Writing a personal statement that stands out is key to a successful university application. For competitive programs, admissions teams receive thousands of applications, with only a small fraction of spots available. In some cases, the offer rate can be as low as 15 percent. Since most applicants will have similar grades and strong references, the personal statement becomes the primary place where a student can truly distinguish themselves. Today, we would like to share a few ways to enhance your personal statement—and, in turn, your overall application.

Academic Reading
To show the admissions team that you are genuinely interested in your intended field of study and understand what it entails, include some wider reading in your personal statement. This could range from an academic article to a non-fiction book. By reflecting on the material and connecting it to your future degree, you can demonstrate both your interest in the subject and your preparedness for independent academic study.

Online Courses
Another way to engage with your future field on a deeper level is by completing an online course in the subject. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy offer a wide range of courses, often provided by universities or leading companies, and sometimes grant recognised certificates upon completion. These courses have become increasingly popular among prospective students as a way to show commitment to their field.

Summer Programs
Summer programs focusing on specific fields like medicine or computing are particularly popular among international students, as they provide a way to experience the British educational system and build subject-specific vocabulary. Similar programs are also available for domestic students, often hosted by universities or other educational institutions. These programs allow students to explore their intended subjects in depth, participate in lectures with university professors, and engage in subject-related projects.

Leadership in Clubs or Societies
Another effective way to make your application stand out is to include leadership experience from a club or society. Discuss the transferable skills you gained and how they relate to your intended degree. While academic achievements are important, universities are also interested in soft skills that will benefit you in your studies and future career.

Volunteering
Volunteering is always valued by universities during the selection process. If your volunteering experience is related to your chosen field, discuss the relevant knowledge you gained. However, any volunteering experience is worth including, as it shows initiative and a willingness to contribute to society. Additionally, you can often link the skills acquired through volunteering to your future degree.

Work Experience
Including work experience, if possible, can add substantial value to your application. Whether it’s directly related to your field or not, the skills you gain—such as responsibility, independence, teamwork, and communication—are highly sought after by universities. Discussing your practical experience can make your application more memorable and stand out among others.

Start-Up Projects
Another strong option is to start your own project or initiative. Reflecting on the process of creating something from scratch, the skills and knowledge gained, and the insights gathered from analysing outcomes can make your application unique. As with volunteering and work experience, this project does not need to be directly related to your chosen field, as you can link the skills and experiences to your future aspirations.

Competitions and Projects
Our final tip is to participate in competitions or other projects that build relevant skills and showcase your interests. Opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, academic Olympiads, sports competitions, or business challenges allow you to demonstrate commitment and initiative, while also honing skills that are applicable to university study.