ucas advice on personal statement

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• The Ultimate UCAS Personal Statement Guide

Last Updated: 31st May 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

• Getting started

Table of Contents

When it comes to completing your UCAS application, the Personal Statement is one of the most important parts to consider.

While your grades show your academic ability and Admissions Tests assess your knowledge and capabilities, a Personal Statement is all about you. Tutors want to see the person behind the application and understand why you’re a suitable candidate for your chosen course. 

Although each university will have its own unique way of shortlisting applicants, your Personal Statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and let your personality shine through.

However, over 20,000 students apply for Oxbridge every year which is a lot to compete with. As such, you need to stand out from the crowd and really get across your reasons for wanting to study your topic, which can make the prospect of writing one and including all the right things pressurising. To help you, we have written this ultimate Personal Statement guide. Let’s get started.

How to write a Personal Statement

Your Personal Statement isn’t a long monologue of your life so far, nor a gigantic list of all your achievements. Think of yourself as a storyteller. Start at the beginning with how you developed an interest for your chosen subject and end with where you see yourself after university.

Before You Start

How to get started.

Before you sit down to write your UCAS Personal Statement, the first thing we recommend is to research the courses you want to apply for. This will help you prepare your statement as courses vary from university to university, and your content should reflect these. Bear in mind, you are only able to send one Personal Statement to all your chosen universities, so you can’t overly cater to one. Look at all of the details, including the structure, modules and examination methods, as well as what they’re looking for from a student. This will support your first draft, though bear in mind you’ll redraft a few times before it’s perfect.

For example, Oxford lists the personal characteristics that they look for in applicants to their Medicine degree:

How many words should a Personal Statement be?

Personal Statements can be up to 4,000 characters long (615-800), and no more. This might sound like a lot, but it’s just one side of A4 paper. There’s plenty of information to include, so make sure it’s concise, clear and easy to read.

When to start writing it

It’s never too early to start thinking about your Personal Statement and what you’re going to write about. But there is a deadline : October 15th for all Oxbridge courses including Medicine and Dentistry, and January 25th for other undergraduate subjects. We suggest you begin preparing at the start of the year, as this gives you plenty of time to plan, draft and rewrite until it’s perfect for submission.

Your Personal Statement is the first thing Oxbridge Admissions Tutors will see about you. It’s imperative you get it right.

Our Oxbridge Premium Programmes help you write a successful Personal Statment that ticks all the Admission Tutor’s boxes. Our proven support is implemented through various mediums including Personal Statment Intensive Courses, Personal Statment Marking and Personalised Reading Lists.

Discover our Oxbridge Premium Programmes  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

What To Include

Your Personal Statement is a glimpse into your passion, how keen you are to learn and what you already know about your chosen subject. Express your interest by commenting on the areas that fascinate you most. For example, is it helping people that draws you into Medicine, or is it the fascinating human anatomy? 

Another great way to show your enthusiasm is through your previous experience in the subject. Demonstrate why you’re suitable for the course by providing evidence of any relevant skills and qualities that relate to this. What are you good at? What have you done that proves it? 

• Answering Your Personal Statement Questions

Mention any additional projects, work experience or extra-curricular activities you’ve got involved with that further demonstrate you’re an ideal candidate. Reflect on the skills you’ve gained from these (as long as they’re transferable to your studies). Admissions Tutors will be looking for such information, as well as your unique selling points — give examples of things you’ve done that show you have a wider interest in learning. 

You should also try to link your interests, skills and qualities to your university research. However, Oxbridge are not interested in sports, hobbies or if you play any musical instruments — keep it academic.

Show you’re an interesting person and have a true passion for your subject, and your Personal Statement should be a winning one. Your enthusiasm is what will make your statement stand out, so don’t shy away from expressing your love for your chosen subject, though you don’t need to say you’ve dreamed about doing the course your entire life.

Aim to include things like:

• Personal attributes, such as adaptability, problem-solving and organisation
• Employment experience and volunteering work
• Personal interests in your subject
• Relevant extracurricular activities, like any clubs or societies you belong to
• Your future after university

The Structure

The key to writing a good UCAS Personal Statement is getting the structure right, as this can have a huge effect on the message it delivers. Often, students get caught up in the content and forget that presenting information effectively is just as important as the words included.

Each section of your statement needs to be crafted correctly so that Admissions Tutors can digest the information easily. While there are no strict rules on how to structure it — since it’s personal to you — there are a few rules of thumb to use to find the right balance. In general, though, remember to consider the format, structure and content equally, and you’ll write a great Personal Statement.

• Personal Statement Cheat Sheet

Here is a breakdown of how we recommend students to split up their essay:

• Introduction - About six lines
• Academic abilities - 22 - 27 lines
• Extra-curricular information - 10 - 12 lines
• Conclusion - No more than four lines

Personal Statement Introduction

Rightly or wrongly, it is highly likely that your UCAS Personal Statement will be remembered by its opening sentence. It must be something short, sharp, insightful, and catch the reader’s attention. It sets the precedent for the rest of your statement and unfortunately, decides whether your statement is paid particular attention to when read.

• Avoid using overused words like “passionate”, “deeply fascinating”, and “devotion”.
• Avoid using clichéd quotes like the infamous Coco Chanel’s “fashion is not something that exists in dresses only”.
• If you are going to use a quote, then put some effort into researching an obscure yet particularly powerful one – don’t forget to include a reference.
• Draw on your own personal experiences to produce something both original and eye-catching.

Once that’s out of the way, you need to answer the most important question:

The introduction does not need to be very long. It is generally a good idea to open the statement with something that sets the context of your application. For example, someone who is applying to study History may open: ‘History is all around us’, rather than ‘I have always been interested in History because…”

By the end of the introduction the reader should clearly know:

• What subject you are applying for
• What motivated you to apply for this subject

Make sure you keep it personal and honest! The exact phrase: “from a young age, I have always been interested in” was recently used more than 300 times in Personal Statements in a single year, and substituting “young” for “early” gave an additional 292 statements – these phrases can quickly become boring for Admissions Tutors to read!

Personal Statement Main Body

In the rest of your text, your aim should be to demonstrate your suitability for the course by exemplifying your knowledge of the course structure and its requirements through personal experience. Again, there are no rigorous guidelines on how to do this and it is very much down to your own writing style. Whereas some prefer a strict structure, others go for a more synoptic approach, but always remember to be consistent to achieve a flowing, easy to read Personal Statement.

Here’s the structure we recommend:

Paragraph #1: This should cover why you are suited for your subject. This will include your main academic interests, future ambitions (related to the chosen degree), and what makes the course right for you. This should be the academic side of why you want to study this subject.

Paragraph #2: This should still cover why you are suited for your subject. However, it can be less focused on academic topics. If you’ve had to overcome any significant challenges in life and wish to include these in your Personal Statement, this is normally the best place to do so. Similarly, any work experience or relevant prizes & competitions should be included here.

Paragraph #3: This is the smallest part of the main body and is all about extra-curricular activities. It is easy to get carried away in this section and make outrageous claims, e.g. claim to be a mountain climber if all you have ever climbed is a hill at the end of your street etc. Lying is not worth the risk, given that your interviewer may share the same hobby that you claim to be an expert in. So, don’t be caught out!

What you should include in your Personal Statement main body:

• Sports and other hobbies
• Musical instruments
• Work experience
• Personal interests in the field of study
• Personal attributes

What you shouldn’t include in your Personal Statement main body (or anywhere!):

• Negative connotations – always put a positive spin on everything
• Lack of reflection
• Controversy in whatever form it may come
• Generic/stereotypical statements
• Listing things

Personal Statement Conclusion

The conclusion of your Personal Statement should be more about leaving a good final impression rather than conferring any actual information. If you have something useful to say about your interest and desire to study your subject, you shouldn’t be waiting until the very end to say it!

A good conclusion should not include any new information, as this should be in the main body. However, you also need to avoid repeating what you have said earlier in your Personal Statement. This would be both a waste of characters and frustration for the tutor. Instead, it is better to put into context what you have already written and, therefore, make an effort to keep your conclusion relatively short – no more than four lines.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for natural science (physical) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge, our personal statement do’s.

