Showcase your skills and experiences
And stand out from the crowd
You may have plenty of relevant experience to write about on your personal statement. Or perhaps you're looking for more inspiration. Wherever you're at, we've got your back.
This page will help you identify the skills you can include in your writing – and extra activities you can do in your spare time to develop your experience.
Make yourself shine
Figuring out everything you've been involved in isn't easy. But it's a good place to start, because those activities are unique to you, and universities love to hear about them.
Use our table below to make a list of the things you've done, then see what transferrable skills you can draw from them.
Your experiences
- Have you completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
- Have you been a prefect, mentor or student ambassador?
- Did you attend a taster day or academic lecture, or complete any extracurricular reading around your subject area of interest?
- Have you completed any relevant certifications, courses, or workshops?
- Were you, or are you involved in any sports teams?
- Have you had a part-time job or any kind of work experience?
- Have you volunteered for any organisations or community service projects?
- Have you held any leadership roles in school, such as being a class representative or a club officer?
- Have you engaged in any research projects or independent studies?
- Have you taken part in any competitions or academic events, such as science fairs or debate tournaments?
Your skills
- Communication – mentoring, being a student ambassador, presentations, group work
- Teamwork – Sports and clubs, volunteering, part-time work, development programmes
- Leadership and supervision – Head boy or girl, being a prefect, captain of a sports team, leading on a college project
- Researching and analysing – Extended Project Qualification, reading around your subject area
- Problem-solving and decision-making – from part-time jobs and academic studies
- Work experience (alternatives) – Volunteering, charity work, virtual work experience, planned an event
Be clear on why you're applying to uni
Universities want to know what inspired you to choose their course. Really get to the bottom of why your choosing your particular course. That means talking about your skills, specific interests, work experience and enjoyment of the subject.
So consider the following elements, if you want to demonstrate why you’re an excellent candidate:
Your love of the subject
What gives you that passion for your chosen subject? Use our questions to guide you if you're not sure.
Your skills
How do your skills, including transferable skills, relate to your course and career? And where does that spark come from?
Your specific interest in the subject area
How do they relate to your course and a future career? Get to the crux of what motivates you to study that subject.
Your work experience
Can highlight wider skills like leadership, teamwork and time management, which are admissions tutors love read about.
Excellent examples from previous students
Student 1
'My fascination with the study of History and Politics stems from my need to understand how our daily lives are continuously being shaped by policy decisions implemented by past and present world leaders and governments.
Since following international politics closely over the past two years, I have enjoyed observing and drawing connections with events of historical and global significance, which has not only deepened my understanding, but widened the scope of the questions I am now asking about the media's role in society.'
Student 2
'Through my part-time job I have developed the ability to manage my time between work and study effectively. At work, I am a valued team member that works together to achieve goals against tight deadlines.
On occasion, I have stood in for the shift manager, which demonstrates my readiness to rise to challenges and take on extra responsibilities. Through this experience, I have developed resilience and confidence in my ability to succeed under pressure, putting me in an excellent position to succeed at university.'
Student 3
'I am in the process of conducting an independent research project on the environmental implications of microplastics in my local river and the they may have impact on local ecosystems.
This has helped me expand my knowledge further and I hope my findings will provide a great base for studying a degree in Environmental Science.'
Why are these good examples?
These students clearly describe why they're interested in their subjects – and specifically, what they enjoy and the skills that they've learnt.
They also relate their interests back to the subject area while being concise, which means they've saved characters.
Building your interest in your chosen subject
Admissions tutors love hear about things that you do in your spare time to build your subject knowledge.
If you haven't done this previously – fear not, the following lists will help you get started.
Watch subject-related content
- YouTube, vlogs and documentaries
- Films and world cinema
Read magazines, journals and articles
- Times Literary Supplement
- British Psychological Society
- Royal Geographical Society
- British Medical Journal
- New Scientist
- The Economist
- Google Scholar
Access free online MOOCs and courses
Listen to podcasts and radio
- Spotify
- BBC Sounds
- BBC Radio 4
- Apple Podcasts
- Luminary
- TED Talks
Visit museums, theatres and experiences
- The MET
- Tate Student Resources
- National Theatre at Home
- Royal Opera House
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- WhatsOnStage
- Open Days
- Subject Taster Days
- UCAS events and exhibitions
- Applicant Experience Days
Top Tip: Visit Open Days
Going to a university Open Day is a great way to ask for advice on writing a personal statement and what you should mention, so it's a great thing to do while you're in this planning phase.
Portsmouth is home to stunning beaches and vivid street art. A wealth of lively music, comedy and theatre, designer shopping and fantastic food from around the world. Come take a look at why our students love living by the sea.
Quick challenge
Jot down your relevant skills, experiences, and passion for your chosen degree. Even if you're not sure it's relevant, you can always ask your teacher to check.
Alternatively, spend a few minutes exploring your subject area. Read a blog, find a news article, or watch a YouTube video. Note down fascinating facts. Even if you don't use them in your statement, they might come in handy during interviews or future assignments.
