Personal Statement Consultants in London UK

When applying to universities in the UK, the personal statement (PS) is one of the most important factors that determines the outcome of your application. No matter how amazing your grades are, without a strong personal statement, universities may give preference to other applicants. Conversely, a good personal statement can greatly support those whose grades could be stronger, helping them get into their desired universities. It’s impossible to cover everything about writing a great personal statement in one article, but today we will share some practical tips. For more information, watch our webinar or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced tutors.

What is a personal statement ?

First, let’s define what a personal statement is. A personal statement is a compulsory essay written by a student when applying to UK universities. Its purpose is to give students an opportunity to discuss their achievements and interests, helping them stand out in the application process. Until this year, the format was one long essay with a 4,000-character limit. Starting next year (for those applying for the 2026-2027 academic year onward), the format will change to three separate questions:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

2. How have your qualifications and studies prepared you for this course or subject?

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences relevant?

Nonetheless, the following tips will be useful regardless of the format.

Tip #1 - Go beyond the school syllabus
When writing your personal statement, it’s important to show genuine interest in the subject. To stand out and demonstrate that you’ve done your research, mention topics outside of what you’ve learned at school. Everyone studies the same syllabus, so referring only to it can be limiting. Highlighting additional topics you've explored will be more impressive.

Tip #2 - Include academic sources
Building on the previous tip, it’s essential to refer to academic sources (we recommend 3-4 references) in your personal statement. Whether it’s an online course, a book, or an article you’ve read, including academic sources shows your dedication to the subject. It also demonstrates that you are prepared for the independent research required in university-level studies.

Tip #3 - Be truthful
Do not lie in your personal statement. Only include experiences you’ve genuinely had. For instance, if you haven’t read a full book and only skimmed a summary, don’t mention it. Some universities may conduct interviews where you could be asked about your personal statement. Even at universities that don’t interview, admissions teams are experienced enough to detect inconsistencies, which could easily cost you an offer.

Tip #4 - Avoid clichés
Admissions teams read thousands of applications, so it’s important to make your personal statement stand out. Avoid using clichés, as these are common and won’t grab attention. Here are some examples of overused phrases you should steer clear of:

• "I am passionate about physics."

• "I’ve always wanted to study physics."

• "Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to study physics."

Tip #5 - Write multiple drafts
No one writes a perfect personal statement on their first try. You should have multiple drafts (students often write 5-8 drafts) before your personal statement is ready for submission. This is a lengthy process, so starting early will give you time to take breaks between drafts and come back with a fresh perspective.

Tip #6 - Pay attention to grammar
It may sound obvious, but this is one of the biggest issues many students face. Ensure that your personal statement is free of grammar mistakes and flows well. It might be helpful to ask others to read your personal statement or make use of AI tools available to check for errors.

Tip #7 - Don’t repeat yourself
Avoid repeating information already included elsewhere in your application, such as your grades or the subjects you are currently studying. Admissions teams will have access to that information, so don’t waste your limited characters by restating it.