1. Show passion for your subject

Admissions Tutors aren’t going to pick a candidate who doesn’t seem particularly interested in their field. Show your passion and eagerness to learn and succeed. Why do you love your subject? Why have you chosen it? What do you find most interesting and why?

2. Talk about you

This is your chance to talk about you, your interests and skills. It’s no good saying you’re passionate if you don’t prove that you are. Write in a natural style to show off your personality, making sure it’s genuine, relevant and specific.

3. Use appropriate language

Re-read your Personal Statement multiple times and check that the content is academic, engaging and clear.

4. Provide evidence to back up your claims

It’s all well and good saying you love medical science, but this is going to fall flat if you can’t back it up. Talk about your school subjects and results, any wider reading and relevant work experience. Perhaps you attended a lecture on your subject — this would be good evidence.

5. Link your activities outside of education to your course

Tell tutors why these activities are relevant and what you have learned as a result. Focus on transferable skills gained too, such as time management or organisational abilities.

6. Spell check and look for grammatical mistakes

Poor spelling and grammar makes for a terrible first impression, so ensure you triple-check it’s written to the highest standard before submitting it.

Our Personal Statement dont’s

1. Write a clichéd beginning

Don’t waste time thinking of a catchy opening. The best Personal Statements get to the point quickly, so avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age”, “I am applying for this course because”, and “Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…”. Go straight into why you are interested in your course subject.

2. Use cringe-worthy language and cheap gags

This is not impressive and can indicate that you’re not a serious student. It’s essential you don’t come across as verbose or pretentious too, as Admissions Tutors will spot this immediately. They are well-versed in the ramblings of students who think this tone makes them seem more intellectual.

3. Overcomplicate things

Say what you need to, be specific and don’t waffle too much — you’ll run out of characters fast.

4. Go overboard with extra-curricular activities

Talking about these is good, but the truth is, Admissions Tutors have very little interest in what you do outside of education unless you can find a way to directly link them to your subject.

5. Plagiarise content

You can read Personal Statement examples online for inspiration but avoid copying and pasting them. During your interview, you’re likely to be asked about specific parts of your statement, and if you’re caught off-guard, you’re going to look silly. This could ruin your chances of being accepted. Use a plagiarism detector to ensure your essay is unique.

6. Mention universities or specific courses by name

You can only write one Personal Statement, so it’s the same for each course you apply for. Avoid mentioning specific unis by name or detailing exact specifics of a module, for example. Keep it general.

Now you know what to include in your Personal Statement and the best practices for doing so, we hope you feel more confident writing it. We have plenty of guides and successful personal statement examples to go through in our Free Personal Statement Resources page. Good luck submitting your UCAS application!

First impressions count. Learn how to craft the perfect Personal Statement that demonstrates your suitability to Oxbridge Admissions Tutors.

We help you craft the perfect Personal Statement , achieve a highly competitive Admissions Test score and teach you how to Interview effectively – covering all areas of your Oxford or Cambridge application, from History to Medicine.

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How to write a great UCAS personal statement

What is a personal statement.

The personal statement is the most important part of the UCAS process. It is your opportunity to explain why you have picked the subject you want to study and demonstrate your personality, passion and knowledge about your chosen subject.

Although your personal statement is the most important part of your application, it can also be the most difficult to put together. Writing your personal statement requires you to think seriously about your goals and aspirations. You might even change your mind about these as you are putting together your statement. However, this is a key part of working out what you want to do in the future.

How long can my personal statement be?

Your personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of text long – whichever comes first.

I'm applying in 2026 - what is changing with personal statements?

UCAS are changing the format of personal statements for students applying for 2026 entry onwards. For more information on the changes, visit the UCAS website .

These changes won't affect students applying for 2025 entry.

Seven tips for writing a great UCAS personal statement

1. Do your research

You can use websites such as the National Careers Service to research the sort of jobs you would enjoy and the recommended routes into those careers. The UCAS website features details about every UK university course. Use this to find out subject specifics such as minimum entry requirements, available additional funding, career prospects and more. 

Visit campus open days and take the opportunity to speak with lecturers and see university facilities in person.

2. Take your time to plan and draft

A good personal statement cannot be written the night before. Take your time to plan what you want to say, and use multiple drafts to make sure you say it in the right way.

As well as this, make sure you have enough time before the deadline to give yourself a break before rereading and sending off your statement. Taking a break can help you notice things you might not otherwise see and catch mistakes that might otherwise damage your chances of success.

3. Show off your personality

Hundred of thousands of students apply through UCAS every year – but only one of them is you. Your personal statement needs to reflect your personality and show universities what makes you unique.

Talk about specific personal experiences and interests that have led to you choosing your subject. What do you do outside the classroom that is interesting and related to your chosen course?

However, avoid using jokes or humour, even if it is a natural part of your personality.

4. Show off your passion

Above all else, university admissions staff want to see how enthusiastic, motivated and focused you are on your chosen subject. Devote over half of your personal statement to talking about the subject area you are applying for and why you are passionate about it.

Talk about specific areas of the course that interest you – but avoid mentioning anything that only one of your chosen universities offers. Keep in mind that you can only submit one personal statement, no matter how many places you are applying for.

5. Be specific and relevant

Everything in your personal statement should show universities that you have the skills and qualities they are looking for. This means you should talk about your experience and aspirations in relevant ways. For example, if you have experience working in a shop, talk about how it has helped you develop the strong communication skills needed for a business management degree.

Make sure you provide evidence for why you are the skilled, experienced person that your chosen universities are looking for.

6. Use your own language

Keep your writing simple and to the point. Avoid cliched words like ‘passionate’, as these can come across as inauthentic to the person reading your personal statement.

Stick to vocabulary that you are familiar with – if you do not use a word in your day-to-day life, then do not use it in your personal statement.

Make sure that you do not plagiarise other people’s work: UCAS has software to detect any writing that is copied or paraphrased from anywhere else, and some universities will reject you outright if your application is plagiarised.

7. Keep it brief

Admissions tutors have a lot of personal statements to read, so make sure you get to the point and do not take up more reading time than you need to. Use short paragraphs, straightforward language, and only include information that is relevant.

A good idea is to write your opening and closing sentences last, as writing the rest of your statement might help inspire you and help cut down unnecessary words.

How to structure your personal statement

1. explain the reasons for your choice of subject.

Do not just talk about the importance of your chosen subject: the person reading your statement already knows this.

2. Explain why you are suitable for the course

You can use this section to explain how certain aspects of your chosen degree will help you progress and succeed.

3. Discuss your career aspirations

Demonstrate your knowledge of your chosen sector and your ambitions within it.

4. Describe the person behind the application

This can be a relatively short section: a few lines of interesting, relevant information will do.

5. Conclude by linking back to your introduction

Be brief: your conclusion is necessary, but everything above it is more important.

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How to write a UCAS personal statement

Writing a great personal statement

Read our guide on what it is, what to include, how to start, length and what makes a good personal statement 

Once you've decided which universities and courses to apply for, completing your application is pretty simple – until it comes to how to write your UCAS personal statement.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to write a personal statement for university. We look at what it is and how you can start your personal statement. We've also got questions to guide you and a suggested personal statement structure you can use so you know what to put in it.

If you'd like even more resources, support and UCAS personal statement examples, you can sign up to access our personal statement hub .

What is the UCAS personal statement?

How universities use your ucas personal statement, how to start a ucas personal statement.

• Get feedback on your UCAS personal statement

The personal statement is part of your UCAS application. It's how you show your chosen universities why you'll make a great student and why they should make you an offer.

Your personal statement also helps you think about your choice of course and your reasons for applying, so you know you’ve made the right decision.

Get feedback on your personal statement

Sign up to our personal statement hub to get feedback on your draft. You'll also get access to videos, help sheets and more tips.

Sign up now

UCAS personal statement word limit

Your personal statement length can be up to 4,000 characters long. 

This may sound a lot, but it's a word limit of around 550–1000 words with spaces and only about 1 side of typed A4 paper.

You need to keep it concise and make sure it's clear and easy to read.

Applying for multiple courses

Although you can apply for up to 5 courses on your UCAS application, you can only submit 1 personal statement. So it needs to cover all your course choices.

