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Personal Statement Generator

Write genuine, concise, and audience-targeted personal statements effortlessly..

Simple Way to Get Started with Our Personal Statement Generator

Regardless of your writing expertise, our personal statement generator allows you to quickly create compelling personal statements for university applications, job applications, scholarship opportunities, and graduate school admissions in 3 simple steps.

• 1. Briefly explain the purpose of the personal statement
• 2. Set up target audience, tone, and language
• 3. Click on Generate and get an AI-generated personal statement

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Discover the Personal Statement Template for Different Purposes

Here is a collection of personal statement templates, which will serve as valuable guides to help you structure your thoughts. Remember to tailor these templates to your specific goals and experiences.

Template of Personal Statement for University

Program: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

As a passionate problem solver and technology enthusiast, I am eager to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science to delve deeper into the ever-evolving world of computing. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the potential of technology to transform lives and shape the future. This led me to explore programming languages and engage in various coding projects during my high school years.

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently achieved top grades in mathematics and science-related subjects, which further cemented my decision to pursue a degree in Computer Science. My thirst for knowledge and my ability to grasp complex concepts quickly have allowed me to excel in both individual and group projects.

Beyond academics, I have actively participated in various programming competitions, where I not only honed my technical skills but also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. These experiences have taught me to thrive under pressure, think critically, and find innovative solutions to real-world problems.

I am particularly drawn to this university's Computer Science program due to its reputation for nurturing creative thinkers and fostering an environment of cutting-edge research. The opportunity to work alongside esteemed professors and collaborate with like-minded peers excites me, as I believe it will provide the ideal platform to unleash my full potential.

I envision leveraging my skills to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. With a firm foundation in Computer Science from this esteemed institution, I am confident that I can make a positive impact in the tech industry and contribute to addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.

Program: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Growing up in a multicultural household and witnessing global events unfold, I developed a profound curiosity for understanding international affairs and their impact on societies. This innate interest in different cultures, politics, and diplomacy has steered me towards pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.

As a highly adaptable and open-minded individual, I thrive in diverse environments and actively engage in discussions with people from varying backgrounds. My fluency in multiple languages has further facilitated my ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level and comprehend their unique perspectives.

During my high school years, I actively participated in Model United Nations conferences, where I assumed the roles of diplomats and engaged in simulated debates on pressing global issues. These experiences honed my negotiation skills, fostered a deep appreciation for diplomacy, and strengthened my resolve to contribute to promoting peace and cooperation on the international stage.

Academically, I have consistently excelled in social sciences, history, and language courses. My interdisciplinary approach to learning enables me to grasp complex topics from multiple angles and develop comprehensive analyses. Furthermore, I have volunteered with several non-profit organizations, working on projects related to human rights, refugee assistance, and sustainable development.

I am drawn to this university's International Relations program due to its renowned faculty members and extensive opportunities for global exposure. The emphasis on experiential learning and internships aligns perfectly with my goal to gain practical insights into real-world diplomatic and geopolitical challenges.

My aspiration is to become a proficient diplomat, working tirelessly to bridge cultural divides, facilitate international cooperation, and advocate for human rights. Armed with the knowledge and skills from this esteemed university, I am eager to make a meaningful contribution towards building a more interconnected and harmonious world.

Personal Statement Template For Higher Education

Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA)

As a forward-thinking and results-driven professional, I am enthusiastic about pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to elevate my career and broaden my impact in the business world. Throughout my undergraduate years in Economics, I developed a keen understanding of market dynamics and economic principles. However, I recognize the need to complement my strong academic foundation with practical business acumen and leadership skills.

With a proven track record of success in various internships and part-time roles, I have gained hands-on experience in project management, financial analysis, and market research. These experiences have exposed me to the intricacies of the corporate environment and affirmed my passion for problem-solving and strategic decision-making.

I am particularly drawn to this university's MBA program for its reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The program's focus on experiential learning and collaboration with industry leaders aligns perfectly with my ambition to spearhead transformative initiatives in the business landscape.

In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I have actively engaged in community service, volunteering with organizations that promote financial literacy and empower aspiring entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds. These experiences have taught me the importance of ethical business practices and the profound impact that purpose-driven leadership can have on communities.

My goal is to leverage the knowledge and insights gained from this esteemed institution to drive organizational growth, foster innovation, and create sustainable solutions to global challenges. With a determination to excel and a commitment to lifelong learning, I am confident that the MBA program at this university will propel me towards realizing my potential as a dynamic business leader.

Program: Master of Arts in Psychology

As a compassionate and empathetic individual with a fervent interest in understanding human behavior, I am eager to pursue a Master of Arts in Psychology to delve deeper into the complexities of the human mind and contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health.

During my undergraduate studies in Psychology, I was captivated by the diverse subfields of psychology and their potential to transform lives. My coursework exposed me to research on cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and counseling techniques, igniting a desire to apply this knowledge in a practical setting to assist individuals in their mental and emotional well-being.

Through internships and volunteering experiences, I have had the privilege of working with individuals facing various mental health challenges. These opportunities have reinforced my commitment to mental health advocacy and provided valuable insights into the critical role that compassionate and competent psychologists play in supporting individuals on their journeys to recovery.

I am particularly drawn to this university's Master of Arts in Psychology program for its strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and clinical training. The integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experiences aligns perfectly with my goal to become a well-rounded and effective mental health professional.

Beyond academia, I actively engage in mental health awareness campaigns and have initiated support groups to create safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity in providing holistic and client-centered care.

My aspiration is to specialize in clinical psychology and contribute to research that advances our understanding of mental health disorders. I am confident that the nurturing environment and expert guidance offered by this esteemed institution will enable me to grow both personally and professionally, ultimately empowering me to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Scholarship Applicant Personal Statement Template

Scholarship: [Name of Scholarship]

As an ambitious and determined student, I am honored to apply for the [Name of Scholarship] to pursue my higher education goals. Coming from a humble background, I have always understood the value of hard work and the transformative power of education.

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated excellence in both my coursework and extracurricular activities. Maintaining a high GPA while actively participating in various leadership roles has taught me the importance of time management, resilience, and teamwork.

I am deeply passionate about [Field of Study], as it aligns perfectly with my long-term career aspirations. The prospect of contributing to innovative solutions and advancements in this field excites me. However, the financial constraints of pursuing higher education have been a challenge, which is why I am extremely grateful for the opportunity this scholarship presents.

Beyond academics, I am committed to giving back to my community. I have volunteered with several non-profit organizations, dedicating my time and skills to initiatives that support underprivileged youth and promote education in disadvantaged areas. These experiences have not only shaped my perspective but have also reinforced my belief in the power of education to break barriers and transform lives.

