How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement
Your UCAS application to study for an undergraduate degree in the UK would not be complete without learning how to write a UCAS personal statement. The personal statement allows you to highlight your goals, abilities, and experience to the university admissions staff. It is imperative that your UCAS personal statement is strong if you plan to study in the UK.
You must follow these guidelines if you want your application to be accepted by any British university. Creating a personal statement for university admissions can be challenging. But don’t give up! When you start early, you’ll have a draft to work with sooner rather than later. We will show you how to write a UCAS personal statement – complete the form below to access the free samples.
How to write a UCAS personal statement
Get straight to the point quickly in your personal statement to grab the reader’s attention. Your opening statement should capture who you are and your motivation for applying to the course as an international student. There is no point in trying to impress the admissions tutor with irrelevant narratives; they have heard it all before. If you convey your excitement and enthusiasm from the start, you are more likely to make a memorable first impression.
A quote from someone else is a risky way to start your statement. The panel care more about what you believe than what someone else believes. By relying heavily on the words of others, you may lose the authenticity of your statement.
The writing process does not have to begin at the very beginning. You don’t have to start with the first sentence. Finding a place to begin in the middle might help you think of different ideas. You might find it easier to write the introduction once you’ve jotted down some ideas.
What should I include in my UCAS personal statement?
Describe your interest in studying in the UK. Explain to the admissions tutor why you want to pursue your study dreams in the UK as an international student.
Why you want to study in the UK: Studying abroad is a big step, so you’ll need to demonstrate your readiness.
Why you would like to study this course: Passion is the key ingredient for success when writing your personal statement. Your chances of being offered a place will increase if you can show genuine interest and passion for your chosen subject.
Your medium to long-term career ambitions: A conversation about what you hope to accomplish after graduation shows your commitment to your field and your ambition.
Language skills: Discuss the languages you know (especially English) and any language exams you have taken, e.g. if you have attained a credit in the English language exam during WAEC or NECO exam.
Relevant work experience: Highlight any placements or internships you have completed in the same field as your studies to make yourself stand out from the rest of the applicants.
Hobbies and interests: Whatever your hobbies or interests, you’ll have developed some transferable skills worth mentioning. Your personal statement will be stronger if you link your extracurricular interests to the course you are applying for.
Voluntary work: Include any volunteer work you have done in your home country or abroad, as well as any life lessons or skills you have developed during these projects.
References will be requested as part of your UCAS application by the university. If you fail to submit them as a condition of your offer, your application may be rejected.
How do I structure my personal statement, and how to write a UCAS personal statement?
The undergraduate UCAS personal statement is written differently from a masters degree personal statement. To learn how to write a UCAS personal statement, you should first know how to structure your UCAS personal statement, which can be done any way you want, but you need to create a coherent argument that covers all the information the admissions tutor is looking for. Below are some helpful guidelines on how to write a UCAS personal statement:
Introduction: Here you should explain why you want to study the course and how it aligns with your career goals. Highlight your favourite aspects of your subject and the topics you are eager to learn more about.
Your academic record: Describe your academic achievements in related fields and how they have prepared you for the course you are applying for.
Your commitment to the subject outside the classroom: You need to demonstrate in your UCAS personal statement that you have a genuine interest in the field beyond your studies. You can share your favourite books, competitions you’ve entered, events you’ve attended, or online courses you’ve taken.
Professional attributes: The admissions tutor will want to know if you have relevant work experience and volunteering opportunities. Discuss how the skills you’ve picked up have equipped you for higher education.
Extracurricular interests: Show you’re a well-rounded individual capable of balancing your studies and social activities. You might also mention any hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time and any skills you will need for your course. These extracurricular interests could be drawn from your experience in your home country or elsewhere.
Conclusion: Your UCAS personal statement should conclude by reinforcing why the admission committee should offer you a position. You should summarise the reasons you’re an ideal candidate and what you expect from your university experience.
Where can I find examples of personal statements?
You can access free personal statements here on studyoverseas.net
