Personal statement advice from our students

With teachers, parents and friends all giving you different opinions it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what advice is best when it comes to writing your personal statement.

Claire, one of our vloggers and a student from our City South Campus, has put together a video guide to writing your personal statement - from knowing how to start it, and what to what to include. Take a look at her advice and top ten tips which are: 

1. Start your statement as a Word document.
2. Proofread!
3. Be sure to stand out from the crowd.
4. Include both life and work experiences.
5. Don't mention where you are applying.
6. Mention goals and ambitions.
7. Make sure that your writing flows and be yourself!
8. Be passionate and sell yourself.
9. Talk about what you have done recently.
10. International students- explain why it is that you want to study in the UK. 

We've also hunted down some of our first year students for some top tips and advice, who have all had first-hand experience of writing successful applications to Birmingham City University.

Ella Squires – my tips for a winning personal statement

1. Write a plan

In order to avoid rambling, planning is a great way to get your thoughts and ideas in order and make sure you don’t miss any crucial information!

2. Show off

Write a list of your achievements and pick your strengths, it’s a great way to show the university your accomplishments.

3. Interests

Make sure you include interests you have at school like extra-curricular activities, hobbies and passions. You would be surprised how relevant it all is!

4. Start early

I had exams in January so it was important for me to complete my statement and send it off as early as possible!

5. Don't panic!

Although this can be a stressful time, try not to panic and stay organised. Make sure you take advantage of any extra support and help from your teachers, friends or family.

Fitima Hafeez and Zainab Hafeez's top tips

First year students Fitima Hafeez and Zainab Hafeez also have some great advice for writing your personal statement.

1. Experience

Get some experience in the field you want to go into, if you haven’t got direct experience than relate how your studies have increased your passion for the course, make sure everything you write about is relevant to the course.

2. If in doubt Google!

The internet is a great source of information and inspiration, just make sure you do not copy anything from the internet, as UCAS has a system that identities any plagiarism.

3. Strengths

Concentrate on strengths/what you’re good at. Just make sure that it is relevant to your course. Do you run a successful blog and want to show off your skills for a marketing degree? Whatever it is, make sure you show off your achievements.

4. Check please!

Get someone to proof read your statement whether it’s family, friends or a teacher. A second, third or even fourth check is crucial to check for any small errors.

5. Research

Do your research about the university and course you are applying for, it will definitely show in your statement if you have.

Download for free: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Statements

Not sure how to write your personal statement? Download your free guide which includes real examples from our students.

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