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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

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How to Write a Strong Personal Statement

• Ruth Gotian
• Ushma S. Neill

A few adjustments can get your application noticed.

Whether applying for a summer internship, a professional development opportunity, such as a Fulbright, an executive MBA program, or a senior leadership development course, a personal statement threads the ideas of your CV, and is longer and has a different tone and purpose than a traditional cover letter. A few adjustments to your personal statement can get your application noticed by the reviewer.

• Make sure you’re writing what they want to hear. Most organizations that offer a fellowship or internship are using the experience as a pipeline: It’s smart to spend 10 weeks and $15,000 on someone before committing five years and $300,000. Rarely are the organizations being charitable or altruistic, so align your stated goals with theirs
• Know when to bury the lead, and when to get to the point. It’s hard to paint a picture and explain your motivations in 200 words, but if you have two pages, give the reader a story arc or ease into your point by setting the scene.
• Recognize that the reviewer will be reading your statement subjectively, meaning you’re being assessed on unknowable criteria. Most people on evaluation committees are reading for whether or not you’re interesting. Stated differently, do they want to go out to dinner with you to hear more? Write it so that the person reading it wants to hear more.
• Address the elephant in the room (if there is one). Maybe your grades weren’t great in core courses, or perhaps you’ve never worked in the field you’re applying to. Make sure to address the deficiency rather than hoping the reader ignores it because they won’t. A few sentences suffice. Deficiencies do not need to be the cornerstone of the application.

At multiple points in your life, you will need to take action to transition from where you are to where you want to be. This process is layered and time-consuming, and getting yourself to stand out among the masses is an arduous but not impossible task. Having a polished resume that explains what you’ve done is the common first step. But, when an application asks for it, a personal statement can add color and depth to your list of accomplishments. It moves you from a one-dimensional indistinguishable candidate to someone with drive, interest, and nuance.

• Ruth Gotian is the chief learning officer and associate professor of education in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, and the author of The Success Factor and Financial Times Guide to Mentoring . She was named the #1 emerging management thinker by Thinkers50. You can access her free list of conversation starters and test your mentoring impact . RuthGotian
• Ushma S. Neill is the Vice President, Scientific Education & Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She runs several summer internships and is involved with the NYC Marshall Scholar Selection Committee. ushmaneill

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How to Write a Personal Statement (with Tips and Examples)

By Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

What is a personal statement, 6 tips on how to write a personal statement, personal statement examples (for college and university), faqs about writing personal statements, conclusion on how to write a personal statement.

How do you tell someone who you are in just a few hundred words?

It’s certainly no easy task, but it’s one almost every college applicant must do. The personal statement is a crucial part of any college or university application.

So, how do you write a compelling personal statement?

In this article, we’ll give you all the tools, tips, and examples you need to write an effective personal statement.

A personal statement is a short essay that reveals something important about who you are. It can talk about your background, your interests, your values, your goals in life, or all of the above.

Personal statements are required by many college admission offices and scholarship selection committees. They’re a key part of your application, alongside your academic transcript, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.

The reason application committees ask you to write a personal statement is so they can get to know who you are. 

Some personal statements have specific prompts, such as “Discuss a period of personal growth in your life” or “Tell us about a challenge or failure you’ve faced.” Others are more open-ended with prompts that essentially boil down to “Tell us about yourself.”

No matter what the prompt is, your goal is the same: to make yourself stand out to the selection committee as a strong candidate for their program.

Here are some things a personal statement can be:

It can be funny. If you have a great sense of humor, your personal statement is a great place to let that shine.  

It can be vulnerable. Don’t be afraid to open up about hardships in your life or failures you’ve experienced. Showing vulnerability can make you sound more like a real person rather than just a collection of application materials.  

It can be creative. Candidates have got into top schools with personal statements that take the form of “a day in the life” descriptions, third-person short stories, and even cooking recipes.

Now we’ve talked about what a personal statement is, let’s quickly look at what a personal statement isn’t:

It isn’t a formal academic paper. You should write the personal statement in your natural voice, using first-person pronouns like “I” and “me,” not in the formal, objective language you would use to write an academic paper.

It isn’t a five-paragraph essay. You should use as many paragraphs as you need to tell your story instead of sticking to the essay structure you learned in school.

It isn’t a resumé. You should try to describe yourself by telling a clear and cohesive story rather than providing a jumbled list of all of your accomplishments and ambitions.

Here are our top six tips for writing a strong personal statement.

Tip 1: Do Some Serious Self-Reflection

The hardest part of writing a personal statement isn’t the actual process of writing it.

Before you start typing, you have to figure out what to write about. And that means taking some time to reflect on who you are and what’s important in your life.

Here are some useful questions you can use to start your self-reflection. You can either answer these on your own by writing down your answers, or you can ask a trusted friend to listen as you talk about them together.

What were the key moments that shaped your life? (e.g. an important friendship, a travel experience, an illness or injury)

What are you proud of? (e.g. you’re a good listener, you always keep your promises, you’re a talented musician)

How do you choose to spend your time? (e.g. reading, practicing soccer, spending time with your friends)

What inspires you? (e.g. your grandmother, a celebrity, your favorite song)

Doing this self-reflection is crucial for figuring out the perfect topics and anecdotes you can use to describe who you are.

Tip 2: Try to Avoid Cliché Topics

College application committees read thousands of personal statements a year. That means there are some personal statement topics they see over and over again.

Here are a few examples of common personal statement topics that have become cliché:

Winning a tournament or sports game

Volunteering in a foreign country

Moving to a new home

Becoming an older sibling

Being an immigrant or having immigrant parents

If you want to make a strong impression in the application process, you need to make your personal statement stand out from the crowd.

But if your chosen personal statement topic falls into one of these categories, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use it. Just make sure to put a unique spin on it so it still delivers something the committee hasn’t seen before.

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Tip 3: Show, Don’t Tell

One common mistake you might make in your personal statement is to simply tell the reader what you want them to know about you, such as by stating “I have a fear of public speaking” or “I love to cook.”

Instead of simply stating these facts, you should show the committee what you’re talking about through a story or scene, which will make your essay much more immersive and memorable.

For example, let’s say you want the committee to know you overcame your fear of public speaking. Instead of writing “I overcame my fear of public speaking,” show them what it was like to be onstage in front of a microphone. Did your palms get clammy? Did you feel light-headed? Did you forget your words?

Or let’s say you want the committee to know you love to cook. Instead of writing “I love to cook,” show them why you love to cook. What’s your favorite dish to cook? What does the air smell like when you’re cooking it? What kitchen appliances do you use to make it?

Tip 4: Connect the Story to Why You’re Applying

Don’t forget that the purpose of your personal statement isn’t simply to tell the admissions committee who you are. That’s an important part of it, of course, but your ultimate goal is to convince them to choose you as a candidate.

That means it’s important to tie your personal story to your reasons for applying to this specific school or scholarship. Finish your essay with a strong thesis.

For example, if your story is about overcoming your fear of public speaking, you might connect that story to your ambition of becoming a politician. You can then tie that to your application by saying, “I want to apply to this school because of its fantastic politics program, which will give me a perfect opportunity to use my voice.”

Tip 5: Write in Your Own Voice

The personal statement isn’t supposed to be written in a formal tone. That’s why they’re called “personal” statements because you have to shape it to fit your own voice and style.

Don’t use complicated or overwrought language. You don’t need to fill your essay with semicolons and big words, unless that’s how you sound in real life.

One way to write in your own voice is by speaking your personal statement out loud. If it doesn’t feel natural, it may need changing. 

Tip 6: Edit, Edit, Edit!

It’s important to revise your personal statement multiple times in order to make sure it’s as close to perfect as possible.

A single typo won’t kill your application, but if your personal statement contains multiple spelling errors or egregious grammar mistakes, you won’t be putting your best foot forward.

ProWritingAid can help you make sure your personal statement is as clean as possible. In addition to catching your grammar errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes, it will also help you improve weaknesses in your writing, such as passive voice, unnecessary repetition, and more.

Let’s look at some of the best personal statements that have worked for successful candidates in the real world. 

Harvard Personal Statement Example

Love. For a word describing such a powerful emotion, it is always in the air. The word “love” has become so pervasive in everyday conversation that it hardly retains its roots in blazing passion and deep adoration. In fact, the word is thrown about so much that it becomes difficult to believe society isn’t just one huge, smitten party, with everyone holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.” In films, it’s the teenage boy’s grudging response to a doting mother. At school, it’s a habitual farewell between friends. But in my Chinese home, it’s never uttered. Watching my grandmother lie unconscious on the hospital bed, waiting for her body to shut down, was excruciatingly painful. Her final quavering breaths formed a discordant rhythm with the steady beep of hospital equipment and the unsympathetic tapping hands of the clock. That evening, I whispered—into unhearing ears—the first, and only, “I love you” I ever said to her, my rankling guilt haunting me relentlessly for weeks after her passing. My warm confession seemed anticlimactic, met with only the coldness of my surroundings—the blank room, impassive doctors, and empty silence. I struggled to understand why the “love” that so easily rolled off my tongue when bantering with friends dissipated from my vocabulary when I spoke to my family. Do Chinese people simply love less than Americans do?

This is an excerpt from a personal statement that got the applicant admitted to Harvard University. The applicant discusses her background as a Chinese-American by musing on the word “love” and what that means within her family.

The writer uses vulnerable details about her relationship with her grandmother to give the reader an understanding of where she comes from and how her family has shaped her.  

You can read the full personal statement on the Harvard Crimson website.

Tufts Personal Statement Example

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks and Things That Go,” and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon. Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration. Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear. I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

This is the beginning of a personal statement by Renner Kwittken, who was admitted into Tufts University as a pre-medical student.

Renner uses a humorous anecdote about being a pickle truck driver to describe his love for nanomedicine and how he got involved in his field. You can feel his passion for medicine throughout his personal statement.

You can find Renner’s full essay on the Tufts Admissions page.

Law School Personal Statement Essay Example

For most people, the slap on the face that turns their life around is figurative. Mine was literal. Actually, it was a punch delivered by a drill sergeant at Fort Dix, New Jersey, while I was in basic training. That day’s activity, just a few weeks into the program, included instruction in “low-crawling,” a sensible method of moving from one place to another on a battlefield. I felt rather clever for having discovered that, by looking right rather than down, I eliminated my helmet’s unfortunate tendency to dig into the ground and slow my progress. I could thus advance more easily, but I also exposed my unprotected face to hostile fire. Drill sergeants are typically very good at detecting this type of laziness, and mine was an excellent drill sergeant. So, after his repeated suggestions that I correct my performance went unheeded, he drove home his point with a fist to my face. We were both stunned. This was, after all, the New Army, and striking a trainee was a career-ending move for a drill sergeant, as we were both aware. I could have reported him; arguably, I should have. I didn’t. It didn’t seem right for this good sergeant, who had not slept for almost four days, to lose his career for losing his temper with my laziness. Choosing not to report him was the first decision I remember making that made me proud.

These are the first three paragraphs of an anonymous personal statement by a Wheaton College graduate, who used this personal statement to get into a top-25 law school.

