Your UCAS personal statement is your one chance to tell admissions tutors who you are beyond your grades. In just 4,000 characters, you need to make a compelling case for why you deserve a place on your chosen course.
At BritAcademic, we help students craft personal statements that stand out. Here’s our expert guide on what to do—and what to avoid.
✅ DO: Start With a Clear Motivation
Admissions officers want to know why you’ve chosen your course. Start strong by explaining:
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What inspired your interest
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How your academic journey led here
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What future goals you hope to reach through this subject
Be specific. “I love science” isn’t as powerful as “A biology project on microbiomes sparked my interest in medical research.”
❌ DON’T: Use Clichés or Overused Phrases
Avoid lines like:
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“Since I was a child…”
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“I’ve always been passionate about…”
These weaken your statement. Instead, show your passion through unique experiences or examples that reflect your journey and personality.
✅ DO: Showcase Skills and Experiences
Use work placements, volunteering, extra reading, or extracurricular activities to show:
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Critical thinking
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Communication
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Leadership or teamwork
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Time management
Make sure each example links directly to the course you’re applying for. Admissions tutors want to see potential—not just achievement.
❌ DON’T: List Achievements Without Context
A personal statement isn’t a CV. Don’t just say “I was head of debate club.” Explain what you learned, how it developed your skills, and why it matters for your university journey.
✅ DO: Tailor Your Statement to Your Subject
Even if you’re applying to different universities, your personal statement should focus on one subject area. Avoid making it too broad. Subject-specific enthusiasm is more persuasive than trying to appeal to every possible course.
❌ DON’T: Exaggerate or Invent
Admissions tutors can spot false claims. Be honest. If you haven’t read a particular book or done a particular project, don’t mention it. Focus on real experiences you can discuss with confidence.
✅ DO: Get Feedback
At BritAcademic, we review hundreds of personal statements every year. Our trained advisors can:
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Spot grammar or tone issues
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Suggest stronger examples
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Help restructure for flow and impact
Getting expert feedback early can make all the difference.
✨ Final Thoughts
A strong personal statement is your academic story, told with purpose and honesty. It’s your voice in the admissions process—so make it count.
Need help writing or reviewing your personal statement?
Book a 1-on-1 consultation with BritAcademic today.
