8 tips for making your personal statement stand out
- Structure is key. Structure can make or break your personal statement.
- Plan ahead.
- Be original.
- Explain why you’re right for the course.
- Think about what you want to gain from your course.
- Include a balance of academic and extracurricular content.
- Be positive.
- Proofread.
How do I make my personal statement more interesting?
Don’t waffle or say you want to study something just because it’s interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it. ‘ It’s much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line… Start with what’s inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.
What makes a powerful personal statement?
Tips for writing a strong personal statement
Write in your own voice: Use your own words to describe your qualifications to make your statement feel more personal and uniquely you. Keep it simple: Short sentences and simple language can ensure your personal statement is clear and effective.
How do you create a unique personal statement?
The best personal statements should consist of achievements, transferable skills, and why you actually picked your chosen subject.
- Add your transferable skills to your personal statement.
- Include some anecdotes.
- Don’t leave out your difficulties.
- Vary your language.
What to avoid doing in a personal statement?
7 Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
- Whining. Don’t whine in your essay!
- Someone else is the hero.
- Reads like a resume.
- Lack of focus.
- Leaves out personal growth.
- Overcomplicated language.
- Incorrect grammar or spelling.
What are universities looking for in a personal statement?
Your personal skills and achievements
Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so excited about the course(s) you’ve chosen. Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of.
What things look good on a personal statement?
What makes a good personal statement?
- Explain the reason for your choice and how it fits in with your aspirations for the future.
- Give examples of any related academic or work experience.
- Show you know what the course will involve and mention any special subjects you’re interested in.
What is the most important part of a personal statement?
THE MAIN PART OF YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT
Be specific as you identify events and experiences from your life that demonstrate your professional interest and motivation. Share the experiences that have reinforced your interest.
What makes a bad personal statement?
Avoid using up valuable words with obvious statements. Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Don’t tell the admissions tutor what they already know – instead, expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important.
What is a bad personal statement?
Additional Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid
Listing your accomplishments or rehashing your CV and extracurriculars. You need to show, not tell. Choosing a bland topic that admissions committees see over and over again. Overstating the obvious and using clichés.
Should I brag in my personal statement?
#4 – Bragging or Cockiness
Even when you write about challenging personal experiences, you’ll likely aim to highlight how you overcame (e.g., adaptability, perseverance), but you should avoid arrogance.
What should you avoid in a UCAS personal statement?
Writing a Personal Statement for UCAS: The 10 Big Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Writing a Personal Statement for a subject that isn’t the right fit.
- Spelling & Grammar Mistakes.
- Avoid exuberant language and pointless cliches.
- Endlessly listing extracurricular activities.
- Over-using quotes or taking them out of context.
What should you not do in a personal statement for college?
What not to do in your college application essay: 10 things you should always avoid
- Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
- Never write about a “topic”
- Never start with a preamble.
- Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
- Never pontificate.
- Never retreat into your thoughts.
- Never hold back.
What do Oxford look for in a personal statement?
Focus on your academic interests and achievements
You can show your interest and ability in your subject with examples of books you’ve read, an EPQ you’ve written, a prize you’ve won, lectures you’ve attended, documentaries you’ve watched, podcasts you’ve listened to, or really anything you can think of!
How do I make my UCAS application stand out?
Make your UCAS application stand out from the crowd
- Super-curricular activities.
- Extra-curricular activities.
- In-depth research on the course.
- Interview practice.
- Additional test preparation.
What are three tips for writing a personal statement?
10 top tips for writing your personal statement
- Plan before you write.
- Don’t use complicated language.
- Avoid clichés.
- Don’t name certain universities.
- Don’t plagiarise.
- Highlight your strengths.
- Explain your interest.
- Stick to the word count.
What should you not mention in a statement of purpose?
Refrain from mentioning personal, family information and situations. These are irrelevant in a SOP. Do not mention scores of your IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. These are your application components.
Should you mention depression in a personal statement?
DO NOT MENTION DEPRESSION IN YOUR PS. I think that most of us understand what you are saying, but that when it comes to AdCom, they are looking for a very specific kind of person and this kind of thing can either go for you or against you. It is best to completely leave out any mention of depression.
Is it bad to talk about mental health in personal statement?
Experts on Writing About Mental Health
All counselors interviewed for this piece agreed that students’ college essays should not be about their struggles with mental health.
How honest should you be in a personal statement?
It’s important to that your personal statement clearly and sincerely reflects you. It must sound genuine, and the reader should feel that you are being completely honest with them about your reasons for wishing to pursue your career and attend this particular school.
How do you write a personal statement with no sounding arrogant?
You can do this in two ways. Firstly, if you are writing about a particular skill or quality that you have, back it up. By justifying your statement that you have ‘an aptitude for languages’, for example, it’s no longer a bold and overconfident claim, but a true fact about you.