This statement describes a time the applicant faced a challenging decision while in the army. He ended up making a decision he was proud of, and as a result, the personal statement gives us a sense of his character.

You can find the full essay on the Wheaton Academics website.

Here are some common questions about how to write a personal statement.

How Long Should a Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement depends on the specific program you’re applying to. The application guidelines usually specify a maximum word count or an ideal word count.  

Most personal statements are between 500–800 words. That’s a good general range to aim for if you don’t have more specific guidelines.  

Should Personal Statements Be Different for Scholarships?

Many scholarship applications will ask for personal statements with similar prompts to those of college applications.

However, the purpose of a personal statement you’d write for a scholarship application is different from the purpose of one you’d write for a college application.

For a scholarship application, your goal is to showcase why you deserve the scholarship. To do that, you need to understand the mission of the organization offering that scholarship.

For example, some scholarships are meant to help first-generation college students get their degree, while others are meant to help women break into STEM.

Consider the following questions:

Why is this organization offering scholarships?

What would their ideal scholarship candidate look like?

How do your experiences and goals overlap with those of their ideal scholarship candidate?

You can use the same personal anecdotes you’d use for any other personal statement, but you’ll have a better chance of winning the scholarship if you tailor your essay to match their specific mission.

How to Start a Personal Statement

You should start your personal statement with a “hook” that pulls the reader in. The sooner you catch the reader’s attention, the more likely they’ll want to read the entire essay.

Here are some examples of hooks you can use:

A story (e.g. When the spotlight hit my face, I tried to remind myself to breathe. )

A setting description (e.g. My bedroom floor is covered with dirty laundry, candy wrappers, and crumpled sheet music. )

A funny anecdote (e.g. When I was a little kid, my friends nicknamed me Mowgli because of my haircut. )

A surprising fact (e.g. I've lived in 37 countries .)

There you have it—our complete guide to writing a personal statement that will make you stand out to the application committee.

Here’s a quick recap: 

A personal statement is a short essay that shows an application committee who you are

Start with a strong hook that pulls the reader in

Tell a story to engage the reader 

Write in your own voice, not in a formal tone

Good luck, and happy writing!

Hannah Yang

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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How To Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out

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Laura Jane Bradbury

A personal statement is a chance to highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences, all while showcasing your personality.

But whether you're applying for university, a job, or funding, it can be daunting to write about yourself. To increase your chances of getting accepted, it's important to know how to create an effective personal statement.

In my six years as a copywriter, I’ve written many personal statements that get results. In this article, I’ll guide you through what to include, what to avoid, and how to tailor a personal statement based on your application type.

Key Takeaways

• A personal statement is an opportunity to share your unique qualities, experiences, and skills.
• It should always relate to the course, job, or funding you are applying for.
• Include accomplishments and experiences that demonstrate how suited you are to the position or course you are applying for.
• Use clear and simple language to ensure your points are understood.

Your personal statement should be concise and demonstrate how you fit the position or opportunity you’re applying for. It’s important to keep information relevant, rather than listing all of your skills and accomplishments.

Follow these steps to accurately write and tailor your statement.

Understand your prompt

Before you start, make sure you understand what's expected of you. Are there specific instructions, keywords, or phrases that stand out in your prompt? Read through it thoroughly and note the requirements. You can then brainstorm ideas for each point.

Let's say I'm applying for a university journalism course. I've been asked to write a statement that shares why I'm interested and why I would be a good fit. I can use columns to plan my content:

Putting your ideas together first makes it easier to stay on track. Otherwise, you might lose focus and include irrelevant information. 

Show, don't just tell

Once you’ve listed your experiences, skills, and accomplishments, consider how you can demonstrate them with examples. Take a look at the list you created during the previous exercise and organize your points so you have clear examples and proof.

This technique helps you demonstrate your experiences and how they tie in with your application.

When telling anecdotes, use engaging stories that demonstrate your skills. For instance, a story about how I handled a fast-paced news internship proves I work well under pressure. 

Start strong

Recruiters, application tutors, and funders read lots of personal statements. You can make yours stand out with an engaging introduction.

Examples of a strong opening include:

A meaningful statistic

This draws readers in and increases credibility: 

"Communication is the key to marketing success, according to Business Marketing News. With five years of experience communicating and delivering campaigns to global clients, I have the skills and passion to add value to your team."

A personal story

Anecdotes connect the reader with the author’s real-life experience: 

"My first exposure to microbiology was during my time as a research assistant for a microbiologist. I was fascinated by the complex and intricate processes within cells."

An alarming statement

This piques the reader’s interest by making an issue seem urgent:  

“ The fashion industry churns out clothes at an alarming rate, causing mass production of synthetic fibers and harsh chemicals which have a detrimental impact on the planet. Funding my sustainability initiative is vital to mitigating this environmental impact." 

Avoid cliches such as "From a young age, I have always loved...." and "For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for..."

Pro tip: Use Wordtune Editor 's Shorten feature to cut unnecessary fluff and make your intro sharper. Simply type in your sentence and click Shorten to receive suggestions.

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

Admission committees and employers appreciate sincerity and authenticity. While it may be tempting, avoid exaggeration. You can better emphasize your skills and personality by being honest. For instance, rather than claiming I read every type of newspaper in my journalism application, I can focus on my dedication to reading The New York Times.

Your writing style should also feel genuine. Instead of trying to impress with complex language and fancy words, keep sentences simple and direct . This makes them more effective because they’re easier to read. 

Address weaknesses

Addressing weaknesses can show your willingness to confront challenges. It also gives you a chance to share efforts you have made for improvement. When explaining a weakness, exclude excuses.

Instead of saying "I didn't achieve my expected grades due to work commitments impacting my studies," try “While I didn't achieve my expected grades, I am now working with a tutor to help me understand my weak areas so I can succeed in your program.”

Wordtune’s Spices feature can help you develop counterarguments to weaknesses. In the Editor, highlight your text, click on Spices, and then Counterargument . Here’s an example:

Using Wordtune’s suggestion, I can highlight my eagerness to learn and provide examples to support my argument.

Highlight achievements

This is your chance to shine! A personal statement should highlight your best qualities — provided they relate to your prompt.

Ask yourself:

• What are your skills and strengths? Identify both academic and non-academic abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• What challenges have you faced? Reflect on how you have overcome significant challenges and how these experiences have helped you grow. For example, completing a course, learning a new language, or starting a business.
• What are your unique selling points? Consider what sets you apart from other applicants. For example, you may have a unique set of technical skills or experience learning in a different country.
• How have your achievements shaped your goals and aspirations? Sharing your goals shows that you think long-term and have taken the time to make sure you’re applying for the right opportunity.

Connect with the institution or company

Tailor your statement to the specific institution or company you're applying to — this shows you understand their values and have carefully considered where you want to seek opportunities.

To do this, head to the company or institution’s website and look for the About page. Many organizations include a mission statement on this page that conveys its purpose and values.

For example, universities often include their values under “Community” or “Student Life” sections. Here, Princeton University’s “In Service of Humanity” section highlights how they value using education to benefit society. Applicants can engage with this by explaining how they interact with their communities and seek to use their education to help others.

You can also research a company or institution’s social media. Look for similarities — maybe you both prioritize collaboration or think outside the box. Draw upon this in your personal statement. 

End with a strong conclusion

A strong conclusion is clear, concise, and leaves a lasting impression. Use these three steps:

• Summarize the main points of your statement. For example, “My experience volunteering for the school newspaper, along with my communication skills and enthusiasm for writing, make me an ideal student for your university."
• Discuss your future . Share your future ambitions to remind the reader that you’ve carefully considered how the opportunity fits into your plans.
• Include a closing statement. End on a positive note and offer the reader a final explanation for why you would be a great match. For instance, “Thank you for reviewing my statement. I am confident my skills and experience align with the role and your company culture.”

Tip: Learn more about writing an effective conclusion with our handy guide . 

Different types of personal statements

Now you know how to write a personal statement, let’s look at what to focus on depending on your application type.

The length of your personal statement will vary depending on the type. Generally, it should be around 500 words to 650 words . However, a university application is often longer than a statement for a job, so it’s vital to determine what is expected of you from the beginning.

Whatever the length, it’s important to remove and edit content fluff , including any repetition or copy that does not relate to your prompt.

Personal statement checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that your statement includes: 

• An engaging introduction.
• Clear examples of your experiences, skills, and expertise. 
• A commitment to improvement, if required.
• Any applicable achievements. 
• A direct connection to the company or institution’s values.
• A strong conclusion that summarizes information without adding new content.
• Authentic, simple language.

Personal statements are an opportunity to delve deeper and share who you are beyond your grades or resume experience. Demonstrate your ability with anecdotes and examples, address any weaknesses, and remember to use genuine and simple language. This is your place to shine, so follow our tips while displaying your unique personality, and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Want to get started and create a powerful introduction? Read our step-by-step guide .

What is the difference between a cover letter and a personal statement?

A cover letter expresses your interest in a position and introduces you to an employer. It’s typically shorter and focuses on your qualifications, skills, and experience for a particular role. A personal statement, however, is common for a job, internship, funding, or university application. It explores your background, goals, and aspirations, as well as your skills and experience.

What is the purpose of a personal statement?

A personal statement is an opportunity to stand out by detailing your background, experiences, and aspirations. It should explain why you are interested in and a good match for the company or institution you are applying to.

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15 Effective Strategies for Writing a Compelling Personal Statement

By Eric Eng

Writing a personal statement is an essential step in the college application process. By employing effective strategies, you can showcase your strengths, aspirations, and what makes you stand out. A compelling personal statement serves as your unique voice in a sea of candidates.

How? Consider the following tips:

1. Start with a captivating hook.

The opening lines of your personal statement are your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Think of it as the equivalent of a firm handshake or a confident introduction at an interview. A well-crafted hook can distinguish your application from hundreds of others.

For example, beginning with a vivid account of the moment you found your passion for environmental science during a volunteer project not only grabs attention but also sets a thematic tone for your statement.

To achieve this, start with a powerful or intriguing statement, a question, or a brief anecdote related to your field of interest. This should be something personally significant or a defining moment that sparked your interest in the subject you wish to pursue. Be creative but authentic. Your goal is to engage the reader from the very first sentence.

2. Showcase your authentic voice.

Your authentic voice is what makes your personal statement genuinely yours. Admissions officers are keen on identifying applicants who present a genuine reflection of themselves. Infusing your essay with your sense of humor, for instance, can make your statement memorable.

To showcase your authentic voice, write in a way that feels natural to you while maintaining a professional tone. Avoid overly formal language if it doesn’t reflect how you normally express yourself. Instead, use a style that feels comfortable and is reflective of your personality. This authenticity makes your essay more relatable and engaging to the reader.

3. Tell a compelling story.

Writing a compelling story within your personal statement is an effective strategy for illustrating your character, values, and aspirations. Consider narrating your journey of organizing community clean-up events; this can highlight your leadership skills and commitment to environmental advocacy. This storytelling approach makes your application stand out by showcasing your active engagement in your passions.

To tell your story, focus on a specific event, experience, or insight that has significantly shaped your personal or academic life. Structure your narrative to build towards a revelation or learning experience that highlights personal growth or a deepening of your intellectual interests.