If you really want to show your commitment to applying for different courses, we will accept a second personal statement from you to reflect your application e.g. if you are applying for Law elsewhere, but Criminology and Criminal Justice with us.

Lots of students who apply to university have achieved the basic entry requirements and many more students apply than there are places available. Admissions teams can use your UCAS personal statement to get to know you and decide why you're more suitable than other applicants.

Some universities read every personal statement and score them. Then they use them alongside your qualifications and grades to decide whether to offer you a place or interview. Other universities put less emphasis on the personal statement and use it with students who have borderline entry requirements.

Universities might refer to your personal statement again on results day if you don't get the grades you need. So a good personal statement could clinch you a uni place even if your grades aren't what you hoped for.

Starting your personal statement can seem scary when you're staring at a blank screen. But, things will seem less daunting once you start.

• Set aside some time in a place where you're comfortable and won't be disturbed. Grab a notepad or computer.
• Write down anything and everything that's influenced your decision to go to university and study your chosen subject. Jot down your skills and experience too.
• Use the questions below to guide you. Don't worry about the personal statement length at this point – you can cut things out later.

When to start your UCAS personal statement

Ideally, you want to leave yourself plenty of time – a few weeks or even months – to plan and write your personal statement.

Try not to leave it to the last minute, as tempting as this may seem when you've got so many other things to think about.

Questions to guide you

Your motivation.

• Why do you want to study at university?
• Why do you want to study this subject?
• How did you become interested in this subject?
• What career do you have in mind after university?

Academic ability and potential

• How have your current studies affected your choice?
• What do you enjoy about your current studies?
• What skills have you gained from your current studies?
• How can you demonstrate you have the skills and qualities needed for the course?
• What qualities and attributes would you bring to the course and university?

Your experience

• What work experience (including part-time, charity and volunteer work) do you have and what have you learnt from it?
• What positions of responsibility have you held? (For example, prefect, captain of a team or member of a committee)
• What relevant hobbies or interests do you have and what skills have they helped you develop?
• What transferable skills do you have, such as self motivation, team working, public speaking, problem solving and analytical thinking?

Research and reading

• How do you keep up with current affairs or news in your chosen subject?
• What journals or publications relevant to your chosen subject do you read?
• Which people have influenced you, such as artists, authors, philosophers or scientists?

Now it's time to write your personal statement using your notes. It's best to draft it on a computer, and remember to save it regularly.

You can copy and paste it into your UCAS application when you're happy with it.

Personal statement structure

While there's no set template for a personal statement, you may find it useful to follow this personal statement structure when you decide what to put in your statement.

What to include in a personal statement

• Reasons for choosing this subject(s)
• Current studies and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
• Experiences and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
• Interests and responsibilities and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
• Your future after university
• Summary including why you'll make a great student

Further tips for a good UCAS personal statement

• Use information on university websites and the UCAS website. This often includes the skills and qualities universities are looking for in applicants
• Ask friends, family and teachers to remind you of activities you've participated in. They might remember your successes better than you do
• Don’t include lists in your application, like a list of all your hobbies. Focus on 1 or 2 points and talk about them in depth to show their relevance to your application
• Explain and evidence everything. It’s easy to say you have a skill, but it's better to demonstrate it with an example of when and how you’ve used it
• Avoid clichéd lines such as ‘I've always wanted to be a teacher’ as it says nothing about your motivations or experiences
• If you’re applying for a joint degree or different subjects, give equal time to each area and try to find common aspects that show their similarities
• Never lie or plagiarise another statement – you'll be caught and it could result in your application being automatically rejected
• Proofread your personal statement by reading it out loud and ask friends, family or a teacher to check it for you

Sign up to our personal statement hub

Watch videos, get top tips and download our help sheets – that's what our personal statement hub is for. It's for you to write your story, so you can show your strengths, ideas and passion to your chosen universities.

You'll also be able send us your draft, so you can get feedback and feel confident about what you've written.

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 16 November 2023 | 3 min read

The ten biggest mistakes when writing your personal statement

Dodge these common blunders and you'll be well on your way to creating a great uni application

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Writing your personal statement is a challenge that many students struggle with.  Here are 10 common personal statement mistakes that students make, as well as some tips for making sure you're on the right track.  Visit the personal statement forum and the university applications forum on The Student Room to see what other students are saying about the process. 

1. Telling a story

Many personal statements can take on the appearance of the applicant's life story. While some background information won't hurt, the best statements will only include experiences directly related to their chosen course. Generally, you should focus on recent study from the last few years. Anything older than that should only be included if it's relevant or provides important context.

• Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

2. Repeating information already contained in your application

It can be hard to fit everything you want to say into just 4,000 characters. So don't waste space on things that are already included elsewhere in your application, such as your A-level subjects or previous grades. Remember that the admissions tutor can see your whole application, so there's no need to repeat yourself. 

• Read more: how to write your university application

3. Spending too long discussing personal issues

Many applicants mention personal issues in their statement, like health and bereavement. This is relevant as it affects studying, but it might be better covered in your reference instead. However, if you want to include this in your personal statement, it's worth keeping it short. One or two sentences is enough.

4. Making simple grammatical errors

Students are often so focused on the experiences they're writing about that they forget to check their grammar. Have a go at reading your statement aloud to make sure it flows well. For bonus points, get a friend or parent to go over it as well.

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

5. Failing to demonstrate capability of university-level study

Your personal statement is great opportunity to demonstrate that you can study in a university style. For example, you could discuss a topic you learned about and then explain how you did further independent study (like reading a book chapter, an article or completing an online course) to expand your knowledge.

• Read more: Ucas deadlines and key application dates

6. Using clichés 

Avoid overused phrases like 'my passion for history began...' or 'I have been interested in geography since a young age'. Admissions tutors read a ton of personal statements and you want to stand out. So get creative with your sentences, but make sure not to go off-topic. 

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

7. Not going into enough detail about experiences

It can be tempting to fill your personal statement with loads of different experiences to show how well-rounded and dedicated you are. But the character limit will stop you from going into any detail. Instead, aim to give two or three in-depth experiences with examples and links to the course.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

8. Telling the admissions tutor things they already know

Admissions tutors are often experts in their field. While it's tempting to include facts, you aren't there to tell them about the subject. It's much better to talk about yourself and why you'd be a great candidate.

• Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements

9. Losing sight of what the personal statement is actually for

Essentially, your personal statement should explain why you want to study the course at university and also demonstrate your ability to complete the degree to a high standard. Make sure everything you write connects with these areas.

• Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

10. Forgetting that the personal statement should be personal

Advice can be conflicting - whether it's from online sources, teachers or tutors. You might be told something that you don't think suits your personality or your statement, and it's fine to disagree with it. Everyone's got different opinions, but the main thing is that you're happy with your personal statement.  

You may want to look at these...

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps.

Help and advice on putting your application together

6 steps you need to take to apply to university

Find out more about choosing a university and course, writing your application and personal statement

Teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Writing a personal statement is one of the most important things you will do when applying to university. Here is some useful advice and insider knowledge from Mrs Kinetta, who has more than 25 years of experience as a sixth form tutor.

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How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement [With Examples]

James is senior content marketing manager at BridgeU. He writes and directs content for BridgeU's university partners and our community of international schools

What are the big challenges students should be aware of before writing their UCAS Personal Statement?

• The essential ingredients for writing a great Personal Statement
• How to write the UCAS Personal Statement [with examples]

Final hints & tips to help your students

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The UCAS Personal Statement can sometimes be a student’s only chance to impress a UK university. Read our in-depth guide to helping your students plan & write a winning application.

There are hundreds of articles out there on how to write a UCAS Personal Statement that will grab the attention of a UK university admissions officer.  

But if you’re working with students to help them perfect their Personal Statement in time for the  relevant UCAS deadlines , we can sum up the secret to success in three words.

Planning, structure and story. 

The UCAS Personal Statement is a student’s chance to talk about why they want to study for a particular degree, course or subject discipline at a UK university. 

As they set about writing a personal statement, students need to demonstrate the drive, ambition, relevant skills and notable achievements that make them a  suitable candidate for the universities they have chosen to apply to . 

