Advice
It's not always easy talking about yourself and all the things you've achieved. Our step-by-step guide to starting your personal statement will have you putting pen to paper in no time.
This advice is for applicants applying for 2025 entry. Read guidance for applicants applying for 2026 entry and beyond.
1. Do your research
Take a look at as many examples as you can of personal statements to get an idea of how it should be structured and to get the right tone of voice. We have some handy examples in our personal statement guide.
Remember that these examples are there for inspiration, not to be copied!
2. Get it all down
Mind-map all of your experiences in school or college, work, volunteering and extra-curricular activities and the key skills those experiences have taught you.
For example, did working on a presentation teach you to work independently? Or, maybe being a part of your hockey team has taught you to work with others. Whatever it is, write it down and once you've got all your ideas on paper you can pick your favourites that really demonstrate why you're the perfect candidate for your course.
3. Break it down
Turning your notes into paragraphs might still seem like a huge task. Break your personal statement down into manageable chunks.
Think of what you would like each paragraph to be about and put your ideas from your mind map into these sections to start getting an idea of how your personal statement might be structured.
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4. Start writing!
Don’t be scared to start writing, your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, you can go back and make changes.
If you’re struggling with your introduction, here’s a great example from a student to inspire you:
What makes this a good introduction?
1. It mentions future goals and career aspirations. You don't have to go into great detail, just show that you have goals and that your course can help you achieve them.
2. It explains what ignited their passion for the course. Admissions tutors want to see your interests and connection to the course you're applying for.
3. It’s short and to the point. Introductions should grab the reader's attention straight away and explain to them in simple terms why you're a good candidate for the course.
4. It's original and doesn’t start with a cliché or gimmicky sentence, such as:
- ‘From a young age…’
- ‘I have always been interested in…’
- ‘I am applying for this course because…’
- A famous quote
Still struggling to get started? The introduction is often the hardest part, so focus on the main body of your personal statement and come back to your introduction at the end.
5. Draft, draft, draft
Write several drafts and get feedback from others. It can be hard to spot your own mistakes or make improvements to your own writing, but others will be able to spot where changes can be made.
Once you’ve redrafted, show someone else – your teacher, your parents, your neighbour – whoever will look at it!