts through the noise:
Honest assessment of what worksReal examples from successful applicantsInteractive personal statement builderChecklist of essential elementsStructuring Your Personal Statement
Based on advice from all major resources, here's a proven structure:
Opening (10-15%)
Hook the reader immediatelyShow genuine enthusiasm for your subjectAvoid clichés ("I have always wanted to...")Academic Interest (40-50%)
Why this subject fascinates youRelevant reading, research, or projectsHow you've explored the subject beyond schoolSpecific topics or areas that excite youRelevant Experience (25-30%)
Work experience or volunteeringSkills you've developedHow experiences relate to your courseWhat you learned from challengesPersonal Qualities (10-15%)
Brief mention of extracurricular activitiesLeadership, teamwork, or other relevant skillsOnly include if relevant to your applicationConclusion (5-10%)
Why university is the right next stepYour future goals (briefly)End on a forward-looking noteWriting Tips from Admissions Tutors
After reviewing thousands of statements, admissions tutors consistently advise:
Start early: Begin drafting in Year 12Read widely: Reference specific books, articles, or researchBe genuine: Write in your own voiceGet feedback: Teachers, family, and advisors can helpEdit ruthlessly: Cut anything that doesn't add valueCheck for errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes are costlyCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Copying statements from the internet (UCAS uses plagiarism detection)Listing activities without explaining their significanceWriting different statements for different courses (you only submit one)Focusing too much on childhood experiencesMaking unsupported claimsExceeding the character limitSubject-Specific Considerations
Medicine and Dentistry
Demonstrate understanding of healthcare realitiesDiscuss work experience in clinical settingsShow empathy and communication skillsMention relevant ethical issuesLaw
Discuss legal cases or issues that interest youShow analytical and critical thinkingDemonstrate awareness of legal career pathsMention any mooting or debating experienceSTEM Subjects
Reference specific experiments or researchDiscuss real-world applicationsMention relevant competitions or projectsShow problem-solving abilitiesArts and Humanities
Reference specific texts, artworks, or historical eventsDemonstrate critical analysis skillsShow breadth and depth of interestDiscuss creative or research projectsTimeline for Writing
March-May (Year 12): Start brainstorming and draftingJune-July: Write first full draftAugust-September: Revise with feedbackSeptember-October: Final polish and submissionUse these resources throughout the process, and don't be afraid to write multiple drafts. The best personal statements are refined over time.
