PERSONAL
WORKSH
STATEMENT
EET
This worksheet is designed to help you think about information you could include in your personal statement. We’ve
included space for you to write down any thoughts you have as you go along. More detailed advice and guidance
about writing your personal statement, including our UCAStv video guide, is available at
www.ucas.com/personalstatement.
Writing about the course
Why are you applying for your chosen course(s)?
Why does this subject interest you? Include evidence that you understand what’s required to study the
course, e.g. if applying for psychology courses, show that you know how scientific the subject is.
Why do you think you’re suitable for the course(s)? Do you have any particular skills and experience that
will help you to succeed on the course(s)?
Do your current or previous studies relate to the course(s) that you have chosen? If so, how?
Have you taken part in any other activities that demonstrate your interest in the course(s)?
Skills and achievements
Universities like to know the skills you have that will help you on the course, or generally with
life at university, such as any accredited or non-accredited achievements. Write these down
Also think about any other achievements you’re proud of, positions of responsibility that you hold or
here. Examples can be found at www.ucas.com/personalstatementskills.
have held both in and out of school, and attributes that make you interesting, special or unique.
Hobbies and interests
Make a list of your hobbies, interests and social activities. Then think about how they
demonstrate your personality, skills and abilities. Try to link them to the skills and experience
Work experience
required for your course(s).
Include details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it’s relevant to
your chosen course(s). Try to link any experience to skills or qualities related to the course.
Mature students
Explain what you’ve been doing since leaving education, and provide additional evidence to support
your application. If you’re not in full-time education, you should give details of any relevant work
experience, paid or unpaid, and information about your current or previous employment.
International students
Tell universities why you want to study in the UK and why you think you can successfully complete a
course that is taught in English. Say if some of your studies have been taught or examined in English
Future plans
and if you have taken part in any activities where you have used English outside of your studies.
If you know what you’d like to achieve after completing the course, explain how you want to use the
knowledge and experience that you gain. How does the course relate to what you want to do in the
Dos when writing your personal statement
future? Don’ts when writing your personal statement
> Do use your best English and don’t let
> Don’t exaggerate – if you do you may get
spelling and grammatical errors spoil your
caught out at interview when asked to
statement.
elaborate on an interesting achievement.
> Do show that you know your strengths and can
> Don’t rely on a spellchecker as it will not pick up everything
outline your ideas clearly. Use words you know will
– proofread as many times as possible.
be understood by the person reading your
statement. > Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement
will seem rushed and important information could
> Do be enthusiastic – if you show your interest in
be left out.
the course, it may help you get a place.
> Do expect to produce several drafts of your
personal statement before being totally
happy with it.
> Do ask people you trust for their feedback.