Receiving the [Name of Scholarship] would not only alleviate the financial burden on my family but also serve as a validation of my hard work and dedication. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits.

I wholeheartedly believe that this scholarship will not only enable me to achieve my dreams but also empower me to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. With gratitude in my heart and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, I humbly request your consideration for the [Name of Scholarship].

As a driven and passionate individual, I am thrilled to apply for the [Name of Scholarship] to support my educational journey. Coming from a family that has faced financial hardships, I have learned the value of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Throughout my academic career, I have consistently sought opportunities for personal growth and development. Engaging in research projects, participating in academic competitions, and pursuing internships in my chosen field have equipped me with practical skills and deepened my passion for [Field of Study].

I firmly believe that education is a powerful catalyst for positive change, and my goal is to leverage my knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to society. This scholarship would provide me with the necessary financial support to focus on my studies fully and dedicate myself to making a difference in my chosen field.

Beyond academics, I am actively involved in community service. Volunteering with local organizations has allowed me to witness the impact of education on individuals and communities. This firsthand experience has strengthened my commitment to utilizing my education to uplift those around me.

Receiving the [Name of Scholarship] would not only validate my hard work and dedication but also instill a sense of responsibility to give back to the community that has supported me. I am eager to use this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and leaders who can help me grow both personally and professionally.

I am deeply grateful for the chance to apply for this scholarship, and I assure you that, if selected, I will approach my studies with enthusiasm and dedication. With a heart full of gratitude and a determination to succeed, I sincerely request your consideration for the [Name of Scholarship]. Thank you for supporting students like me in their pursuit of education and a brighter future.

Job Application Personal Statement Template

Position: Marketing Manager

As a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in marketing and brand management, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for creating innovative marketing strategies that drive brand visibility and revenue growth.

In my previous roles, I successfully led cross-functional teams to execute integrated marketing campaigns that resonated with target audiences and exceeded business objectives. I am well-versed in leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions and optimize marketing efforts for maximum impact.

My ability to think strategically while remaining hands-on in the execution process has been instrumental in developing and launching successful product launches and brand initiatives. Additionally, my strong interpersonal skills have allowed me to foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders, agencies, and partners to ensure seamless project execution.

With a relentless focus on staying ahead of marketing trends and industry developments, I am confident in my ability to drive the success of the marketing team and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.

Position: Software Engineer

As a highly skilled and motivated software engineer, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join a dynamic team as a Software Engineer. My passion for coding and problem-solving has driven my successful career in software development, where I have consistently delivered robust and scalable solutions to complex technical challenges.

With a strong foundation in computer science and programming languages, I have a proven ability to design and implement software applications that exceed user expectations. My experience in Agile development methodologies and continuous integration has allowed me to thrive in fast-paced and collaborative work environments.

I am adept at analyzing code and identifying opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements. My keen eye for detail and dedication to writing clean and maintainable code have resulted in the successful delivery of projects within tight deadlines.

Having worked on both backend and frontend development, I possess a holistic understanding of software development lifecycles and the importance of user-centric design. I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices to ensure that my contributions are at the forefront of innovation.

In this role, I am excited to bring my technical expertise and creativity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge software solutions that make a tangible impact on users' lives and drive the company's success in the ever-evolving tech industry.

Why You Should Create Your Own Personal Statement with Generator Tools Like HIX Writer

A personal statement offers you an opportunity to present yourself as a well-rounded individual. However, crafting a personal statement is challenging because it requires deep self-reflection, you struggle with putting your thoughts into words, and the personal statement word limit asks you to condense your life story and goals into a brief and impactful statement.

Our personal statement generator streamlines the writing process based on simple information input and then creates a well-written personal statement in seconds. Here are the specific reasons for using our personal statement generator.

Showcase individuality

You can create a personal statement that showcases your unique personality, motivations, and qualities, giving the professor or recruiter a deeper understanding of you.

Stand out from other applicants

In addition to academic achievements or work experiences, an effective personal statement created by our personal statement generator adds subjective insights and can make you shine from other candidates.

Help evaluation

By using our personal statement generator, you can come up with an informative and professional personal statement, admissions committees, and employers will more easily assess if your skills, values, and goals are aligned.

Experience the Benefits of Using HIX Writer's Personal Statement Generator

Our personal statement generator is a valuable and effective tool that ensures you will be set apart from other applicants and leave a positive first impression on your target audience. The main benefits include:

Ease of use

HIX Writer's AI personal statement writer offers a simple approach for producing personal statements with a user-friendly interface and easy button clicks, empowering individuals of all writing abilities to create compelling statements effortlessly.

Time-saving

Our personal statement generator can save you time and effort by providing a starting point for your writing process. You can compose a comprehensive and well-organized statement in no time.

Inspirational

You may find it difficult to find the right words to convey in your personal statement. That's where our personal statement generator steps in - presenting inspirational expressions or personal statement templates to help you overcome writer's block.

Genuine and Concise

A well-crafted personal statement should be authentic while being to the point. Our personal statement generator emphasizes sincerity in communication and maintains clarity to strictly comply with the limited personal statement word count.

Plagiarism Free

Plagiarism is considered a serious academic and ethical offense. Our personal statement generator guarantees the originality and uniqueness of your personal statement and makes sure it cannot be detected by any plagiarism checker.

Who Gains Most of Using Personal Statement Generator Tool at HIX Writer?

The people who must write a personal statement as part of an application process are the main beneficiaries of using a personal statement generator tool. Here is a breakdown of specific groups of people who will find our personal statement generator useful.

High School Students

Due to a lack of writing experience and competence, crafting a unique and compelling story for high school students is an uphill battle. Our personal statement generator takes the stress out of writing by automating the process for you.

College Students

You need a personal statement generator to produce an excellent personal statement that goes beyond your academic grades and test scores if you want to be admitted to a higher education program.

Scholarship Applicants

A captivating and convincing personal statement generated by our personal statement generator can demonstrate your background, achievements, and aspirations effectively, making you the best fit for a scholarship opportunity among others.

Job Seekers

When seeking an internship, part-time job, or full-time position, you need our personal statement generator to create a tailored summary of your qualification, experiences, and career goals to enhance the chance of an interview or employment.

Let Our Personal Statement Writer Tool Write for You

Experience Other Useful Writing Tools Like Personal Statement Generator

Resume bio generator, retirement message generator, job description generator, song lyrics generator, speech generator, acronym generator, interview question generator, funeral speech generator, movie script generator, can using the personal statement generator tool guarantee acceptance to a program or job.