The most impactful stories are those that allow your personal qualities and convictions to shine through.

4. Highlight your unique experiences.

The experiences that set you apart from other applicants are invaluable in painting a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. For instance, sharing your experience working in a family business during high school, illustrating how it fostered your interest in entrepreneurship and developed your work ethic, effectively highlights your uniqueness.

To highlight your unique experiences, focus on what you’ve learned from them and how they’ve shaped your perspective or skills. It’s not just about what you did, but also about how these experiences contribute to your personal narrative. Importantly, be specific about your role, your contributions, and the impact these experiences had on your personal and academic growth.

5. Focus on your passions and interests.

Colleges are looking for passionate individuals who will bring enthusiasm and energy to their campus. An applicant’s personal statement that vividly describes their passion for a particular subject area, such as a detailed account of their ongoing project in robotics, can significantly bolster their application by showing depth of interest and proactive engagement in their field.

To effectively focus on your passions and interests, delve into the specifics of what excites you about your chosen field or hobby. Discuss any projects, research, or reading you’ve undertaken on your own initiative. Illustrating your dedication and enthusiasm helps admissions officers envision you as a committed and vibrant part of their college community.

6. Address the specific prompt or question.

Adhering closely to the prompt or question provided by the college is another strategy for writing an effective and compelling personal statement. Meticulously addressing the prompt by relating each part of your essay back to how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities of the college program demonstrates thoughtfulness and a clear direction in your application.

To address the specific prompt or question, first ensure you understand what is being asked. Then, organize your response to directly address each component of the prompt. Use your experiences and reflections to provide concrete examples that answer the question thoroughly.

7. Show self-awareness and reflection.

Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your experiences are qualities that colleges value highly, as they indicate maturity and a capacity for growth. For example, discussing a failure or challenge you faced, such as struggling with a particular subject, and then outlining the steps you took to overcome this, demonstrates resilience and self-improvement.

To exhibit self-awareness and reflection in your personal statement, focus on how specific experiences have contributed to your personal or academic development. Discuss what you learned about yourself through these experiences and how they have shaped your future aspirations. Be honest and introspective, recognizing both strengths and areas for growth.

8. Demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Highlighting your skills and achievements gives the admissions committee a sense of your accomplishments and potential contributions to their campus. An effective approach is to integrate your achievements into your narrative, like detailing how leading a volunteer project honed your leadership and organizational skills, rather than simply listing accolades.

To demonstrate your skills and achievements, select examples that are most relevant to your college goals and the program you’re applying to. Describe the context and your involvement in detail, focusing on the impact of your actions and what they reveal about your character, work ethic, and capabilities.

In short, avoid boasting. Present your achievements as reflections of your commitment and drive.

9. Use concrete examples and anecdotes.

Citing concrete examples and anecdotes is an effective strategy for writing a vivid and compelling personal statement. It allows admissions officers to see the real person behind the application. For instance, rather than stating you have a strong work ethic, describe the time you balanced a part-time job with your studies to support a family project, illustrating your determination and responsibility.

Incorporate specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your qualities, skills, and experiences. Choose stories that are meaningful and demonstrate your values, such as teamwork, perseverance, or creativity. These real-life examples provide a solid foundation for your claims, making your personal statement more compelling and persuasive.

10. Connect your experiences to your future goals.

Linking your past experiences to your future ambitions demonstrates forward-thinking and a clear vision for your college journey and beyond. An applicant who articulates how their volunteer work with a local environmental group inspired them to pursue a degree in environmental science, with the goal of developing sustainable solutions, effectively bridges their past actions with their future aspirations.

To connect your experiences to your future goals, first identify the key experiences that have shaped your interests and aspirations. Then, articulate how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges you anticipate in college and your career. Explain how the program you are applying to fits into your long-term plans, showing that you have a direction and are committed to achieving your goals.

11. Maintain a clear and concise structure.

A well-organized personal statement makes your narrative accessible and engaging, guiding the reader through your experiences, reflections, and aspirations with ease. For instance, structuring your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on a specific theme or experience, and a cohesive conclusion, ensures that your narrative flows logically and coherently.

To maintain a clear and concise structure, plan your personal statement before writing. Outline the main points you want to cover and decide on the best order to present them. Each paragraph should serve a clear purpose and lead smoothly to the next. Avoid tangents and overly complex sentences that could distract or confuse the reader, focusing instead on delivering your message with clarity and precision.

12. Edit and revise meticulously.

Editing and revising are critical strategies in the writing process, for they ensure your personal statement is polished and error-free. A personal statement with typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing can detract from the overall impression it makes. Meticulous editing can make your personal statement more effective and compelling.

To edit and revise, start by reviewing your statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. Then, read it aloud to catch awkward phrasings or inconsistencies in flow. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers, as fresh eyes can catch errors you might have missed and provide valuable perspectives on the clarity and impact of your narrative.

Ultimately, be open to constructive criticism and willing to make changes to strengthen your statement. This iterative process is crucial for refining your message and ensuring it accurately reflects your voice and aspirations.

13. Seek feedback from others.

Getting feedback from others is invaluable for refining your personal statement. It offers perspectives on how your narrative is received, highlights areas for improvement, and confirms the clarity of your message.

To effectively seek feedback, choose individuals who know you well and others who may not be as familiar with your story, such as teachers or mentors, to provide a balanced view. Ask specific questions about how your personal statement comes across: Does it convey my passion? Is my narrative clear and engaging?

Use this feedback to make targeted improvements, ensuring your statement accurately and effectively communicates your strengths and aspirations.

14. Show enthusiasm and passion.

Expressing enthusiasm and passion in your personal statement can significantly enhance its impact. Admissions committees are drawn to candidates who demonstrate genuine excitement for their field of study and future career paths. For instance, a detailed description of your science fair project and its influence on your decision to pursue biomedical engineering can vividly showcase your passion for the subject.

To convey enthusiasm and passion, use vivid and energetic language when describing your interests and experiences. Reflect on why these areas excite you and how they align with your personal and academic goals. Your enthusiasm will naturally shine through when you discuss something you truly love and are committed to pursuing further in your college career.

15. Tailor your personal statement to the institution or program.

Customizing your personal statement to reflect your fit with the specific institution or program you’re applying to shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in what they offer. This is one of the most effective strategies for writing a compelling personal statement.

For example, mentioning specific faculty members you wish to work with or unique aspects of the program that align with your career goals demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach to your application.

To tailor your statement, research the college or program thoroughly. Identify specific courses, faculty, research opportunities , or community aspects that align with your interests and goals. Then, weave these details into your statement to illustrate how you see yourself contributing to and benefiting from the program.

Why is the personal statement important in college admissions?

The personal statement is a critical component of your college application, offering a unique opportunity to present your voice and personality to the admissions committee. Unlike standardized test scores and GPAs, which provide a quantitative measure of academic achievement, the personal statement allows you to share your personal journey, challenges, successes, and aspirations.

In essence, it serves as a narrative that ties together the various elements of your application into a cohesive story. It helps admissions officers understand who you are beyond the numbers, showcasing your writing skills, self-awareness, and potential to contribute to the college community.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in my personal statement?

One of the most common pitfalls in writing a personal statement is failing to make it personal enough. Many applicants fall into the trap of reiterating their resume or writing what they think admissions officers want to hear, resulting in a statement that lacks authenticity and personal insight.

Another frequent mistake is overlooking the importance of storytelling and structure, leading to a personal statement that feels disjointed or aimless. Successful personal statements are those that not only provide a glimpse into the applicant’s life but also engage the reader through a well-organized narrative that clearly communicates the applicant’s aspirations and how the college fits into their future plans.

How can my cultural and personal identity enhance my personal statement?

Incorporating your cultural and personal identity into your personal statement is an effective writing strategy that can significantly enrich your narrative, making it compelling. This approach allows you to showcase how your unique background has shaped your perspectives, values, and goals. It provides a deeper understanding of your character and the diverse experiences you bring to the college community.

To effectively highlight your cultural and personal identity, focus on specific experiences, traditions, or challenges that have played a pivotal role in your development. Discuss how these elements have influenced your academic interests, career aspirations, or personal growth. This not only adds depth to your application but also demonstrates your ability to contribute to the campus’s cultural diversity and intellectual life.

How do I balance professionalism with personality in my personal statement?

Finding the right balance between professionalism and personality is key to crafting a compelling personal statement. While it’s important to maintain a professional tone to demonstrate your readiness for college-level work, infusing your statement with your unique voice and personality makes it genuinely engaging. This balance shows admissions committees that you are a well-rounded candidate who can communicate effectively while staying true to yourself.

To achieve this balance, write in a tone that is reflective of your natural speaking style, but be mindful of grammar, syntax, and appropriateness. Use anecdotes and examples that highlight your personality traits, such as humor, empathy, or curiosity, without overshadowing the overall professionalism of your statement. This approach ensures that your personal statement is both polished and personal, offering a true reflection of who you are.

How does feedback help me revise my personal statement?

Using feedback effectively is crucial in refining your personal statement. It offers insights into how your personal story is perceived by others and highlights areas that may need clarification, expansion, or reduction. Seek feedback from a variety of sources, including teachers, mentors, family members, and peers, to gain diverse perspectives on your writing.

When revising your personal statement based on feedback, prioritize comments that align with your goal of presenting a clear, cohesive, and compelling narrative. Consider each piece of feedback carefully, but also stay true to your voice and the core message you want to convey. This process of revision and refinement is essential for crafting a statement that truly resonates with admissions committees.

Crafting a compelling personal statement requires effective strategies such as introspection, creativity, and a willingness to share your unique story. Write a personal statement that not only showcases your achievements and aspirations but also leaves a lasting impression on college admissions officers. Remember, your personal statement is your opportunity to shine. Make it count.

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How to Write an Impactful Personal Statement (Examples Included)

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A personal statement stands out from other educational documents in that it’s intended to be personal, as the name suggests. It offers the admissions committee a glimpse of your personality and not just your abilities and accomplishments. 

A personal statement requires just the right amount of vulnerability, accompanied by passion and enthusiasm. But first, you need to know what is a personal statement. Let’s take a look.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a personal essay required by selection committees for jobs, scholarships, or universities. It is a summary of your accomplishments, interests, experiences, and goals.  

A personal statement is often confused with a statement of purpose, but these are completely different documents. 

A statement of purpose highlights your career path, academic and professional achievements, and motivations for choosing a particular field of study in a much more formal manner. 

A personal statement, on the other hand, emphasizes both academic achievements and personal aspects. 

An effective personal statement answers questions like:

What are my strengths and weaknesses?

What are my talents and accomplishments?

Why am I applying to the school of my choice?

What are the experiences that piqued my interest in my chosen field of study?

What are the special aspects of the school I’m applying to?

How to write a personal statement

Similar to most writing assignments, breaking down a personal statement into smaller parts can make the writing process much easier. A personal statement follows the standard format of the introduction, body, and conclusion, but you need not write them in that order. 

