The document provides guidance on writing a personal statement for entry into higher education. It advises demonstrating that you have the necessary qualities and motivation for the program through discussing your choice of course, relevant experiences, strengths, and interests. The personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself to admissions tutors and should be structured as a positive, logically organized mini-essay rather than a list. Mature students can discuss reasons for returning to education and deferred entry applicants explain their year off plans.

1. Your Personal Statement
Entering Higher Education is very competitive. You have to demonstrate to the HE institution that:
 you have the qualities, qualifications, motivation and personal attributes they require;
 you should be offered a place in preference to someone else;
 you will contribute to the course and institution, both academically and socially;
 you are able to work with fellow students and staff;
 you will successfully complete the course.
The Personal Statement is your opportunity to sell yourself to Admissions Tutors. There is no single
'correct' way of filling in this section. Some of the points given below will be more relevant or more
important for some applicants than for others. You don't have to include all the points given. You might
want to include something that is not listed.
Why have you chosen the Higher Education course? Show enthusiasm for the subject and any
relevant career aspirations. Has any work, educational or life experiences informed your choice? If you
don't know which career you want, then consider writing something along the lines of "the course will
allow a range of career opportunities." Show an understanding of what the degree course involves.
How are your current studies preparing you for your chosen degree? What are your strengths and
most enjoyable topics – why are they interesting/motivating/thought-provoking, etc. What knowledge and
skills have you gained eg research, problem-solving, analytical, time management.
What relevant experience have you had? Field-trips, work experience, residentials, work placements,
part-time work, holiday jobs, voluntary work. For vocational subjects, check the requirements for relevant
experience e.g. teaching, social work, health care professions. Your statement should be reflective
throughout and this section should describe what you learned from your experiences highlighting skills
and qualities developed.
What personal qualities and skills do you have which are relevant to higher education study, or to the
course, or to your future career? Where is the evidence for these qualities from your work, college or
social life eg. working with others, communicating with others, team-working displaying initiative,
organisational abilities, information technology skills.
The above should constitute 75% of your statement leaving sufficient space for you to comment on your
intellectual, social, sporting or other interests e.g. positions of responsibility, voluntary work,
enrichment activities, participation in sports, hobbies, music, dance etc.
Mature students or students who have been out of education for one or more years can explain why
they have returned to education and give details of recent employment and relevant experiences.
Deferred entry: explain what you intend to do during your year out.
Sponsorship: details of any industrial or professional sponsorship or placements that you have applied
for or already arranged.
Now that you have your own personal list of points to include, you must think about style. How are you
going to structure your list?
 You must turn your personal statement list into a positive, clear mini-essay about yourself
 This mini-essay must be logically structured. Your final version must not be a list of points. Arrange
the information into paragraphs
 Will it fit in the space? You have 4000 characters (approximately one side of A4)
 Do not waffle, proof read and spell-check
 Be honest – remember you may be asked questions at an interview about what you have written
 Be reflective and positive
Seek advice on your personal statement from your Personal Tutor and the College Careers Advisers.
PLEASE NOTE: COPYING AND PLAGIARISM OF PERSONAL STATEMENTS:
UCAS now scans all statements with similarity detection software. If a statement was
significantly similar to any other recent example, you and your chosen universities are informed.
To avoid this, the principles of a personal statement have not changed and should be followed –
it should be personal, original and written in a style which reflects you.

2. PLANNING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT
Chosen Course:
 Where does your
interest come
from?
 Relevant interests/
experience
(How they have
influenced your
choice)
 Career goal
Current studies/previous study
List subjects/modules How do they relate to you chosen course
Relevant work
experience
How does this relate to your chosen course?
 Volunteer work
 Employment
 Reading
Hobbies and interests What skills and qualities have you gained