Yu Hao (Leo)

Crafting a compelling personal statement is a crucial step in your university application process. As UCAS puts it:

“An undergraduate personal statement is a chance to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have.” –UCAS

But what exactly makes a standout personal statement? Let’s dive into advice from some of the world’s top universities.

Be Authentic and Original

One of the most repeated pieces of advice from admissions officers is to be yourself:

“Be yourself: tell the truth about your interests.” –University of Oxford

“Be yourself, not the ‘ideal’ applicant.” –East Carolina University

Originality is key:

“Try to tell the reader something that no other applicant will be able to say.” –Imperial College London

This doesn’t mean being dramatic for the sake of it, but rather showcasing your unique perspective and experiences.

Tailor Your Statement

Generic statements are a big no-no:

“Don’t submit the same generic statement for many different courses. You must tailor the statement for each specific course.” –WMG, University of Warwick

This tailoring involves thorough research:

“Research the course as much as possible and use specifics to ensure you show the reader your enthusiasm and how it fits in with your plans.” –Imperial College London

Show, Don’t Tell

Admissions officers are looking for evidence of your claims:

“Support general statements with examples.” –Harvard University

This means going beyond listing achievements to evaluating your experiences and their impact on your academic and personal growth.

Mind Your Language and Structure

The way you write is just as important as what you write:

“Be concise and straightforward in your writing. Keep your sentences short and get to the point.” –WMG, University of Warwick

They also emphasize the importance of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Avoid Clichés and Empty Statements

Stay away from overused phrases and empty flattery:

“Avoid clichéd introductions and content e.g., ‘Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is …’, ‘I would like to thank the … department very much for considering my application.'” –Imperial College London

Remember the Purpose

Ultimately, your personal statement should answer one key question:

“Always remember to answer the question ‘why should we give you a place on the course?’ rather than just writing about yourself – every bit of the personal statement should be answering this question.” –Fran Bonner and Becci Hubbard, Community Outreach Team, Nottingham Trent University

In conclusion, crafting a personal statement is indeed an art. It requires self-reflection, research, and careful writing. But by following these guidelines from top universities, you can create a statement that truly represents you and your aspirations, giving you the best chance of securing a place in your desired program.

Remember:

“Allocate an appropriate amount of time to write your personal statement. It often takes a lot of time to get it right so don’t leave it until the last minute.” –University of Bath

Happy writing!