Turn your ideas
So, you're ready to start writing your personal statement. Whether you're working on your first draft or making improvements to your latest version, you're in the right place.
Remember, you don’t have to start at the beginning. Some people find it easier to write the middle sections first or slowly build up ideas and short sentences.
Try keeping a working document open where you can dip in and out, adding ideas and refining your writing as you go.
Match your skills to your course
Some experiences will relate directly to your subject - like a biology project if you’re applying for a science degree.
Others might develop transferable skills, like teamwork, leadership or time management.
The key is to explain why it matters for university study.
Make it subject-specific
Your statement should show clearly why you're a good fit for your chosen subject - not just any university course.
Here are some examples of how to improve vague statements:
General statement
“This means I’ll be great at group projects.”
Improved statement
“This means I’ll feel confident leading a group to pitch a business proposal - something I know I’ll do on my Marketing course.”
General statement
“I’m confident using lab equipment.”
Improved statement
“I’ve practised measuring exact volumes and preparing accurate solutions, which will help when I carry out titration experiments on my Chemistry degree.”
Use the ABC method
Universities want to see that you’ve thought about your experiences and how they connect to the subject you want to study.
We think that the best way to do this is with the ABC method:
- Activity – what have you done?
- Benefit – What skills/experience did you gain?
- Course/Career – How does this relate to the subject you're applying for (or your future career)?
An example using the ABC method
Activity
Undertaking work experience at a local nursing home, involving communication and engagement with residents.
Benefit
Developed listening skills, particularly in difficult emotional situations.
Course
Relevant for a career in social work, where strong communication and empathy are essential.
Feedback and using AI
Who should you ask for feedback?
You're not in this alone. Ask someone to review your statement and give you feedback.
They might spot things you’ve missed or help you express your ideas more clearly.
You could ask:
- Friends or family
- Teachers or tutors
- Careers advisers
- Work placement mentors
What about AI?
We’re supportive of you using AI to help get started on your personal statement.
It can be a great tool for brainstorming and polishing your ideas.
But remember, your statement should still sound like you.
We want to hear your own thoughts, feelings, skills, and experiences. That’s what makes it authentic and personal.
Here are a few ways AI can be helpful:
- Kickstart ideas when you’re stuck
- Organise your thoughts and improve readability
- Suggest tweaks to make things clearer
Just a heads-up, if your statement is mostly written by AI or includes big chunks of AI-generated text, UCAS might flag it, and that could affect your application.
So use AI as a helper and not as a replacement for your voice.
Be real. Be reflective. Be yourself.
Read these too
Planning your personal statement
Planning what you’re going to include is the first step in writing an excellent personal statement. Here we'll look at the basics of planning, before you dive into writing. Learn about structure, get an overview of a UCAS personal statement and find out how universities will use your personal statement.
How to stand out on your personal statement
You may have plenty of relevant experience to write about on your personal statement. Or perhaps you're looking for more inspiration. 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.
