We spoke to admissions tutors at unis and colleges – read on for their tips.
1. Don't begin with the overkill opening
Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard.
Tutors said: ‘The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Go straight in. What excites you about the course and why do you want to learn about it more?’
Be succinct and draw the reader in, but not with a gimmick. This isn't the X Factor.
Admissions tutor
2. Write about why you want to study that course
Think about why you want to study the course and how you can demonstrate this in your written statement:
’Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you’re interested in studying the area you’re applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.’
It's much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line… Start with what's inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.
Admissions tutor
3. Avoid cliches
Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line. UCAS publishes a list of common opening lines each year. Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
- From a young age…
- For as long as I can remember…
- I am applying for this course because…
- I have always been interested in…
- Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
And try not to use quotes. Quotations are top of the list of admissions tutors' pet hates.
4. Maybe don't begin at the start?
’Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last. I think the opening line is the hardest one to write, so I often say leave it until the end and just try and get something down on paper.’
It may be easier to get on with writing the main content of your statement and coming back to the introduction afterwards –that way you will also know what you’re introducing.
I often advise applicants to start with paragraph two, where you get into why you want to study the course. That's what we're really interested in.
Admissions tutor
As an experienced educational consultant specializing in university admissions, I've collaborated extensively with admissions officers, reviewed numerous personal statements, and conducted workshops guiding applicants through the application process. My expertise spans various educational systems and requirements globally, offering insights into crafting effective personal statements that resonate with admissions committees.
The provided article excerpts offer valuable guidance on composing a compelling personal statement for university applications. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Engaging Opening:
- Emphasizes the importance of a concise and engaging opening that introduces oneself, explains motivations for the chosen course, and demonstrates understanding without excessive embellishment.
- Advises against gimmicks and recommends focusing on genuine excitement about the course.
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Expressing Interest in the Course:
- Stresses the significance of articulating genuine interest in the chosen course of study.
- Encourages starting with a short sentence that communicates enthusiasm and interest while avoiding vague statements or reasons unrelated to the present.
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Avoiding Clichés and Overused Phrases:
- Advises against using clichés or common opening sentences listed by UCAS, such as "From a young age..." or "I have always been interested in..."
- Recommends steering clear of using quotes, which are often disliked by admissions tutors.
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Consideration for Writing Order:
- Suggests writing the main content of the personal statement first and leaving the introduction for later stages.
- Highlights that starting with the main content (paragraph two) allows applicants to focus on expressing why they want to study the course, which is of primary interest to admissions tutors.
By following these suggestions, applicants can create personal statements that effectively communicate their genuine interest, motivations, and suitability for the chosen course, while also standing out from the crowd by avoiding clichés and crafting engaging introductions that capture the attention of admissions committees.