A personal statement generator only helps you craft a standout personal statement that fully showcases your experience, accomplishments, and interests. It can't provide any guarantee of acceptance to a program or job. The acceptance primarily depends on your eligibility, strengths, and potential for success.

Is my personal information safe when using the personal statement generator tool?

Yes, your personal information and statements are kept confidential and secure with HIX Writer's personal statement generator. We prioritize data privacy and never share users' content.

Can the personal statement generator tool help me if I'm not a native English speaker?

Yes, our personal statement generator can help you if English is not your first language. You can use your native language in HIX Writer’s personal statement generator to explain the purpose of the personal statement and output it in either English or one of more than 30 other languages.

How do I know if my personal statement meets the word count requirement?

Personal statements often have word or character limits. To make sure your personal statement is succinct and satisfies the word count limit, it is advised that you use our word counter .

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Free Personal Statement Maker

• ⚙️ How to Use the Tool?
• 🙋 Who Can Use It?
• ✅ The Tool’s Benefits

📝 What Is a Personal Statement?

• 📍 How to Make a Personal Statement

🔗 References

⚙️ how to use this personal statement maker.

Here is a detailed guideline on the use of our tool, made for your convenience and easy onboarding.

Step 1 – State Your Goal

The first point you should cover is your motivation and goal for writing this personal statement. Give a comprehensive statement of whether you apply for college education, internship, post-graduate program, or a job.

For example, a PhD program in Nursing .

Step 2 – Justify Your Goal

The nest tab requires you to indicate the reasons that motivated you to choose this particular goal and explain why you consider yourself a suitable candidate for this position. Do you have relevant education, experience, or personal skills? Be specific.

For example, recently graduated from the RN program in Massachusetts with honors .

Step 3 – Get the Result

Now that you’ve filled out the tabs required from you, it’s time to press the “Generate” tab and receive the result of our generator. The outcome is typically presented in the form of four comprehensive personal statement options, each of which may be used as a starting point in your own writing process.

Here are the outcomes you will see by feeding the sample statements we’ve provided above:

• Having recently graduated from the RN program in Massachusetts with honors, I would like to pursue a PhD program in Nursing.
• I would like to achieve a PhD program in Nursing because I recently graduated from the RN program in Massachusetts with honors.
• Thanks to the fact that I recently graduated from the RN program in Massachusetts with honors, my next achievement would be to pursue a PhD program in Nursing.
• After I recently graduated from the RN program in Massachusetts with honors, my next goal is to pursue a PhD program in Nursing.

Step 4 – Add a Personal Touch

Obviously, these statements look pretty clumsy and require fine-tuning. You should add a personal touch by writing more about your skills and values.

If you don’t like the outcomes, you can always re-generate the personal statement by looking at the examples and prompts we’ve prepared for you as guidance (see below).

🙋 Who Can Use the Personal Statement Maker?

Personal statements may be required from you in many situations. Thus, our tool can become your vital aid in the concise formulation of your statement:

• School leavers may need personal statements when they send applications to colleges.
• Researchers and current students may use personal statements when applying for internship programs, scholarships , new study degrees, and research publications.
• Graduates include personal statements in job application packages and apply for vacancies of interest.

In any of these cases, a well-written personal statement will present you as a clearly determined candidate, an interesting personality, and a seeker with a good understanding of your relevant expertise, qualifications, and skills.

✅ Personal Statement Maker Benefits

When using our builder, all kinds of users (students, researchers, job seekers) are sure to reap the following benefits:

A personal statement is a short document written in essay form, presenting the applicant’s relevant achievements, interests, experience, and credentials.

Depending on the institution to which you’re applying and the use case of your personal statement, you may include different data in it:

• Students should focus on their interests and talents
• Job seekers and scholarship applicants should emphasize their skills and knowledge

📍 How to Make a Personal Statement in 4 Steps

If you decide to create a personal statement on your own, here is a simple step-by-step guide to follow.

Step 1 – State Your Goal & Justify It

The introductory part of your personal statement should present you as a personality and indicate the reasons for your interest in the specific vacancy or educational spot. Make sure you sound confident and specific about what you’re applying for and why. This is what our free tool can help you with.

If you’re stuck writing an introduction for your personal statement, consider using a hook generator . This free tool will provide you with catchy ideas for attention-grabbing starters.

Step 2 – Provide Some Background

Now it’s time to prove that you fit this position and have the skills, expertise, and ambitions necessary to contribute to the company, educational program, or any other organization. It’s important to choose the most relevant achievements and experiences linked to the application and name your skills and talents matching the position. You may also mention your plans and goals in case the application is successful. It’s a good place for a bit of personal information, but don’t talk about yourself at length; the reviewer may get bored and miss some vital data points.

Step 3 – Expand on Your Skills

After covering the relevant details of your academic and personal path, you can now proceed to a reflection on how it has brought you to the current point in your life. What skills have you acquired, and how will they help you become a valuable asset in the organization you’re applying to?

Step 4 – Conclude Your Personal Statement

The conclusion should be brief and memorable. You should recap your main motivation for the application and give the reviewer a call to action by inviting them to review your references and contact you via one of the indicated contact channels.

If you’re in a lack of time, try using this conclusion maker . It will summarize the key ideas of your personal statement, wrapping them up into a short and sweet paragraph. Another idea is to listen to how your personal statement sounds. You can ask someone to read it aloud or use an automatic essay reader .

📑 Personal Statement Examples

To help you make sense of the personal statement writing process, we’ve also prepared an illustrative example of what you can include in your CV or resume package, as well as a list of inspiring prompts.

250-word Personal Statement Example

Having majored in Business and Management (International Business) as an undergraduate, I would like to pursue an MBA degree now in an effort to hone my managerial skills.

I have been interested in how businesses can be optimally organized to meet the needs of employees and make clients happier and more satisfied. I have been passionately studying the backstage of business innovation to see what businesses can do to move human society forward and simplify people’s lives.

In the course of my college studies, I have conducted a series of in-depth research projects on disruptive business innovations and studied unique ways Asian businesses organize their activities to push their profit margin further without compromising quality and customer satisfaction. Doing things differently has always been my primary focus, and I do hope to achieve the degree of academic excellence and knowledge sufficient for implementing my forward-looking, revolutionary mindset in business practice.

In the course of obtaining an MBA at your organization, I hope to get in touch with the practical nuances of international business activities and meet renowned practitioners in the business sphere to learn from their examples and inspiration. I also plan to narrow the scope of my business career prospects and hone specific skills to become a valuable member of the international business team after graduation.

