There are a couple of different ways to apply to universities, either via UCAS application or clearing. If you haven’t yet written a personal statement, carry on reading for a few tips to get you started.

Start as early as you can!
Don’t make the classic mistake of thinking that writing a personal statement will be a breeze and will only take you half an hour. Remember that you are competing for a space on a course with thousands of other students. You must make yourself stand out from the crowd. Once you have written your draft copy, ask your tutors to review them and help you to make the necessary amendments. To start, we advise that you write down the bare bones of the structure and then expand on each point.

Make yourself clear
As you may be aware, there is a character limit, and for good reason. Even though you can probably talk about yourself for page after page, at some point you will have to draw it to a close. University staff must read thousands of these each year so try not to waffle on. Even though it might seem like you haven’t said everything you wanted, stick to the main points.

Don’t rush
Rushing never leads to the perfect outcome. After all, don’t they say that the best things in life are worth waiting for? By allowing yourself plenty of time to write your personal statement, you’re also giving yourself all the time you need to reflect on it. The last thing you want to do is end up stressing because you have left it until the last minute.

Structure
Think back to Year 11 English. When they taught you that you must make a point, get evidence and explain. A similar rule applies here too, think about each paragraph carefully.

Do some research on your course and make sure you link everything back to how it will help you progress on your chosen course.

  • Introduction – What is it that makes you want to study this course?
  • Paragraph 1 – Why are you interested in this course?
  • Paragraph 2 – Do you have any relevant work experience?
  • Paragraph 3 – What extracurricular activities have you done that are relevant to this course?
  • Paragraph 4 – Summarise everything you have spoken about. Make the last paragraph the best and really knock the administrators socks off

Reflect and get feedback
You know when you have concentrated on something for so long and then can’t find any fault with it even though you know it isn’t perfect? Well, the best thing to do in this case is to get someone else to read it. Usually, tutors are the best people to ask as they will have had experience in this department before. Also, ask your friends to check over. But, make sure you aren’t coping parts of each other’s or it won’t be unique to you.

Remember to tell them about you
As much as people tell you that ‘no-one likes a show off’… in this case you’re going to have to. It’s easily done, turning your personal statement in to a mini essay and all, but don’t lose focus, keep on track, they want to hear about YOU.

If you need help with any interview prep, then please check out our other blogs:
Preparing for a job interview
Tips for building your CV

We hope that you have found this blog useful. If you have any questions about finding student accommodation in Sheffield, please contact us today.