How to Write a Personal Statement for University
How to Write a Personal Statement for University… When applying for admission into a UK university, education qualifications alone are not enough to gain entry into the programme of your choice. Most international students will see the word “personal statement” for the first time when applying to study in the United Kingdom. This guide will show you how to write an outstanding personal statement for University.
Contents
What is a Personal Statement for University?
A personal statement is like a short reflective essay about why you should be considered for admission into an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme. It involves writing about your skills, experience, and ambitions in order to persuade your chosen university that you are suitable and qualified for your course of choice
Your personal statement should be unique reflecting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other relevant experiences that made you interested in taking the course.
In just 4000 words, your personal statement should be able to convince your chosen university that you are the best applicant and should make you an offer. A personal statement is your only chance of demonstrating your passion and enthusiasm for the course you’re applying for.
How to Structure a Personal Statement for University
Your personal statement should be well structured in clear paragraphs and good punctuations. Although there is no set order on how to write a personal statement, here is a rough guideline.
- Reasons for wanting to study
- Why you’re suitable
- How your current study is relevant
- Your related hobbies and interests
- Your skills and achievements
- Reasons for choosing the University
How to Write a Personal Statement for University
Although there are no set rules on how to write a personal statement, here are some useful tips on how to write an outstanding and captivating personal statement for University.
Reasons for wanting to study
Why do you want to study your preferred course? If you can’t express yourself here, then you should consider changing your mind. The first paragraph of your personal statement briefly summarises your enthusiasm and passion for your course of choice. Talk about what interest you most about the course, how the subject interests you, and how it will help you achieve your long-term career goals. Try to avoid overusing the word ‘passion’ when writing your personal statement.
Why you’re suitable for the course
Your passion for the course is not enough, you have to provide evidence to show that you meet the selection criteria. You have to explain how relevant your skills and experience are related to the course. To make an impression, ensure you have done a thorough research about the course and what it entails at the university level. You can as well show how ready you are by giving examples.
How your current study is relevant
Sometimes, the subjects you studied in the past are not exactly as the same as your chosen course. But the experience and skills garnered are needed to progress into a different field of study. Use this paragraph to express your knowledge beyond your current syllabus but keep it simple and unique.
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities are a great way to show that you’re a well-rounded person and prepared for higher education. Include things you have done from clubs and societies, employment or volunteering, to summer schools, online courses or even developed skills.
Your skills and achievements
Here is where you demonstrate how you got all your skills and achievements. The admissions tutors will not only be impressed by your skills but how you got them will fascinate them the most. You do this by simply providing examples of how you developed a particular skill on a given project or how you worked in a team.
Your work experienceÂ
Whatever work experience you have, whether full or part-time work, temporary placements, or internships write it down. Go a step further by discussing the roles that are most relevant to your course and explain how studying at university would help you get the career you want.
Reasons for choosing the University
You should give a brief reason(s) why you are particularly interested in the University of your choice. Also, give reasons why you want to be an international student rather than study in your own country.
How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out
With high competition in the university, your personal statement gives you an edge over other applicants. So how can you make your personal statement stand out from the rest?
Relevancy – try to stand out, don’t waste your limited space on irrelevant details.
Uniqueness – make your personal statement unique through your own examples, independent research, and personality.
Present good and balanced credentials – In addition to your academic credentials, don’t include extracurricular activities if you don’t have any.
Be Concise – Let your writing be concise and avoid clichés, be careful with humor, quotes and anything unusual.
