UCAS Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your

application and it is worth spending a lot of time on it.

You have 4000 characters (about 47 lines of text) to show admissions tutors why they should pick you over

other candidates.

Suggested Structure

Introduction In-school evidence of your

interest in the subject Outside-school evidence of

your passion for the subject Wider skills you have

developed Summary of why they should

pick you

Introduction You will need to provide a brief but convincing

explanation as to why you want to study your subject at university

Think of the ‘personal trigger’ that got you interested

This could be a book, a trip, a documentary, a film, a teacher, an inspirational mentor, work experience etc

Go on to develop why the subject is important to you and to society (can you relate it to current affairs)

Don’t just say you ‘love’ the subject What and why are you really looking forward

to studying this subject at university. Read the course prospectuses for all of the universities you are applying too (key terms and words).

Introduction – Should you start with a quote?

This is only acceptable if you directly relate it to your course and why you want to study it, show that you fully understand the concept of the quote and make it flow neatly into your introductory paragraph.

In-school Evidence A brief to demonstrate what you have been

doing in school to develop your interest (no more than 2 or 3 sentences)

How do your A-Levels relate to the course you want to study

If you are planning to study a completely new course that you have not studied at A-Level, what skills have you developed that will be useful in your degree, such as essay-writing, critical analysis, research or logic

Outside-school Evidence This is where you can really shine because it is the

things that you do in your own time which will show a genuine passion for the subject

What extra-curricular activities have you undertaken in pursuit of a greater understanding of your chosen degree

What trips, books, documentaries, research or experiences have you found inspiring and why

How have these inspirations made your more suitable for your chosen course

Go into detail about what you have discovered beyond your A-Levels and how it has inspired you to want to study the subject at degree level

Have you undertaken any work experience related to the course and what skills has this helped you develop (for example analysis, problem-solving and forward planning)

Outside-school Evidence Can you show that you are self motivated, an

independent learner and therefore suited to university life

Admission tutors are looking for students who are willing to read around the subject in their own time

Check out the reading lists on the university websites (there is usually a list of suggested books for undergraduates)

Be honest about the things you have done (especially if you are invited for an interview)

If you have a definite idea of what you want to do after university make sure you include this

Wider Skills What are your non-academic achievements

and skills either in or out of school and your interests and hobbies

Give the admissions tutor a glimpse of the kind of person you are outside of the classroom and more importantly what skills you have developed

Examples of Key Skills Communication Commitment Time management Teamwork Initiative Public speaking Responsibility Adaptability Organisation Leadership Research & analysis

Gap Year If you are planning on taking a gap year

and applying for deferred entry then you must explain what you plan to do

Let the admissions tutor know about your plans as this shows that you are organised and want to pursue interests outside of your studies

Explain how you will fund the gap year State what you aim to achieve through

a gap year If you can relate your gap year to the

course or university life … even better!

Summary Finish the personal statement with a one or two line summary of why you want to go to university and study the course and why you deserve to be offered a place.