How to Write a Personal Statement for University Application

Image: Kings College at Cambridge University by ExtraMedium

I was a university lecturer for the best part of a decade. One of the things I’m still asked frequently is How to Write a Personal Statement when applying to a British university.

First and foremost, you need to remember that what you’re doing is pitching yourself as a potential student. What you write constructs an image of who and what you are and anyone who reads it will start forming an impression of you from the second they start to read.

Writing in an informal, chatty way, not bothering to correct your spelling or grammar is pretty much the equivalent of scribbling Doesn’t Really Give a Damn across your forehead. So rule number one is: write formal, correct English. A well-crafted, well-constructed piece of copy will help you ooze professionalism and be treated accordingly.

Admissions officers are busy people. They have stacks of paperwork. That’s why you want to make their life as easy as possible. Your opening paragraph should give a clear indication of your goals and motivations. But it can also show another side of you. 

Let’s look at an example:

“I should like to be considered for a place to read Politics. I have studied the Social Science Programme at upper-secondary school in Sweden and would relish the opportunity to pursue my interest in the social sciences at your institution. From the information available about your degree programme, I am keen to study with you as your specialization in European politics dovetails with my own particular interest in social inequality in Eastern Europe...”

Now I don’t like everything in this example. There is, however, a lot of good stuff. By using the phrase “relish the opportunity” the writer demonstrates that s/he has a grasp of formal English. Yes, it might be a bit archaic and even a bit over the top; but there’s no harm in showing your excitement at the prospect of studying somewhere.

What I like most about this example, though, is the fact the applicant demonstrates that they’ve done some research into the background of the universities they’re applying for. Even though you can apply to five universities at once through UCAS, by including a phrase like “your specialization in European politics dovetails with my own particular interest” it is evident to the reader that you’ve done a bit of research.

Let’s think about this in another way:

Example:

A) “I really like researching information” versus B) “your specialization in European politics dovetails with my own particular interest”.

In example A the writer is just telling the reader something. There’s no evidence to support the claim. In B, though, the writer actually shows with a concrete example that they’re capable of researching something, even if it’s only the right choice of course for them.

Although it might seem simple and rather obvious, you’d be surprised how few student applications do something so easy.

Here’s another example:

“I am interested in studying Business Studies as my ambition is to become an accountant. From the look of your course outline your degree programme would provide me with a solid training in Economics and International Banking. These are two areas that I am particularly interested in pursuing.”

Words like “ambition” and “pursuing” are quite formal; clearly, the writer is a serious-minded student.

The reference to “Economics and International Banking” also makes it clear that the student has given their application a bit of thought.

These are just a couple of tips that can help you formulate your Personal Statement. I’ll add to these in a follow up post.