We recommend writing the introduction at the end, as it’s the most challenging part and requires a higher level of creativity. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty about how to write a personal statement for grad school or for college:

1. Craft an attractive hook or introduction.

Starting your introduction with your name is the biggest mistake you can make. The admissions committee already has access to your personal information and academic credentials and is looking to gain deeper insights into your personality, interests, and motivations. 

To make a strong impression, it’s better to begin with what motivated you to study your chosen field or why you’re interested in studying at a particular university. Let’s look at an example:

One summer while running around in my backyard, I fell down and scraped my knee. My grandfather, being an established doctor, carefully bandaged my wound. His calm, prompt, and comforting demeanor left a lasting impression on me. It sparked my interest in medicine.

2. Elaborate on your accomplishments, relevant skills, and experience.

A personal statement should be authentic to you and should help you stand out amongst your peers. You have to sell yourself to the admissions committee and let them know your skills, accomplishments, and talents without sounding conceited. 

A good way to do this is to avoid mentioning academic achievements which are already mentioned in your transcripts. Instead, mention qualities and insights you’ve gained over the years with the help of real-life experiences. For example:

Leading my school’s basketball team taught me the values of teamwork, coordination, agreeableness, and leadership.  

You can also mention insights gained from a job or internship, a paper or a journal that had an impact on you or a course or session you conducted that taught you something new. 

Working as a nurse in the children’s hospital was an eye-opening experience for me. It not only made me a kinder, more compassionate person but also taught me practical skills such as suturing a wound. 

3. Draft a logical conclusion.

Make sure to tie the conclusion with the body of the personal statement to create a story arc. The concluding statements should carry information about how your chosen field of study or the facilities provided by the universities will be useful to you in your professional career.

Make sure to use emphatic and expressive language to make your personal statement more impactful. For example:

Gaining hands-on experience with the state-of-the-art operating machine provided by your medical department will give me a head-start in my chosen field of neuroscience. 

4. Edit and proofread.

Just like it is with any other important document, proofreading your personal statement is crucial. It ensures that your statement is free of errors and presents you in the best possible light.

You have a few options for proofreading your personal statement. One option is to proofread it yourself, but it can be difficult to catch all of your own mistakes. Another option is to ask a friend or family member to proofread it for you. They can provide a fresh perspective and may catch errors that you missed.

If you want to take your proofreading to the next level, it’s a good idea to have your work proofread by a professional. A personal statement editing service has the critical eye and experience necessary to catch even the most subtle errors.

Note : Although its content and structure remain the same, the length and complexity of a personal statement depending on its purpose. Personal statements for universities and scholarships are typically longer and more detailed as compared to those required for jobs.

Tips for writing a personal statement

Let’s take a look at the tips and tricks to write a personal statement along with relevant examples:

1. Keep it personal.

Although there are certain rules to be followed when writing a personal statement, it is important not to lose your own voice. The admissions committee wants to get to know you as a person and not just as a student.

2. Avoid unnecessarily complicated language.

Using appropriate technical terms in your field can showcase your expertise and understanding of the subject matter to the admissions committee. But overusing or misusing jargon can confuse, or even put them off.

3. Avoid simply listing achievements and experiences.

While highlighting your achievements and experiences is essential, simply listing them is not enough. It’s important to provide insights into what you’ve learned from these experiences since the admissions committee already has access to your transcripts and wants to know more about your personality.

4. Keep a light, positive tone.

Even when writing about a serious topic such as “How I overcame homelessness”, the tone should be inspirational and insightful.

5. Use action words.

Make use of action words to make your text more conversational and engaging. For instance, instead of writing “I was the captain of the volleyball team and we won many tournaments” you can say “As the volleyball captain, I consistently lead my team to victory”. 

Personal statement example

Let’s better understand how to write an impactful personal statement with the help of an effective personal statement example:

As a child, I always found it difficult to relate to children my age. I was quiet, timid, and very vulnerable. I was 17 when I was first diagnosed with depression. With the help of professionals, I was not only able to function better but was also able to integrate into groups. 

The effects of therapy and medication amazed me. The underrated field of psychology had a powerful impact on me. It helped me understand myself as well as those around me better. This is why, when it came to choosing a field of study, I chose abnormal psychology.

In college, I not only topped my course but also conducted drives and free therapy sessions to help those in need. I also published a paper on the effects of appreciation and criticism on mental health. 

I believe that my experiences with mental illness will give me a unique perspective in the field of abnormal psychology. I believe I’ll be able to provide more effective and practical solutions to patients because of my own struggles. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of others by helping them overcome their struggles and find happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 18 August 2023 | 22 min read

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

Stand out from the crowd: here's how to write a good personal statement that will get you noticed

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Your personal statement forms a core part of your university application, and the sooner you get going, the better you can make it. You may think that your personal statement won’t matter as much to unis as your grades and experience but a great personal statement could make all the difference between you and a candidate with the same grades. Sure, your application might not reach that deal breaker stage. But is it something you want to leave to chance?  Here we’ll take you through the process of planning, writing and checking a good personal statement, so you end up with something you can submit with confidence. And to make sure the advice we're giving you is sound, we’ve spoken to admissions staff at loads of UK universities to get their view. Look out for video interviews and advice on applying for specific subjects throughout this piece or watch our personal statement playlist on YouTube .

• Are you looking for personal statement examples? Check our library of hundreds of real personal statements, on The Student Room

Personal statement deadlines

You'll need to make sure you've got your personal statement written well in advance of your application deadline. Below are the main university application deadline dates for 2024 entry.

2024 entry deadlines

16 October 2023: Deadline for applications to Oxford and Cambridge universities, along with most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses.   31 January 2024: Deadline for applications to the majority of undergraduate courses. After this date, universities will start allocating places on these courses –   but you can still apply after the 31 January deadline , as this article explains . 30 June 2024:  Students who apply after this date will be entered into Clearing .

• Read more: Ucas deadlines and key application dates

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a central part of your Ucas application, where you explain why you’ve chosen a particular course and why you’ll be good at it. It's your chance to stand out against other candidates and hopefully get that all-important offer. You only write one personal statement which is then read by each university you apply to, so if you are applying for more than one subject (or it's a combined course) it's crucial that you include common themes or reference the overall skills needed for all subjects. Personal statements are especially important if you’re trying to get on a very competitive course, where you need to do anything you can to stand out to admissions tutors. Courteney Sheppard, senior customer experience manager at Ucas, advises that your personal statement is "the only part of the application that you have direct control over. Do lots of research to demonstrate your passion, curiosity and drive to pursue your chosen subject." There’s a limit on how much you can write: your personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of 95 characters (including spaces); whichever is shorter. This may appear generous (read: long) but once you've got going you may find yourself having to edit heavily.

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

1. Plan what you want to cover

The first thing you need to do is make a plan. Writing a personal statement off the top of your head is difficult. Start by making some notes, answering the following questions:

• What do you want to study?
• Why do you want to study it?
• What is there about you that shows you’re suited to studying this subject at university? Think about your personality, as well as your experiences.
• What are your other interests and skills?

These few points are going to form the spine of your personal statement, so write them in a way that makes sense to you. You might want to make a simple bulleted list or you might want to get all arty and use a mindmap. Whatever you choose, your aim is the same. You want to get it clear in your own head why a university should offer you a place on its course. Getting those details down isn't always easy, and some people find it helpful to make notes over time. You might try carrying a notebook with you or set up a memo on your phone. Whenever you think of something useful for your personal statement, jot it down. Inspiration sometimes comes more easily when you’re thinking about something else entirely. It might help to take a look at The Student Room for some sample personal statements by university and sample personal statements by subjects , to give you an idea of the kind of thing you want to include. 

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

2. Show off your experience

Some things are worth adding to your personal statement, some things are not. Firmly in the second camp are your qualifications. You don’t need to mention these as there’s a whole other section of your personal statement where you get to detail them very precisely. Don’t waste a single character going on about how great your GCSE grades are – it’s not what the admissions tutor wants to read. What they do want to see is: what have you done? OK, so you’ve got some good grades, but so do a lot of other applicants. What have you done that’s different, that shows you off as someone who really loves the subject you’re applying for? Spend some time thinking about all the experience you have in that subject. If you’re lucky, this might be direct work experience. That’s going to be particularly appropriate if you’re applying for one of the more vocational subjects such as medicine or journalism . But uni staff realise getting plum work experience placements is easier for some people than others, so cast your net wider when you’re thinking about what you’ve done. How about after-school clubs? Debating societies? Are you running a blog or vlog? What key skills and experience have you picked up elsewhere (eg from hobbies) that could be tied in with your course choice? Remember, you’re looking for experience that shows why you want to study your chosen subject. You’re not just writing an essay about what you're doing in your A-level syllabus. Use this checklist as a guide for what to include:

• Your interest in the course. Why do you want to spend three years studying this subject at university?
• What have you done outside school or college that demonstrates this interest? Think about things like fairs/exhibitions, public lectures or voluntary work that is relevant to your subject.
• Relevant work experience (essential for the likes of medicine, not required for non-vocational courses such as English )
• Skills and qualities required for that career if appropriate (medicine, nursing and law as obvious examples)
• Interest in your current studies – what particular topics have made an impression on you?
• Any other interests/hobbies/experiences you wish to mention that are relevant either to the subject or 'going to uni'. Don't just list your hobbies, you need to be very selective and state clearly what difference doing these things has made to you.
• Plans for a gap year if you’re deferring entry.

Read more: 6 steps you need to take to apply to university

3. Be bold about your achievements

Don't be bashful about your achievements; that’s not going to help you get into uni. It's time to unleash your inner Muhammed Ali and get all “I am the greatest” with your writing. Do keep it focused and accurate. Do keep your language professional. But don’t hide your qualities beneath a layer of false modesty. Your personal statement is a sell – you are selling yourself as a brilliant student and you need to show the reader why that is true. This doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and if you’re finding it difficult to write about how great you are it’s time to enlist some help. Round up a friend or two, a family member, a teacher, whoever and get them to write down your qualities. Getting someone else’s view here can help you get some perspective. Don’t be shy. You are selling your skills, your experience and your enthusiasm – make sure they all leap off the screen with the way you have described them.

• Read more: the ten biggest mistakes when writing your personal statement  

4. How to start your personal statement

Type your personal statement in a cloud-based word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word and don’t copy and paste it into Ucas Hub until it’s finished.  One of the benefits of doing it this way is that you can run spell check easily. (Please note, though, that Word adds "curly" quotation marks and other characters (like é or ü) that won't show up on your Ucas form, so do proofread it on Ucas Hub before submitting it to ensure it is how you typed it.)  Another big benefit is that you'll always have a backup of what you've written. If you're being super careful, you could always save your statement in another place as well. Bear in mind that extra spaces (eg adding spaces to the beginnings of paragraphs as indentation) are removed on Ucas. In your first sentence, cut to the chase. Why do you want to do the course? Don’t waste any time rambling on about the daydreams you had when you were five. Just be clear and concise – describe in one line why this course is so important to you. Then, in the rest of your intro, go into more detail in demonstrating your enthusiasm for the course and explaining how you decided this is what you want to do for the next three or more years. However you choose to start your statement, just avoid the following hoary old chestnuts. These have been some of the most used lines in personal statements over the years – they are beyond cliche, so don’t even think about it.

