How to write personal statement
How do you actually write a personal statement?
For many, the thought of having to write a personal statement is the most daunting part of the application process. Perhaps you don’t know what to write, how to write, or what to include. How do you phrase things without sounding arrogant, and how will you come across to the admissions tutor?
What the admissions tutor who reads your application wants to see is fairly straightforward.
Is there a magic formula?
There is no ‘secret’ per se to writing a good personal statement – you essentially need to describe both yourself and your abilities honestly, writing clearly and without pretension.
You could even see it as an enjoyable exercise to write about yourself, and share your passions with another person, although you always need to be wary of straying into irrelevance.
The length of the personal statement means that you don’t have a great deal of space to expand your ideas, so it is vital that you cover all the essentials.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Basic Format
The format of a personal statement goes something like this:
You need to first say why you want to study the subject you are applying for. What inspired you? Do you have a family connection with the subject? Did your ambition grow out of an interest developed at school?
Then you need to show that you really know something about the subject you have chosen. You can do this by referencing a few aspects of the subject that have caught your imagination. This is the part of the personal statement that is often done least well by candidates, but it is also the part where admission tutors will be looking to see if you are genuinely interested in the subject. Here is a good place to mention any reading you have done in connection with the course.
You should also describe any work experience or additional courses you have undertaken. Relevance to the subject is key here. Mentioning your Saturday job in a local gift shop may be of little value if you are applying to study History. On the other hand, relevant work or voluntary experience is absolutely crucial for those applying to Medicine, Dentistry and Law. If you have more than one language it should be mentioned here too.
Now go on to describe any significant events, promotions, or achievements in your school career. Don’t spend too much time on this unless it is particularly relevant to your subject.
Finally, describe yourself and your qualities, and give an idea of how you will use the degree in your future career.
Things to remember
Above all, your personal statement must show you are genuinely interested in the subject you want to study, and you need to demonstrate that you are truly motivated.
You are up against a lot of competition, and the candidate who stands out is the one who shows that they are really interested in the subject and will respond positively to an advanced course.
Advice will be offered on the sections of the suggested format in later pages, and also on style, language, how to start and how to end. Hopefully, you will find that understanding these things will give you the confidence to write a clear and informative personal statement.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“I needed help in putting together all my complex thoughts on politics and the way political thought has developed. My writer gave me a statement that sounded really professional and gave an impression of me which earned me an offer from a top university.
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