More Personal Statement Examples

• APRN Program Applicant Personal Statement
• Personal Statement for a Major in Geography and Planning
• Personal Statement for a Degree in Nursing
• Personal Statement for a Master's Degree in Social Work

Thank you for reading till the end! We hope the information in this short guide to personal statement writing was useful. Note that you can speed up working on your text by using an AI essay generator . Choose “Scholarship” in the first drop-down list, add the necessary information, and get a full-scale personal statement example.

Updated: Nov 8th, 2023

• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• How to Write a Personal Statement
• Personal Statements - UConn Writing Center
• Writing a Personal Statement - UChicago College Admissions
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Make your personal statement stand out with IvyPanda's free personal statement maker! Ideal for college applicants, students, and job seekers, our tool helps you highlight your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Just add your educational or career goal and justify it.

Personal Statement Generator for Students

When finishing school or college studies, you might come to a point where you need to apply for another educational institution, an internship, a social work position, or any other spot for your future professional and personal development. In most cases, you will need to share a personal statement with this institution’s application committee. Here’s how to secure your position and increase your chances of acceptance.

• ️📝 How Does the Tool Work?
• ️📋 What Is a Personal Statement?
• ️🆚 Personal Statement vs. SOP
• ️📍 Writing an Effective Personal Statement
• ️💡 Personal Statement Titles
• ️🔗 References

📝 Personal Statement Generator – How Does It Work?

If you’re new to creating a personal statement , welcome to our personal statement generator.

It’s a free online statement builder that can give you excellent guidance and workable examples of statements that can impress your employer or admission board.

How to use our personal statement creator?

It’s pretty easy and requires only a couple of steps. You should input the following data into the template:

• Indicate your goal (educational, volunteering , career-related).
• Specify the reason for the planned steps.
• Look at the examples if necessary.

Once the data is fed into the personal statement maker, press “generate” and get a personalized sentence you may tweak further and refine to reflect your individual style and application specifics.

Please don’t over-rely on this tool, as it may not give the ideal personal statement variant at once; it is much better to use it as a source of inspiration for further polishing and fine-tuning.

📋 What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is one’s uniquely styled introduction to the person or committee that makes decisions about their applications.

A good, persuasive, and memorable personal statement should include the following:

• Personal details about the applicant.
• Self-reflection on the person’s strengths and weaknesses relevant to the application.
• Evaluation of their priorities and values relevant to the position.

Notably, some people confuse the role of a personal statement and write it not the way a committee expects them to.

Thus, for disambiguation purposes, you should also note that a personal statement is NOT :

❌ An academic assignment requiring research.

❌ A summary of accomplishments.

❌ A reflective journal.

❌ Begging for acceptance.

What Is Expected from Your Personal Statement?

Given the purpose of personal statement writing, you are expected to include pretty concrete things in this document. Here are some pro insights into the art of composing an ideal personal statement.

#1 Getting to Know You Better

Colleges, internship organizations, and corporations want to know who they accept or hire . Thus, a personal statement is a good chance to learn more about the contenders and choose those whose stories speak to them and resonate with their mission and vision .

#2 A Check of Writing Mastery

Personal statements are evaluated not only by content but also by the way you organize thoughts and deliver your key messages . Therefore, be ready to polish this document many times for it to look professional and elegant.

#3 A Deeper Glance into Your Life Story

In some cases, you will need to explain gaps or troubling points in your resume or academic record. For example, you may have a seriously lower GPA one year compared to others, and that fact can push the committee away from your candidacy. But if you had a serious health issue or lost a relative during that period, you can mention those life circumstances – not to arouse pity but to give a broader context .

#4 Application-related Motivation

Finally, the personal statement is your key tool for showing that you’re an ideal match for the position because of resonating values, interests, and motivation. By explaining why you apply to a specific organization, you can bridge the gap and show why you can become a valuable asset for the entity of your interest.

🆚 Personal Statement vs. Statement of Purpose

Now, let’s briefly recap the difference between two documents you might be required to submit – a personal statement vs. statement of purpose.

No matter how similar their names look, there are still some notable distinctions to remember.

• Statement of purpose (SOP). As its name suggests, the SOP focuses on the purpose of applying to a specific institution. You should briefly cover your background to show how you have arrived at this decision and what you aim to pursue once given the desired spot.
• Personal statement. It’s more of a personal introduction that covers your goals, values, and personal story details. You can dive deeper into your motivation and the importance of this application in your life.

This way, as you can see, SOP summarizes relevant qualifications and targets the applicant’s plans to achieve their professional goals, while a personal statement is more personality-focused and evaluative.

📍 How to Write an Effective Personal Statement

Here are a few steps you may take to improve the quality of your personal statement:

💡 Personal Statement Titles

If you’re not given a specific topic for a personal statement, you may find it hard to pick the right title. Here are some tips to go ahead with the topic:

• Apply brainstorming to get as many ideas as possible and then evaluate them to pick the best.
• Talk to people who know you well. Even if it seems that you have nothing interesting to tell, they can highlight some exciting aspects of your personality.
• Be sincere to yourself and the committee. Think about what lights you up, inspires, and brings meaning to your life. Don’t try to present yourself as somebody else; people feel that and lose trust in your story.

Here is a brief list of suggestions that may turn you on the right path:

• Hobbies that you have.
• Social problems and issues that worry you.
• Your volunteering experience.
• Academic subjects that cause your agile interest.
• Local or international events of your interest.
• Your core values .
• Your most deeply hidden vulnerabilities.

Thank you for reading this article!

You’ll probably find useful our other online tools:

• Mission generator
• Vision generator
• Research purpose statement maker

❓ Personal Statement Generator FAQ

❓ what is a personal statement for college.

It’s a document that introduces you to the committee, explains your life goals, values, and unique circumstances, and shows why you’re an ideal fit for that specific organization.

❓ How long should a personal statement be?

Personal statements are usually required to include anywhere from 500 to 1,000 words, as the committee wants to give applicants enough space to introduce themselves while following a clear, concise manner of self-expression.

❓ How to begin a personal statement?

Don’t use cliches; introduce yourself and indicate the purpose of applying to a specific institution. Avoid too many irrelevant details or background; talk about “here” and “now.”

❓ How to end a personal statement?

The conclusion should summarize your key points, emphasize your skills and experiences, and give a link to future plans once your application gets accepted.

Updated: Jun 5th, 2024

🔗 References

• Writing the Personal Statement - Purdue OWL
• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement | Indeed.com
• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement | Grammarly Blog
• How to start a personal statement | Birmingham City University
• Personal statement | Study | Imperial College London
• Statement of Purpose vs Personal Statement

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Personal Statement Builder

Welcome to the personal statement builder tool..

