• Explain your reasons for wanting to study the course

What motivates you to take this course at the university level? Mention how your interest developed, what you have done to pursue it or how you have drawn inspiration from your current studies. In a nutshell, demonstrate your enthusiasm for it.

‘Be specific from line one.’

• Explain why you are the right candidate for the course

Provide evidence that you fit the bill – not only that you meet the selection criteria, but also that you have researched the course or profession and understand what studying the subject at the university level will involve, and that you are prepared for this.

‘Keep on topic and show that you have done your research and know why you want to do the course.’

• Say what you have done outside the classroom

If possible, outline how you have pursued your interest in your chosen subject beyond your academic knowledge.

For example, talk about any further reading you have done around the subject and give your critical views or reflective opinions about it. This could be from books, quality newspapers, websites, periodicals or scientific journals or films, documentaries, blogs, radio programmes, podcasts, attending public lectures and so on.

But try to avoid mentioning the broader reading that everyone else is doing.

‘If I have to read about Freakonomics once more, I’ll scream!’

• Why it is relevant to your course…

Reflect on your experiences, explaining what you have learned from them or how they have helped develop your interest in the subject – it could be work experience, volunteering, a university taster session or outreach programme, summer schools, museum, gallery or theatre visits, archaeological digs, visits to the local courts, travel, competitions or a maths challenge.

‘It doesn’t have to be anything fancy!

• Relevant to your chosen career

Reflecting on relevant experience or observation will be essential for some professional courses that will bring you on the right path to your future career.

Whatever environment you have been in, what did you spot or learn from what happens there, or what have you observed about how the qualities exhibited by the professional staff helped them engage effectively with patients or service users?

‘Reflect on your experience, don’t just describe it. Talk about the skills the profession needs, how you’ve noticed this and how you’ve developed those skills yourself.’ (Occupational Therapy admissions tutor)

• Can you demonstrate transferable skills?

Yes, you can – and admissions tutors will want to hear about them. It could be your ability for working independently or within a team, in managing time to meet deadlines, problem-solving, leadership, listening or organisational skills.

• Expand on the most relevant ones

But don’t the only list of the skills you think you have – think about which ones relate most readily to the course you are applying to, then demonstrate how you have developed, used and improved them. Again, admissions tutors want to hear about specific examples, like:

• Projects and assignments (what role did you play, what went well?)
• Positions of responsibility (what did you achieve, how has it improved your self-confidence?)
• Sport, music or drama (what did you learn from your personal role, how did you work within a team?)
• Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (what was the biggest challenge, how did you overcome it?)
• Volunteering or a part-time job (what have you observed, what extra responsibilities have you taken on, what skills have you demonstrated yourself?).

• Show that you are a critical thinker

University is all about being able to think independently and analytically. Briefly explaining how one of your A-level subjects, a BTEC assignment or placement, or additional studies such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has made you think more critically could be a way of doing this.

‘If you’re taking the EPQ, do talk about it, as it’s the studying you’ll be doing at uni.’ (Modern languages admissions tutor)

• What is the long-term plan?

Mention what your long-term goals are, interestingly talking about them, and explaining that you have got a specific path in mind. Try and show a spark of individuality, creativity and passion.

‘Just saying you want to be a journalist isn’t exactly going to stand you out from the crowd.’

If you are not sure about your future goals yet, talk about what you are looking forward to experience while at uni, and what you want to gain from your course or university life.

If you are applying for deferred entry, do mention your gap year plans if you have made a firm decision to take a year out. Most courses are happy for you to take a gap year – but will want to know how you plan to spend it.

• Keep it positive

It can be challenging to get going with your personal statement but do not panic. Start with your strengths, focus on your enthusiasm for the course and talk positively about yourself.