How to write a personal statement for university? That’s a question we’ve seen a lot of students ask.
A personal statement is a short piece where you get the opportunity to share a few things about yourself.
You get to walk the admission board through your academic journey so far and why you think you deserve a spot in the university.
But the little hiccup here is that a lot of students have a hard time writing a pretty good statement, especially those who are attempting it for the first time.
I'm strongly convinced this won't be your case because you came across this post you're reading now.
In the next few minutes, if you give me your attention, I'll show you how to write a personal statement for university in six easy steps.
Sounds good?
What is a personal statement?
A UCAS personal statement is a short piece, usually around 4000 characters, you write to tell the university about yourself and why you're a great addition to their school and your chosen course.
In a personal statement, you focus on the main points. I'm referring to a few details about yourself, your academic achievement, qualifications, skills, and what makes you really motivated to study the course you're applying for.
It's not good to be all over the place, so aim to keep it short, sweet, and convincing in a good way. One mistake we've seen a lot of students make is to list out what they've done and their work experience.
That's not what the admission board wants to hear. They simply want you to tell them the experiences that make you a great fit in their university and the program you're trying to get into.
How to write a personal statement for university (Six steps)
As promised, here are six steps you can use to write an outstanding personal statement for your university application. I used the exact steps laid out here years ago; if you follow them, I'll come up with something beautiful.
Step 1: Analyse the university's requirements
Every university has a guideline you have to follow when writing your statement. Don't just head straight to your laptop and start writing, read those guidelines.
When you go through the guidelines, you'll find important details like the word count you're to write, some themes you have to address, and questions you've been asked to answer.
Write down the main points they expect you to cover. This will most likely be your academic background and why you want to study the course you've chosen.
Step 2: Brainstorm ideas
Now that you know what the university wants, it’s time to reflect on your own experiences.
Reflect deeply on your experiences, credentials, and goals related to your course of study. I'd suggest creating a mind map, diagram, or list to logically organise your thoughts.
Helpful headings might include "Passions within my chosen field," “Relevant coursework/projects,” “Extracurricular activities,” and “Future dreams in this career.”
The goal here is to uncover engaging details or anecdotes that showcase your preparation and fit for this program.
Step 3: Your opening has to be very good
The opening of your personal statement is your first chance to make an impression, so make it count. A strong introduction grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of your statement.
Compose an introduction that immediately captures attention. Consider starting with a compelling personal story, an insightful question, or an enthusiastic statement demonstrating your dedication to the subject.
This impactful kickoff establishes your passion and encourages the reader to continue.
Step 4: Have a great outline, and write the body of your personal statement
The body of your personal statement is where you dive into the details. This is your chance to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences.
In 2-3 body paragraphs, dive into the details that prove you’re qualified for admission. Highlight relevant academic projects that exhibit analytical thinking or other abilities valued in your field.
Describe extracurricular activities that display important soft skills like leadership, communication, and persistence. Explain how pivotal experiences have fueled your interest in this program and future goals in the industry.
When you demonstrate your preparedness and direction, you're telling the admissions officers that you’re a promising candidate.
Step 5: Reflect on your experiences and add personal insight.
Reflection is what makes your personal statement unique. Instead of just listing your experiences, think about how they’ve shaped you.
For example, if you volunteered at a community clinic, what did you learn about teamwork or compassion? How did that experience confirm your desire to study medicine?
When you add personal insight, you show maturity and self-awareness. It’s one thing to say, “I worked on a group project,” and another to say, “Working on a group project taught me the importance of communication and adaptability, which I’ve applied in other areas of my life.”
By reflecting on your experiences, you create a narrative that’s both engaging and meaningful. It’s a powerful way to connect with the reader.
Step 6: Close the statement with a very solid conclusion
Your conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression. Think of it as your opportunity to reinforce your enthusiasm and future goals.
Summarise why this course and their university are an ideal match given your abilities, interests, and aspirations.
In your last paragraph, end by affirming your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute meaningfully as a student. This final flourish sticks in the reader’s mind, reinforcing why you’re a good applicant.
Step 7: Edit and proofread the statement
Once you’ve written your statement, take the time to polish it. Read it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or errors. Sometimes, hearing the words helps you spot issues you might miss when reading silently.
Ask someone you trust—a teacher, mentor, or friend—to review your statement. Fresh eyes can provide valuable feedback.
Finally, double-check the word count and formatting requirements. A well-edited statement shows that you pay attention to detail, which is a quality admissions tutors value.
So, that’s how to write a personal statement for your university application.
FAQs on How to Write a University Personal Statement
Alright, I know you have some questions about everything I've shared so far. I'll try to answer some of the questions students have asked us about writing their university statements.
How do I start a personal statement for university?
The beginning of your personal statement has to be something that grabs the attention of the person at the other end reading your statement. It's always good to start with a bold statement on why you've chosen your field. Try to keep it authentic and relevant.
What is a good example of a personal statement for university?
Imagine an example like this: The first time I constructed a closed circuit in high school, I just knew engineering was the field I had to pursue.
How to format a personal statement for university?
This is a really good question. To format your personal statement, stick with UCAS guidelines. Ensure you keep everything clear and concise, all within 47 lines. It should have an introduction, a body, and an outstanding conclusion.
How do you stand out in a university personal statement?
With the fact that a lot of students will be writing a personal statement to the board for the same course you're applying for, you've got to stand out from the crowd. You need to let them see your passion, your experiences, and why you're so determined to be a part of their student community. I guess what I'm trying to say is to make your statement clear and personal.
Conclusion
A lot has been shared, and I'm positive by now you should know how to write a university personal statement.
If you forgot anything, always remember that you've to start with a sweet and bold intro. Tell them about your experiences, academic journey, and why you've chosen the course and the university in your body.
Then, tie the short piece up with an outstanding conclusion that reinstates why you'd love to be a part of their student community and the work you intend to put in to succeed in the course you've chosen.
And don't forget, at StudyFetch, we offer students like yourself a suite of AI tools that will make your university journey seamless and help you succeed.