• From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…
• For as long as I can remember, I have…
• I am applying for this course because… 
• I have always been interested in… 
• Throughout my life I have always enjoyed… 
• Reflecting on my educational experiences… 
• [Subject] is a very challenging and demanding [career/profession/course]… 
• Academically, I have always been… 
• I have always wanted to pursue a career in… 
• I have always been passionate about…   

5. Focus your writing on why you've chosen that subject

So you’ve got your intro done – time to nail the rest of it. Bear in mind that you’ve got to be a little bit careful when following a personal statement template. It’s easy to fall into the trap of copying someone else’s style, and in the process lose all of your own voice and personality from your writing. But there is a rough order that you can follow, which should help keep you in your flow. After your opening paragraph or two, get into any work experience (if you’ve got it). Talk about extracurriculars: anything you've done which is relevant to the subject can go here – hobbies, interests, volunteering. Touch on your career aspirations – where do you want this course to take you? Next, show your enthusiasm for your current studies. Cite some specific examples of current work that you enjoyed. Show off your relevant skills and qualities by explaining how you’ve used these in the past. Make sure you’re giving real-world examples here, not just vague assertions like “I’m really organised and motivated”. Try to use examples that are relevant.   Follow this up with something about you as a person. Talk about non-academic stuff that you like to do, but link it in some way with the course, or with how it shows your maturity for dealing with uni life. Round it all off by bringing your main points together, including a final emphasis of your commitment to studying this particular course.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement in an evening  

6. How long should a personal statement be?

You've got to work to a very specific limit when writing your personal statement. In theory you could use up to 4,000 characters – but you’re probably more likely to be limited by the line count. That's because it's a good idea to put line breaks in between your paragraphs (to make it more readable) and you only get a maximum of 47 lines. With this in mind, 3,500 characters is a more realistic limit. But when you’re getting started you should ignore these limits completely. At first, you just want to get down everything that you feel is important. You'll probably end up with something that is far too long, but that's fine. This is where you get to do some polishing and pruning. Keep the focus of your piece on the course you’re applying for, why you want to do it and why you’re perfectly suited to it. Look through what you’ve written so far – have you got the balance right? Chop out anything that goes on a bit, as you want each point to be snappy and succinct.

• Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements  

7. Keep it simple

8. Smart ways to end your personal statement

Writing a closing line that you’re happy with can feel as tricky as coming up with your opener. What you’re looking for here is a sign-off that is bold and memorable. The final couple of sentences in your statement give you the opportunity to emphasise all the good stuff you’ve already covered. Use this space to leave the reader in no doubt as to what an excellent addition you would be to their university. Pull together all your key points and – most importantly – address the central question that your personal statement should answer: why should you get a place on the course?

• Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang  

9. Make sure your personal statement has no mistakes

Now you’ve got a personal statement you’re happy with, you need to make sure there are no mistakes. Check it, check it a second time, then check it again. Once you’ve done that, get someone else to check it, too. You will be doing yourself a massive disservice if you send through a personal statement with spelling and/or grammatical errors. You’ve got months to put this together so there really is no excuse for sending through something that looks like a rush job. Ask your teachers to look at it, and be prepared to accept their feedback without getting defensive. They will have seen many personal statements before; use what they tell you to make yours even better. You’ve also got another chance here to look through the content of your personal statement, so you can make sure the balance is right. Make sure your focus is very clearly on the subject you are applying for and why you want to study it. Don’t post your personal statement on the internet or social media where anyone can see it. You will get picked up by the Ucas plagiarism checker. Similarly, don't copy any that you find online. Instead, now is a good time to make your parents feel useful. Read your personal statement out to them and get them to give you feedback. Or try printing it out and mixing it up with a few others (you can find sample personal statements on The Student Room). Get them to read them all and then try to pick yours out. If they can't, perhaps there's not enough of your personality in there.  

10. Don't think about your personal statement for a whole week

If you followed the advice at the very start of this guide, you’ve started your personal statement early. Good job! There are months before you need to submit it. Use one of these weeks to forget about your personal statement completely. Get on with other things – anything you like. Just don’t go near your statement. Give it a whole week and then open up the document again and read through it with fresh eyes. You’ll gain a whole new perspective on what you’ve written and will be well placed to make more changes, if needed.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say  

10 steps to your ideal personal statement

In summary, here are the ten steps you should follow to create the perfect personal statement.  

Personal statement dos and don'ts

• Remember that your personal statement is your personal statement, not an article written about your intended field of study. It should tell the reader about you, not about the subject.
• Only put in things that you’re prepared to talk about at the interviews.
• Give convincing reasons for why you want to study the course – more than just "enjoying the subject" (this should be a given).
• For very competitive courses, find out as much as you can about the nature of the course and try to make your personal statement relevant to this.
• Be reflective. If you make a point like 'I like reading', 'I travelled abroad', say what you got from it.
• Go through the whole thing checking your grammar and your spelling. Do this at least twice. It doesn’t matter if you’re not applying to an essay-based course – a personal statement riddled with spelling mistakes is just going to irritate the reader, which is the last thing you want to do. If this is something you find difficult then have someone look over it for you.
• Leave blank lines between your paragraphs. It’s easier for the reader to get through your personal statement when it’s broken into easily digestible chunks. Remember that they’re going to be reading a lot of these! Make yours easy to get through.
• Get someone else's opinion on your statement. Read it out to family or friends. Share it with your teacher. Look for feedback wherever you can find it, then act upon it.
• Don’t write it like a letter. Kicking off with a greeting such as "Dear Sir/Madam" not only looks weird, it also wastes precious space.
• Don’t make jokes. This is simply not the time – save them for your first night in the union.
• Don’t criticise your current school or college or try to blame teachers for any disappointing grades you might have got.
• Be afraid of details – if you want your PS to be personal to you that means explaining exactly which bits of work or topics or activities you've taken part in/enjoyed. It's much more compelling to read about one or two detailed examples than a paragraph that brushes over five or six.
• Just list what you're doing now. You should pull out the experiences that are relevant to the courses which you're applying to.
• Mention skills and activities without giving examples of when they have been demonstrated by you or what you learnt from them. Anyone can write "I have great leadership skills" in a PS, actually using a sentence to explain when you demonstrated good leadership skills is much rarer and more valuable.
• Refer to experiences that took place before your GCSEs (or equivalent).
• Give explanations about medical or mental health problems. These should be explained in your reference, not your PS.
• Apply for too many different courses, making it difficult to write a convincing personal statement which supports the application.
• Write a statement specific to just one institution, unless you're only applying to that one choice.
• Copy and paste the statement from somewhere else! This means do not plagiarise. All statements are automatically checked for plagiarism by Ucas. Those that are highlighted by the computer system are checked manually by Ucas staff. If you’re found to have plagiarised parts of your statement, the universities you apply to will be informed and it could jeopardise your applications.
• Use ChatGPT or another AI program to write your personal statement for you. Or, if you do, make sure you thoroughly edit and personalise the text so it's truly yours. Otherwise you're very much at risk of the plagiarism point above.

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Mastering the Personal Statement: How to be Confident without Being Overconfident

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One of the best qualities that any college applicant can have is confidence. Confident applicants are comfortable enough with themselves and the people around them to foster a supportive and innovative environment on campus, and are thus a welcome addition to any entering freshman class.

As such, colleges are constantly on the lookout for signs of confidence: interviewers hope to find a firm handshake and a self-assured smile , and adcoms like a touch of sanguine, humanistic positivity in both recommendations and essays. However, the line between confidence and overconfidence is a very fine one. Because of the ever-present expectation for applicants to appear self-assured, many students actually end up overshooting their mark and coming off as overconfident, especially in the tone of their writing.

Even if you think that your writing is generally modest, you should still check for these common pitfalls just in case. Most overconfident writing is done unintentionally, and, well, one more proofread never hurt anyone.

1. Different, not evil.

The only predictable thing about adcoms is their unpredictability; it’s hard to know exactly who will be reading your writing, so it’s difficult to tailor your writing to a certain person or group’s sensitivities. While this doesn’t mean that your writing should be boring and milquetoast (this is another bad extreme), it does mean that you have to write a little more carefully than you usually do.

As a general rule, conflicts between people should be written as differences in preference or personality. The only constant exception to this rule is if the essay is about you learning to accept personal differences; then, it’s okay to start off the essay with stronger language, but resolve it in a difference of personality by the end.

For instance, the English major black sheep of a STEM family might want to write that her family was “too logical, too rigid; they didn’t see the point in poetry and words and things that were alive. How could they be so stagnant – so dead ?”

While this is okay to start things off with, this becomes a problem if her entire essay continues in this same tone. Then, this tone becomes one that shows prejudice and closed-mindedness towards an entire half of academia. It makes the writer seem prone to stereotyping and overgeneralization, and makes her look pretentious and stuck-up. A better way to handle the same situation would be to describe the concrete differences between the English discipline and the STEM subjects, and to frame the same situation through the lens of a personality difference. While the writer likes flexibility and interpretation, her family prefers definite answers and explication.

To sum things up, characters in college essays should be portrayed as different from yourself, but not inherently bad (at least, by the end of the essay). Boil things down to the actual, specific differences between you and them. This way, you can show that you are not only open-minded enough to understand the other side of the argument, but are tolerant enough to respect personal differences.

You should definitely watch out for this pitfall when your essay involves you being the “odd one out” or you trying something and not liking it. If you find yourself complaining about something or someone, always give it a second look. Even indirect things like “I’m raising awareness for the arts, which are underappreciated in my society” or “I couldn’t work in a lab anymore; it was too constricting, too abstruse, too impersonal and didn’t allow me to play with my ideas” can be the crucial difference between feeling good about yourself and feeling too good about yourself.

2. Show, don’t tell.

Imagine that there’s a new kid in class, and you decide to chat him up because he looked like a nice person. After the hellos and how-are-yous, he suddenly turns to you and says, apropos of nothing:

“I’m a visionary.”

Seeing your reaction (or lack thereof), he clears his throat and continues.

“Ever since I remember, I’ve always had these great ideas that everyone around me thought was great. I can intuit the way things are going to go and know when an opportunity should be taken. Before I knew it, everyone was picking me for leadership positions and would always come to me for advice. I’ve done a lot of impressive things too – want to hear about them?”

Keep in mind that you’ve exchanged a total of fewer than 50 words with this person; enough to know that he’s from Chicago, but not much else. Yet, he’s already bombarding you with facts about himself without any context whatsoever. You don’t know if he’s telling the truth or not (you have no way of knowing), and it’s not even presented in a particularly interesting way.

This is the situation adcoms are met with when they read an essay that tells, but doesn’t show. It not only reads like a litany, but also makes your text come off as superficial, tautological and self-centered, as if you’re forcing knowledge about yourself onto the reader.

Now, your personality is a key part of a college essay. But how you present it can make or break you. Usually, you want to stay away from directly assigning personality traits to yourself in the essay – especially traits that would normally appear only after you’ve known another person for a long time (like being a visionary, for instance).

