How to write the perfect personal statement
By Beth Evans
Mentor
If you're applying for a university course in the UK, your personal statement is one of the most important elements of your application.
It’s your chance to stand out and show universities why you’re the perfect candidate. Writing a personal statement can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can craft one that highlights your strengths, experiences, and future ambitions.
Read on to:
Understand the role of a personal statement in your university application
Discover how to prepare and plan before you start writing
Learn how to structure and approach each section of your personal statement
Get tips on showcasing your skills, work experience, and future goals
Find out how to polish your draft to perfection
What’s a personal statement?
A personal statement is your opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the course you're applying to. It’s your chance to show your enthusiasm, highlight your achievements, and explain how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate. Admissions tutors use your personal statement to assess your academic readiness, motivation, and potential as a student. With a word limit of 4,000 characters (around 47 lines), it’s essential to be concise, clear, and persuasive.
Changes for 2026
From 2026, the format of the personal statement will change. Instead of a single long piece of text, it will be split into three separate sections, each focused on a specific question. This will make it easier for you to organise your thoughts and structure your response. Each section will have a minimum character count of 350 characters, and the new online submission system will feature a handy character counter to help you stay within the overall limit of 4,000 characters (including spaces).
The new questions are:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Although the content of your personal statement will remain largely the same, the new format will help you focus your response across three sections rather than one continuous block of text. With the character counter and helpful on-page guidance, you’ll have all the support you need to stay on track.
Preparing to write your personal statement
Before you begin drafting, take time to reflect on your motivations. Think about the course you’re applying for—what excites you about it? Why do you want to study it? Writing down your thoughts, goals, and relevant experiences will help guide your statement.
Next, make a list of your academic achievements, personal strengths, and extracurricular activities. Consider your work experience, hobbies, and any skills you’ve developed outside of school. This will provide a strong foundation of material to draw from when crafting your statement.
How to open your personal statement
The opening of your personal statement is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Rather than using clichés like “I’ve always wanted to study this subject,” focus on a specific moment or experience that sparked your interest.
For example, if you're applying for a history degree, you could begin by discussing a pivotal book or experience that led you to pursue the subject. By opening with a personal anecdote or reflection, you’ll make your statement more memorable and compelling.
Your personal skills and achievements
After your opening, focus on your personal skills and achievements. This is where you demonstrate the qualities that make you a strong candidate. Discuss both your academic strengths and your personal qualities (such as determination, creativity, or problem-solving skills). If you have any specific accomplishments or awards (e.g., top marks in a certain subject, or leadership roles in school clubs), mention them here.
Be sure to connect your skills and achievements to your chosen course. For example, if you’ve taken part in a debate club, explain how this has enhanced your communication and critical thinking skills, making you well-suited for a law degree. By linking your achievements to the skills needed for your course, you demonstrate that you’re prepared and motivated.
Work experience and future plans
Work experience can play a significant role in your personal statement. Whether paid, voluntary, or part-time, relevant experience shows your commitment to the subject. For instance, if applying for a medical degree, mention any work in healthcare settings. For business or engineering, internships or part-time jobs that developed your skills can be beneficial.
Discuss what you learned from these experiences and how they prepared you for university. Additionally, reflect on your future goals. How does the course align with your career aspirations? What do you hope to achieve, and how will studying at university help you get there?
How to end your personal statement
Your conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression. Reaffirm your passion for the course and your enthusiasm for studying at university. Avoid repeating your earlier points; instead, focus on expressing your excitement about what lies ahead.
Consider ending with a forward-looking statement like, “I am eager to deepen my understanding of this field and excited about the opportunities to learn and grow at your university.” This shows that you’re not only ready for university life but also eager to embrace future challenges.
Polishing your draft to perfection
Once you've written your first draft, it's time to refine it. A well-polished personal statement makes a stronger impression. Begin by editing for clarity—cut unnecessary words and ensure your ideas flow logically. Every sentence should add value to your statement.
Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as even small mistakes can undermine an otherwise strong application. Reading your statement aloud can help identify awkward phrasing or areas that need improvement but remember to stay within the word limit!
Book a mentoring session for expert guidance
If you're feeling uncertain or need additional support, booking a mentoring session can help refine your personal statement further. An experienced mentor can guide you through the writing process, help clarify your ideas and offer feedback to improve your draft.
Mentors can provide valuable insights into how your statement can be enhanced, whether that’s improving the structure, strengthening your argument, or ensuring your personality comes through. With tailored guidance, you can take your personal statement to the next level and increase your chances of standing out to admissions tutors.
Writing your personal statement doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking the time to plan, structure, and refine your statement, you can craft a compelling narrative that demonstrates your passion, skills, and potential. Start with a strong, personal introduction, highlight your achievements, and end with a forward-looking conclusion. Good luck!