From structure to content
Planning your personal statement
Planning what you鈥檙e going to include is the first step in writing an excellent personal statement. Key to planning is looking back on everything you've already achieved, and what experiences you've gained. We've covered this in detail on our how to stand out on your personal statement page.
Here we'll look at the basics of planning, before you dive into writing. Learn about structure, get an overview of a UCAS personal statement and find out how universities will use your personal statement.
Understand the basics
Your personal statement is a key part of your UCAS application. It鈥檚 where you show universities who you are and why you鈥檇 make a great student. It involves answering three structured questions designed to help you focus on your motivation, academic preparation and wider experience.
This page will guide you through what each section is asking for and how to approach your answers 鈥 clearly, confidently and in your own voice.
There鈥檚 no fixed formula for how to craft your answers - it鈥檚 your personal statement, so use the space to reflect your unique story and motivations. Some sections may be longer than others, depending on what matters most to you and your chosen course. Just make sure each answer is at least 350 characters long - which is just about the length of this paragraph!
You鈥檒l answer these three questions:
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
This is your chance to show your personal motivation. The more specific and honest you are, the more your answer will stand out.
You could include:
- What excites you about this subject
- Any personal experience that sparked your interest
- Who has inspired you to pursue this subject or career
- What you already know about the course or profession
- How it fits with your future goals
鈿锔 Watch out for clich茅s. Statements like 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to be a nurse鈥 don鈥檛 tell us anything unique about you. Be real, be reflective - and be you.
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Here鈥檚 where you talk about your academic background - but focus on depth, not grades. This is your chance to draw attention to your strengths, relevant qualifications or achievements and anything else you have done to go above and beyond what was expected of you at school or college
Think about:
- Subjects, modules or projects that relate to your course
- Skills you've developed (e.g. analysis, communication, problem-solving)
- Times you鈥檝e pushed beyond the basics - like independent research or reading
- Educational achievements you're proud of, inside and outside the classroom
鈿锔廦ou don鈥檛 need to list grades - UCAS includes those. Use this space to show how you鈥檝e grown as a learner.
What are curricular and super-curricular activities?
Curricular
Things you've done as part of your school or college courses:
- Lab Skills
- research Skills
- EPQ
- Assignment/Module
- Group Project
Super Curricular
Things you鈥檝e done to explore your subject further. These make a big difference - they show genuine curiosity and commitment.
- Reading around the subject
- Researching new trends or technologies
- Taking an academic enrichment opportunity
- Visiting a place, person or exhibition
鈿锔 Tip: Try to explore super-curricular activities over the summer of Year 12 - but it's never too late to start.
Question 3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
This section helps you show who you are beyond your studies. Think about the life experiences that have helped you grow - and what they鈥檝e taught you.
You could reflect on:
- Part-time work, volunteering
- Caring responsibilities, personal challenges
- Clubs, teams or hobbies
- Skills like teamwork, time management or resilience
- How these experiences relate to university life or your chosen course
鈿锔Top tip: Avoid long lists. Choose a few key experiences and explain what you learned - that鈥檚 what makes your answer meaningful.
What about Work Experience?
Work experience can be a small or large part of your statement - depending on the course you鈥檙e applying for and how relevant it is. Some degrees require it. Others don鈥檛. But all experience is valuable. Think about what you鈥檝e learned and how you can apply those skills to your future studies.
At 兔子先生, work experience is especially useful if you鈥檙e applying for:
- Paramedic Science
- Nursing
- Operating Department Practice
- Radiography
- Primary Education
- Social Work
Not applying for a related course? That鈥檚 okay. Even retail, hospitality or admin roles build transferable skills you can reflect on - like problem-solving, communication and professionalism.
T-Level Work Placements
If you鈥檙e studying T Levels, your industry placement can be a powerful part of your personal statement. It shows:
- Real-world experience in a relevant field
- Your ability to link classroom learning with practical skills
- Readiness for a vocational course - or for a Connected Degree with placement options
You may want to dedicate more time talking about your placement than your classroom studies.
Not sure where to start? Try mapping your life story
Use this planner to jot down your skills, experiences and motivations. Some things might fit more than one column - that鈥檚 totally fine.
What鈥檚 next?
Now that you understand how to plan your answers and reflect on your experiences, you鈥檙e ready to start writing.
Visit our Writing your Personal Statement page for help with structure, phrasing and making your draft stand out.
