A personal statement is your chance to highlight the experiences and talents that make you, YOU! Whether it’s a school project, work experience, volunteering, or even a book that's inspired you, this is your chance to explain what drives your passion for your chosen course. It’s not just about academics – it’s about showcasing what truly motivates you.
Ultimately, your personal statement should tell the universities you’re applying to who you are and WHY you deserve a place to study your desired course. In this blog, we share tips and strategies to help you craft a standout statement with ease.
Why do you want to study at university?
You’ll want to clearly explain why you want a place on the course you’re applying for. This doesn’t have to be rigid or follow any strict guidelines – being honest and natural will bring out the best answers!
- Explain how the course will help your development in the future: For example, perhaps the constant battle to uphold order in a rapidly-evolving society has attracted you to a career in criminal justice, and a Law degree will move you closer to this goal.
- Show you already have some of the skills needed for your course: This could include time management skills you have achieved by having a part-time job whilst studying for your A-Levels.
- Show your passion: Are you a part of the local swimming club, do you coach young people, do you enjoy reading, or do you enjoy playing video games? All these examples show your dedication to something you love, and universities want to hear about it!
Let's take a look at some examples
Hobbies and passions:
Student A: ‘I am a member of my local swimming club. I enjoy how it gives me structure.’
While this is a good starting point, it lacks depth and doesn’t add anything to the WHY. By adding more detail, you can demonstrate why your passion and the skills it has helped you develop make you the perfect fit for your course.
Student B: ‘I am a member of my local swimming club, where I train and compete regularly. I also volunteer two evenings a week teaching younger swimmers - seeing them develop has been really rewarding. Volunteering has improved my communication and time management skills, and I enjoy the structure it provides to my life. It has taught me how to balance my schoolwork with extra-curricular activities.’
This level of detail demonstrates how your passion is positively impacting your life. By showcasing skills like teamwork and leadership, you’re highlighting qualities that Admissions teams are looking for.
Academic goals:
Student A: ‘Ever since I was young, I have always enjoyed Law. Therefore, my passion to become a lawyer has spurred me along to pursue the subject at A-Level and now at university.’
While this is a great way of justifying why you want to study Law, avoid using generalist statements such as ‘Ever since I was young’. They are used a lot in personal statements, and you want yours to stand out from the crowd.
Student B: ‘My attraction to studying Law developed after I took part in a junior mock trial when I was 14. A solicitor I met during the trial suggested several texts for me to read, including ‘The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken’. Since reading this honest account about the failures of the UK’s criminal justice system, I have spent a lot of time researching the country’s policies and procedures. I would like to explore a career in legal reform, and I know a Law degree will allow me to do this. During my time at university, I hope to examine the intricacies of the English legal system and develop my critical and analytical understanding.’
This contains no generalist statements, is straight to the point and clearly defines why you want to study the subject.
What are universities looking for?
Universities want to understand your interests, achievements, and motivations. With a 4,000-character limit, every word counts, so focus on what adds value to your story. Here's what they’re looking for:
Subject Knowledge: Demonstrate your interest with examples like research, books, or documentaries that have deepened your understanding.
Communication Skills: Highlight written and verbal skills developed through projects, work, volunteering, or personal experiences.
Leadership and Teamwork: Share examples from part-time jobs, volunteering, sports, clubs, or group activities.
Motivation: Explain what inspires you to pursue your course—whether it’s a personal experience or a passion you’ve developed.
Future Goals: Show how the degree aligns with your aspirations and long-term plans.
Awards and/or certifications: These can be personal or academic achievements, and if they relate to your subject, even better!
Ask yourself some key questions
Hopefully now you feel ready to begin crafting your personal statement! To give you a bit of further support, take a look at these questions - these will help you get started.
- Why do you want to study this course?
- What excites you about the subject?
- What skills do you have that you'll be able to use on your course?
- Is your previous or current study relevant to the course?
- Have you got any work experience that might help you?
- What hobbies and life experiences could you talk about?
- What achievements are you most proud of?
- What are your ambitions for the future?
Don't forget...
The UCAS Equal Consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses is Wednesday 29 January 2025!
Good luck with writing your personal statement. Everyone at the University of Cumbria wishes you a successful application to university, and hopefully we will see you on-campus soon.
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