A personal statement is a type of admissions essay that is used to evaluate your reasons for applying to a course and university while assessing your suitability, background and self-achievements. This type of essay supports your application to applying at university and gives you the chance to showcase your skills, abilities and achievements to be considered for an offer. You will have the opportunity to articulate why you want to study for the subject and how your experience fits in. Academic history, work experience, classes taken and volunteering experience can all be used to demonstrate your interest in a course and suitability for a university. Often, you will be asked to demonstrate your interest in the university:
Why are you applying to this specific university?
What about the university attracted you to apply?
How does the university deliver the course, which appeals to you?
What modules are you looking forward to studying the most?
Demonstrating your enthusiasm for the university is one thing - but you should also be able to highlight your background and capabilities, as well as your enthusiasm for the course subject:
Are there relevant courses, classes, workshops, etc. you have taken that are similar to the course?
Any training, work/volunteering experience, achievements, etc. that can be used to show your skills?
Activities or hobbies you have that relate to the course to show your interest in studying it?
Explain the reasons for your interest in the subject and how it ties into your aspirations. What are you looking to get out of the course? How will you use your degree?
Clearly planning and outlining your personal statement is something you will need to consider. Punctuation, grammar checks and spelling are also just as important to go over when finalising your essay, so make sure to proofread before sending off!
