Top tips for writing your personal statement

•

Start your personal statement early and make sure you match your skills and experiences to your chosen course(s). Share your statement with others to get lots of feedback and to check for errors!

•

Reflect closely on your achievements and responsibilities outside of school/college. Balance your personal statement to include both your academic skills as well as more softer skills you have gained through extracurricular activities.

•

Keep your statement subject specific. It is important to demonstrate why you are interested in studying your chosen subject.

•

Do your research! Find the university for you by comparing courses and visiting universities on Open Days (you can find out more information on our Open Days and Informal Visit Days here. Take time to meet academics, current students and see the accommodation options. Make sure you take time to explore the local area too!

•

Check out Unibuddy to link with students studying at the universities you are interested in applying to. You can ask questions about their experiences and find out more about what it’s like to live and study in a new city! You can chat with our Unibuddies here.

•

Always be honest. It is always important to tell the truth in your personal statement as you may be asked about it later.

•

Be positive about yourself and use positive language! It’s important to sell yourself and pick out your key skills and strengths.

•

Finally, remember your personal statement is about YOU! Focus on demonstrating both your depth of knowledge for your chosen subject but also your passion. Evidence what you have done outside of school/college to investigate your chosen area further. Be proud of who you are and what you have to offer a university.