Instead, tell stories about yourself that illustrate these traits that you have – if you’re a good leader, for instance, you can devote a section of your essay to the time you led your robotics club to victory at a competition. By narrating a story like this, you make your essay easier on the eyes for the reader (it’s always more entertaining to read a story than a list of facts), and provide some evidence for the personality traits that you have. There’s also more of a chance for you to make a stronger impression on the adcoms; if they can sympathize with and relate to your stories, you’ll be that much more memorable.

3. Don’t complain about having good qualities.

This one’s relatively straightforward. Don’t complain about being something generally perceived as good, such as being smart, being wealthy, being kind, and so on. There is no faster way to turn someone’s opinion against you.

Instead, write about the actual problem that this good trait gives you. Instead of writing that you’re too smart for others to understand you, spin the story so that it’s one of trying to find acceptance and someone who has compatible thought patterns. Instead of writing that you get taken advantage of because you’re too kind, describe the problem as one of balancing others’ needs with your own. By framing your stories in this way, you’ll come off as more approachable and relatable.

4. Don’t list your ECs in your essay.

This one’s also straightforward. Yes – you should be proud of all the great things you’ve done! But don’t do it in your essay; that’s what the extracurricular section of these applications are for.

Listing your ECs in your essay is redundant and a waste of the adcoms’ time; chances are, they’ve already read about your ECs by the time they read your essay. It also makes it seem like you don’t have much to say about your personality, so you’re just re-using your ECs to take up space in the essay.

If you absolutely must list ECs for contextual purposes, try to keep things general. Instead of listing out the names of every award you’ve won and every event that you’ve performed for, simply cover it all with a broad umbrella statement. If you’ve been active in science events since childhood, for instance, just say “I’ve won many awards at science competitions” (although even then you should try to avoid saying much about your awards in the first place). No need to get specific; they already know.

5. A second opinion, please.

Now, this really isn’t a common mistake, but more a word of advice. You usually will not be the best gauge of how you come off to a reader when you write, and you definitely won’t be once you’ve been scrutinizing the same personal statement for a month. Always get a second person to read your essay, and make sure to ask about your tone.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, one way to get an accurate reading on how you sound is to present your reader the paper, but say it isn’t yours. Tell your reader that you’re proofreading a friend’s paper, and you’re not sure, but you think some parts might sound a little cocky. Most people will give you their honest opinion about how the paper sounds this way, and you’ll be able to catch more mistakes.

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Effective Guide to Improving Your Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Having a good personal statement is essential if you want to stand out from several others applying to the same program as you. Many get stuck when crafting a unique statement that will get them noticed. This article provides tips on  how to improve personal statements  with minimal effort. 

Everything from wording and structure to the content selection of your personal statement can help you succeed. After reading this guide, you’ll be able to craft a statement that accurately reflects your personality while showing your best qualities.

Why the need to improve personal statement?

Personal statements are vital to stand out from the crowd and showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications. A well-crafted personal statement can demonstrate your knowledge of the subject matter, your creativity, and your passion for the field you are applying to. It can also help you connect with the reader by showing your personality and engaging them on an emotional level.

How to Improve Personal Statement

A great way to start improving a personal statement is by thinking about how best to capture the reader’s attention . Consider crafting an engaging opening sentence that will draw in the reader and make them want to read more. Use language that reflects your personality, such as colloquialisms or uncommon words. 

Make sure you include examples and stories to illustrate your points. This will help add depth and emotion to your writing. Finally, vary your sentence structure and avoid sounding repetitive or overly perfect. 

Tips on Improving Your Personal Statement

Here are some great tips to improve your statement. Following these tips will enhance your statement and create something genuinely captivating for readers.

• Brainstorm : ideas for the personal statement and jot them down to organize your thoughts. 
• Analyze the Audience : Analyze the audience that will read the personal statement. This may include admissions officers, employers, or colleagues. Once you do, tailor your statement accordingly. 
• Research Keywords : Research keywords related to the field you are applying to, and include relevant language in your statement. 
• Be Vivid : Use vivid, engaging adjectives and verbs to bring life to your writing. 
• Start With an Anecdote : Begin with an interesting anecdote that sets the tone for the rest of the statement. 
• Structure the Narrative : Structure the narrative into three parts: Introduction, body, and conclusion. 
• Be Conversational but Professional : Write in a conversational but professional manner and avoid jargon whenever possible. 
• Eliminate Unnecessary Words : Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases while ensuring clarity and brevity. 
• Avoid Clichés : Rather focus on original stories or examples to draw interest from readers. 
• Proofread : Proofread your work several times to check for grammar, spelling, and factual accuracy.

Is It Okay If My Personal Statement Is Short?

Personal statements are usually short. Most schools, including Law schools, Medical schools, MBA programs, or universities, instruct students to write approximately 1-2 pages. 

Of course, there are always exceptions. But it would be a good idea to follow the general trends for your school of choice.

What Do Admission Officers Look out for? Expert Opinion

Admission officers look out for well-written personal statements that compellingly convey the applicant’s story. If you’re unsure what your personal statement should say, try focusing on a few of your values. Clarity is vital – it tells the admissions officer you know exactly what you want to say and how to say it. 

2. Concise Language

A brief personal statement is capable of delivering your main points. Make sure your statement does not contain out-of-place tangents and redundant information. Use concise language to describe your experiences and expertise without being overly verbose. State your point in a clear, concise manner. 

3. Facts & Examples

Admission officers want to know why you are seeking an education, your leadership experience, and your future goals. So, utilizing facts, anecdotes, or other examples, will be to your advantage. It’s a great way to connect with the admissions officers and hold their interest.

4. Emotions

A personal statement should include emotion and reflect your true feelings about your journey and accomplishments. If your statement has a unique voice, it will catch the admissions officers’ attention.

Having a varied sentence structure and including colloquial language can add color and life to your statement. 

Example of Personal Statement that Stands Out

Having accrued a wealth of knowledge in my field, I have developed an expansive understanding of the nuances necessary for success. As a college student, I have participated in many internships and projects throughout my academic career. My strengths lie not only in the practical applications of my field but also in its theoretical components. With a penchant for synthesizing disparate ideas into cohesive solutions, I am constantly striving to curate innovative solutions. Furthermore, my natural inclination toward leadership allows me to galvanize teams while advocating for collaborative approaches to difficult problems. By leveraging my dynamic skill set, I aim to contribute significantly to any collegiate endeavor I encounter.

I have long been passionate about higher education and am now thrilled to pursue my dream of attending college. I have a distinct perspective because of my experiences in the world, making me think critically and analytically differently than ever before. As an intern at a local newspaper, I learned valuable journalism lessons while honing my writing skills. I even wrote articles that were published in national publications! Furthermore, I have always been involved in public speaking events and other activities, which allowed me to express myself effectively and command attention. 

These opportunities have prepared me for university-level coursework by honing my ability to synthesize complex material and communicate it eloquently. I can contribute significantly to any program or class through rigorous study and communication practice. Additionally, my drive for success will further motivate me to tackle difficult academic challenges head-on. Thus, I humbly request consideration for your esteemed institution so that I may begin the next chapter of my educational journey.

What Next After Improving Your Personal Statement

After following the tips on  improving your personal statement , the next step is to review and edit your work. Ensure you proofread your statement repeatedly, checking for grammar or spelling errors. Pay close attention to the flow of your sentences and ensure that each sentence transitions smoothly into the next. 

Ensure that your points are clearly expressed, and avoid jargon or vague language. Additionally, revise any awkward phrasing or wording to reflect a more professional tone. Finally, after making any necessary revisions, ask a friend or family member to review your statement before submitting it.

Final Thoughts

You shouldn’t be running around for opportunities to gain experience and talents to include in your statement at this stage. Be confident in the accomplishments you have already acquired. In your application, highlight what you have learned about the course you are applying to.

Consider your motivations and interests in the subject, and demonstrate how you’ll apply what you have learned during your studies. We hope these tips on  improving your personal statements   have been helpful. 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Understanding Personal Skills: Definition, Examples, and Improvement Techniques

Your career success depends on more than just technical expertise. You also need soft skills such as communicating well with people and motivating yourself. Whether you are trying to find a job or advance your career , developing strong personal skills can help you achieve your goals.

We answer the question “What are personal skills?” and provide useful tips on improving them.

The topics we will cover include:

What are personal skills?

Why are personal skills important, personal skills examples, how to display personal skills in the workplace.

Also known as soft skills , personal skills can make you a good communicator, strong team player, or effective leader. They can improve your ability to thrive in your workplace. They increase your value as an employee. These skills are important in today's fast-paced, competitive work environment.

A survey found that 73% of Singapore professionals think companies are more willing to hire based on skills alone. So, if you want to land the desired job or boost your career growth, improving your personal skills is essential.

Developing personal skills is acquiring and improving personality traits. They make your interactions better and help you do your job well. One example of a personal skill is time management. This skill can help you meet deadlines and complete tasks according to expectations.

Personal skills are different from technical skills in that they are intangible. Employers can assess hard skills based on educational qualifications and practical experience. Since personal skills are harder to define, they can be more challenging to learn.

Personal skills play a vital role in your professional growth and success. They can help you talk to team members, colleagues, supervisors, and customers. This results in better communication and collaboration. It fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among workplace colleagues. Good personal skills can make a positive impression and help you advance in your career.

Employers value job seekers and employees with strong personal skills. Such individuals can be valuable assets to their companies. They can help an organisation operate smoothly, adapt to changes, and deliver better project outcomes. They are also generally more confident and passionate about their work. They can motivate themselves to maintain high levels of performance.

Communication

Communication is a critical personal skill determines how well you share and receive messages. An effective communicator exchanges information and ideas to help reduce misunderstandings and inefficiencies. This can improve teamwork and productivity and contribute to a positive work environment. To become a good communicator, you must simplify complex topics and make them as easy to understand as possible. You can highlight your communication skills in your resume summary, a separate skills section, or professional experience.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal. It includes sharing responsibilities, supporting team members, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and on time.

Showcase collaboration skills in resumes by detailing successful team projects or cross-functional initiatives where your contribution led to positive outcomes. In interviews, discuss specific examples of how you facilitated teamwork, resolved conflicts, or contributed to achieving team objectives through collaboration.

Time management

Effective time management is essential for maximising productivity and meeting deadlines. It involves prioritising tasks, planning schedules, and staying organised. Highlighting strong time management skills in your resume by showcasing achievements where you successfully managed multiple tasks within tight deadlines. During interviews, provide examples of how your time management skills contributed to project success or enabled you to handle challenging situations effectively.

Motivation drives individuals to set goals, take initiative, and strive for continuous improvement. It involves maintaining enthusiasm, self-discipline, and a proactive approach to tasks. Demonstrate motivation in resumes by highlighting accomplishments driven by personal initiative and determination. In interviews, discuss how your intrinsic motivation and commitment to achieving results have positively impacted your work performance and contributed to personal and professional growth.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills involve gathering information, evaluating options, and implementing effective strategies. They are critical for analysing issues, identifying solutions, and making informed decisions.