But the UCAS Personal Statement requires students to write a lot about themselves in a relatively short space of time. That’s why lots of planning, a tight structure and a compelling story are essential if a student’s Personal Statement is to truly excel. 

As important deadlines for UK university applications grow closer, we at BridgeU have put together a guide, outlining some of the strategies and techniques to help your students to write a personal statement which is both engaging and truly individual.

Handpicked Related Content

Discover the simple steps that will boost the confidence of your native English speaking & ESL students alike in  University Application Essays: The 5 Secrets of Successful Writing .

As they begin to plan their Personal Statement, students may feel intimidated. It’s not easy to summarise your academic interests and personal ambitions, especially when you’re competing for a place on a course which is popular or has demanding entry requirements. In particular, students will likely come up against the following challenges.

Time pressure

Unfortunately, the Personal Statement (and other aspects of university preparation) comes during the busiest year of the student’s academic life so far.

Students, and indeed teachers and counsellors, must undertake the planning and writing of the personal statement whilst juggling other commitments, classes and deadlines, not to mention revision and open day visits!

Because there is already a lot of academic pressure on students in their final year of secondary school, finding the time and headspace for the personal statement can be hard, and can mean it gets pushed to the last minute. The risks of leaving it to the last minute are fairly obvious – the application will seem rushed and the necessary thought and planning won’t go into  making the personal statement the best it can be . 

Sticking closely to the Personal Statement format

The character limit which UCAS sets for the personal statement is very strict – up to 4,000 characters of text. This means that students have to express themselves in a clear and concise way; it’s also important that they don’t feel the need to fill the available space needlessly.  Planning and redrafting of a personal statement is essential .

Making it stand out

This is arguably the greatest challenge facing students – making sure that their statement sets them apart from everyone else who is competing for a place on any given course; in 2024 alone, UCAS received applications from 594,940 applicants. In addition, UCAS uses its own dedicated team and purpose built software to check every application for plagiarism, so it’s crucial that students craft a truly  original personal statement which is entirely their own work .

The essential ingredients for writing a great UCAS Personal Statement 

We’ve already mentioned our three watch words for writing a high quality Personal Statement.

Planning. Structure. Story. 

Let’s dig deeper into these three essential components in more detail.

Watch: How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement with University of Essex

Planning a ucas personal statement.

It might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s vital that students plan their Personal Statement before they start writing it. Specifically, the planning phase could include: 

• Students thoroughly researching the UK university courses they plan on applying to. 
• Deciding on what relevant material to include in their Personal Statement (we’ll cover this in more detail later on). 
• Writing an unedited first draft where they just get their thoughts and ideas down on paper. 

Structuring a UCAS Personal Statement

As we’ve discussed, the UCAS Personal Statement requires students to be extremely disciplined – they will be required to condense a lot of information into a relatively short written statement. This means that, after they’ve written a rough first draft, they need to think carefully about how they structure the final statement. 

A stand out Personal Statement will need a tight structure, with an introduction and a conclusion that make an impact and really help to tell a story about who your student is, and why they are drawn to studying this particular degree. 

This brings us nicely to our third and final ingredient…

Telling a story with a Personal Statement

The UCAS Personal Statement is a student’s opportunity to show a university who they are and how their life experiences have shaped their academic interests and goals. 

So a good Personal Statement needs to offer a compelling narrative, and that means making sure that a student’s writing is well-structured, and that every sentence and paragraph is serving the statement’s ultimate purpose –  to convince a university that your student deserves a place on their subject of choice. 

How to help your students start their UCAS Personal Statement

In order to ensure that a personal statement is delivered on time and to an appropriate standard, it’s essential to plan thoroughly before writing it. Here are some questions you can ask your students before they start writing:

How can you demonstrate a formative interest in your subject?

It may sound obvious but, in order for any UCAS personal statement to have the necessary structure and clarity, students need to think hard about why they want to study their chosen subject. Ask them to think about their responses to the following questions:

What inspired you to study your chosen subject?

Example answer:  My desire to understand the nature of reality has inspired me to apply for Physics and Philosophy

Was there a formative moment when your perspective on this subject changed, or when you decided you wanted to study this subject in more detail?

Example answer:  My interest in philosophy was awakened when I questioned my childhood religious beliefs; reading Blackburn’s “Think”, convinced me to scrutinise my assumptions about the world, and to ensure I could justify my beliefs.

Can you point to any role models, leading thinkers, or notable literature which has in turn affected your thinking and/or inspired you?

Example answer :  The search for a theory of everything currently being conducted by physicists is of particular interest to me and in “The Grand Design” Hawking proposes a collection of string theories, dubbed M-theory, as the explanation of why the universe is the way it is.

Asking your students to think about the “why” behind their chosen subject discipline is a useful first step in helping them to organise their overall statement. Next, they need to be able to demonstrate evidence of their suitability for a course or degree. 

How have you demonstrated the skills and aptitudes necessary for your chosen course?

Encourage students to think about times where they have demonstrated the necessary skills to really stand out. It’s helpful to think about times when they have utilised these skills both inside and outside the classroom. Ask students to consider their responses to the following questions. 

Can you demonstrate critical and independent thinking around your chosen subject discipline?

Example answer :  Currently I am studying Maths and Economics in addition to Geography. Economics has been a valuable tool, providing the nuts and bolts to economic processes, and my geography has provided a spatial and temporal element.

Are you able to demonstrate skills and competencies which will be necessary for university study?

These include qualities such as teamwork, time management and the ability to organise workload responsibly.

Example answer:  This year I was selected to be captain of the 1st XV rugby team and Captain of Swimming which will allow me to further develop my leadership, teamwork and organisational skills.

How have your extracurricular activities helped prepare you for university?

Students may believe that their interests outside the classroom aren’t relevant to their university application. So encourage them to think about how their other interests can demonstrate the subject-related skills that universities are looking for in an application. Ask students to think about any of the following activities, and how they might be related back to the subject they are applying for.

• Clubs/societies, or volunteering work which they can use to illustrate attributes such as teamwork, an interest in community service and the ability to manage their time proactively.
• Have they been elected/nominated as a team captain, or the head of a particular club or society, which highlights leadership skills and an ability to project manage?
• Can they point to any awards or prizes they may have won, whether it’s taking up a musical instrument, playing a sport, or participating in theatre/performing arts?
• Have they achieved grades or qualifications as part of their extracurricular activities? These can only help to demonstrate aptitude and hard work. 

How to write the UCAS Personal Statement [with examples] 

If sufficient planning has gone into the personal statement, then your students should be ready to go!

In this next section, we’ll break down the individual components of the UCAS Personal Statement and share some useful examples.

These examples come from a Personal Statement in support of an application to study Environmental Science at a UK university. 

Watch: King’s College London explain what they’re looking for in a UCAS Personal Statement

Introduction.

This is the chance for an applying student to really grab an admission tutor’s attention. Students need to demonstrate both a personal passion for their subject, and explain why they have an aptitude for it .  This section is where students should begin to discuss any major influences or inspirations that have led them to this subject choice. 

Example :  My passion for the environment has perhaps come from the fact that I have lived in five different countries: France, England, Spain, Sweden and Costa Rica. Moving at the age of 15 from Sweden, a calm and organized country, to Costa Rica, a more diverse and slightly chaotic country, was a shock for me at first and took me out of my comfort zone […] Also, living in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, definitely helped me realize how vulnerable the world is and how we need to take care of it in a sustainable manner. 

This opening paragraph immediately grabs the reader’s attention by giving the reader an insight into this student’s background and links their academic interests with something specific from the student’s personal backstory. 

Discussing Academic Achievements 

The next paragraph in this Personal Statement discusses the student’s academic achievements. Because this student has had an international education, they frame their academic achievements in the context of their personal background. They also cite useful examples of other curricula they have studied and the grades they have achieved. 

Example : 

Throughout my academic life I have shown myself to be a responsible student as well as a hard working one, despite the fact that I have had to move around a lot. I have achieved several other accomplishments such as a high A (286/300) in AS Spanish at age 15, and also completed a Spanish course of secondary studies for ‘MEP’(Ministerio de Educacion Publica), which is a system from Costa Rica.   

