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Personal Statement Builder

Now it's time to start writing your personal statement.

Here we have a suggested structure with tips and advice of what to include in each paragraph.


By entering data into this page, you’re providing the information needed to generate your personal statement. The Student Room stores this information against your profile, but does not use this information outside the function of the personal statement builder.


Please note that the email function of this tool is not currently operational. However you can download your completed statement as normal.

  1. Why are you applying for the course?
    View tip

Make sure you include why you think you're suitable for the course.

Include evidence that you understand what's required to study this course(s).

For vocational courses, this is where you just simply state why you want to do the career that you are applying for. Share why you became interested in this and how but keep it brief. Make sure you include a sentence on why it interests you now.
Explain why you're interested in your chosen subject(s) and why you want to study it further at uni.
Suggested character count: 0/500
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  1. How have your current or previous studies set you up for uni?
    View tip

Only talk about the subjects, essays or research projects that are relevant to the course and why you've enjoyed them.

Have you taken part in any other activities that show your interest in the course(s)?

If you are applying for a vocational course you could put in something from a journal related to your role, or in the news (such as topical issues in teaching or nursing). You should talk about why it is interesting to you and how it has furthered your interest in this profession. You may need to alter the structure of your personal statement so this comes after your work experience which is most important.
Explain the particular topics you've found interesting and how they relate to the course you want to study.
Suggested character count: 0/1350
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  1. Talk about the activities you have taken part in and how they have influenced you to study this course
    View tip

This paragraph should explain in more detail about your academic interest in the course you want to study.

You can talk in more depth about project that developed your interest or talk about research, books, online courses or podcasts which you have looked at in your spare time. Explain what you learned and why it has encouraged you to study this at uni.

Make sure you don't just name drop authors or publications, discuss how each one concisely before moving on to the next.

Have you taken part in any other activities that show your interest in the course?

For vocational courses like medicine and teaching this is the most important section and the place to talk about relevant work experience to demonstrate you are making an informed decision about the course you want to study.

Don't just describe what you saw, including names of procedures: reflect on what you saw in an unbiased why. Explain what you learned about what it takes to do the role, and why it interested you.
Explain the particular topics you've found interesting and how they relate to the course you want to study.
Suggested character count: 0/1150
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  1. How will your interests, skills and achievements help you succeed at uni?
    View tip

Explain how one or two of hobbies, interests or achievements have prepared you for your course or uni life.

If you have completed any voluntary work, placements or had a job that's relevant to the course, explain how you will use these skills will help you.

Focus on demonstrating how you have developed transferable skills by giving examples and explaining how these will help you in the future. For vocational courses, you can link the skills mentioned to the career and course.
Universities want to know about your experiences and skills and why they will help you at uni.
Suggested character count: 0/500
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  1. Conclusion
    View tip

Be enthusiastic - clearly explain why you have chosen this subject.

Share your career aspirations and the knowledge and experience of the course will help you to progress towards your goal.

If you have completed any voluntary work, placements or had a job that's relevant to the course, explain how you will use these skills will help you.

For vocational courses focus on the role. Sum up why you want to do this career and why you are suitable for it.

Don't mention any new information in the conclusion and don't address any one particular university as the likelihood is that you'll be applying for five.
Summarise why you want to do the course, what you're really looking forward to about uni life and how it will prepare you for your future.
Suggested character count: 0/500
saved

Character and line counts

Sections Counter Comment

Use of words

You haven't used any clichéd words

We've seen you've used these words two or more times – maybe consider replacing some with a word of similar meaning.

Words Times used Comment

Clichéd phrases

You haven't used any clichéd phrases

We've seen you've used these words two or more times – maybe consider replacing some with a word of similar meaning.

Phrase Times used Comment

You're almost finished now, but in our experience, we find people make a load of common mistakes.

Check your personal statement against each of the check boxes below to see if you've avoided them.

Check for grammar
Is it on topic?
Have you checked it?

Great! You've written the first draft of your personal statment, here's a preview of it

Personal Statement

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