One of the most challenging parts of applying to university is the ‘personal statement’, which gives applicants the opportunity to showcase why they’d make a great student in 4,000 characters or less. However, by following a few guidelines, and avoiding a couple of pitfalls, you can make yourself stand out from the crowd, with a personal statement that is truly personal.

• Focus on why you are applying – your ambitions and what interests you about the subject, career, course providers and higher education.
• Highlight what makes you suitable – any relevant skills, experience or achievements gained from education, work or other activities.
• Thoroughly research your choices. This will enable you to develop your personal statement to reflect the skills and qualities the universities and colleges value most.
• Write in an enthusiastic, concise and natural style – nothing too complex.
• Try to stand out, but be careful with humour, quotes or anything unusual – just in case the admissions tutor doesn’t have the same sense of humour as you. Last year 148 applicants used a quote from former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.
• Proofread aloud and get your teachers, advisers and family to check – then redraft until you’re happy with it and the grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct.

Nobody knows you better than you know yourself
You can find plenty of advice and guidance, including a video and tips on writing personal statements at www.ucas.com. In her advice for applicants on how to plan, start, structure and end their personal statements, admissions tutor Jane Marshall says:
“Yes, it’s scary, but nobody knows you better than you know yourself, and you have the opportunity to show how you stand out in a good way. Be authentic and focused, with a combination of ‘head and heart’ and your personal statement will stand out in the right way.
“Start getting words on paper – everything you can think of. Be positive, and say why and how you got excited about the course – perhaps you read an article, went to a lecture, or visited somewhere. What evidence have you got to support your enthusiasm? Include work experience or outside reading. Write about your transferrable skills, such as communications, essay writing, running or leadership.

Highlight your qualities and skills
“If you get stuck, ask your friends and family for ideas – they will be able to highlight your qualities and skills. You should include whatever it is that makes you stand out, whether it’s gaming, gardening or trainspotting.
“Once you have everything on paper you can condense and refine it. Stay relevant and focused, don’t be arrogant or show off, keep it in plain English, avoid clichés, and keep it personal. And finally, don’t be tempted to copy – there is software that can identify copies!”