You’ll notice that this student doesn’t just list their achievements – their strong academic performance is always linked back to a wider discussion of their personal experiences. 

Showcasing Extracurricular Activities

As well as discussing academic achievements, a good Personal Statement should also discuss the student’s extracurricular activities, and how they relate back to the student’s overall university aspirations. 

By the third/fourth paragraph of the Personal Statement, students should think about incorporating their extracurricular experiences, 

Another valuable experience was when my class spent a week at a beach called ‘Pacuare’ in order to help prevent the eggs of the endangered leatherback turtle from being stolen by poachers who go on to sell them like chicken eggs. We all gained teamwork experience, which was needed in order to hide the eggs silently without scaring the mother turtles, as well as making it more difficult for the poachers to find them. 

When the poachers set fire to one of the sustainable huts where we were staying, not only did I gain self-awareness about the critical situation of the world and its ecosystems, I also matured and became even more motivated to study environmental sciences at university.

This is a particularly striking example of using extracurricular activities to showcase a student’s wider passion for the degree subject they want to study. 

Not only does this Personal Statement have a story about volunteering to save an endangered species, it also illustrates this applicants’ wider worldview, and helps to explain their motivation for wanting to study Environmental Science. 

Concluding the UCAS Personal Statement

The conclusion to a UCAS Personal Statement will have to be concise, and will need to tie all of a student’s academic and extracurricular achievements. After all, a compelling story will need a great ending. 

Remember that students need to be mindful of the character limit of a Personal Statement, so a conclusion need only be the length of a small paragraph, or even a couple of sentences. 

“ After having many varied experiences, I truly think I can contribute to university in a positive way, and would love to study in England where I believe I would gain more skills and education doing a first degree than in any other country.  “

A good Personal Statement conclusion will end with an affirmation of how the student thinks they can contribute to university life, and why they believe the institution in question should accept them. Because the student in this example has a such a rich and varied international background, they also discuss the appeal of studying at university in England. 

It’s worth taking a quick look at a few other examples of how other students have chosen to conclude their Personal Statement. 

Medicine (Imperial College, London) 

Interest in Medicine aside, other enthusiasms of mine include languages, philosophy, and mythology. It is curiously fitting that in ancient Greek lore, healing was but one of the many arts Apollo presided over, alongside archery and music.   I firmly believe that a doctor should explore the world outside the field of  Medicine, and it is with such experiences that I hope to better empathise and connect with the patients I will care for in my medical career. 

You’ll notice that this example very specifically ties the students’ academic and extracurricular activities together, and ties the Personal Statement back to their values and beliefs. 

Economic History with Economics (London School of Economics)

The highlight of my extra-curricular activities has been my visit to Shanghai with the Lord Mayor’s trade delegation in September 2012. I was selected to give a speech at this world trade conference due to my interest in economic and social history. […] I particularly enjoyed the seminar format, and look forward to experiencing more of this at university. My keen interest and desire to further my knowledge of history and economics, I believe, would make the course ideal for me.

By contrast, this conclusion ties a memorable experience back to the specifics of how the student will be taught at the London School of Economics – specifically, the appeal of learning in seminar format! 

There’s no magic formula for concluding a Personal Statement. But you’ll see that what all of these examples have in common is that they tie a student’s personal and academic experiences together – and tell a university something about their aspirations for the future.

Watch: Bournemouth University explain how to structure a UCAS Personal Statement

Know the audience

It can be easy for students to forget that the person reading a personal statement is invariably an expert in their field. This is why an ability to convey passion and think critically about their chosen subject is essential for a personal statement to stand out. Admissions tutors will also look for students who can structure their writing (more on this below). 

Students should be themselves

Remember that many students are competing for places on a university degree against fierce competition. And don’t forget that UCAS has the means to spot plagiarism. So students need to create a truly honest and individual account of who they are, what they have achieved and, perhaps most importantly, why they are driven to study this particular subject.

Proof-read (then proof-read again!)

Time pressures mean that students can easily make mistakes with their Personal Statements. As the deadline grows closer, it’s vital that they are constantly checking and rechecking their writing and to ensure that shows them in the best possible light. 

Meanwhile, when it comes to giving feedback to students writing their Personal Statements, make sure you’re as honest and positive as possible in the days and weeks leading up to submission day. 

And make sure they remember the three key ingredients of writing a successful Personal Statement. 

Planning, structure and story! 

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Personal statement

How to write your personal statement

Your personal statement is a really important part of your UCAS application. 

It helps our admissions tutors get an insight into who you are and whether you'd be a good fit for the course you're applying to. 

You can only submit one personal statement for the five courses and universities you apply for. 

You're also limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines, whichever comes first, so it's useful to make a plan of what you want to say before you start.

Tell us why you want to study the course you're applying for

We're looking for people with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject they're applying for – and that they understand what it involves – so it's useful to   highlight things that inspired your interest, including:

• books you have read
• work or voluntary experience you have undertaken
• lectures or courses you have attended
• any relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in

This a really important part of your personal statement so make sure your passion really shines through.

This means avoid saying you want to study something just because it is interesting.

Instead, explain what you find interesting about it, for example, a particular topic you know you’ll be able to carry on studying at university or something related to it.

Don’t be afraid to use language which shows your enthusiasm for the course or life in general. Be positive and focus on things you thoroughly enjoy.

Skills and experiences

At Imperial, you'll have the freedom to take control of your learning, with options within many courses to customise what you learn and the experiences you have. 

As a research-led university, we'll encourage you to get hands-on in the process of discovery, innovation and learning through and from your own mistakes.

You will also learn to communicate your research findings and have the opportunity to work in teams, as well as on your own.

Think about the sort of skills that you have gained that are relevant to your chosen subject – you'll be able to find more detail about the style of learning for your chosen subject on our course pages .

Don't forget to provide evidence for the skills and knowledge you have. And remember to choose quality over quantity – we'd rather read about a smaller number of skills with evidence than a long list which doesn't explain how you've acquired each skill/quality and how it will help you be successful in your chosen course of study.  

Work experience

Work experience isn’t essential for most Imperial courses, but if it is a course requirement, make sure you get some and then tell us how it's helped to confirm your choice of subject.

You may also wish to use your personal statement to outline your career aspirations and motivation for the future.

Get the right balance

Imperial is not all work and no play. Our students have a huge range of interests – evidenced in our 350+ student-run clubs and societies.

Tell us about your passions and your hobbies, particularly how they have helped you develop skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate. Made you a better leader, for example. Made you more resilient. Or improved your teamwork and communication skills. 

Also tell us about something you do simply for the fun of it. You don't need to go into too much detail as you don’t have the space, but it helps us to get to know you and may be something we ask you more about if you're invited for an interview at a later stage.

Make it personal

Your personal statement should be about you so don't focus on what your friends are writing. Be clear about your own motivations and what you can bring to Imperial. 

Use it to create a unique picture for our admissions tutors of who you are and why you'll be successful in your chosen course of study. 

Also avoid the temptation to copy anyone else's. UCAS runs all personal statements through its similarity detection system, Copycatch, to compare them with previous statements.

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How to Save Admissions Tutors From a Lacklustre Personal Statement

Get expert advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of a formulaic, boring personal statement.

• Being Specific
• Thinking at Depth
• Finding your Voice

"Ever since I was a child, I have longed to study geography…" The room feels heavier. Your eyes glaze over. Inside, a little part of you wilts.

A friend of mine, an ex-Cambridge admissions interviewer, recently sent me a voice note. She sounded defeated. “It’s a sad state of affairs,” she sighed. “Writing should be a means of expression, of connection. We write because we have something to say. But now it’s all become performative pseudo-intellectualism. The A-level system has turned writing into a tick-box exercise.”

It's undeniable that the personal statement is very difficult to produce. As an applicant, you are being asked not only to make the very difficult decision of to which subject and university you want to devote yourself for the next few years, but also to explain  why you have made it. You have to demonstrate passion and motivation for your chosen subject on the one hand, and 'deep engagement' and academic research on the other.

