How to Write a Top Personal Statement
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At the end of this October half-term, you’re most likely in one of two boats: the boat of people finished their personal statement or the boat of people who need to finish it.
Well, if you’re in the latter boat: worry not. Here’s our guide to writing a top personal statement.
1. Make a list
Lists are useful for all sorts of things and personal statements are no exception.
Begin the process by making a list of all of the things you’ve done that you’re proud of, have done in relation to the course you’re applying for and anything relevant to your personal development (like sporting achievements, trips abroad and volunteering).
2. Organise the list
This part of the personal statement process is key. It allows you to strip away what you don’t need and keep what is brilliant and offer-worthy.
Pick out the top and most impressive things from the list to put in your personal statement. This means only speaking about a limited number of books you’ve read, for example, rather than using the 4,000 characters to provide a history of everything you’ve ever read.
Make sure everything on the list is relevant to the course and your personal development.
3. Don’t start with a quote and cut the cheese, please
I (like many) made the mistake of saying I ‘loved’ my subject. Wrong. Of course, you love it – why else would you pay nine grand a year to study it?
Also, don’t start with a quote, although you’ve probably already been told that. It’s the same as cheese, to be honest. And with 4,000 characters, you want every word to be yours, not someone else’s.
Adopt a formal tone rather than a pouring-your-heart-out tone; one that is matter-of-fact. Begin by saying why you’re applying – what part of the course is most interesting? Begin with that concept.
4. Don’t point out the obvious
Saying your part-time job helped you with time-keeping skills is obvious. Don’t point that out because the admissions team will know it already.
Just say what you’ve done/are doing and don’t labour over explaining the obvious, unless it needs explaining. For example, if you reference a book, explain what part of it interested you.
5. Make sure you speak to your reference writer
I was very lucky in that my referee was willing to help me with every step of the application process. And chances are, yours will be happy to do so too.
You should make use of their expertise and advice by giving them drafts of your personal statement and amending it based on their suggestions.
Only through putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and speaking to your referee will you truly write a top personal statement. Good luck!