The importance of writing a personal statement for university applications becomes ever more important as you reach the second year of A Levels. This personal statement is a chance to sell yourself to admissions; it expresses your academic interests and achievements, your goals, extra-curricular activities and other attributes that define you. Whether you're aiming for a spot at Oxbridge or another university, a compelling personal statement can make you stand out.
In this guide, we'll cover top tips to help you stand out from the crowd and articulate the achievements from your CV effectively. If you need further support, our Oxbridge tutors are experienced in developing and perfecting personal statements to meet the high standards of top universities.
Statement advice for your university application
Writing a personal statement is a brief personal summary that can help you stand out to admissions tutors. It isn't the same as following assessment objectives in your studies. It's about creating a narrative to emphasise the qualities, intellectual interests and commitment to the chosen subject that make you unique.
These are the main points that an admission tutor will typically look for:
Authenticity - Admissions tutors are skilled at spotting when you have written genuine expressions of interest as opposed to over-polished, generic and insincere statements. They are looking for people who show a genuine interest in the subject, so be honest about your experiences and how they've shaped your decisions related to the subject. As an example, discuss a specific moment that lead to your interest in a subject rather than just expressing your enthusiasm.
Clarity of Purpose - Why have you chosen your subject of study? Ensure you mention the course content in this discussion to imply an understanding of the specific course. Explain how the subject links to your long-term goals. For example, if you want to study Environment Science, you can link your previous studies, personal observations and any other activities that'll make you prepared for university.
Intellectual interests - Universities are where everyone has a thirst for knowledge and to advance understanding, both in students and lecturers. It would be best if you expressed this intellectual curiosity by mentioning books, research and articles that have expanded your understanding of the subject. Highlight specific topics or arguments that have challenged your perspectives or led to greater understanding.
Community contribution - Admission tutors are also interested in you as a person and how you can contribute to the university community. This could be through taking part in a club or society, playing a sport or volunteering in some capacity. Make sure you're discussing your leadership roles or teamwork qualities in these activities. For example, if you play a musical instrument, you could discuss your interest in joining an ensemble to perform for the public and play as part of a group.
Resilience and adaptability - Being able to persevere when you meet challenges and adapt when required is highly prized at educational institutions where your abilities will be tested. Think about any experiences that reflect these attributes and have taught you life lessons. Think of situations unique to yourself: common examples are balancing school with extracurricular activities, which wouldn't stand out to admissions.
Showcasing Your journey
Your writing style needs to follow the principle of 'show, don't tell'. Rather than saying that you are a problem-solver, describe a situation where you needed to solve a problem, explore all the possible solutions and successfully implement one. Describing how you have an attribute rather than outright stating it shows your skills and character, making for a personal statement that is far more lively and persuasive.
Using the elements above in your statement will present a rounded picture of yourself and also make a memorable impression for admissions.
If you are still considering universities, you can view a full ranking of the top universities, including ranking by subject, from the Complete University Guide
Step-by-step guide: Write your personal statement
Writing a personal statement that is impactful and memorable requires a great deal of thought. We have broken the statement down into three sections: opening, body and closing. We discuss the key components and give brief examples to give ideas of how to structure the copy.
Start a personal statement
The opening sentence of your statement needs to immediately set the tone and engage the reader. It’s your only chance to make a strong first impression by demonstrating your enthusiasm and interest in the subject. A good approach is to open with a compelling reason or anecdote that reflects your passion for the course:
"Ever since I dissected my first frog in biology class at age fourteen, I have been fascinated by the complexity of biological systems. This early experience sparked a curiosity about how life works at the molecular level, driving me to explore genetics and cellular biology in greater depth."
Body - Academic journey and work experience
The body of your personal statement is where you build on your academic interests, relevant experiences and personal achievements. You need to blend your academic achievements with your extra-curricular activities and personal growth, balancing the focus to show your roundedness and your suitability for university life.
- Academic achievements: Discuss the subjects you have excelled in and how they have prepared you for the course in question. Include any relevant projects, essays, or research that can stress your ability and understanding of the subject.
- Work Experience and extracurricular activities: Discuss any activities that relate to your chosen subject, such as internships, work placements or voluntary work. Talk about what you learned from these experiences and how they developed your understanding of the subject and - if relevant - career aspirations.
- Skills and competencies: Talk about the key skills needed for the course and how your experiences have developed these skills. Examples could be researching, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving.
"Participating in the National Youth Science Forum exposed me to advanced scientific research and debates, enhancing my analytical skills and fueling my ambition to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries."
End your personal statement
The conclusion of your personal statement is important as a summation of your unique qualities and why you are deserving of consideration by the university. It needs to stress your passion for the subject, your goals and how you can contribute to the uni community:
"With a solid foundation in environmental science and hands-on experience gained through various conservation projects, I am eager to challenge myself further at a university that leads in sustainable research. I am committed to using my education to contribute to significant environmental solutions."
