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
Points to remember
When you come to complete the final version of your form make sure that you do all of the following:
- Use black ink or typeface. Your form will be photocopied and you need to ensure that the copies will be clear.
- Write very clearly but do not pack in too much information. The forms are reduced during photocopying and these reduced forms are sent to the various universities by UCAS.
- Try to use clear paragraphs or short statements, you do not need to write in prose unless you are applying for a language course such as English.
- Do not make any spelling mistakes. There is no excuse for this because you can use a dictionary.
- If you are typing your form, make sure that you use a font size that is no smaller than 12pt. Because anything smaller will not photocopy well.
- If you are using a word processor you can use a stick-on version of the personal statement section; print onto the stick-on version and stick it in place on the form. You can get these stick-on sheets from your school or college admissions adviser, or you can contact UCAS Application Requests on 01242-223707.
- Try to organise your material so that it is an informative and interesting read.
- Only write things that you are prepared to talk about at interview.
- Do not describe what course you are doing now.
- Do not say that you prefer one university to another.
- Try not to ramble or fill space with useless information and try not to repeat information that is given elsewhere on the form.


