Personal statement guidance
With the UCAS application deadline approaching, we thought we'd put together some questions to help students when writing and perfecting their personal statements!
A quick overview:
-The structure of personal statements has changed from previous years, so there's a few things to bear in mind
-There are three questions
-Each question needs to be a minimum of 350 characters
-You can write a maximum of 4,000 characters of text, which includes spaces- this is a hard limit, which you will not be able to exceed
-You only have one personal statement, even if you're applying for different subjects or courses
Question 1:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Questions to ask yourself: What sparked your interest in this area? Was it something you learned or read? Does this course link to a long term career ambition? Has your interest or enjoyment in previous studies/subjects sparked your interest to take things further? What part of the course programme excites you?
Question 2:
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Questions to ask yourself: Have you studied related subjects, If so what do you find interesting? Have your studies or previous qualifications given you any transferrable skills which will help you at university? This could include doing your Duke of Edinburgh award, sporting achievements, being a team captain, a prefect, or doing an EPQ (extended project qualification), or even being a mentor.
Question 3:
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Questions to ask yourself: Have you done any activities related to your course or subject outside of school? For example, a part-time or full time job, a previous career, volunteering, work experience, reading or a trip. Have you done any activities outside of school which provides you with transferrable skills? For example sports or music lessons. Are there any personal experiences or responsibilities that you have which could be transferred into skills which you could use at university?
When thinking about the answers to these questions, using the PEEL structure can really help you to evidence your points. Think:
Point
What is the thing you have done, or skill you have acquired?
Evidence
What did you gain, is there a qualification you now hold?
Explain
Explain what this means for you
Link
How is this relevant for your studies?
Skills to consider:
•Communication (verbal or non-verbal)
•Public speaking
•Organisation
•Time management
•Independent study/learning
•Independent research
•Critical thinking
•Extended writing
•Teamwork
•Debates
•Problem solving
•Leadership
There is some really helpful advice on the UCAS website around subject-specific personal statements, and using AI in your writing.
We hope this helps!
Let us know if you have any questions, and be sure to get someone else to proof read your personal statement before submitting!
Best of luck for all of your applications
University of Kent Student Reps
️
With the UCAS application deadline approaching, we thought we'd put together some questions to help students when writing and perfecting their personal statements!
A quick overview:
-The structure of personal statements has changed from previous years, so there's a few things to bear in mind
-There are three questions
-Each question needs to be a minimum of 350 characters
-You can write a maximum of 4,000 characters of text, which includes spaces- this is a hard limit, which you will not be able to exceed
-You only have one personal statement, even if you're applying for different subjects or courses
Question 1:
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Questions to ask yourself: What sparked your interest in this area? Was it something you learned or read? Does this course link to a long term career ambition? Has your interest or enjoyment in previous studies/subjects sparked your interest to take things further? What part of the course programme excites you?
Question 2:
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Questions to ask yourself: Have you studied related subjects, If so what do you find interesting? Have your studies or previous qualifications given you any transferrable skills which will help you at university? This could include doing your Duke of Edinburgh award, sporting achievements, being a team captain, a prefect, or doing an EPQ (extended project qualification), or even being a mentor.
Question 3:
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Questions to ask yourself: Have you done any activities related to your course or subject outside of school? For example, a part-time or full time job, a previous career, volunteering, work experience, reading or a trip. Have you done any activities outside of school which provides you with transferrable skills? For example sports or music lessons. Are there any personal experiences or responsibilities that you have which could be transferred into skills which you could use at university?
When thinking about the answers to these questions, using the PEEL structure can really help you to evidence your points. Think:
Point
What is the thing you have done, or skill you have acquired?
Evidence
What did you gain, is there a qualification you now hold?
Explain
Explain what this means for you
Link
How is this relevant for your studies?
Skills to consider:
•Communication (verbal or non-verbal)
•Public speaking
•Organisation
•Time management
•Independent study/learning
•Independent research
•Critical thinking
•Extended writing
•Teamwork
•Debates
•Problem solving
•Leadership
There is some really helpful advice on the UCAS website around subject-specific personal statements, and using AI in your writing.
We hope this helps!
Let us know if you have any questions, and be sure to get someone else to proof read your personal statement before submitting!
Best of luck for all of your applications
University of Kent Student Reps
️