We'll guide you through the process of writing your UCAS personal statement for undergraduate study at a UK university. We'll get you to think about what course you're applying for, first writing notes about your experience, knowledge and hobbies, and then guide you through a suggested structure to actually write it. Afterwards, we'll check it against UCAS limitations and common errors and mistakes to help you write the best personal statement to reflect your interest and experiences.

What is a UCAS personal statement?

It is a formal document which allows you to 'communicate' with a university's admissions staff, explaining why you want to study the course you've chosen, and why you are suitable for studying it. It should be mainly academic with reference to books and debates you've engaged with, any relevant work experience and a small paragraph about relevant extra-curricular activities. If you're applying for a vocational course, it needs to convince the admissions staff that you are suitable and dedicated to a particular career (e.g. medicine). It is 47 lines, or 4000 characters long, whichever you hit first.

What isn't a UCAS personal statement?

Firstly, it is not a letter to the admissions staff and should therefore not be formatted like one, or address the admissions staff directly (i.e. not saying 'you' or 'yours' at all). The admissions staff will know that this is being read by other universities and this will appear insincere. A personal statement needs to be written in full prose and formal language, no bullet points or contractions. It's also not a personal essay discussing your life story or listing all of your achievements and experiences; it is about you but it should focus on your interests in studying your course. However, don't link everything to your course choice, only do it if the link isn't tenuous. At the other end of the spectrum, it isn't an academic essay where you just analyse what you've read. The 'personal' angle comes from why it's interested you. If the course is academic rather than vocational, you also shouldn't talk about doing the job (e.g. being a manager or psychologist), as you need to focus on why you want to study the course, rather than your career, after all, that is at least three years away. It's also not the place to talk about your module marks or discuss issues which have affected your results. If information like this is relevant, it should be included in your reference rather than in the personal statement.

Why is a personal statement important?

It's the first, and sometimes only, chance you have to express why you want to study the course you've chosen and to convince the admissions staff that you're capable. It is of particular importance when applying for competitive courses where the majority of the applicants meet the entry requirements in order to differentiate between candidates. For any course, it will be looked at if you miss your offer grades and could make the difference between your chosen university accepting you or being placed in Clearing. The statement is of particular importance if you are applying for a transfer, as a mature student or have an unusual educational background. It will most likely be used by universities that interview to base some of their questions on, so make sure you know the content of your statement.

You can save your work at any time and come back to it whenever you want. All you need is a TSR account . Don't yet have one? It only take 2 minutes... sign up now

What people say about our personal statement builder

The tool will help you avoid the common pitfalls to ensure you deliver a truly personal statement.

This tool supports applicants through the daunting process of writing their personal statement in an easily accessible way.

The tool gives lots of structure and prompting for people who don't know where to start.

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UCAS personal statement online creator

What is a personal statement.

Your UCAS personal statement is your opportunity to tell universities about your suitability for the course(s) that you hope to study. It is part of your online application to universities. You only write one personal statement and it is available to all the universities or colleges you have applied to.

In your personal statement you need to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to university level study and, above all, ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

You can enter up to 4,000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines), whichever comes first. You do not have to use all the space provided.

Find out more about how to write a great UCAS personal statement.

Build your personal statement

Once you complete the personal statement creator we'll email you a copy that you can use on your UCAS application.

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Have a question? Find out who to contact and how to get in touch.

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Why Personal Statement

A good personal statement supports your application to study at a university

Be concise and use your natural style

Personal Statement Creator and Sample Personal Statements

Create a Personal Statemen t and view examples of personal statement. Learn about how to write a personal statement for university or college applications. Know  how to start a personal statement.

Many students may apply to the same university course with the same grades as you. A well written personal statement can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd and your application being rejected.

Personal statements are generally read by admission managers or professors who serve on an admissions committee in the department to which you are applying. Personal statement gives you a chance to sell yourself to the university in a small and easy-to-digest paragraph.

What is personal statement format ?

A personal statement is like a short reflective essay you write about why you’re the perfect candidate for the course you’re applying to.

A good personal statement supports your application to study at a university . It’s an opportunity for you to express why you like to study a particular course and what skills and experience you possess that show your inclination towards the selected subject area. Basically you are telling admissions staff why you’re suitable to study at their university or college.

It’s important to remember that personal statement is same even if you are applying at different universities. So its better to avoid mentioning any university by name.

Here are some useful sample personal statements you can refer . Once you are ready to write a personal statement, click on the ‘Create Personal Statement’ button below.

Writing Personal Statement

• Be concise and use your natural style. Show enthusiasm if you can
• Mention any award , praise or even personal satisfaction you achieve when you study the course you are applying for
• Do not criticize any other university , student or professors in your personal statement
• It is always better to read aloud your personal statement and get your teachers or friends to recheck. Read at least two times and see if there are any grammatical or spelling errors
• Mention your skills and experiences in the relevant subject area and why this area interests you
• You may include any musical or sporting club you belong to or any hobby you feel is worth mentioning
• If you have done any voluntary service you can mention that in your personal statement

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

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Unlock your dream university with Outleap

Your story, your aspirations, our expertise. With Outleap’s personal statement guide and feedback, you’ll craft a UCAS personal statement fit for the most competitive UK universities.

Students Enrolled

Statements Reviewed

Learning Hours

Why choose Outleap?

Your personal statement is more than just words. It’s a bridge between you and your dream university. Outleap helps you ensure it’s strong, compelling, and unique.

Straightforward

Our step-by-step guide makes drafting your UCAS personal statement a breeze.

Comprehensive support

Our in-depth feedback enables you to make the revisions necessary to ensure your personal statement will stand out from the competition.

Proven and trusted

Our UCAS expertise are leveraged by some of the UK’s leading schools. Every Outleap member receives personalised support.

Reach your desired university

Outleap members have secured offers from over 100 different UK universities, including 92% of Russell Group institutions.

Your UCAS journey, simplified:

Dive into a journey that’s been crafted to sidestep confusion. From preparation to final feedback, we ensure your statement shines.

Preparation

Writing a personal statement is easiest when your intentions are clear. learn the key information should know ahead of planning and writing a statement., we give you the mental tools and techniques needed to understand and express why you want to study your chosen subject..

There are key ingredients every personal statement should include to impress admissions tutors. We outline what these are and explain how to present them in the most effective way.

Writing your personal statement can be challenging but it shouldn’t be punishing. learn how to outline and draft your statement to speed up the writing process..

Effective editing can make the difference and help your statement stand out from the crowd. Learn how to successfully edit your work to ensure your efforts are rewarded.

