UCAS Personal Statement: What Admissions Tutors Really Want

The Purpose of Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to show admissions tutors why you're passionate about your chosen subject and why you'd be a valuable addition to their university.

What Admissions Tutors Look For

Based on feedback from university admissions teams, here's what they really want to see:

1. Genuine Passion for the Subject

Show that you've engaged with your subject beyond the classroom. This could include:

• Relevant reading or research
• Online courses or MOOCs
• Documentaries or podcasts
• Museum visits or exhibitions

2. Critical Thinking Skills

Don't just list what you've done - analyze and reflect on your experiences. What did you learn? How did it change your perspective?

3. Relevant Skills and Experiences

Include experiences that demonstrate skills relevant to your course, such as:

• Leadership roles
• Problem-solving experiences
• Communication skills
• Teamwork abilities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too generic or vague
• Focusing too much on extracurricular activities unrelated to your course
• Using clichés or overused phrases
• Poor grammar and spelling
• Exceeding the character limit

Structure and Tips

A strong personal statement typically follows this structure:

1. Opening: Hook the reader with why you're passionate about the subject
2. Academic interests: Demonstrate your engagement with the subject
3. Relevant experiences: Show how you've developed relevant skills
4. Future goals: Explain your career aspirations
5. Conclusion: Summarize why you're a great fit for the course

Remember, your personal statement should be authentically you. Admissions tutors can spot generic or overly polished statements, so let your genuine enthusiasm shine through.