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Personal Statement
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2 Contents
Contents
3. Writing your personal statement
Step 1
5. Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
6. Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
9. Legal Statement
Many admissions officers use it to make their You may also need to write a personal
final decision. It is a way for them to find out statement for a scholarship application, or for
the reasons behind your application answers. financial aid. It could all make the difference
They also want to know what makes you between studying… or not studying.
unique. What will you bring to your class that is
different? But, don’t panic! Writing a personal statement
is not as hard or scary as it sounds. Just follow
Your personal statement is even more important our guide and you’ll have a compelling story in
if your grades are borderline. If you know no time.
Most personal statements are short documents A good personal statement is honest, so there is
– just one or two pages. They are not no point just reading one of the above examples
autobiographies, or a complete list of every and saying, “OK, that will do.” You need to find
achievement since you learned to walk. your own unique story, the thing that sets you
apart.
So, the best statements focus on just one or two
clear themes, and give an in depth explanation This is sometimes hard to do. So start by asking
of your abilities or interests in that area. yourself the following questions:
A good personal statement has a clear structure In your body copy, you need to demonstrate
– a compelling introduction, between two and some reasons behind your theme. Think of this
six body paragraphs that give concrete reasons as an argument, just as any essay is. You are
or explanations, and a strong conclusion. trying to persuade them that you are the best
possible student for this class or scholarship. So
Your notes on the questions above will give you don’t just state your achievements, explain what
a framework for your statement. is behind them.
Now, before you do anything else, read the This is also a good place to mention
instructions. achievements that you were unable to include in
your main application – if they are relevant.
Not all personal statements are the same.
Check what your admissions office requires.
And keep to that format – if they want two
A4 pages double-spaced, then don’t send in Consider:
four pages. If they ask you to answer three
• What did you learn from that
specific questions, make sure you do so clearly.
experience?
Otherwise your statement could be rejected
before it has even been read. • How has it shaped or changed
your attitude or goals?
Step 3. Start at the beginning
• How will that help you perform well
Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s in the course?
attention. It sets the tone for the rest of the
statement. So avoid clichés or long-winded
explanations. Spark their interest and get to the
point – in just one paragraph.
Your conclusion needs to flow from the rest of Now you’re ready to show it to some friends and
the copy. Don’t repeat what you’ve already said relatives. Ask them for constructive feedback.
with a statement beginning “So, in conclusion…” You’d be surprised what an objective point of
view can add to your statement.
An attention-grabbing sentence at the end will
help give impact to your statement. Make sure If you’re not confident about your English ability,
you emphasise your desire to study. ask a fluent English speaker to proofread it.
This is critical, as your personal statement
You may wish to include a specific reason for demonstrates your ability to write and
choosing that university in your conclusion communicate in English when you study. For
– some unique feature that ties in with the many admissions officers, clear English is the
points you have outlined on your goals and first thing they look for.
experience. It’s a good way to show that you
have researched that school, and that this is not
just a generic statement.
A good writer always thinks about the reader’s “We seek students who are motivated and
point of view. In this case, the admissions passionate about their subject area, and have
officer may have only two minutes to review the potential to succeed in their studies. You
your statement. He or she may read thousands have to be prepared to take advantage of the
during the admissions process. So keep it clear, opportunities we offer if you are to succeed.”
simple and to the point.
De Montford University Admissions Office
Your reader needs to know:
• Your goals and the path you are on Four quick questions to get
you started
• Why you are excited about this subject
area 1. List the top 10 reasons why you
wish to study at university
• Any supporting evidence or details about
your experience and academic record 2. Who has influenced you most to
study in your subject?
• Answer the questions provided • Go on about details from the distant past,
unless they are truly relevant
• Be positive and enthusiastic
• Beg or brag – quiet confidence is the right tone
• Keep sentences short
to strike
• Capture their interest with a strong opening
• Repeat yourself
paragraph
• Talk about money or rankings as a reason for
• Set out your unique features – experience,
that course or university
abilities, activities, enthusiasm?
• Write a generic statement – you will need
• Focus on three core issues – why this
to re-write it for each and every application,
university, why this subject, and why you will
honestly!
perform well
• Use the wrong school name – be careful
• Explain any circumstances that may have
with that copy and paste if you do use your
affected your results – but focus on the
statement for more than one application!
positive, how you resolved them, rather than
complaining. It’s OK to have flaws, but what • Be boring
have you done about them?
• Use clichés such as or wordy, academic prose
• Be honest – don’t copy someone else’s in an attempt to be clever. It just makes it
statement, it will show harder to read.
• Get friends and family to give feedback • Be gimmicky – don’t be tempted to write your
statement as a poem to make it stand out. It
will only look silly.
Remember, spending some time on your personal statement will not only give
you the best chance of getting into the course you want. It will also help you
work out, in your own mind, why this is important to you. And that could be the
best preparation you could make before you leave for further study.
Good luck!
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