But nevertheless the competition is high, and there have never been more tools at hand to help you. At a time when you can produce a mediocre essay or personal statement as fast as you can type a ChatGPT prompt, the battle to find the specific, the idiosyncratic, and the interesting, has never been more pressing. Below are three tools - and accompanying exercises - to help you: specificity, thought, and voice.

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Specificity

A tide of beige sweeps across the page: "I have always wanted to make a difference," "In today’s fast-paced world," "It has always been my dream...". Grand statements, generalisations, or definitions, usually fail to connect.

Shakespeare connects with people because of the detail. Banquo doesn’t say, “What a lovely castle Macbeth has! It’s the best castle I’ve ever seen!” Rather, he says,

“This guest of summer, The temple-haunting martlet, does approve By his loved mansionry that the heaven’s breath Smells wooingly here”

Iambic pentameter aside, specificity and detail help to battle against the generic. Try to think of your writing as a conversation with a super-smart friend, not a generic motivational poster. If you love biology, don't write, "I’ve always been passionate about biology." Instead, take the reader to the frog dissection where blood vessels twisted like threads in a spider’s web, showing the intricate map of life. It can be the extra touch of vivid detail - connected to credible academic focus - to make introductions come alive.

Exercise for Specificity

The Details in the Mundane: Describe a mundane object in vivid, specific detail - perhaps a pencil, a cup, or a shoe. You should focus on sensory elements like texture, colour, sound, or even smell. Once finished, challenge yourself to take that same level of detail and apply it to a moment in your academic journey: a book, an experiment, or an experience that ignited your passion. This can help you move from vague descriptions to vivid, tangible moments.

You need to give evidence of your motivation, but you must balance this with showing your potential as first-class academic thinker. This is where sharing authentic, personal academic thought is crucial; this must go beyond simply listing what you have read and whether you agreed or not. ‘Thinking’ can helpfully be divided by direction: backwards, sideways, and forwards.

First, thinking backwards. This means deconstructing the ideas you've read or been taught. Just because a theory has been suggested by an eminent scholar, it doesn’t mean it’s flawless. Perhaps Marx’s theory of alienation seems incomplete, or Foucault’s panopticon feels less omnipresent than he imagined. You should question and challenge ideas, asking why they do or don't work.

Thinking sideways is where creativity comes into play. The best essays and personal statements we see draw connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Maybe you see a link between genetics and the evolution of social movements, or between chaos theory and behavioural economics. These unexpected connections can be brilliant, provided they work.

Finally, thinking forwards means taking the theories you’ve read and pushing them into the future. Where could this idea lead? What comes next? How would you investigate this further? If you’re discussing psychoanalysis, for example, how might it evolve in light of modern neuroscience? Or if you’re critiquing neoliberal economics, what comes next in a world facing climate catastrophe?

Involving backwards, sideways, and forwards thinking can help you avoid repetition of the same ideas, and instead show your ability to interrogate concepts as living, evolving entities. This not only showcases your critical thinking but also demonstrates your potential as a successful undergraduate.

Exercise for Thought

Mind-Mapping Ideas in Three Directions: Choose a key theory or idea that you want to discuss in your statement. Divide the paper into three sections: backward, sideways, and forward. In the backward section, you should deconstruct the theory - who created it, and why it works (or doesn’t). In the sideways section, you should brainstorm connections to other subjects or fields. Finally, in the forward section, you should propose what comes next - what questions remain and where further investigation might lead. This exercise can help you to develop ideas and show a multidimensional engagement with your references.

The third essential tool is voice. What drains essays and personal statements of life isn’t just the lack of specificity or original thought - it’s the absence of an authentic voice. You need to remember that the goal is neither mimic a textbook or an academic journal, nor to pepper your statement with insincere synonyms for ‘passionate’ (are you really ‘utterly mesmerised’ by economics?). Instead, you should be aiming to write in a way that’s distinctly yours. An essay devoid of voice may be technically correct, but it will fail to leave a lasting impression.

Voice doesn’t mean adopting a flamboyant or overly casual tone, but rather allowing the personality behind the words to breathe. This means trying to write with the same honest tone that you would use in an engaging conversation - thoughtful, clear, but unmistakably your own. After all, it’s not the subject that makes an essay memorable, it’s the perspective.

Take, for example, two applicants writing about the same scientific discovery. The first applicant writes, “The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was a significant turning point in European history, primarily due to its profound impact on the geopolitical landscape of the continent.” This is factually correct but reads like a textbook. The second writes, “The Treaty of Versailles didn’t just redraw maps; it planted the seeds of resentment and instability that would ignite Europe again two decades later. I’m interested in how turning points in history reveal political failures and guide future diplomacy.” The latter student brings their perspective into the writing, speaking from a first person perspective and showing personal engagement with the subject as well as a critical understanding of its long-term impact.

Finding that balance is crucial - it allows your personality and intellectual curiosity to shine through in a way that distinguishes you from the hundreds of other essays written in identical monotonous voices.

Exercise for Voice

The Honest Rewrite: Write the most formal, textbook-like paragraph you can about a specific moment in your academic journey - without worrying about voice. Then, rewrite that same paragraph as if you were telling a friend or family member about it. Try to bring your natural way of speaking into the rewrite (whilst avoiding overly casual language). Compare the two and use the second version to help identify where your voice shines through. This shuold hopefully demonstrate how you don’t need to sacrifice clarity to sound academic.

In Summary 

There are other ingredients needed for a successful personal statement. Yet, these three elements - specificity, thought, and voice - are increasingly forgotten, and can raise the quality of a personal statement significantly. Specificity roots your writing in the tangible, the real, the human. Thought ensures that you go beyond regurgitation and truly engage with ideas. And voice makes your writing distinctive, showing the reader not just what you know, but who you are.

In the fullness of time, we expect further details, including subject-based timetables, to be uploaded to the Cambridge University Website , so keep your eyes peeled on our social media accounts and blog as we keep you updated!

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Updates to the UCAS Personal Statement Format: A Guide for Applicants

Learn how to navigate the new UCAS personal statement format in 2026 with three structured prompts. Learn to effectively showcase your strengths and motivations.

Sep 16, 2024

Navigating the New UCAS Personal Statement Format: A Guide for Applicants

The UCAS personal statement has undergone a significant change, introducing a structured format with three specific prompts. While this may seem daunting at first, it actually offers a clearer framework for applicants to showcase their strengths and motivations.

Understanding the New Format

• Focus and Clarity: The new format requires a more focused approach, as you'll need to distribute your 4,000 characters across three questions. This encourages you to organize your thoughts and highlight the most relevant information.
• Key Points: The structure helps you ensure that you address all the essential aspects universities want to know about you.

Starting in September 2025, for students applying for 2026 entry, the personal statement will no longer be a single free-form essay. Instead, you’ll need to answer three structured questions, with a total character count of 4,000. Let’s break down what this means for you.

The new questions are:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

• How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?

What other experiences outside of education have prepared you for this course, and why are they useful?

What Admissions Officers Are Looking For in Your Personal Statement Responses 

Understanding these expectations will help you tailor your answers to showcase your genuine interest, preparedness, and relevant experiences effectively.

This question aims to gauge your genuine interest and motivation for choosing the course. An admissions officer wants to understand why this particular subject excites you and how your passion aligns with the course content.

Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling answer:

1. Motivation Matters

• Be Specific: Avoid generic answers like "I want to make money" or "I want to help people."
• Connect to Your Passions: Explain how the course aligns with your personal interests or career goals.
• Highlight Your Strengths: Discuss how the course will allow you to leverage your existing skills or knowledge.

2. Research is Key

• Understand the Curriculum: Familiarize yourself with the course structure, specific topics, and potential assignments.
• Identify Unique Aspects: Highlight any particular aspects of the course that resonate with you, such as a specific professor, research opportunities, or hands-on projects.

3. Be Authentic

• Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for the subject shine through in your answer.
• Be Honest: Avoid exaggerating or fabricating your reasons for choosing the course.

Example: Instead of saying, "I want to be a doctor," you could say, "I've always been fascinated by the human body and the complexities of disease. The medical field's emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking aligns perfectly with my strengths, and I'm particularly drawn to the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in cancer treatment."