Outleap experts help you write your personal statement by providing detailed feedback on your drafts. we’ll be here to give you extra guidance whenever you need it..

What our members say

Stand out from the crowd with Outleap

We’re built for maximising your potential. Put our personal statement writing tools and techniques behind your ideas, dreams, and passion and we’ll help you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Outleap?

The UCAS personal statement often demands a significant portion of an applicant’s time, coming second only to achieving the necessary grades. Outleap provides expertise to help you navigate this critical phase. Save time, stand out.

What’s the usual completion time?

Personal statement crafting varies for each individual. However, 81% of members complete their final draft within one month of joining Outleap.

Is Outleap suited for my application?

Outleap’s guide accommodates all UCAS applicants. Whether you’re applying for a humanities course or a science-intensive program, our tailored feedback adjusts to your unique needs and where you are in the drafting process.

Can you explain the feedback process?

Both our Standard and Premium memberships grant access to in-depth feedback reports—typically 800-1000 words. Opt for the Standard, and you’ll receive feedback on one draft each month. The Premium plan doubles that, providing two feedback rounds monthly. All feedback is provided within three working days of when you submit your latest draft for review.

What’s included in Outleap’s feedback?

In Outleap’s feedback, we follow a comprehensive approach. We start by rectifying grammar, spelling, syntax, and style, ensuring your ideas are clearly conveyed. Next, we dissect the content of your statement section by section, pinpointing areas that can be enhanced and providing specific recommendations.

Our goal is to guide you in refining your statement, rather than just critiquing it. With Outleap, you receive precise, actionable insights customised for your UCAS application.

Instant guidance and feedback tailored just for you

Access in-depth guidance and personalised feedback whenever you need it, to ensure you’re on the right track.

Boost your UCAS application with Outleap!

With Outleap’s tools and support, you’ll get hands on support with reaching your dream university.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

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How to write your Personal Statement like a boss

Ace the uk personal statement.

The Personal Statement is your chance to demonstrate that you’d be an excellent student for the courses you’re applying to. It can seem like a big task though with no clear starting point and an odd request to ‘show off’. We’ve got you covered with our 6 tips on writing and structuring a statement to be proud of!

1. Make every word count

You only have 4,000 characters (that’s spaces and punctuation included) to make a great impression on an admissions team, so you need to be economical with your words. There are two ways of tackling this: keep everything concise, and have a clear structure to avoid veering off on a tangent.

To keep everything concise, you should:

• simplify complicated phrasing
• avoid exaggerated phrases like ‘I am fascinated by/ passionate about’ etc. (more on this later!)
• avoid unnecessary intensifiers like ‘really’, ‘very’, and ‘always’
• use acronyms for lengthy titles of well known qualifications or awards like the EPQ
• use surnames only when referencing well known authors, speakers, etc. except where there are two people in the same field with the same surname, like the Rosettis
• check for accidental double spaces.

Instead of: From a young age, I personally have always been a really keen and enthusiastic scientist, who has really thrived in all scientific subjects. Marie Curie - who discovered radium and polonium - has always inspired me to keep searching for the truth which is something I plan to continue doing at university.

We’re going to cover a lot of the issues with this example later on, but in terms of concision, there are unnecessary intensifiers (‘really keen’) and explanations (who Marie Curie is), extra wording (‘I personally’), and vague phrasing that doesn’t show very much at all (‘something I plan to continue'). This student also hasn’t shown that they are a keen scientist - you should make your interest in the subject so obvious by using lots of examples, that you don’t need to tell the admissions team.

Try: I am a keen scientist who enjoys using experimental techniques to solve problems. In Chemistry, I recently investigated the rate of reaction between magnesium and sulphuric acid…

This doesn’t include everything from the original, but it shows an admissions tutor how the student is a keen scientist and launches straight into an example which will further demonstrate their suitability for the course. It is also only 177 characters compared to the first example with a massive 304!

Your structure will also help with your word count, and will make your statement simple to follow - admissions staff have to read thousands of Personal Statements, so make their job easy for them!

Unifrog’s Personal Statement tool provides you with a template structure, allowing you to organise your points into three sections:

• Section 1: why do you want to study this subject? (up to 1,200 characters) You should use lots of detail and specific examples in this section.  
• Section 2: what have you done in the past that makes you particularly suitable to study the subject? (up to 2,400 characters) You can discuss any course related work or voluntary experience here.  
• Section 3: what else have you done that would contribute to the university community (up to 400 characters) You do not need to go into lots of detail here- keep it brief.

Once you have a basic outline, the rest of the editing and drafting process should be fairly straightforward - just select your best examples for each section and carefully edit the language to keep it concise and academically focused. 

2. Keep your focus

Your structure should help you with this, but there are some other key things to remember to include and to avoid to make the most out of your statement.

The majority (80-90%) of a UK Personal Statement should concentrate on how you will make a great student in your chosen subject with lots of detailed examples. To keep the focus, ask yourself ‘does this explain why I am a good applicant?’ at the end of each example or description. Each point in Sections 1 and 2 should provide evidence that you have the right skills, experience, or attitude for learning for this particular subject. If the point or example doesn’t show this, it needs to go even if you spent a long time writing it! Be ruthless in your editing!

In thinking about which examples to use, there are two key things to remember: firstly, this is about your academic skill and ability, so hold on to your extra curricular activities to the end, even if your chosen university has the best hockey team in the league and you want to join it! Secondly, you are applying to study, not for the job that comes after studying so unless you’re applying for a vocational degree (medicine, architecture, etc.), you shouldn’t mention your future career goals; your admissions tutor wants to know you’ll be a great student, not a great museum curator or social worker.

You should focus your examples on your academic ability and interest and how that makes you a suitable candidate for the course. You can even pick out key general topics that you have an interest in and are looking forward to studying (e.g. sustainable building design in an architecture application), but avoid mentioning specific university courses or modules by name (e.g. Games and Virtual Reality at Glasgow School of Art), as you are sending this to all your chosen universities and this may limit your chances at those you don’t mention.

Instead of: The process of writing an EPQ taught me many skills that will be invaluable to me at university and in my future career as a Project Manager. 

This is such a vague example - we have no idea what the EPQ was about or what specific skills this applicant built. The example also hasn’t been linked to the course that the student is applying for, but they have mentioned their future career goals, making this seem more important to the student than the actual studying bit!

Try: Through writing my EPQ on ‘Sustainability in the UK’, I developed my research skills and the ability to break down complex, interconnected policies and processes. These skills will be essential throughout my degree in architecture where I will need to be able to research widely and become familiar with policies on specific areas like sustainable building design.

