The Student Room Group

How to cut down personal statement

I have already sent 4 drafts of my personal statement to my teacher. It was over 8000 characters initially. After a tonne of editing, I got it down to 5713
Obviously still far too much
I know that it's difficult to help me without actually seeing the ps. And also that the obvious advice is just cut some unnecessary points. But I don't think any of it is unnecessary.
I teacher told me a few points I should delete. But now it's proper bare bones. There's such a lack of words, it sounds like a 5 year old just put bullet points I hate it so much and I don't know what to do. I really hate the personal statement
Original post
by EmmettForrest
I have already sent 4 drafts of my personal statement to my teacher. It was over 8000 characters initially. After a tonne of editing, I got it down to 5713
Obviously still far too much
I know that it's difficult to help me without actually seeing the ps. And also that the obvious advice is just cut some unnecessary points. But I don't think any of it is unnecessary.
I teacher told me a few points I should delete. But now it's proper bare bones. There's such a lack of words, it sounds like a 5 year old just put bullet points I hate it so much and I don't know what to do. I really hate the personal statement


Anything in there relating to soft skills? Your AL content? Unrelated x-currics? If so, get rid.

Reply 2

I assume AL content is a level content? And I have that but I need to, I don't know what else to put for the second question. I mentioned some transferable skills from my a levels. That's okay right?? My teacher didn't say anything about it.
Original post
by EmmettForrest
I have already sent 4 drafts of my personal statement to my teacher. It was over 8000 characters initially. After a tonne of editing, I got it down to 5713
Obviously still far too much
I know that it's difficult to help me without actually seeing the ps. And also that the obvious advice is just cut some unnecessary points. But I don't think any of it is unnecessary.
I teacher told me a few points I should delete. But now it's proper bare bones. There's such a lack of words, it sounds like a 5 year old just put bullet points I hate it so much and I don't know what to do. I really hate the personal statement

Hi Emmett,

Personal statement writing can be really hard! There can be so much you want to say and show, but not enough characters! However, they are great to show academic tutors more about you and how you are best suited things like the course and university life. Something that might help is to look at the different courses and universities you are applying to and try and bullet point their key areas and qualities they want to see.

This could then allow you to create a more concise list of what you need to write about and hopefully get you under that 4000 character limit. Remeber if you are doing a course that requires an interview, you will have the chance to show your other skills during that also!

Try not to be too hard on yourself! Remeber to take breaks when writing as we can sometimes hit a wall. Have you tried giving it to people other than your teacher? People like friends and family may have a different view on the subject which may be useful.

Wishing you all the best!

D
Original post
by EmmettForrest
I assume AL content is a level content? And I have that but I need to, I don't know what else to put for the second question. I mentioned some transferable skills from my a levels. That's okay right?? My teacher didn't say anything about it.


I’d recommend using the personal statement review service here on TSR. They’ll be able to advise which parts are less relevant. Instructions in the first post here:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4237154

Reply 5

Original post
by EmmettForrest
I have already sent 4 drafts of my personal statement to my teacher. It was over 8000 characters initially. After a tonne of editing, I got it down to 5713
Obviously still far too much
I know that it's difficult to help me without actually seeing the ps. And also that the obvious advice is just cut some unnecessary points. But I don't think any of it is unnecessary.
I teacher told me a few points I should delete. But now it's proper bare bones. There's such a lack of words, it sounds like a 5 year old just put bullet points I hate it so much and I don't know what to do. I really hate the personal statement
Hi! I don't think you need to mention everything you've read, done or though just the most impactful examples that can aid you reasons for studying your desired course.
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)

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