The key to any personal statement is to answer the following questions:

• Why are you applying for the subject?
• Why do you wish to study at the university you have chosen?
• What can you offer?
• Will you be able to cope with the workload?
• Are you a good student?

Pretend you are writing the statement for a friend. Keep the focus on the content and the answers to the questions in the “planning the personal statement” in the previous section. Don’t be worried about using vivid images.

Introduction

Start by writing your introduction based on your experiences or a powerful event in your life. Some students use powerful sentences in the first paragraph for example:

“Why would I want to go to university? I have a first-class occupation and a superb salary. However, I cannot escape a burning need to help people. Working in the banking industry will not fulfil this goal.”

You can see the opening is bold and will result in the Admissions Officer to read on. You must try to describe events in detail rather than saying “I like tennis” think about why you like tennis and how has this helped you as a person.

The Middle

At this point you are free to begin to demonstrate your dedication to the profession. Again, try to demonstrate real life examples rather than just say what has happened. Weave in your career plans and have a few themes that filter through your essay.

“The course helped identify my strengths and allowed me to work on my weaknesses, importantly it provided the chance to interact with other law students, and hardened my dedication to the profession.”

The End

The conclusion should end powerfully and sum up your desires to study. Emphasis must be placed on your main skills and knowledge. The main point of the conclusion is to underline your desire to study. Read the sample conclusion below.

“Through my intensive schoolwork, hands-on work experience, and prolonged personal interest, I have demonstrated my considerable commitment to the arts.”

Having reached the conclusion, Admissions Officers need to feel that they know more about you than when they started.

The fact that you enjoy basketball is impressive, but what is more interesting is the inspiration behind it: the fact that you have watched Michael Jordan, and why he inspired you.

Final Tips

Remember to keep the discussion personal. How much you revel about yourself is up to you. Many students fall into the trap of keeping the reader at arms length.

Now you have written the first draft you can send it to Get Into Uni to be edited or continue revising your draft to perfection. ALWAYS get your draft proofread. There is no correct number of drafts. Listen to the reader and take on board the advice they give.

You are just moments away from working with an Ivy League-educated editor who will provide plenty of fresh creative ideas, to really make your personal statement stand out.

Just think! - by purchasing one of our editing services you are making the most valuable investment possible; you are investing in your own future.

Note: This guide is not intended to replace the advice of Tutors, Admissions Officers, or Teachers; Get Into Uni simply provides advice and exercises to help you write a compelling personal statement.