Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your UCAS application. This is your chance to explain why you should be given a place on this particular course and why you are interested in studying it.

Remember you are restricted to 4000 characters and 47 lines. You might not be able to include everything you would like to say so it is best to make a list of the points you would like to make beforehand in order of importance.

Here is a list of important Dos and Don’ts when writing your personal statement.

Do

• Write several drafts of your personal statement and look for ways to improve it.
• Show enthusiasm for your course of choice.
• Explain why you are interested in the course and that particular university/college.
• Give examples of skills, qualities and experience that show your suitability for the course. Don’t simply state that you have a particular skill or experience. Explain how this will help you with the course and how you can apply your knowledge to your studies.
• Double-check your spelling and grammar.
• Make sure you are within the character limit.
• Ask for feedback from parents, teachers, family or friends.

Don’t 

• Just focus on your school life. The reader will want to hear about any extracurricular activities as well especially if they relate to the course.
• Include any quotations. The reader wants to hear what you have to say not someone else. 
• Use fancy words. Yes, it is tempting to use a thesaurus for every word but this can make your personal statement look fake. Including one or two complex words is ok but don’t overdo it. 
• Read too many examples online. It is perfectly fine to have a look at some just to give you an idea of what a personal statement looks like but reading too many will mean you could be tempted to copy them.
• Leave it to the last minute. Take your time writing your personal statement and redraft it several times. 
• Copy from examples you have seen online. UCAS will check your personal statement and any similarities will be flagged up. 
• Try to be funny. The reader may not share your sense of humour.
• Lie or exaggerate. You will be found out.