Applying to university is both exciting and overwhelming…
Between choosing the right course, researching universities, and meeting deadlines, there’s one task that often causes the most stress: writing your personal statement. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re applying through UCAS or another platform, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a personal statement for university:
What is a personal statement for university?
A personal statement is your chance to tell admissions tutors who you are, what motivates you, and why you’re a great fit for the course you’re applying to.
Not only does it showcase your passion for the subject, it also allows you to highlight relevant experiences whilst demonstrating your readiness for university-level study. Essentially, it’s an academic cover letter.
A personal statement is a key part of a university application, especially in the UK, where it’s submitted through the UCAS system.
Why is the personal statement important?
Admissions tutors use your personal statement to assess:
- Your enthusiasm for the subject: What sparked your interest? How have you explored it further?
- Your suitability for the course: Do you have the skills and experiences needed to succeed?
- Your communication skills: Can you express yourself clearly and coherently?
A well-written personal statement can be the difference between an offer and a rejection, especially when applicants have similar academic qualifications.
Understanding the UCAS personal statement
Length and format
Although it’s similar to a personal statement for job applications, personal statements for university are slightly longer and more detailed. Your UCAS personal statement must be:
- A maximum of 4,000 characters (including spaces)
- A maximum of 47 lines
There’s no need for a title or formatting – just plain text.
And remember, you’ll submit the same statement to all your university choices, so avoid mentioning specific institutions.
Deadline
The deadline for submitting your UCAS application depends on the courses you’re applying to:
- 15 October: For courses at Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science courses
- 31 January: For most other undergraduate courses
Check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date deadlines.
UCAS clearing: How does it work?
Preparing to write your personal statement
Before you start writing, it’s a good idea to take some time to do your research and gather information.
Research your chosen course
Firstly, make sure you understand what the course entails, and what skills and qualities the university is looking for.
Read course descriptions carefully and note any specific requirements or desirable attributes.
Reflect on your experiences
Secondly, think about how your own experience makes you a good fit for the course you’re applying to. Consider the following:
- Academic achievements: Subjects you’ve excelled in, projects you’ve enjoyed
- Extracurricular activities: Clubs, sports, volunteering, part-time jobs
- Work experience: Internships, shadowing, relevant employment
- Personal interests: Hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills
Ask yourself how each of the above experiences have prepared you for university study.
Structuring your personal statement
A clear structure will help your statement flow logically and make it easier for admissions tutors to follow.
How to open your undergraduate personal statement: crafting a strong introduction
Start with a sentence that clearly explains your interest in the subject. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, share a personal anecdote or insight that sparked your interest.
Example: ‘Psychology has always fascinated me because it explores the mind and behaviour, helping us understand why people think and act the way they do. A conversation with a family friend who works as a clinical psychologist first sparked my interest – I was struck by how much psychology can influence wellbeing and improve lives. Since then, I’ve been eager to deepen my understanding and pursue it as a career.’
Developing the body: showcasing academic interests, extracurricular activities, work experience, and personal qualities
This section should be divided into paragraphs, with each one focusing on a different aspect of your experience:
Academic interests: Discuss relevant subjects, projects, or coursework.
Example: ‘My interest deepened during A-level psychology, where I particularly enjoyed learning about cognitive development and mental health. A project on child development gave me the chance to explore research methods and taught me the importance of ethics in psychological studies. I also enjoyed biology, which helped me understand the scientific principles behind topics like neuropsychology and brain function. These subjects helped me develop an analytical approach and a genuine curiosity for how the brain shapes our thoughts and behaviour.’
Extracurricular activities: Highlight activities that demonstrate skills like leadership, teamwork, or communication.
Example: As a peer mentor at school, I supported younger students with both academic work and personal challenges. This role helped me develop active listening and empathy—key interpersonal skills that are highly relevant to a degree and career in psychology. I also take part in the debating club, which has strengthened my ability to present arguments clearly and consider different perspectives—skills that I know will be useful for critical analysis and essay writing at university.’
Work experience: Describe any relevant experience and what you learned.
Example: ‘Volunteering at a local mental health charity allowed me to observe how psychological principles are applied in real-world settings. I gained a better understanding of the challenges people face and developed communication skills that will be valuable during my degree and in future counselling work. It also reinforced my desire to work in a profession where I can make a positive difference.’
Personal qualities: Reflect on your strengths and how they relate to the course.
Example: ’I’m naturally curious and enjoy exploring why people behave in certain ways, whether through class discussions or independent reading. I’m also a reflective thinker, which helps me analyse information critically—an essential skill for studying psychology. Reading books like The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks has broadened my interest in neurological disorders and the real-life stories behind clinical diagnoses.’
You should also always use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your suitability.
How to end your personal statement for university: writing a memorable conclusion
Summarise your motivations and express your readiness for university study. End on a positive note, emphasising your enthusiasm and future aspirations.
Example: ‘Studying psychology at university will allow me to explore my passion for understanding human behaviour in depth and prepare me for a career helping others. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to the university community and grow both personally and academically.’
Completing your personal statement for university…
Psychology has always fascinated me because it explores the mind and behaviour, helping us understand why people think and act the way they do. A conversation with a family friend who works as a clinical psychologist first sparked my interest – I was struck by how much psychology can influence wellbeing and improve lives. Since then, I’ve been eager to deepen my understanding and pursue it as a career.