Showcasing problem-solving skills in resumes can be achieved by describing instances where you successfully resolved complex challenges or implemented innovative solutions. During interviews, explain your problem-solving approach, including how you analyse problems, collaborate with others, and achieve positive outcomes through strategic decision-making.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking involves reasoning, evaluating information, and making informed decisions. This skill is essential in the workplace as it helps solve complex problems and improve processes. To enhance your critical thinking skills, research thoroughly, analyse data, manage risks and rewards, and consider all possible options and outcomes.

Showcase this skill on your resume by highlighting instances where your critical thinking led to successful problem-solving. In interviews, discuss specific examples of how you used critical thinking to overcome challenges.

Active listening

Active listening ensures that you fully comprehend messages, preventing confusion and misunderstandings. This skill is vital for smooth workflows and effective communication. Improve active listening by focusing on what the speaker is saying, retaining information, and asking follow-up questions to confirm your understanding.

Highlight this skill on your resume by mentioning roles where effective communication was crucial. In interviews, provide examples of how active listening led to successful collaborations or conflict resolutions.

Leadership involves managing teams and projects, guiding them to achieve the best possible outcomes. Effective leaders provide guidance, delegate tasks, lead by example, and take accountability when necessary.

To improve your leadership skills, develop self-awareness, enhance communication, build trust within your team, and strengthen decision-making capabilities. On your resume, emphasise leadership roles and successful project outcomes. In interviews, share examples of how your leadership contributed to team success.

Adaptability

Adaptability means embracing change and facing new challenges positively. This skill is valuable in the workplace as it helps companies adopt new processes and technologies. Improve your adaptability by stepping outside your comfort zone, shifting priorities, and staying positive when plans change.

Showcase this skill on your resume by highlighting experiences where you successfully adapted to change. In interviews, discuss specific instances where your adaptability led to positive outcomes.

Teamwork involves the ability to relate, communicate, and collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared objectives. This skill is useful in the workplace as it enables you to complete group tasks, support teammates, and resolve conflicts.

To improve teamwork skills, respect everyone's opinions and ideas, assist others with their work, contribute to group decision-making, and offer constructive feedback. Showcase this skill on your resume by highlighting team projects and in interviews by providing examples of successful collaborations.

Management skills can help you oversee and guide people and projects effectively. These skills are crucial for an organisation's success, leading to increased productivity and profitability. To improve your management skills, cultivate self-awareness, enhance your communication abilities, build trust with your team, and strengthen your decision-making capabilities.

Highlight these skills on your resume by detailing leadership roles and successful project outcomes. In interviews, discuss specific instances where your management skills made a significant impact.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, acting tactfully in challenging situations. This skill helps maintain good relationships among co-workers, resulting in a healthy work environment. To develop empathy at work, improve your listening skills, challenge your biases, consider problems from different perspectives, and be willing to offer help.

Showcase empathy in your resume by mentioning instances where you supported colleagues and in interviews by sharing examples of empathetic actions that contributed to team harmony.

Attention to detail

Attention to detail means carefully considering the specifics and completing tasks accurately. This personal skill is crucial in the workplace as it helps improve productivity, efficiency, and the quality of work. To improve this skill, practice double-checking your work, setting aside time for thorough reviews, and staying organised.

Highlight this skill on your resume by mentioning specific projects where your meticulousness led to successful outcomes. During interviews, provide examples of how your attention to detail helped solve problems or prevent errors.

Being respectful to others

Showing respect towards your colleagues is essential for fostering a positive work environment. Make it a point to compliment them when they do their jobs well and thank them when they help you. Respect can also be shown in challenging situations.

For example, if you disagree with a teammate during a brainstorming session, thank them for their input and provide constructive feedback. This approach maintains respect while addressing the disagreement.

Being empathetic

Workplace empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of your colleagues, which strengthens teamwork and collaboration. Show genuine interest in their well-being, listen to their problems, and offer support.

For instance, if you notice a teammate struggling with their workload, take the time to offer help or even make them a coffee to lift their spirits. These small acts of empathy can make a significant difference in creating a supportive work environment.

Staying calm under pressure

Composure under pressure is vital for effective problem-solving and team leadership. Staying calm in stressful situations can help create a positive work environment. To maintain calmness, try moderating your emotions, communicating clearly, and prioritising tasks.

For example, if an unexpected project issue arises, stay calm, assess the situation, communicate the problem clearly to your team, and prioritise tasks to address the issue efficiently. This approach helps keep the team focused and solutions-oriented.

Engaging with your colleagues

Engaging with colleagues is crucial for fostering positive relationships and building a strong team dynamic. You can actively engage with your colleagues by chatting during breaks, participating in discussions, and offering constructive feedback.

For instance, during a team meeting, you can contribute to discussions, acknowledge others' ideas, and provide thoughtful feedback. This helps create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Strong personal skills can help you stand out in today's tough Singapore job market . These skills can make you more valuable to the company if you are employed. continuous learning and skill refinement are essential to improve performance and stay relevant at work. Set goals, identify resources, and actively develop your personal skillset to take your career to the next level.

The following is a list of questions people often ask about personal skills:

• What are personal skills, and why are they important on a resume? ⁠ Personal skills are intangible traits that can help you communicate, complete tasks, and solve problems more effectively. Include these skills in your resume, as they can improve your job prospects. Singapore employers favour job seekers with strong soft skills .
• How do I identify my personal skills? ⁠ To create a list of your personal skills, think about what helped you succeed in your previous jobs, review your most recent performance appraisal, or use an online soft skill assessment tool.
• Can you give me examples of personal skills for my resume? ⁠ The personal skills listed on your resume may include communication, active listening, problem-solving, time management, leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail.
• What's the best way to describe personal skills in a resume sentence? ⁠ When writing about your personal skills in your resume, use action verbs and quantifiable metrics. For example: ⁠“Streamlined digital communication processes, resulting in a 35% reduction in email overload.” ⁠“Led a remote team of eight, improving overall project efficiency by 30% through strategic use of online collaboration tools.”
• Are there specific keywords I should include when listing personal skills on my resume? ⁠ If you want to get your resume noticed, include soft skills and action verbs that match the job description. Also, avoid using vague or generic phrases such as “team player” or “good communication skills.” Instead, make sure your keywords are specific and descriptive, such as “collaborative leader” or “persuasive speaker.”
• Can you show me a sample  resume  with personal skills included? ⁠ Check out this article to find out how to include personal skills in a resume.
• Do employers value personal skills more than technical skills? ⁠ Many employers prefer job seekers with good personal skills, even with less experience or fewer technical skills than other applicants. That is because soft skills are usually inherent and harder to develop.
• What are the most sought-after personal skills in today's job market? ⁠ According to Singapore Management University , the four skills to fast-track your career growth are data analytics, design thinking, digital literacy and leadership.
• How can I stand out from other job applicants by showcasing my personal skills? ⁠ You can stand out from other job seekers by including relevant keywords about your skills in your resume. In your cover letter, mention how you previously showed strong soft skills. Also, highlight your skills during interviews.

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What's on this page?

What’s a personal statement, preparing to write your personal statement, how to open your personal statement, your personal skills and achievements, work experience and future plans.

An undergraduate personal statement is a chance to get noticed for the unique talents and experiences you have. It’s an important part of the application process as it’s an opportunity to talk about yourself and your passions, outside of your grades.  

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to write an undergraduate personal statement that stands out, without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.

Chloe Ng, HE Career Coach, Manchester Metropolitan University

You’ll have heard the saying preparation is key, and that’s no different when you’re tackling your personal statement. There are two things to think about when you’re planning. The practical and factual information you need to get across, and the more emotional, human parts of you that make you different to everyone else.  

Before you start writing, take some time to think about the key things you’d want an admissions tutor to know about you, and get them down on paper. Don’t worry too much about making your notes perfect – this is more about making sure you know why you should be offered a place.

You can also look at the course description as this’ll help you with what to include and give you a good idea of what each uni is looking for. 

contact-events-sales-hero

Here are a few questions you can answer to help you get started:.

• Why have you chosen this course?
• What excites you about the subject? 
• Is my previous or current study relevant to the course?
• Have you got any work experience that might help you?
• What life experiences have you had that you could talk about?
• What achievements are you proud of?
• What skills do you have that make you perfect for the course?
• What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Admissions Tutors will be reading a lot of personal statements so it’s important to grab their attention right from the start. 

Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you’ll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in.

You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: the attention grabber , but here are the main things to think about . 

• Don’t overthink the opening. Just start by showing your enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing your knowledge and understanding, and sharing your ambitions of what you want to achieve.
• Avoid cliches! Remember, this opening part is simply about introducing yourself, so let the admissions tutor reading your personal statement get to know you. 
• Keep it relevant and simple. You’re limited on how much you can include so avoid long-winded explanations. Why use 20 words when 10 can make your point? 

Annabell Price, L’Oréal degree apprentice (Professional Products Division)

Next, you’ll need to write about your personal skills and achievements. Universities like to know the abilities you have that’ll help you on the course, or generally with life at university.

Don’t forget to include evidence to back up why you’re so excited about the course(s) you’ve chosen.

• Be bold and talk about the achievements you’re proud of.
• Include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school.
• What are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique? 

Your work experience and future plans are important to include. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course. 

• Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that’ll make you successful.
• If you know what you’d like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience that you’ll gain to launch your career.

It’s always good to connect the beginning of your statement to the end and a great way to reinforce what you said at the start.

You want to see the ending as your chance to finish in a way that’ll make the admissions tutor remember you. 

This final part of your personal statement should emphasise the great points you’ve already made and answer the question of why you should be offered a place on the course. 

Read our full guide on How to finish your statement the right way.  

The personal statement tool image

Don’t be tempted to copy or share your statement.

UCAS scans all personal statements through a similarity detection system to compare them with previous statements.

Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. 

Find out more

Want to read more.

Check out our full list of Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts

See how you can use a personal statement beyond a university application

Now you’ve written your undergraduate personal statement, you’ll need to do a couple of final things before you submit it. 

• Have you proofread it?

Don’t just rely on spellcheckers. We’d recommend reading it out loud as that’s a great way to spot any errors as well as checking it sounds like you. 

• Have you asked for feedback?

Ask friends, family or a careers advisor to have a read through your personal statement and take their feedback on board.

Want more advice on your personal statement? Use the links below.

More advice

Use the UCAS’ personal statement tool alongside this guide to help you structure your ideas. Are you interested in how you can turn you Personal Statement into your CV?  Read our advice here

Start your search now

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How to Create a Winning Email Marketing Strategy to Increase Brand Loyalty and Boost Sales Email marketing can boost awareness and sales for your startup. Here's how to create a strategy that works — and avoid costly mistakes.

By Liviu Tanase Edited by Maria Bailey Aug 27, 2024

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Email has existed for over five decades, and its prominence is only growing. Not only do we use it extensively at work, but as a marketing channel , email has proven its effectiveness again and again.

By 2027, email marketing revenue will grow to $17.1 billion , a Statista report predicts. It's no wonder that 69% of marketers use email to distribute content, increase brand loyalty , and boost sales.

As a startup founder, you may be wondering how to achieve the same success. Perhaps you feel nervous about launching or haven't seen great results from your first campaigns. With a clear and strong strategy, you can confidently overcome those jitters and press send.

