So, you're ready to start writing your personal statement - congratulations! Whether you're working on your first draft or making improvements to your latest version, you're in the right place.
Remember, you don鈥檛 have to start at the beginning. Some people find it easier to write the middle sections first or slowly build up ideas and short sentences. Try keeping a working document open where you can dip in and out, adding ideas and refining your writing as you go.
Match your skills to your course
Some experiences will relate directly to your subject - like a biology project if you鈥檙e applying for a science degree. Others might develop transferable skills, like teamwork, leadership or time management. The key is to explain why it matters for university study.
Make it subject-specific
Your statement should show clearly why you're a good fit for your chosen subject - not just any university course.
Here鈥檚 some examples of how to improve vague statements:
| General | Improved |
|---|---|
| 鈥淭his means I鈥檒l be great at group projects.鈥 | 鈥淭his means I鈥檒l feel confident leading a group to pitch a business proposal - something I know I鈥檒l do on my Marketing course.鈥 |
| 鈥淚鈥檓 confident using lab equipment.鈥 | 鈥淚鈥檝e practised measuring exact volumes and preparing accurate solutions, which will help when I carry out titration experiments on my Chemistry degree.鈥 |
Use the ABC method
Universities want to see that you鈥檝e thought about your experiences and how they connect to the subject you want to study. We think that the best way to do this is with the ABC method:
- Activity 鈥 what have you done?
- Benefit 鈥 What skills/experience did you gain?
- Course/Career 鈥 How does this relate to the subject you're applying for (or your future career)?
Examples using the ABC method
Activity
Undertaking work experience at a local nursing home, involving communication and engagement with residents.
Benefit
Developed listening skills, particularly in difficult emotional situations.
Course
Relevant for a career in social work, where strong communication and empathy are essential.
Who can support you?
You're not in this alone. Ask someone to review your statement and give you feedback. They might spot things you鈥檝e missed or help you express your ideas more clearly.
- Friends or family
- Teachers or tutors
- Careers advisers
- Work placement mentors
What about AI?
We鈥檙e very supportive of you using GenAI to help get started on your Personal Statement! It can be a great tool for brainstorming and polishing your ideas. But remember, your statement should still sound like you. We want to hear your own thoughts, feelings, skills, and experiences. That鈥檚 what makes it authentic and personal.
Here are a few ways GenAI can be helpful:
- Kickstart ideas when you鈥檙e stuck
- Organise your thoughts and improve readability
- Suggest tweaks to make things clearer
Just a heads-up, if your statement is mostly written by GenAI or includes big chunks of AI-generated text, UCAS might flag it, and that could affect your application. So use GenAI as a helper and not as a replacement for your voice.
Be real. Be reflective. Be yourself.
