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How to make Personal Statement less generic

I’ve been struggling to write my personal statement for a while now, as I don’t seem to have a very good grasp on who I am as a person and why I should get to go to university. It’s exhausting trying to figure out something that isn’t a lie but which sounds good. My parents have been getting increasingly annoyed with me, and although I have got something written down now they don’t like it at all and have called it “generic” and “wishy washy”. I don’t doubt that it is, but it’s quite demotivating because they keep sending me documents where they’ve edited my statement by basically crossing all of it out and rewriting it. One of them has even gone so far to say that I’ll have to hand in one of theirs rather than my own one, which is making me panic that I’m not good enough to go to uni - how can I be if I can’t even write a personal statement correctly?! I’m applying for Screenwriting, so obviously being a good writer is important for that, but I’m now doubting my abilities. I’m also applying for Animation and Illustration, so it’s quite difficult trying to stretch the statement to cover both of these courses. Does anyone have any advice on how to improve and make your statement less generic?

Reply 1

Original post
by FroggyStar
I’ve been struggling to write my personal statement for a while now, as I don’t seem to have a very good grasp on who I am as a person and why I should get to go to university. It’s exhausting trying to figure out something that isn’t a lie but which sounds good. My parents have been getting increasingly annoyed with me, and although I have got something written down now they don’t like it at all and have called it “generic” and “wishy washy”. I don’t doubt that it is, but it’s quite demotivating because they keep sending me documents where they’ve edited my statement by basically crossing all of it out and rewriting it. One of them has even gone so far to say that I’ll have to hand in one of theirs rather than my own one, which is making me panic that I’m not good enough to go to uni - how can I be if I can’t even write a personal statement correctly?! I’m applying for Screenwriting, so obviously being a good writer is important for that, but I’m now doubting my abilities. I’m also applying for Animation and Illustration, so it’s quite difficult trying to stretch the statement to cover both of these courses. Does anyone have any advice on how to improve and make your statement less generic?


I would also like to add that my parents are both writers so their opinions and criticisms obviously have merit.

Reply 2

Hi!

I'm also struggling to write my personal statement at the moment, so don't worry, you aren't the only one!
I'm sorry that your parents are giving you a hard time about this, that must be making this all the more stressful. Could you ask a teacher to have a look at it? They may be able to offer some more constructive (and subject specific) feedback.

I would recommend picking an afternoon, sitting down, and just writing whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar, word count, or whether it even makes sense. Just get something on the page. That way, you'll have something to refine. Try to consider why you want to study these subjects- why do they make you happy? I know it's really hard, but try not to second guess your own talent. The applications committees are going to be judging you based on your personal statement- don't undervalue yourself! You are talented, and you deserve a space, and you need to make them believe that too. About it being generic: add some personal anecdotes and avoid "I have always wanted to/ been passionate about..." Hopefully someone who has actually written a successful personal statement will also reply with some more advice, but for now maybe check out the personal statement articles on UCAS.

I wish I could tell you how to apply for multiple subjects well because I'm having the exact same issue, and it is such headache haha. I guess for screenwriting and animation they're both focussed on hands on work, creativity, and self-expression. Maybe you could reference a piece of work that you've made, something that inspires you to create, or a film maker/writer/illustrator that you admire. When you're redrafting you can always watch a Ted Talk/read some articles relating to what you've referenced to show some knowledge.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but just know that you are not the only one finding this difficult. Good luck! :smile:

Reply 3

Original post
by YourLocalNerd
Hi!
I'm also struggling to write my personal statement at the moment, so don't worry, you aren't the only one!
I'm sorry that your parents are giving you a hard time about this, that must be making this all the more stressful. Could you ask a teacher to have a look at it? They may be able to offer some more constructive (and subject specific) feedback.
I would recommend picking an afternoon, sitting down, and just writing whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar, word count, or whether it even makes sense. Just get something on the page. That way, you'll have something to refine. Try to consider why you want to study these subjects- why do they make you happy? I know it's really hard, but try not to second guess your own talent. The applications committees are going to be judging you based on your personal statement- don't undervalue yourself! You are talented, and you deserve a space, and you need to make them believe that too. About it being generic: add some personal anecdotes and avoid "I have always wanted to/ been passionate about..." Hopefully someone who has actually written a successful personal statement will also reply with some more advice, but for now maybe check out the personal statement articles on UCAS.
I wish I could tell you how to apply for multiple subjects well because I'm having the exact same issue, and it is such headache haha. I guess for screenwriting and animation they're both focussed on hands on work, creativity, and self-expression. Maybe you could reference a piece of work that you've made, something that inspires you to create, or a film maker/writer/illustrator that you admire. When you're redrafting you can always watch a Ted Talk/read some articles relating to what you've referenced to show some knowledge.
I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but just know that you are not the only one finding this difficult. Good luck! :smile:


Thank you for your reply and for showing me that I’m not alone :smile: you’ve been really helpful

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