Why have a personal statement?
Do's and donts when writing psersonal statements
International Students
Introductory sentences to get you started
Mention the subject
Plan carefully
Points to remember
Sub-sections
What Admissions Tutors look for
What to inlcude
What to include
Make a list. Don't even think about writing the personal statement until you've made an exhaustive list of your experience, your interests and your qualities. If you cannot think of any then you are not trying hard enough. Think laterally:
- Can you speak more than one language?
- Do you play a musical instrument?
- Do you write poetry, or paint pictures or take photographs?
- Have you received any sporting medals or other awards?
- Do you have especially demanding family responsibilities?
Maybe you have enough information to fill ten pages! If this is the case then you need to be selective. Which of your many activities are the most impressive? Cross the rest off because Admissions Tutors don't need to know everything about you in order to decide that they like the sound of you.
The basic aim of a personal statement is to explain why you want to do the course that you have chosen, prove that you are motivated and show that you have got the potential to do well. Start off your personal statement by explaining why you've chosen that particular course. "I thought it sounded interesting" isn't good enough, you need to explain in a little more detail and give good clear reasons.
If necessary, you should include specific examples that highlight your interests. For example, receiving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is impressive but simply writing 'I have a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award' on your personal statement isn't - it's a waste. Put a comma, and then explain what that achievement says about you and your ability to be a useful member of the university community.