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How to draft your personal statement

A strong personal statement makes all the difference when you're applying for an undergraduate course. We've got some advice to support you to craft yours.

Getting Started: Your First Draft

Your personal statement should feel personal, it’s your chance to tell us about you. What drives you? What have you done? What kind of student will you be?

Start by writing everything down, even if it’s over the limit. You can trim it later. Capture your ideas, experiences, and reflections first.

Use the PEEL Method to Structure Your Ideas

To build clear and convincing paragraphs, try using PEEL:

  • Point: Start with a clear statement showing your interest, skill or insight.
  • Evidence: Back it up with a specific example or experience.
  • Explanation: Show what it taught you or how it’s relevant.
  • Link: Connect back to your subject or future studies.

This structure helps your writing stay focused and meaningful.

Tone and Style

Aim for a clear, positive, and authentic voice. Don’t overcomplicate it. Try talking through your ideas aloud, then write in a similar tone.

Keep it simple and effective:

  • Use short sentences and paragraphs
  • Write in plain English
  • Be positive without boasting
  • Check your spelling and grammar carefully

When describing work experience (if you have it, but don’t worry if you don’t), make sure you cover:

  • Your duties or tasks
  • What you learned
  • Skills you developed (e.g. teamwork, problem-solving, communication)

What to avoid:

  • Irrelevant or outdated experiences
  • Exaggeration or negativity
  • Unsupported claims, always back up your points
  • Life stories, stay focused and current
  • Clichés or famous quotes
  • Copying others or using AI-generated statements
  • Repeating information already covered in other parts of your UCAS application

Get Feedback on Your Draft

Ask someone you trust for example a teacher, parent/carer, or friend to read your statement. Ask them:

  • Does it reflect me and my interests?
  • Are there clear examples and evidence?
  • Does it read smoothly?
  • Have I missed anything?
  • Are there any grammar or spelling mistakes?

Levelling up Your Statement

Strong personal statements don’t just show what you’ve done, they reveal how you think.

Pick two or three key points and explore them deeply:

  • What did you learn from an experience?
  • Did it inspire further exploration?
  • Did it challenge your views?
  • If you read a book, what stood out? What didn’t you agree with?

You don’t need to reflect in this way on every point, but where it fits, it can really add depth.

Editing and Finalising Your Statement

You’ll likely write several drafts, and that’s a good thing. Each time you get feedback, your statement will improve. Eventually, the changes will get smaller. That’s when you know you’re nearly there. As you refine:

  • Make it focused and concise
  • Cut unnecessary words
  • Ensure it’s under the 4,000 character limit
  • Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

Using AI Tools to Support You

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you develop ideas, structure content, or proofread your grammar. For example, you could:

  • Ask for a list of skills relevant to your course
  • Reflect on activities you’ve done to identify transferable skills
  • Check your statement for structure and clarity

However, don’t rely on AI to write your statement. The result will likely be too generic and won’t reflect your voice. Your statement must be written in your own words.

When you submit your application via UCAS , you’ll be asked to confirm that your personal statement hasn’t been copied, including from AI.

Final Tips

Do your research: Know what your courses involve

Be honest and authentic: Let your voice shine through

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