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Applying to university

How to make your personal statement stand out

How do you make your personal statement stand out? It’s important to ask yourself this when applying to university. This is our advice on what to do.

Student on laptop writing their personal statement

Describe your passion

Admissions tutors want to understand why you’re choosing the subject. So, tell them why you find it so fascinating. Talk about your motivation for and commitment to the subject by using evidence from your past experiences – work, academic or volunteering. Discuss any research or reading you’ve done into the subject, too, and why you’ve found it interesting.

As Dr Ceri Davies notes, when reading personal statements from Economics applicants of the University of Birmingham, portraying passion is fundamental:

Let your passion for the subject and your natural curiosity shine through in your personal statement. We can teach you technical skills and concepts but these essential qualities come from within.

Dr Ceri Davies, Economics Director of Admissions and Recruitment at University of Birmingham

Be specific

If you’re applying for a Psychology degree and enjoy reading the latest psychological research, for example, describe which topics you’ve found most intriguing and why. Your personal statement should give admissions tutors an insight into how you think, beyond just mentioning your experience and skills. The more specific you are, the more insight you’ll give them.

Amy Pearson, a Psychology Admissions Tutor from the University of Sunderland, highlights the importance of you giving specific examples of how you've pursued your interest in the subject:

When I read a personal statement, I’m interested in learning why that person wants to study Psychology. If you want to make your personal statement stand out, demonstrate your engagement with the subject - this could be writing about a topic you’ve studied that you really enjoy, or a book or blog post you read that made you want to learn more.

Amy Pearson, a Psychology Admissions Tutor at University of Sunderland

Tell a compelling story

Hundreds or thousands of other students will be applying for the same courses as you. Admissions tutors will be reading many personal statements, so tell a compelling story. This will help you stand out from the crowd and engage whoever’s reading your submission. It’s your chance to ensure your personality comes through in your writing and you properly convey your interest in the subject.

Dr Fütterer reads personal statements from those applying to study Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. For him, you and your story are what's key:

Conventional wisdom leads to conventional personal statements. To stand out, an admissions tutor needs to be able to see you, your interests and experiences, your thoughts expressed in your own words. Keep it simple. Explain what attracts you to your chosen course and how the course may help shape your future. Ditch the templates. An effective personal statement should be first and foremost  personal to you.

Dr Klaus Fütterer, a Biosciences Admissions Tutor at University of Birmingham

  1. READ MORE
  2. Tips for writing your personal statement
  3. What to include in your personal statement

Attend open days or virtual events

Open days are your chance to chat with lecturers, tutors, and current students. Ask them for advice on writing a personal statement for your chosen subject and what you should mention. You might also be able to talk to admissions staff, so use this opportunity to find out what they look for in a personal statement.

  1. GO TO
  2. Book a university open day or virtual event
  3. What to ask at a university open day

Read it aloud

Hearing your personal statement read out loud will help you better understand whether it flows and is coherent. Start by reading it to yourself, and then if you’re comfortable doing so, find someone who’ll listen. Sharing with someone else will help you identify what you’ve missed or what needs to be rewritten.

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