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This question aims to assess how your academic background has equipped you with the necessary skills and knowledge for the program.

Here's how to craft a strong answer:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills

• Identify Key Competencies: Determine the specific skills and knowledge required for the course.
• Connect to Your Background: Explain how your previous studies have developed these competencies.

2. Cite Specific Examples

• Discuss Relevant Courses: Mention specific subjects that have directly prepared you for the course.
• Share Project Experiences: Describe projects or assignments that demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion

• Explain Your Interest: Discuss how your past studies have fueled your passion for the subject.
• Show Your Enthusiasm: Convey your excitement about continuing to explore the field.

Example: Instead of saying, "I'm taking biology, so I'm prepared for a medical degree," you could say, "My IB HL Biology course has deepened my understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The research project I conducted on the effects of climate change on coral reefs demonstrated my ability to analyse complex scientific data and draw informed conclusions. I'm particularly excited to apply these skills to the study of infectious diseases and public health.

By following these tips, you can effectively demonstrate how your past studies have prepared you for the course and showcase your potential for success. Remember to be specific, provide concrete examples, and highlight your passion for the subject.

This question seeks to understand the additional efforts you've made beyond your formal education to prepare for the course.

Here's how to craft a compelling answer:

1. Highlight Relevant Experiences

• Identify Key Skills: Determine the specific skills and qualities valued by the program.
• Connect to Your Experiences: Explain how your extracurricular activities, work experience, or personal projects have developed these skills.

2. Provide Concrete Examples

• Describe Your Involvement: Detail your role and responsibilities in each activity.
• Quantify Your Impact: Explain the outcomes or achievements resulting from your efforts.

3. Explain the Relevance

• Connect to Your Course: Discuss how your experiences have deepened your understanding of the subject.
• Demonstrate Your Passion: Show how these activities have fueled your enthusiasm for the field.

Example: Instead of saying, "I volunteered at the animal shelter," you could say, "As a volunteer at the local animal shelter, I gained valuable experience in animal care and developed strong communication skills while working with a diverse team of volunteers. My involvement in animal rescue projects has reinforced my commitment to environmental conservation and inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine."

By following these tips, you can effectively demonstrate how your extracurricular activities have enriched your application and showcase your well-roundedness. Remember to be specific, provide concrete examples, and explain the relevance of your experiences to your chosen course.

Our Tips for Success

• Start Early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm and outline your answers.
• Be Specific: Use concrete examples to illustrate your passion, skills, and experiences.
• Seek Feedback: Get input from teachers, mentors, or expert advisors to refine your responses.
• Write Clearly: Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• Choose Your Examples Carefully: The specific questions allow for direct comparisons between candidates. Select examples that effectively highlight your strengths and align with the prompts.
• Be Succinct: While the character count remains the same, the new format requires focused and targeted responses to each question. Avoid rambling and ensure your answers are relevant.

Preparing for the New Format

• Academic Enrichment: Delve deeper into your chosen subject to demonstrate your passion and understanding. Consider participating in subject-related activities like reading, research, or projects.
• Subject-Relevant Extracurriculars: Engage in activities that align with your field of interest, such as internships, research projects, or specialized clubs.
• Strategic Reflection: Consider how your academic and extracurricular experiences relate to each prompt. Tailor your responses to effectively address the questions and showcase your strengths.

We can provide valuable support in your preparation. Our coaches can support you as you develop subject expertise, critical thinking, and understanding.

By following these tips and leveraging the resources available, you can effectively navigate the new UCAS personal statement format and create a compelling application that highlights your unique qualities and potential.

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Personal statements for 2026 applicants

If you’re applying to university for 2026 entry, you may be aware that the format of personal statements is changing. We’re here to help you understand how to complete the personal statement and explain what’s expected from your application.

What’s changing?

Previously, a personal statement was one long piece of text. From 2026, personal statements will be split into three different questions. This is to help applicants understand what universities want to know, so you have more direction on what to include in your application.

What are the questions?

The three questions you’ll need to answer in your application are:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?  

Here you can cover what has motivated you to study your chosen subject, including what interests you about the topic and how it will help you achieve your future goals.

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

This is your chance to show how the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from education will help you succeed at university. You can write about the studies you have completed that relate to your chosen course, the skills you have learnt in education and any relevant educational achievements.

Some examples could be a research project you found interesting or an assignment where you went above and beyond.

Top tip: Don’t waste space listing the subjects you’ve studied or your qualifications. These will be shown on your UCAS application, so focus on giving key examples of your work or achievements related to your chosen course.

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Use this section to talk about work experience, volunteering, hobbies or extracurricular activities or any achievements outside of school or college. Think about how these experiences have given you the skills to succeed in your course and at university or support your interest in the subject area.  

How much can I write?

Each section has a minimum character count of 350, including spaces. You have a 4000-character count overall, including spaces. You don't have to use the same number of characters for each question, as long as you write a minimum of 350 characters you can write more for one question than you do for the others. Consider how your skills and experience align with the questions and plan your answers based on this.

Top tip: The universities you apply to will review all three sections at the same time, so you don’t need to repeat any information in different answers.

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How to Write a Resume Branding Statement (Examples Included!)

If someone asked you to sum up your entire resume in a few sentences, could you do it? Crafting a concise resume branding statement can feel like a challenge, but it’s a powerful way to showcase your value.

In this article, we’ll break down how to write a personal brand statement—with actual examples of branding statements for a resume to help you make a memorable impact.

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What is a branding statement on a resume?

“A branding statement is a brief sentence that highlights your most valuable qualities and what sets you apart professionally,” says Rob Stevenson, founder of BackupLABS , who has reviewed thousands of resumes as a hiring manager. “This is what a recruiter reads first, so it has to instantly convey why you’re the right fit for the role.”

This statement should summarize your main skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that sets you apart from other candidates.

Branding statement vs. other resume sections

A resume branding statement might get mixed up with other sections of a resume that also communicate your value to employers in a succinct and impactful way. However, they’re not the same. Here’s how they compare:

• Objective : This section, which some consider dated, focuses on what you want, such as a specific job or industry, while a branding statement emphasizes the unique value that you offer to the company.
• Headline : A headline is a brief, job title-like descriptor, such as Marketing Specialist or Software Developer. A branding statement expands on that, offering a snapshot of your professional value.
• Profile : Typically longer, a profile provides an overview of your career achievements. A branding statement is much shorter, serving as a quick summary of your most marketable qualities.
• Summary : Like a profile, a summary covers broader aspects of your career. In contrast, a branding statement is laser-focused on your key strengths and what makes you stand out.

Branding statement on a resume: Why you should include one

Including a branding statement on your resume gives you the opportunity to make a strong first impression. It immediately positions you as a candidate who knows their strengths and what they bring to the table.

A good branding statement can:

• Grab attention : In a competitive job market, hiring managers often skim resumes. A concise branding statement can make you stand out right away, prompting recruiters to take notice and motivating them to explore your resume further to understand the value you bring.
• Clarify your unique value : It succinctly communicates what sets you apart from other candidates, highlighting why you’re the best fit for the role.
• Set the tone : It frames the rest of your resume, guiding the reader’s understanding of your experience and strengths.
• Showcase your confidence : Including a branding statement demonstrates that you know your worth and have a clear understanding of the value you bring to the table. It presents you as a self-assured candidate, ready to contribute from day one.
• Differentiate you from the crowd : With many resumes looking similar, a branding statement is your opportunity to stand out. It’s a unique snapshot of your professional identity that makes hiring managers remember you, even among a sea of candidates.
• Align with company needs : A tailored branding statement can reflect the specific needs of the role or organization you're applying to. By highlighting relevant strengths, it shows that you've done your research and are a perfect match for the company's goals.

What is a good brand statement for a resume? 7 tips to craft one

Ready to learn exactly how to write a branding statement for a resume? Follow these six expert tips for creating a standout branding statement that showcases your value and sets you apart from the crowd.

1. Place it strategically

Place your branding statement at the very top of your resume, just beneath your contact information. This is prime real estate, as it’s one of the first things a hiring manager will see, increasing the likelihood that they’ll continue reading through the rest of your resume.

