How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

Your grades will get you noticed, but your personal statement is your opportunity to show who you are beyond academics. Universities receive thousands of applications every year, and your personal statement is your chance to convince them that you’re more than just your grades—you’re motivated, passionate, and ready for the challenge of higher education.

Admissions tutors want to know: What makes you different?Why should they choose you?

Here’s how to craft a memorable and impactful personal statement.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a 4,000-character (or 47-line) essay that accompanies your UCAS application. It’s your chance to:

✔️ Explain why you want to study your chosen subject
✔️ Demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment
✔️ Highlight relevant experiences and skills
✔️ Show that you’re a well-rounded individual

A well-written statement can make up for borderline grades and even help secure an unconditional offer.

Be Honest, but Don’t Undersell Yourself

While exaggeration is common in applications, underplaying your achievements can be just as damaging.

✅ Emphasise your achievements – Don’t just list them; explain how they’ve shaped you
✅Make connections – Show how your interests and experiences relate to your course
✅Sell yourself confidently – You’re not bragging, you’re demonstrating why you’re the right candidate

🚫 Avoid over-the-top lies – Admissions tutors read thousands of statements, and they can spot exaggeration a mile away!

💡 Example: Instead of writing “I have a passion for science”, try:
"My fascination with science began when I conducted my first independent chemistry experiment, leading me to explore molecular biology in more depth."

Explain Why You Want to Study This Subject

Your motivation needs to be clear, compelling, and unique.

🔹 What first sparked your interest in this subject?
🔹 What excites you the most about it?
🔹 Have you done any extra reading or research beyond school?
🔹 What are your career aspirations, and how does this course help?

💡 Example: Instead of writing “I have always loved literature”, try:
"Reading Orwell’s '1984' sparked my interest in dystopian fiction and its social commentary. This led me to explore Atwood’s 'The Handmaid’s Tale' and examine how literature reflects societal anxieties."

🚀 Pro Tip: Be specific – vague statements sound generic. If you love history, which periods, events, or historical figures interest you most?

Show You’ve Researched the Course

Admissions tutors want students who are genuinely interested in their course. Show them you’ve done your homework.

✅ Mention specific modules, topics, or skills that excite you
✅Explain why this course structure appeals to you
✅Compare it to other courses – What makes this one stand out?

💡 Example: Instead of “I want to study Psychology because I find people interesting”, try:
"I am particularly fascinated by cognitive neuroscience and how brain function influences behaviour. The module on neuropsychology in this course excites me as it aligns with my interest in mental health disorders."

🚀 Pro Tip: If your chosen course offers placements, research opportunities, or study abroad, explain why this matters to you.

Demonstrate Relevant Skills and Experience

Universities aren’t just looking for academic ability – they want students who are independent, resilient, and proactive.

🔹 Work experience or volunteering – Show how this developed your skills
🔹Extracurricular activities – Clubs, sports, drama, debating, music, etc.
🔹Part-time jobs – Demonstrate time management, responsibility, and teamwork
🔹Independent study or projects – Any additional learning or research?

💡 Example: Instead of “I worked in a care home”, try:
"Volunteering in a care home helped me develop strong communication skills, particularly when supporting residents with dementia. This experience reinforced my desire to study medicine and work in geriatric care."

🚀 Pro Tip: Use the CAR method:
🔹Challenge – What did you do?
🔹Action – How did you do it?
🔹Result – What did you learn?

Make Unique Connections Between Your Interests and Your Course

Even seemingly unrelated interests can demonstrate transferable skills.

💡 Example: How does playing an instrument relate to law?
"Learning the violin has enhanced my discipline, patience, and attention to detail—skills that are essential for legal analysis."

💡 Example: How does football relate to business?
"Being the captain of my football team has honed my leadership and decision-making skills, essential for managing teams in a business environment."

🚀 Pro Tip: Even if your hobbies don’t seem relevant, they show commitment, teamwork, and resilience.

Keep Your Writing Clear and Engaging

Your statement should be:
✅Concise – Avoid unnecessary words
✅Structured – Follow a logical flow
✅Engaging – Show your personality

🚫 Avoid clichés like:
❌"Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to be a doctor."
❌"I am a hardworking, dedicated student with a passion for learning."

🚀 Pro Tip: Ask yourself “Could anyone else have written this?” If the answer is yes, make it more personal!

Choose the Right Referee

Your UCAS reference is written by a teacher, tutor, or mentor. If you can choose, pick someone who knows you well.

✅ A teacher in your chosen subject – They can discuss your academic strengths
✅Someone who can highlight your personality – Passion, work ethic, and potential
✅A teacher who has time to write a strong reference – A rushed, generic reference won’t help you stand out

💡 Pro Tip: Share your personal statement draft with your referee to help them write a supportive reference that complements your application.

Get Feedback and Edit Ruthlessly

🔹 Ask teachers, family, and friends to read it – Do they understand your passion?
🔹Cut unnecessary words – Every sentence should add value
🔹Check spelling and grammar – A single mistake can undermine your credibility

🚀 Pro Tip: Read your statement out loud – if it sounds unnatural, rewrite it!

Final Checklist: Does Your Personal Statement…

✔️ Clearly explain why you chose your course?
✔️ Show genuine enthusiasm and knowledge?
✔️ Highlight relevant experience and skills?
✔️ Have a clear and engaging structure?
✔️ Avoid clichés and generic statements?

Final Thought: This is Your Opportunity!

Your personal statement is your voice in the admissions process. Make it count by showing your passion, experience, and unique perspective.

Start early, edit often, and don’t be afraid to sell yourself! 🚀

💡 One last tip: Get your application in before the deadline (15th January for most courses, 15th October for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science)!

Good luck – you’ve got this! 🎓🔥