We are on the cusp of the doorway to your future. Don’t underestimate that!

The significance of your admission to your desired universities is as crucial as it gets. This is your golden opportunity to display your own unique set of academic qualities, life experiences and fundamental passions for the realm of study you dream of.

This is your best chance to set yourself apart in your personal statement writing. What makes you special? How do you differentiate yourself from the rest?

To be chosen amongst the vast array of budding undergraduate applicants for your chosen degree, you need to follow a specific blueprint. This blueprint is tailored to you and fully malleable, so don’t worry.

But if you want to squeeze the most out of your opportunity to align yourself with your university and course of choice, and secure your place on the cohort this coming academic year, make sure you take the time to read this comprehensive guide.

Specialisation is key when it comes to personal statements in 2024-2025.

As the diversity of offered courses rockets and students become more refined and motivated to change the world, there has never been a more competitive time for an undergraduate applicant than now. So you have to get specific and laser focused in order to guarantee success.

● What do you know about the skills required to study this course and why is your academic rigour worthy of acceptance?

● Go into detail about your knowledge base of current and previous concepts, modules, avenues, or any research opportunities the course offers.

● Any niche understanding of specific topics within the course, demonstrating evidence of active reading and research, will only benefit the credibility of your application.

Balance is a surprisingly under appreciated facet of a winning statement.

The lead admissions tutor from the University of Brighton (Physiotherapy department) regards a refined and well thought out approach:

‘Try to find a balance between self-promotion and explaining your recent experiences of work, social activities, and school achievements. Over emphasis on any of these can slew your statement.’

Oftentimes, students make the critical mistake of placing too much attention on their academic achievements. This massively plays into the norm complex and allows the statement to fall into the unwanted category of being simply sifted through.

Academic qualities only get you so far.

● You would be surprised at just how quickly a tutor may end up scanning through your treasured statement! The Guardian states that on average, universities in the UK only take two minutes to read a statement. Upon the possible thousands of applications, lots of information gets lost in the rubble.

● What would happen if there were 500 applicants with jest identical grades for a course with a limit of 80 students? What makes the difference?

● Showing your passions for the field of study, active hobbies and interests that drive you and set you apart, and your professional or work experience in the field, or unrelated fields for that matter, is essential.

● Adaptability, and thus a diverse set of skills, is only advantageous to your application because it shows you have been proactive in garnering good life experiences and broadening your level of self actualisation.

Stand out by standing up for yourself!

What do you believe in? What rights do you stand for in life? Who deserves more support in society and why does your passion for this have a substantial impact on the course you are applying for?

We all have passions and desires, but in a personal statement, the more forthcoming and emphatic you are about these, the better. What do you truly want to change in the world?

Research, not just me search!

One of the most pivotal elements of a winning personal statement is rigorous, extensive study and understanding into the finer details surrounding these key areas.

● The university itself: what makes the grandeur acclaim and research esteem, and the location itself prime candidates for you?

● Student opportunities, both academically, I.e. career prospects team support and value added from certain professors,

● And non academically I.e. sporting pursuits, societies and communities and religious accommodations.

Career avenues related to the course:

● Demonstrate your understanding of networking opportunities,

● Branches from the course you would be enticed by post graduation,

● Why do you feel this course would accommodate these needs most closely.

Questions to ask yourself!

Why do you want to study this subject?
What evidence do you have that your interest is real and not superficial?
Can you show desire to change the field you apply for?
Are you concise but detailed in your points?
Have you done background research into the course?
What do you provide the cohort outside of academic skills and rigour?
Are you a natural leader, team player, or motivator? Do you inspire those around you?
Do your academic qualities match up with the course, or are they too dissimilar?

Structure your statement this way to guarantee success! What are the key take home points for me?

Your application should follow a blueprint, guiding the tutor through your passions and efficacies in a way that will ensure skimming is impossible! You don’t want to have to rely on your grades.

Your passion within the field of study: what draws you to the field? How do your experiences inspire you to study this course? What affairs and developments in this realm drive you? Talk about how you want to make a difference.
Your academic alignment with the course: show off your skills! How have the modules studied been beneficial for the upcoming degree?
Extracurricular efforts: not only societal or charity work at your school, or sporting achievements, but various work experiences. Remember, even if the experience may not feel relevant, many parallels can be drawn regarding character development and interpersonal skill building, for instance.
Where will this course take you? Outline your career aspirations. This can include or be linked to simply further study. Finalise the reiteration of the societal impact you wish to bring.

Check, check, check…

● Take as much time as possible to proofread, check grammaratical errors and poorly structured sentences.

● Make sure you flow with the reader.

● Do you support your statement with evidence of outside study or research into the field? Which professors or academics inspire you?

We at the Personal Statement Service wish you the very best in attaining your dream university for the upcoming academic year.

Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement in 2024-25