Tips for making your personal statement stand out
Writing your personal statement can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re still unsure about your next steps after school.
Whether you're undecided about university or already have a dream course in mind, the summer is the perfect time to prepare and give yourself a head start. Think of your statement as your opportunity to show universities who you are beyond your grades.
So, how do you start? What should you include? How do you show off your experiences in a way that makes an impact?
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer and create a personal statement that truly reflects you.
1. Start with a plan
The best way to start is by writing down what you already have to offer. Have you done any volunteering? Gained extra qualifications? Or maybe you’ve picked up skills through hobbies or part-time work?
From here, you can begin to see what might be useful to include and spot any gaps you want to work on over the summer.
Tip: Use a programme like Word or Google Docs to draft your statement so you can easily edit and use spell check. Only copy and paste it into your application once it's final and ready to go.
2. Do your research
Getting clued up on your chosen career path will not only help you write a more convincing statement but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the subject. Look into current news stories, trends, or challenges within the field. This shows admissions teams that you’re already thinking like a future professional.
If the news isn’t your thing, try reading blogs, listening to podcasts, or watching YouTube videos related to the subject. Find a method that works for you and stick with it. This could come in handy during interviews too!
3. Tell them why
Why this subject? Why now? And why you?
The key thing universities look for in a personal statement is your passion for the subject, so take this chance to express that and explain what’s drawn you to it. Talk about what’s inspired your choice, perhaps a book, a documentary, a real-life experience, or a particular moment that sparked your interest.
4. Talk about how great you are
This is your moment to talk about you. What makes you stand out? What achievements are you proud of? What experiences have helped shape who you are?
Admissions teams read thousands of statements, so they’re looking for what makes each applicant unique.
Have you done something related to your chosen course, like blog writing, mentoring, volunteering, or relevant work experience? Have you been part of clubs, societies, or completed awards like the Duke of Edinburgh?
Highlight how these experiences have helped you build the transferable skills you’ll need in your future studies and career. And if you feel you’re missing something, summer is the ideal time to gain those experiences.
5. What to Avoid
There are a few key things to steer clear of when writing your statement:
- Don’t mention specific university or course names. You’ll only write one statement for all your choices, so keep it general but relevant.
- Don’t lie. It’s tempting to make things up, especially if you feel underqualified, but this could seriously backfire in an interview.
- Don’t waste space. Your grades are already listed in your application. Focus on the why and how, not repeating what’s already there.
- Don’t rely on AI to write it for you. AI tools can help spark ideas or structure your plan, but your final statement should be entirely your own. Universities can detect AI-generated content, and it could harm your application.
6. Make the Most of Summer
Here are a few productive ways to use your summer and strengthen your statement:
- Volunteer or gain work experience. Even a few days can help you speak confidently about your interest in the subject.
- Visit open days or taster events. These are great for getting a feel for courses, asking questions, and gathering insights to include in your statement.
- Read, listen, watch. Stay informed about your chosen subject and the world around it. This helps show your commitment to learning.
- Keep a journal. Writing down your experiences, thoughts, and reflections over the summer can help spark ideas when it’s time to write.
- Fill in the gaps. If you’re lacking examples for a key skill, now is the time to build them, whether through volunteering, joining a club, or starting a project.
- Set a schedule. Yes, it’s summer, but treating it like a “working summer” can help you balance rest with productivity.
Final Thoughts
Writing your personal statement isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. Show the admissions team that you’re curious, motivated, and ready for the challenge of higher education. Use this summer to explore, build on your experiences, and start shaping your future.
You’ve got this! With a bit of planning, effort, and self-reflection, your personal statement can truly reflect the best version of you.