Each year thousands of students apply for university through UCAS. A key part of this is writing your Personal Statement and trying to make it stand out from the rest.

Remember, this is the first thing a university will read about you so you need to make it count.

Writing your first Personal Statement can be a difficult task. Even just trying to begin can be a challenge which is why it’s important to plan what you want to say.

Taking time to really plan your statement by using lists or mind maps can really pay off when you finally sit down to write it.

Your Personal Statement is a chance to really sell yourself so here are a few hints and tips to help you tackle that blank page.

DOS

1.Before starting think about what you want to study and why, what personal skills and traits you have that make you ideal for the course and any other interests and skills you have.

2. Include relevant work experience or volunteering you have done. Talk about what you do outside of school and why.

3. Talk about your current studies and why it interests you and how you hope to expand on this in your next course of study.

4. Mention any career aspirations you have. What do you hope to achieve by going into higher education?

5.  Discuss your Personal Statement with your teachers for feedback and check your spelling!

DONTS

1. You have between 3500 and 4000 words to play with so use them wisely. Ensure points you make are concise and to the point, don’t waffle.

2. Don’t just write “I want to study on this course because I enjoy the subject.” Expand on this point: why do you enjoy it? What do you like about the course? Give convincing reasons for wanting to study on the course.

3. Don’t mention skills without giving an example of how you’ve used it. If you mention you have good leadership skills show how you do and give an example.

4. Don’t just mention vague hobbies. Be more specific. For example if you enjoy reading list your favourite authors, preferred books or genres.

5. Don’t lie. If you are invited for an interview you’ll be caught out straight away. Only mention things you’re prepared to write talk about in an interview. This is where it’s also important to be honest: sell yourself but don’t over exaggerate.

Extra Tips:

1. Introductions are best kept short.

2. Say exactly what you mean, don’t waste your words.

3. After you’ve written it – check it! Then ask other people to read it for you for extra help to improve it.

4. Have a good balance between writing about your academic as well as extra curricular activities.

Visit UCAS for further information on applying to University:

http://www.ucas.com/students/applying/howtoapply/personalstatement/dos

This website provides further information on writing your personal statement:

http://www.studential.com/guide/write_personal_statement.htm