In this example, the student has identified and evidenced two specific skills that they have related directly to their chosen subject. This example also answers the question, ‘does this explain why I am a good applicant?’ 

Please note that this example isn’t complete. We would recommend giving more information and picking out some key parts of the EPQ the student found particularly interesting, what they learned, and how this relates to their chosen subject.

3. Sell yourself

This can be a tough one! The thought of having to write about our best qualities fills some people with absolute dread, but you do have great skills and attributes and your university admissions team wants to hear about them! The trick here is to be confident without coming across as arrogant or overconfident: be proud of yourself, but don’t show off.

Try the following exercise:

• Start off by making a list of all the useful experiences you have had, the things you have done that you are most proud of, and any awards or certificates you have ever achieved, or competitions you have won (if you have been using Unifrog’s Activities tool, check here before you start your list to give you some ideas).
• Next to each example, make a note of the relevant skills and relevant subject knowledge you've gained.
• Finally, mark out the examples that are relevant to your chosen subject or to going to university in general; these are the examples you are going to use to demonstrate how fantastic you are to your admissions team.

When you write each example, avoid arrogant and sweeping statements such as ‘I have a vast array of skills’, which only shows your admissions team that you’re not quite sure what the value of that activity was! Instead, describe how specific skills have been put into practice to give real evidence of your ability.

Instead of: My class organised a geology day for younger pupils at my school demonstrating our teamwork and organisation skills. 

This uses collective language (‘our...skills’), and doesn’t show the applicant’s involvement in the event, so the admissions tutor won’t find it relevant. 

Try: My class organised a geology day for younger pupils at my school. My job was to research speakers and activities. I was also part of the marketing team where I made posters with the team, spoke in assemblies about the event, and encouraged as many students as possible to join. 

This shows the students’ involvement, highlighting exactly what they did and how this contributed to the overall event, ‘selling’ the applicant by showing the value of their involvement. 

4. Show your passion

Obviously, the reason you’re applying for your chosen subject is because you love it; unfortunately, telling an admissions team that you love engineering, or dentistry, or childhood studies isn’t enough to make them want to give you an offer.

Instead of telling them about your passion, show them by choosing 1-2 specific examples of things you’ve done outside of the classroom to demonstrate that you enjoy the subject so much, you want to spend your own time exploring it further. This will impress the team reading your application for 2 reasons: firstly, the admissions staff have often devoted their entire careers to studying this particular subject, so they like to see a similar commitment in the applicant; secondly, they want to admit students whose enjoyment of the subject will motivate them to work hard.

So, what examples could you use?

• Use the Geek Out sections in the Subjects library to find suggested films, talks, podcasts, articles, and books related to your chosen subject.
• Use the Read, Watch, Listen tool to explore more widely - find films, podcasts, books, poems, and more that you can filter by a range of categories including genre, vibe, and interest.
• Writing : write a personal blog, an article, an extra essay, or a project.
• Experiencing : go to lectures, museums, galleries, and planetariums.
• Getting involved : organise work experience, take part in competitions outside of school, create a society/club, or join a summer school.
• Helping others : teach younger children at school or as a tutor, or volunteer at a youth centre, local place of worship, or in a care home to share your knowledge.
• Creating : make a short film, start a podcast, or put on an event at school.

Don’t forget to record your thoughts on everything you explore using the Activities tool so you don’t forget what you learnt or found interesting! Your thoughts on what you read or did are key to your examples and will demonstrate both your independence and the love of your subject at the same time! Make sure you are honest about what you have read, researched, or taken part in: your admissions team will be able to verify a lot of what you have written through the reference from your teachers, so it will be clear if things don’t quite match up. And, if you are invited to an interview, it is more than likely that you will be asked about your independent reading and will be blatantly obvious if you have stretched the truth!

Examples: Instead of:  I’ve always loved reading novels across a range of genres. I read in my spare time and I can’t wait to study more of them in my English Literature degree.

This is too vague so doesn’t convincingly evidence the applicant’s passion for English literature. There are no examples of the type of novels or authors this student enjoys reading, and it’s not clear that they read beyond the novels set in the English lessons. As a general point, always avoid phrases like ‘I’ve always loved…’ - they’re rarely true and very overused! Again, showing your love is more important than saying you love a subject.

Try:  I greatly enjoyed reading ‘Money: A Suicide Note’ by Martin Amis as part of my English coursework. I was particularly interested by Amis’ use of the excess-driven protagonist John Self to explore the darker side of individualism. After I handed in my coursework, I was eager to explore contrasting presentations of consumerism further in Amis’ work, as well as that of other contemporary authors, such as Chuck Palahniuk and Bret Easton Ellis. I read X which contrasted with my thoughts on Amis’ work as...

This convincingly evidences the applicant’s love for their subject by highlighting a specific interest- in this case, the presentation of consumerism in contemporary literature. It also shows that the candidate has thought about how their example (Money: A Suicide Note) connects with other key themes in their subject, and how this has sparked in interest in other novels and authors. The candidate is also comparing their in class studies with their wider reading, demonstrating a natural curiosity in the subject.

5. Stand out (for the right reasons)

Standing out in your Personal Statement doesn’t mean adding in jokes, writing it like a piece of creative writing, or sharing bizarre anecdotes. It means standing out as a strong academic individual through your experiences and unique interest in one particular aspect of the course. Convey your academic personality by discussing wider reading and independent research, and the impact this has had on your decision to study the subject. 

This can often come in the form of an anecdote or unusual reason for your initial interest in the subject, but avoid shoehorning anecdotes or experiences into your writing for the sake of it - it’s more important to sound sincere than to sound unusual. 

Another great way of standing out is avoiding clichés. Using famous quotes - for example - to start you off is a sure fire way of turning an admissions team off your application before they’ve even had a chance to read about you. Even if you’ve found an unusual quote that you think no one has ever used before, it’s very likely that the admissions team have seen it amongst the thousands of applications they’ve read over the years. Even more importantly, using inspirational quotes often suggests a lack of inspiration. It’s better to use your own words than someone else’s. 

You should also avoid clichéd phrasing like ‘from a young age’, ‘interesting’, ‘passion’ and ‘team player’ as this lacks real substance. Equally, steer clear from those ‘lightbulb’ moments when everything suddenly became clear and you knew you wanted to study mechanical engineering - not only is it highly unlikely that one moment decided your whole life for you, but your decision to study a subject at university should be carefully considered across all your experiences and interests.

Examples: Instead of: I have wanted to study liberal arts and sciences from a young age ever since I visited the Science Museum with my primary school.  