My interest deepened during A-level psychology, where I particularly enjoyed learning about cognitive development and mental health. A project on child development gave me the chance to explore research methods and taught me the importance of ethics in psychological studies. I also enjoyed biology, which helped me understand the scientific principles behind topics like neuropsychology and brain function. These subjects helped me develop an analytical approach and a genuine curiosity for how the brain shapes our thoughts and behaviour.
As a peer mentor at school, I supported younger students with both academic work and personal challenges. This role helped me develop active listening and empathy – key interpersonal skills that are highly relevant to a degree and career in psychology. I also take part in the debating club, which has strengthened my ability to present arguments clearly and consider different perspectives – skills that I know will be useful for critical analysis and essay writing at university.
Volunteering at a local mental health charity allowed me to observe how psychological principles are applied in real-world settings. I gained a better understanding of the challenges people face and developed communication skills that will be valuable during my degree and in future counselling work. It also reinforced my desire to work in a profession where I can make a positive difference.
I’m naturally curious and enjoy exploring why people behave in certain ways, whether through class discussions or independent reading. I’m also a reflective thinker, which helps me analyse information critically—an essential skill for studying psychology. Reading books like The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks has broadened my interest in neurological disorders and the real-life stories behind clinical diagnoses.
Studying psychology at university will allow me to explore my passion for understanding human behaviour in depth and prepare me for a career helping others. I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to the university community and grow both personally and academically.
Tips for writing a standout personal statement
With university places in high competition, your personal statement gives you the perfect opportunity to key to stand out. So how can you do it right? Here are a few tips:
- Be authentic: Write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences. Examples of your suitability are key.
- Stay focused: Keep your content relevant to the course and avoid unnecessary tangents. Remember, there’s a character limit.
- Use clear language: Avoid jargon and complex vocabulary.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the subject.
- Think outside the box: Let’s face it, no one wants to read through thousands of English students talking about how Shakespeare opened their eyes to poetry. Avoid the obvious, and think laterally.
- Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ask someone else to review your statement.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing your undergraduate personal statement
- Being too generic: Avoid vague statements that could apply to any applicant.
- Overusing clichés: Phrases like ‘I’ve always wanted to be…’ are overused and unoriginal.
- Listing achievements without context: Explain what you learned from your experiences.
- Neglecting structure: A well-organised statement is easier to read and more impactful.
- Ignoring the character limit: Stay within the 4,000 character limit to avoid truncation.
Personal statement for university examples
To help inspire you, here are a few sample personal statement snippets, tailored to different subjects.
N.B. These are not full personal statements, but show how to highlight key motivations, experiences, and skills relevant to each subject.
Psychology personal statement excerpt
‘Observing the impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy on a family member’s anxiety sparked my interest in psychology. Volunteering at a mental health helpline further deepened my understanding of the importance of empathy and active listening. I am eager to study the human mind and contribute to the field of mental health.’
Economics personal statement excerpt
‘The 2008 financial crisis piqued my curiosity about economic systems and their vulnerabilities. Studying economics at A-level has equipped me with analytical skills and a desire to explore macroeconomic policies. I aim to understand and influence economic decisions that shape societies.’
Computer science personal statement excerpt
‘Creating my first mobile app in high school ignited my passion for coding. Participating in hackathons taught me problem-solving and collaboration. I am excited to delve into algorithms and software development at university, aspiring to innovate in the tech industry.’
Accounting and finance personal statement excerpt
‘Managing the budget for our school’s charity event introduced me to the world of finance. My internship at a local accounting firm provided insight into financial reporting and analysis. I look forward to developing my skills further and pursuing a career in accounting.’
Physiotherapy personal statement excerpt
‘Recovering from a sports injury made me appreciate the role of physiotherapists in rehabilitation. Shadowing professionals in a clinic reinforced my interest in helping others regain mobility. I am committed to studying physiotherapy and making a positive impact on patients’ lives.’
Engineering personal statement excerpt
‘Building a model bridge for a school project sparked my fascination with structural engineering. Attending an engineering summer school expanded my knowledge of design principles. I am eager to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.’
Mathematics personal statement excerpt
‘Solving complex mathematical problems has always been a source of satisfaction for me. Competing in maths Olympiads honed my logical reasoning and perseverance. I am excited to explore advanced mathematical theories and their applications.’
Social work personal statement excerpt
‘Volunteering at a community centre exposed me to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. I am passionate about advocating for social justice and providing support to those in need. Studying social work will equip me with the tools to make a meaningful difference.’
Criminology personal statement excerpt
‘A documentary on wrongful convictions sparked my interest in the criminal justice system. Studying criminology at college deepened my understanding of crime theories and societal impacts. I aspire to contribute to fair and effective justice policies.’
Additional help and resources
- UCAS personal statement tips: How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
- GOV.UK Education Hub: Applying to university – everything you need to know
Final checklist before submitting
- Have you clearly explained why you want to study the course?
- Have you demonstrated your suitability with specific examples?
- Is your statement well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion?
- Have you stayed within the 4,000-character limit?
- Have you proofread for spelling and grammar errors?
- Have you received feedback from a teacher or adviser?
Final thoughts
Your personal statement is a great way to show admissions tutors why you’re a strong candidate for the course you’re applying to.
Use it to focus on relevant experiences, be specific, and write clearly. And, once you’ve drafted your statement, take time to review and edit it carefully. Asking a teacher, friend, or careers adviser for feedback can also help.
For more tips and advice, read our other guides on writing personal statements, whether it’s for postgraduate study, or as part of a job application.
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