How can I make my personal statement stand out from the crowd?

A personal statement is an opportunity to tell a university exactly why you derserve a place on their course- as easy as this may sound, there will be thousands of other students attempting to do the exact same thing. This is why your personal statement needs to be compelling and confident to wow an admissions officer. Firstly avoid clichés like 'From a young age, I have had a passion for' and try to focus on being clear, concise and genuine. Think about the reasons you want to do the course you are applying for, and be confident in these reasons when you are writing your personal statement. Simply knowing what field you would like this degree to take you to, or demontrating a prior interest in modules studied on the course (through work experince or wider reading) can show the university that you have not just chosen the degree on a whim. Show the university exactly how you have prepared for the leap to higher education. Has being in a sports team improved your dedication and dicipline, which you then translated into a hardworking and relentless attitude during your GCSEs? Did you push through your GCSEs and secured an Alevel place against the odds. Understanding limitations you had and showing how you overcame them can be helpful; for example I included the fact that there is typically a low progression to higher education in my area, as well as the fact that I grew up around some of the UKs poorest cities. But rather than making it a pity party, I emphasised the fact that I chose to go to a better sixth form, 40 minutes away in order to put myself in the best position to achieve great A level results. You can use everyday examples of your hobbies, work experience and any volunteering and reading to show that you are dedicated to your studies, and the subject and field you are pursuing.