How to Write a Personal Statement (2024-25): Getting In

The impetus of a winning personal statement has never been more pronounced than in 2024.

With the dawn of the internet and technological advancements in this generation, young students are becoming more and more knowledgeable, and most importantly, more privy to the endless new avenues of possibility and exploration that represent their future after graduation.

With fields like Neuroscience, Life Sciences, Pharmacology, Psychology, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Biophysics only a few of the many networks of study and career flourishment that have been complemented by recent societal developments in this postmodern age we find ourselves in, students are quickly waking up to the prospect of changing the world, and they are focusing more.

Competition has never been more rife for a place amongst the best universities.

And with the expansion in diversity of subjects offered, refinement of modules, enhancement of research opportunities and overall rejuvenation of what your future university can provide you this coming academic year, the demand for quality student input is higher than ever.

Your personal statement is your only portal, or gateway if you will, to your dream university. Utilise this opportunity wisely and you can begin to become enamoured with attaining your ideal future career.

There are some crucial concepts you need to unpack and integrate into your blueprint to create the perfect personal statement though, if you want to not only compete, but stand out.

Motivation is simply not enough - what do you want to change in the world?

The first element of a stand out statement is your passion for the field you will enter into. It is not enough to enlist your passions for the course, various modules and concepts, and what inspired you to choose this degree though. You need to be penetrating in what drives you in the field. What recent developments inspire your aspiration to make a tangible impact?

For instance…

●      After witnessing first-hand the stark changes enforced upon our world from the devastating impact of the pandemic upon the economic environment, I am deeply inspired to enact necessary changes and improvements to those most harshly affected. Studying Economics and Policy will allow me to thus identify the cause and effect of compromised financial development schemes in deprived areas in the UK and seek to optimise methods to increase prosperity in struggling communities in the future.

‘Be excited and enthusiastic - we want to see your genuine passion (and enjoy reading about it)’

-University of Nottingham Admissions Board

How do your experiences match up to the requirements of the course?

You want to get into specifics here on not only your prior academic prowess, and how you have learned key lessons and insights in preparation for the upcoming degree, but your life experiences.

Universities want to see that you have a life, a fulfilled one, not only one dominated by academic study!

The more diverse the experiences the better, as each one, whether it be a barista at a local cafe or the captain of the junior national swimming team, shapes your character in vastly different, and crucial, ways. Have you made any contributions to society that might put you into a league of your own?

Academics: Important, by far the most important, remember that - but keep things concise.

Extracurricular pursuits: Societies, sports events, festivals, galas..

Life lessons: What has shaped you? Any massive events that you have learned from?

Work experiences: Every experience is relevant.

Charity work: How much volunteering have you done? Can be in any form.

The more extensive your research, the more appealing your statement!

A largely overlooked concept in most personal statements, doing adequate study into aspects of the university, the course, the field or industry on a whole and the current developments and news surrounding the field is absolutely vital to ensuring your place at your chosen destination.

Have I..

●      Looked into the location of study, and gathered why the area is enticing to me?

●      Ensured I understand the current landscape of the field I am applying to?

●      Read ample research papers in the field and can make one or two possible references?

Take home points - structure is key!

So, you’ve got to grips with the essentials and have started the process of mapping out your blueprint to unlock your future..

How do I structure it?

It goes a little like this..

Motivations and Passions for the field: What enticed you about the course, the field itself, and how do your passions career wise and life wise drive you to get started with this degree.

Skills and experiences: Self-explanatory, but ensure you cover all the bases here. Concise points are crucial. Don’t just boast about your academic achievements. What else stands you out?

Why why why? Do your research into the course and concepts offered, locations, professors, why do you wish to engage with this university? What other activities are you keen on?

Your career goals: Outline your avenues for after university, if you know them yet.

Requirements: Some universities get a little specific with what they ask of students in their statements. Make sure you have these understood before writing.

 

Double check!

●      Always get a peer, a parent, to proofread your statement so someone external to you can prove it reads well.

●      Check for grammar and spelling errors.

●      Ensure paragraphs are comprehensive but sharp and get to the point.

●      UCAS statements are limited to 4000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first.

●      Postgraduate statements usually have a 1000 word limit, although universities such as Manchester cap at 500, and Edinburgh offer a series of questions to answer.

Make sure you tell your story, show your promise, not only to the upcoming academic cohort, but to the field itself! We at Personal Statement Service are on hand to guide you the whole way.