What should I write about in my personal statement?

There is no one correct way to write a personal statement; each one should be exactly that - personal. Think about why it is you want to study your subject, and why you love it. Avoid sweeping statements and sentences that you think are impressive - instead, choose your favourite two or three aspects of your subject and write about why these aspects excite you to study it at university. Think also about any evidence you might have of this enthusiasm - any work experience, essays you might have written, or reading done outside of your class work.

Whilst expressing your love of your subject, you are also trying to demonstrate your aptitude of it at university level. Comparisons and connections are often signs of an intelligent mind, and if you can compare a few aspects of your subjects, this demonstrates that you have a wide understanding of it, and a brain which makes interesting connections - a critical skill at university.

Finally, you should dedicate a small portion of your personal statement to extra curricular activities - sport, art, drama and charity work amongst other hobbies are all valuable to universities, and help to illustrate you as a person. Universities are proud of their teams and societies, and if you can contribute to these, they will certainly want to read about it on your personal statement.

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Answered by Holly K. Personal Statements tutor

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