Every section of your personal statement has an important role in creating a clear, compelling narrative. As a final suggestion, don't undersell yourself: it isn't always comfortable to talk up your accomplishments, but this is your chance to sell yourself. At the same time, ensure that you don't come across as overconfident and entitled.
Personal statement extracts for uni
We have listed personal statement examples below for each section of the statement to help you get started. Remember that this is just one example: it's a good idea to look through numerous good personal statements before preparing your narrative to get a wide range of ideas.
Opening example
As I stood at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, I wasn't just struck by the breathtaking view—the intricate ecosystem thriving on the rocky edges fascinated me. This moment was pivotal; it transformed my casual interest in environmental science into a passionate pursuit of ecological studies. I realised then that I wanted to dedicate my career to understanding and preserving such natural wonders.
Body example
Academic achievements: My enthusiasm for environmental science was further nurtured during my A-Level coursework, where I undertook a project on the impact of human activities on local biodiversity. My research involved a three-month survey comparing two different ecosystems, which taught me not only valuable research skills but also the importance of sustainable environmental practices. This experience was complemented by my participation in the school's Science Club, where I led a team that developed a workshop on recycling practices for the community, enhancing my leadership and public speaking skills.
Work experience and extracurricular activities: Last summer, I interned with the City Council's Environmental Department, assisting in the development of a new sustainable waste management program. This experience offered me a practical understanding of how environmental policies are implemented at the local level and the complexities involved in balancing economic, environmental and social factors.
Skills and competencies: Through these experiences, I have honed my analytical skills and my ability to communicate complex information effectively. I am particularly proud of my contribution to a group project that won a national competition for innovative solutions to water conservation. This project not only tested my technical knowledge but also challenged me to think critically and creatively under pressure.
Closing example
My academic experiences and extracurricular involvement have prepared me well for the rigours of a university program in environmental science. I am eager to further explore topics such as the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development. At university, I aim to engage with like-minded peers and professors to develop solutions that I hope will shape more sustainable practices globally.
If you aren't sure of your chosen subject, there is a useful guide to choosing the right degree from Prospects.
Dos and Don'ts for writing a personal statement
A checklist is a good idea when you need guidance in starting a new task - writing a compelling personal statement certainly fits this criteria. We have listed some of the key actions to do and not do when writing your statement:
Dos
- Do be concise: Each sentence needs to have a purpose. Avoid filler language by being clear and concise. Keep your language concise to maintain the reader’s attention and respect the word limit.
- Do be specific: Generic statements won’t tell the reader anything. Use personal examples, experienced and reflections to make your statement memorable.
- Do show passion: The entire copy needs to imply your enthusiasm for the subject rather than one isolated reference. Make sure to repeatedly stress why you want to study your chosen subject.
- Do reflect on experiences: To avoid appearing overconfident by simply listing your achievements, relate them to your subject by showing what you learned from them and how it helped prepare you.
- Do proofread: Spelling or grammatical errors are a definite no-no as it suggests you haven't committed enough time to your application. Leave plenty of time to thoroughly check and re-check your work. Get someone else to review it as well.
Don'ts
- Don’t use clichés: Part of writing a unique statement means avoiding phrases like “ever since I was a child”. This expression can seem trite and will likely make the examiner groan considering how many times they've probably heard it in statements. Always be original and thoughtful in your language.
- Don’t overuse quotes: A relevant quote can be effective, especially if related to your subject (and succinct). However, relying too heavily on the words of others can detract from your voice and originality.
- Don’t exaggerate: Stay honest when discussing your experiences and skills. Don't forget that a successful statement typically leads to an interview and you will be quizzed on what you wrote.
- Don’t make it too personal: It's a balancing act when sharing personal information. You absolutely should make the statement unique to yourself. However, avoid oversharing or focusing on details that don't enhance your application.
- Don’t copy: Plagiarism can lead to your application being immediately discarded. Ensure your personal statement is your own work. Check that you haven't accidentally plagiarised when the statement is in a finished form.
Summing up
Writing a personal statement is an opportunity to talk about your educational journey and showcase your aspirations. It's your applying to show the universities you're applying to on UCAS why you are an excellent candidate and how the skills and experience you've got fit the particular course you want to pursue.
Remember the following to ensure your personal statement stands out:
- Reflect on your unique story, highlighting how your experiences have shaped your decision to apply for the chosen subject.
- Express your enthusiasm. Show that you're prepared for the academic challenges ahead and keen to contribute to the university community.
- End on a strong note by summarising your readiness for university and your career goals. This will reinforce your commitment and leave a lasting impression.
If you need more guidance in writing your personal statement further, consider reaching out to one of our experienced Oxbridge tutors. They can provide you with personalised advice and insights to elevate your application.
