We know that writing your personal statement can be a difficult and confusing experience, so we have come up with some tips that can help make the process easier!
Showcase your enthusiasm for the course through wider research
Universities want to see that you’re applying for their course because you are genuinely interested in the subject. Reading a book, attending a lecture and watching documentaries are great ways of showing your interest in your desired course as it will allow you to show universities what specific aspects of the course interest you.
Mind map your motivations for applying to your particular course
We know it can be hard finding ways to show your motivations that aren’t cliche or cringey. Making a mind map can help you break down your ideas and give you topic headings for each paragraph.
For example, if you are applying for law: do you want to qualify as a solicitor at the end of your degree? Do you have a passion for advocacy? Do you believe that English Law needs to be reformed to be in line with today’s society?
Talk about your extra-curricular activities
Universities want to see that you are a well rounded individual. Do you regularly partake in a sport? Can you play an instrument? Are you an avid home baker? Do you have a large TikTok following?
Extra-curricular activities are great because they show that you know how to organise your time and understand the importance of taking care of your mental health. Universities want to know what your hobbies are, so make sure you tell them!
Explain how your A-Levels will help you on your case
There are so many transferable skills that you gain from your A-Levels. For example, Chemistry can help develop your analytical thinking which can be incredibly useful for Law or Business as well as Biomedicine and Chemistry. Drama can help develop your public speaking skills as well as creativity and teamwork.
What characteristics do you display that would make you a good fit for the course
Is there something about you that you believe makes you an ideal candidate? Are you very organised? Are you resilient? There may be times in your degree that are more challenging than others. If you can show that you have the skills to help yourself through those hard times universities want to know!
Have someone read each draft
Sometimes it can be useful getting someone else to read your work as they can give you advice on the punctuation and the flow of the statement. If it is someone who is close to you, they may also give you ideas of other things that you could include.
We hope that you’ve found these tips helpful and that they’ve given you some ideas of what to write. At the end of the day, universities want to read why you want to apply and why you are the best applicant.
