What should you include?

Tell us what you will give to the course. Are you hardworking? If so provide evidence, this could be meeting deadlines, work experience/ volunteering.

Make sure you research the course and have a genuine interest in the course. It will show in your writing so find the course for you and find out why you want to do it. If you can show this by including your extra-curricular activities that will be great! For example, if you are interested in a certain subject, ask if you can volunteer in a similar field, chosen a sports degree? Volunteer at a sports club. If you can’t, still mention how you tried as that shows desire to learn.

Remember to be yourself, but remain formal. Focus on your strengths and justify everything you say.

How to structure a personal statement

Activity: What have you done inside or outside of school that sets you apart from other applicants? Even if it does not relate directly to the course you applied for there will still be transferable skills such as problem solving.

Benefit: How has this activity helped you to develop as an individual? Did your communication skills improve, or team work skills?

Course: How do these attributes demonstrate that you will succeed on your chosen course at university? Dedication and discipline are needed for all courses and these are skills that are learnt in many activities.

What if I have nothing to write about?

This is not true! Think about transferable skills, these are skills you learn that can be applied to other tasks.

Anyone who has work experience has time management skills, problem solving skills, communication skills. If you do not have work experience, do you look after a pet? That takes commitment! Perhaps you play a sport, awesome, that has all of the skills above! As long as you can follow the structure above and explain why an activity you have done benefits you and your potential success for your chosen course then your skills are perfectly valid. 

Have a think about what skills you have, ask your friends/teachers/parents/carers.

What should I NOT include?

• Don’t make jokes or lie
• Don’t copy, copycat software will find out
• Don’t include anything boring or obvious for your age. Such as you like to go to the beach, unless you can relate it to giving you skills and benefitting your chosen course.
• Avoid overused sentences.

More tips and advice

Good luck writing your personal statement. Don’t forget, we’re here to help! 

(Article written by final year student, Harrison.)

Download our full guide to writing your personal statement.