2. Be concise

“The length should be about two to three sentences,” says Vit Koval, a talent acquisition specialist and co-founder at Globy . This brevity ensures hiring managers can quickly grasp your professional identity without sifting through unnecessary information.

3. Focus on your value

Stevenson recommends highlighting your strengths and skills with specific, powerful words. “A branding statement should convey your unique qualities and what sets you apart from other candidates,” he says.

For example, you might describe yourself as an innovative thinker with a talent for developing creative solutions. You could also highlight being proficient in data analysis and strategic planning, while emphasizing your collaborative nature as a team member who thrives in diverse environments.

4. Use active language

Words like “achieve,” “drive,” or “innovate” can give your statement more impact, instead of using phrases like “was responsible for” or “was involved in.” Active language emphasizes your contributions and results, making your branding statement more compelling to employers. For example, instead of saying, “Was responsible for project milestones,” you could say, “Achieved project milestones ahead of schedule, improving team efficiency by 25%.”

This might help: 185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

5. Tailor it to the job

To make your branding statement stand out, customize it for each role you're applying to. Use keywords from the job description , which highlights how your skills align with the company’s specific needs.

For example, if you’re applying for a Marketing Manager position and the job description mentions terms like “data-driven strategies,” “campaign management,” and “brand awareness,” you can incorporate these keywords directly into your branding statement.

Also, research the company’s culture and values to understand their priorities. By aligning your branding statement with the company’s mission and the job’s specific requirements, you effectively demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. The goal is to reflect the qualifications and attributes the employer is seeking, Stevenson says.

6. Avoid jargon

Keep it simple and accessible, focusing on clear, powerful language. Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse the reader, since clarity is key to making your statement reach a wider audience.

For example, instead of saying, “Leveraged synergistic paradigms to optimize operational efficiencies,” use clear language like, “Improved team collaboration to enhance productivity.”

What not to do in your resume branding statement

Make sure your resume branding statement is doing you justice by steering clear of common mistakes.

• Being vague : Avoid generic statements like “hardworking professional” or “dedicated worker.” Koval refers to them as “trivial phrases that do not add much weight or help the recruiter understand your value.”
• Focusing only on what you want : A branding statement should emphasize what you offer, not what you're seeking. Focus on how you can bring value to the company, rather than your personal goals.
• Making it too long : This section should be brief—two to three sentences at most. Don’t turn it into a mini- cover letter .
• Ignoring results : Not including measurable achievements or outcomes can weaken your statement. Whenever possible, mention a specific result to show how you’ve added value.

Your resume branding statement is your chance to stand out, so make it concise, results-driven, and tailored to the employer's needs. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll create a compelling statement that clearly showcases your value and strengths.

10 resume branding statement examples

No matter your field—whether it's marketing, IT, or sales—a strong branding statement captures the essence of what you bring to the table. To spark your creativity, here are 10 standout examples from various industries and roles to inspire your own statement:

Example #1: Resume branding statement for a marketing manager

Dynamic marketing professional with a proven track record of increasing brand engagement by 40% through innovative digital campaigns and data-driven strategies.

Example #2: Resume branding statement for a project manager

Results-oriented project manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, driving operational efficiency.

Example #3: Resume branding statement for a software engineer

Passionate software engineer with expertise in developing scalable, user-centric applications that enhance productivity and optimize performance for fast-growing startups.

Example #4: Resume branding statement for a sales executive

Top-performing sales leader with a record of exceeding quarterly sales targets by 20%, leveraging strategic partnerships and relationship-building skills to drive revenue growth.

Example #5: Resume branding statement for a human resources specialist

HR professional with a talent for fostering a positive work environment, streamlining recruitment processes, and reducing employee turnover by 15% through employee engagement programs.

Example #6: Resume branding statement for a graphic designer

Creative graphic designer with a passion for developing visually compelling brand identities, driving a 25% increase in client satisfaction through innovative design solutions.

Example #7: Resume branding statement for a data analyst

Detail-oriented data analyst with expertise in transforming raw data into actionable insights, enabling businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions and achieve a 10% increase in efficiency.

Example #8: Resume branding statement for a customer service manager

Customer-focused leader with 7+ years of experience in building high-performing teams and improving customer satisfaction scores by 30% through process improvements and team development.

Example #9: Resume branding statement for a financial analyst

Results-driven financial analyst with a proven ability to develop strategic financial models that have increased profit margins by 12% through accurate forecasting and risk management.

Example #10: Resume branding statement for an operations manager

Efficient operations manager with a track record of optimizing processes to reduce costs by 15% while increasing productivity, ensuring seamless operations across multiple departments.

Resume branding statement template

Examples are great—but templates can be even better if you're looking for a solid starting point. So, here are two templates to help you craft a compelling resume branding statement that highlights your years of experience, key accomplishments, and unique strengths:

Template #1:

I am a [ profession or role ] with [ number ] years of experience in [ industry or area of expertise ]. I specialize in [ specific skill or strength ] and have successfully [ mention key accomplishment, e.g., increased revenue, led teams, improved processes ] by [ specific result, e.g., 20% over 6 months ].

Template #2:

As a [ profession or role ] with [ number ] years of experience, I have a proven track record of [ specific achievement or skill ]. My expertise in [ relevant area ] has helped [ company or team ] achieve [ specific result or outcome ], positioning me as a valuable asset in [ industry or field ].

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A successful biology personal statement

University of Southampton admissions tutor, Dr Malcom East, outlines two key ingredients he would like to see evidenced in your biological sciences statement:

You understand something about the course you’re applying for, with a realistic perception of what it involves.

You’re enthusiastic about the subject and can show some commitment to it. You can demonstrate this by writing about your wider reading, Extended Project, work experience or any other way you have engaged with biological science beyond the syllabus.

Your commitment and appetite for the subject

Admissions tutors at the University of Birmingham are looking out for something you’ve done, or something you think, that conveys your commitment to the subject:

• What topics do you find particularly intriguing?
• Have you done anything interesting or unusual that has involved engaging with the subject beyond the syllabus, or through your extracurricular interests or voluntary work?
• Have you been on an interesting field course or visited a university laboratory and learned something from it?

A paragraph where you explain what you gained from one or two interests or activities like these would be very effective. Remember to explain things in your own words, ensure it has a good structure, and steer clear of poor grammar and spelling.

Cardiff University’s selectors are no different. They want you to demonstrate a commitment, motivation, and determination to further your knowledge in biosciences, along with any experience or other non-academic interests that highlight your personal qualities in general. They also want to see from your statement that you can communicate this in a way that’s concise and coherent.

See our in-depth guide to studying biological sciences for some inspiration.

Conveying your enthusiasm

Dr Devlin also told us all their applicants are invited for interview and 'the personal statement is the basis of that interview'. So he recommends that you write about things you would like them to ask you about.

So if you're fascinated by the machinery of the cell, human health or disease, the natural environment, any other specific aspects of biology, or just the science of living organisms in general, then make sure you include it. By reflecting on one or two of these interests in your statement, you’re likely to make a strong impression.

It’s good to include some non-academic content

Admissions tutors at King’s College London like to see an element in your statement that reflects on your general reading, debating, contributing to school, college or community life, or any cultural or sporting interests, as they are keen for you to continue this at uni and to contribute to the 'vitality of the College community'.

However, if your home or personal circumstances mean it has been difficult to extend your knowledge or experiences outside of school or college, don’t worry. As Cardiff points out, universities will usually be sympathetic to this.

How critical is the personal statement?

If you achieve the required grades and can genuinely demonstrate that you’ve got the necessary enthusiasm and commitment, then you should be in a strong position. Your personal statement, in combination with your academic reference, will be very important for demonstrating those qualities.

If your statement clearly shows you have also applied for a clinical programme like medicine, veterinary science or dentistry, that lack of commitment to biology is likely to be a turn-off to some universities, including University of Bristol. However, others take a different view on that, or may consider a separate statement sent directly to them. Do research this in advance!

According to University of Southampton, it’s if you don’t quite get the grades you need that the personal statement becomes especially critical. If you find yourself in this position, then your statement could turn out to be your lifeline on results day. As Dr East put it: 'If we have a few places left, then the statement will probably determine whether you’re in or out'.

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