You may have just started writing your UCAS Personal Statement – or maybe you’re almost done. Either way, you need to review. Here’s a checklist to tick off all the important bits.
Nail the intro [ . ]
The introduction’s your opener, so make sure it stands out. Read it in isolation from everything else and see if it gives you a good summary of you as a person, as well as your motivations for studying your course.
Check the structure [ . ]
Make sure it flows well. Use a clear, linear structure that groups together relevant ideas. Go by the mantra of one idea per paragraph, and write in plain English.
Compare to course requirements [ . ]
It’s important that you make your UCAS Personal Statement laser-focused on the course and subject area you want to study. Look at university course pages to see what kind of person they’re looking for.
Read it aloud [ . ]
Read your personal statement loud in a quiet space. You’ll definitely find better ways to phrase certain sentences. Cut out anything irrelevant that you wouldn’t be comfortable discussing in person.
Make it a personal statement [ . ]
Make it a truly personal statement. If you haven’t added in info about you and why courses/subjects are important to you, get it added in.
Get it reviewed [ . ]
Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot things you may have missed. Ask a friend, teacher or family member to do a quick proof read.
4000 characters or less [ . ]
UCAS only allows you to submit 4000 characters or less. If it’s over that limit, edit it down by removing anything not relevant!