Tips and Tricks for a Successful Personal Statement

Are you dreaming of studying at a British university? Then, apply through UCAS, the universities and colleges admissions service in the UK. It is not hard; you can find all the steps you need in our “ How to Apply to A UK University” blog. To support your application, you should submit a personal statement that demonstrates your skills, ambitions, and achievements. Writing an outstanding personal statement is challenging and takes a long time, so we’re here to help you with some tips on the best way to write one. 

What Should you Write in Your Personal Statement?

Most universities do not interview applicants, so writing a successful personal statement is your one shot at showcasing your skills and interests. Convincing and impressing the admissions officers you are the best applicant should be your personal statement’s main goal. 

• In the introduction, you should write about yourself, your interests and why you would like to study the course you’re applying for. You should also mention why you want to study in the UK as an international student. 

• In the main body, write about your English language proficiency and the English tests you have taken and mention the skills you have that showcase your passion for your chosen field. Additionally, you should write about any experience you have and your achievements in the field. Mention the assets and strengths you will bring to the university.

• Finally, in the conclusion of your statement, write your professional goals, what you hope to achieve by completing this degree as well as linking your interests to the subject and lastly don’t forget to mention why you deserve a place on the course. 

Tips and Tricks for a Successful Personal Statement

Now that you know what to include, here are some tips and tricks to make the planning and writing process as easy as possible. 

1. Write Honestly 

Be honest and don’t exaggerate. If you are invited for an interview and asked to elaborate on any achievement, you may get caught, which may affect your chances of gaining admission to your chosen university. 

2. Don’t Rush

Take your time in writing your personal statement, and don’t leave it to the last minute. It may take more than a month to complete your final version. 

3. Don’t Copy or Buy a Personal Statement. 

If your personal statement is too similar to another one, your chances of gaining admission could be affected. Some universities even use anti-plagiarism software to detect duplications. It’s not a great start to your academic career so make it your own!

4. Commit to a Positive style 

Have a positive tone and write using an enthusiastic style. Use short sentences and simple language to be clear and effective, and avoid filler and redundant words as they may confuse your reader. Moreover, use the active voice and avoid the passive to engage the readers more and create a more personal style.

5. Add Your Own Identity to Your Writing 

Every writer has an identity! Be unique and write in your own voice to distinguish yourself from other applicants. It might be better to write your first draft without looking up any personal statements online. Write your first draft without counting words. Then, delete unnecessary words and sentences. Your final version should be concise and coherent. 

6. Identify Your Skills 

May you are applying for a medical degree, in which case, you most likely don’t have all the skills required to become a doctor yet. However, think about some of the transferable skills you have relevant to the course.   Identify the skills you have from the course description, as this will help you decide what to write about. It is beneficial to brainstorm what you will write about before writing it. This will help you organise your ideas more clearly.

7. Don’t Just Write and Send

Proofread and check your statement for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes. Read your personal statement out loud to check relevancy, specificity and simplicity, and rephrase unclear sentences. Furthermore, don’t rely on a spellchecker. It could help you in some instances, but it will not detect all writing mistakes. Ask someone else to proofread your personal statement after you revise it. Your parents, teachers, friends, neighbours, etc can proofread your personal statement and provide you with useful advice and feedback.

Finally, don’t doubt yourself! With these tips and tricks, your personal statement will grab the admissions officers’ attention. 

Once you gain admission to your dream university/college, one of the remaining steps is to book your student accommodation in the UK. With Casita, you will book your perfect room at an affordable price near your chosen university.