‘From a young age’ should definitely be avoided - it is clichéd and shows the admissions tutor that your decision isn’t based on anything recent or carefully considered. We also have a ‘lightbulb’ moment in the form of visiting a museum -  this might have sparked an interest in a subject area, but it’s super unlikely that the decision to study liberal arts at university was made by the primary school you!

Try: S tudying liberal arts will further develop my interest in how the worlds of arts and science are interlinked and feed off of each other. When studying Da Vinci in art, I began exploring human proportions and how our perception of these can be affected by artistic principles like lights and shadow...

This example feels more honest than the previous one. It also focuses on a long term, mature reason for choosing the subject considering the academic skills that the student enjoys and wants to develop .

6. Check your work

After each major edit, take a break, proofread it, and then proofread it again - unfortunately, even a small spelling or punctuation mistake can overshadow a brilliantly-crafted sentence, and you don’t want your hard work to lose its impact!

Once you’ve completed your Personal Statement, have it checked by one key reader, and possibly a second to act as a subject expert. Careful not to ask too many people - you don’t want conflicting feedback. 

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A guide to using AI and ChatGPT with your personal statement

Applying to university.

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: English
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• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
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• Personal statement advice: engineering
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• Personal statement advice: law
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• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
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• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Filling in your application
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

What's on this page?

What is ai and chatgpt.

• Is using AI to help with my personal statement 'cheating'?

Tips for using AI and ChatGPT with your personal statement

Try our personal statement builder.

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, refers to computer systems or machines that can perform tasks that have typically required human thought. Effectively this means they simulate human intelligence.

This has led to the development of online tools like ChatGPT that can answer questions by using a vast databases of information and generate human-like text on almost any topic.

Why is everyone talking about it?

You might have seen a lot about ChatGPT online and in the news because it is a game-changer in terms of how we can generate ideas, written text and offer solutions to problems or tasks we have to carry out.

It was only launched in November 2022 and has currently been used by over 1 billion people (as of May 2023). There has also been a lot of discussion within schools, universities and colleges about how students are using it to help with their work and assessments .

Is using AI to help with my personal statement 'cheating'?

As you can imagine, we have had a lot of questions from people applying for university or college about whether using tools like ChatGPT to help with your UCAS personal statement is considered 'cheating'.

Generating (and then copying, pasting and submitting) all or a large part of your personal statement from an AI tool such as ChatGPT, and presenting it as your own words,  could be considered cheating by universities and colleges and could affect your chances of an offer.

When you complete your application, you now have to declare that your personal statement hasn't been copied or provided from another source, including artificial intelligence software.

As part of our responsibility to applicants and universities and colleges, the UCAS Verification Team run checks to detect fraudulent applications and patterns of similarity in personal statements. Read our guide to fraud and verification and similarity .

If UCAS anti-plagiarism software detects elements of a personal statement that are similar to others, the universities or colleges it is intended for may be notified.

The personal statement is exactly that; personal. It should describe your ambitions, skills and the experiences that make you suitable for the course you're applying for in your own words. A lot of students we speak to say the process of writing it helps confirm that they're applying for the right course.

If your personal statement doesn't appear genuine, it could affect your chances of being offered a place. AI is good but it can't replicate your personal thoughts and feelings and convey your own skills and experiences. A bland AI-generated personal statement is not what universities and colleges are looking for.

However, universities and colleges do understand that AI tools can be useful to applicants writing personal statements if used in the correct way. We have outlined some useful tips on using such tools below.

The university and college view

We have spoken to schools, universities, colleges and careers advisers, and pretty much everyone agrees that using tools like ChatGPT can be helpful to applicants writing their personal statement if the right guidance is followed.

They realise that AI tools are already reshaping the way we work and research and are about to become integral to studying and the way we work in many careers, particularly creative fields.

Although using AI and ChatGPT to write your personal statement for you will be considered cheating, there are ways you could use AI to help you make a start, structure and then check your final work.

It's important to remember that while ChatGPT can generate text, it's not a substitute for your own thoughts and experiences. It's called a personal statement for a reason and universities want to hear from you, not an AI bot.

You could use ChatGPT as a tool to help inspire, clarify and articulate your own ideas, rather than asking it to write your entire personal statement for you.

Here are a few ways you could use AI to assist you:

Brainstorm some ideas

You could use ChatGPT to give you ideas about topics that are relevant to your chosen subject, which you can then relate to your own experiences and opinions. Or you could ask it to list skills that are relevant to the course you're applying for, allowing you to think about your own talents and how to convey them.

Help with structure

You may want to ask ChatGPT to suggest ways of structuring your personal statement. Our personal statement builder does something very similar.

Use it for checking readability

ChatGPT can be used to check your personal statement draft for readability. It may suggest ways to rephrase sentences to make them more concise, while maintaining their meaning.

Dos and don'ts

Check everything that AI tools suggest, particularly facts.

They do get things wrong!

Copy and paste from AI tools and use as final text.

AI can state facts but cannot reflect your own skills, experiences and thoughts in your voice, which is what universities are looking for!

• My interest in law began when I read 'Who was Ruth Bader Ginsburg?', a book about the US Supreme Court Justice whose arguments helped persuade governments to change policies on gender equality. The book made me aware of how the law can make a huge different to individuals around the world.
• During my work experience placement, shadowing a solicitor, I attended the local Magistrates Court and saw how the process of cross examining witnesses works which was fascinating and something I feel my skills could be suited to.
• From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricate workings of the legal system and its impact on society. This passion for justice and the desire to make a positive difference in people's lives has driven me to pursue a career in law.
• Beyond academia, I have engaged in extracurricular activities that have further enhanced my skills and enriched my understanding of law.

Ideas but not personal detail

While ChatGPT may suggest ideas of what to write about in your personal statement, the very specific reference to the book in the good example above gives a personal flavour to why the applicant wants to study law which an AI tool could not.

And while ChatGPT might suggest talking about work placements in your personal statement, you have to give specific examples that are personal to you and talk about what you experienced and got out of them.

The tone also feels genuine and heartfelt and not bland and overly formal as can happen with AI-generated responses.

Beware the bland and generic!

In contrast, the bad examples above have been completely generated by ChatGPT.

They feel very academic and bland. They don't give any real sense of what personally motivates the person to study law other than general statements about wanting "justice" and "making a difference". 

And finally, while suggesting the person has taken part in activities outside of school, there are no details of how these have enhanced their understanding of and passion for law.

The personal statement builder in the UCAS Hub is designed to help you think about what to include in your personal statement, and how to lay it all out. It also counts how many characters you’ve used, so it’s easy to see when you’re close to the 4,000 character limit.

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