Here's how to improve your approach and avoid pitfalls when planning email marketing campaigns for your startup.

1. Define your goal

Before you start, define what you'd like to achieve with your email marketin g—whether it's boosting website traffic, increasing brand awareness or making sales. Having a goal gives you more clarity about the steps you need to take next and how you'll measure success.

Related: Supercharge Your Brand Awareness with These Game-Changing PR Tools

2. Gather your email list

It's time to put together your email list and make sure it's ready for outreach. Don't worry if your database is small – many startups see high engagement from smaller databases. What matters more than your list size is its quality. Have all your subscribers opted in to receive emails from you? You want to reach out to an audience who is expecting to hear from your startup.

3. Double-check your contacts

Aside from getting your subscribers' consent to send them emails, a high-quality list also means those subscribers are real and their contacts are accurate . Getting bounce-backs on your newsletters and campaigns will negatively affect your reputation with inbox providers. To avoid that, use an email verification service to validate your list before your emails go out.

Related: How to manage your email list like a pro

4. Segment, segment, segment

With an opt-in, healthy email list , you're steps ahead of many of your competitors. Next, to further fine-tune your approach, analyze your customers and prospects to see how you can organize them in separate groups. Start with one or two filters, such as one-time buyers and repeat buyers, and niche down from there. To boost engagement , send these groups emails that gently encourage them to try more of your products.

5. Choose a good email marketing platform

Now that your lists are ready, it's time to pick a service to send your emails. As a startup owner, you may be cautious about spending too much, but this isn't an area where you should cut corners. Your email marketing platform should allow you to streamline your efforts and, most importantly, ensure high email deliverability so your campaigns reach your audience. Go with a reputable company.

6. Test your emails for mobile

Some emails can look great on desktops but present errors on mobile devices, which can cause your audience to tune out right away. To keep people engaged, use a testing tool to point out any issues so you can fix them beforehand. Also, test your emails with your team. Apart from detecting errors, their feedback can further help you improve your content.

7. Don't procrastinate – hit send

If your list is in good shape, you found a reliable email-sending platform, and you're proud of your content, it's time to hit Send. Startup owners and marketers often postpone taking that big step because they're nervous about customer feedback. But procrastinating and obsessing over the smallest details will only increase your nervousness. Send your email so you can get that initial feedback and learn how to improve.

8. Show up as promised

This is probably the best email marketing habit you can adopt for your startup. Sending an email here and there won't make much of a difference in your business. Showing up for your subscribers regularly will. What's more, sending emails regularly also gives you a chance to see exactly what your audience most responds to – so you can focus on that in your future campaigns.

Related: 11 email marketing mistakes (and how to fix them)

9. Make every email better than the last one

While consistently emailing your audience is vital to your success, you must also strive to maintain and improve content quality. It's how you'll continue to boost your metrics: 47% of consumers open a brand email primarily because they always get good emails from that brand. So avoid sending an email just because it's due. Instead, work with your team to make every email count.

10. Partner with other startups

Partnering with other companies for co-marketing initiatives has been one of the best ways I've grown my own startup, ZeroBounce. My team and I continue to pursue these types of engagements as they help us gain exposure to new audiences. Reach out to businesses in your space and suggest a partnership, including an email cross-promotion. It will help you earn awareness and even new subscribers.

11. Stay up-to-date on email-sending rules

The email industry has seen many changes in recent years – from Apple releasing its Mail Privacy Protection update to Google and Yahoo enforcing new sending rules . To enjoy great email marketing results for your startup, stay abreast of any similar updates. For instance, large email service providers now require email authentication from senders reaching out to more than 5,000 subscribers daily. Following the rules ensures you're compliant with these protocols and helps you land your campaigns in the inbox and increase sales.

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® Contributor

Founder & CEO of ZeroBounce

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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Money blog: Oasis ticket prices revealed; supermarket aims 'big bazooka' at rivals in pricing war

The Money blog is a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include some older people having to fill out a 243-question form to receive winter fuel payments - and listen to a Daily podcast episode on the policy change as you scroll.

Thursday 29 August 2024 19:45, UK

• Pensioners face 243-question form to get winter fuel payment
• Oasis ticket prices revealed
• Two supermarkets slash prices - as one aims 'big bazooka' at rivals  
• ASOS announces change to returns policy in cryptic email
• Listen to the Daily above or tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

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Complaints about financial products soared by around 70% in the spring compared with a year earlier, the Financial Ombudsman Service has said.

Some 74,645 cases were raised with the service between 1 April and 30 June - up from 43,953 over the same period in 2023.

Around half the complaints now come from professional representatives, who tend to take commission from any payout, the ombudsman said.

"Whilst professional representatives have an important role to play, they must ensure that their cases are well evidenced and have merit," Abby Thomas, chief executive and chief ombudsman, said.

The opening of Jeremy Clarkson's pub in Oxfordshire has sparked a rise in searches for homes near by, according to Rightmove.

The TV presenter's pub in Asthall, near Burford, reopened to the public on 23 August.

The number of searches for properties in Burford the following day was the highest in more than a year, and 63% higher than a year ago across the bank holiday weekend, Rightmove said.

The average asking price in the area is £537,827.

Unilever says it is trialling the use of plants and flowers that "don't make the grade" to create fragrances for its products.

The consumer goods giant is collaborating with scientists at the University of Nottingham to get the pilot under way, with oils already being extracted from flowers such as petunias, roses and marigolds.

Unilever head of biotechnology Neil Parry said unwanted plants "still have valuable materials with functional benefits".

The move is aimed at being cost and energy effective, as well as a way to reduce waste.

Two big UK supermarkets have announced they're cutting prices on hundreds more products - with one aiming a "big bazooka" at its rivals.

Online grocer Ocado said 450 more of its products were being reduced in price by an average of 17% from yesterday.

Meanwhile, Morrisons announced it was lowering the price on more than 2,000 products in store and online for people signed up to its More Card loyalty scheme.

It comes amid an explosion in popularity for loyalty schemes such as Clubcard and Nectar, which sees members pay less for some products than non-members.

Morrisons also said hundreds of products would be price-matched to Lidl and Aldi.

"Today's move represents our single biggest investment in loyalty and pricing for many years," Alex Rogerson, group marketing director, said.

"Driving strong value for customers remains our number one priority and today we are getting the big bazooka out and slashing the prices on over 2,000 products for More Card customers."

We have been reporting plenty on the tax rises that could be coming in October's budget.

One of the levies that could be in line for changes is council tax, so our politics team has looked at how it works now and how the Labour government might tweak it.

The current system

Council tax is paid on domestic properties and collected by local councils.

Some people don't have to pay it or get discounts, for example those living alone, but most people over 18 who aren't students living with other students are charged.

There are valuation bands which dictate how much tax needs to be paid, based on the value of properties as they were in 1991.

New build properties developed after that date are estimated by the Valuations Office Agency and banded accordingly.

Different local councils charge different rates for each of the bands, with rates in central London often some of the cheapest, and those in more rural areas usually higher.

Current laws stipulate that any local authority wanting to raise council tax by 5% or more has to hold a referendum first.

Is it fit for purpose?

The current system was introduced in 1993.

Property values have changed significantly in the last three decades, with some London house prices having risen by more than 800%, whereas in places like Hartlepool, in County Durham, they have barely tripled.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has labelled use of the current system as "absurd" while the Institute for Government has called it "incredibly poorly designed".

What has Labour said before?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is among those to have previously called for a council tax revaluation.

A leaked recording from March revealed chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, saying he was frustrated by the "out of date" system and hinted those with homes worth over £1m may have to pay more.

In Wales, the Labour Party has promised to introduce new council tax bands and tax band rates, but that has been pushed back to 2028.

Sir Keir Starmer previously described the Welsh Labour government as a "blueprint for what Labour can do across the UK," but later told Sky News council tax was "too high for too many people".

What could the government change?

There have been reports the government could replace the banding system in favour of a 0.5% tax on the value of a property per year.

This would mean that someone in a property worth £350,000, for example, would pay £1,750 a year.

However, the move could particularly impact those living in London, where the average one-bedroom flat peaked at £327,000 in 2020.

Sir Keir Starmer today refused to deny reports his government is considering banning smoking in some outdoor spaces like pub gardens - sparking concern from the struggling  hospitality industry.

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: "A ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality venues. 

"You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have. 

"This ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafes and restaurants that have all invested significantly in good faith in outdoor spaces and continue to face financial challenges."

UKHospitality wants the government to conduct a thorough consultation on the potential impacts - and suggests a ban might not even reduce smoking, but "simply relocate smoking elsewhere, such as in the home".

The demise of the British pub was the focus of a Money blog long read earlier this month - it's well worth five minutes of your commute home...

Ticket prices for Oasis's major reunion tour have been revealed - and the cheapest ticket comes in at less than £100.

Prices listed on the See Tickets and Gigs and Tours websites show seated tickets start at £73 for the Cardiff shows, £74 in Edinburgh and £74.25 for Wembley.

Standing tickets are more expensive, starting at £151.25 in Wembley, £148.50 at Heaton Park, £150 in Cardiff and £151 in Edinburgh.

Earlier today, Oasis announced three extra concert dates in the UK due to "unprecedented demand" for tickets.

The additional gigs mean the band will now play five Wembley concerts, five in their home city, and three in Scotland - on top of two in Ireland and two in Wales.

Yesterday it was revealed that ticket prices for shows at Croke Park in Dublin would start at €86.50 (£73).

By comparison, tickets for Taylor Swift's monster Eras Tour started at around £59 for the cheapest seated tickets at Wembley, rising to as much as £195. Standing tickets came in at around £110.

However, the huge demand for tickets to see Swift saw some people having to pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds for tickets sold at surge prices or through resale sites.

Fans of Bruce Springsteen equally paid around £65 for seated tickets and £120 for standing at his recent tour.

We recently did a deep dive into why ticket prices seem to have entered a new stratosphere in recent years.

You can read the full story here:

Here's the full Oasis reunion tour line-up:

• 4 July 2025 - Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• 5 July 2025 - Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• 11 July 2025 - Heaton Park, Manchester
• 12 July 2025 - Heaton Park, Manchester
• 16 July 2025 - Heaton Park, Manchester - added date
• 19 July 2025 - Heaton Park, Manchester
• 20 July 2025 - Heaton Park, Manchester
• 25 July 2025 - Wembley Stadium, London
• 26 July 2025 - Wembley Stadium, London
• 30 July 2025 - Wembley Stadium, London - added date
• 2 August 2025 - Wembley Stadium, London
• 3 August 2025 - Wembley Stadium, London
• 8 August 2025 - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
• 9 August 2025 - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
• 12 August 2025 - Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh - added date
• 16 August 2025 - Croke Park, Dublin
• 17 August 2025 - Croke Park, Dublin

Older people are having to fill out a 243-question form to access pension credit and winter fuel payments - a task that will be "daunting" for some, charities have said.

The government has launched a campaign urging eligible people to apply for pension credit after Rachel Reeves announced last month that the winter payments would be means tested.

But some have claimed the 22-page 243-question form could put pensioners off signing up, meaning they'll miss out on a vital payment as temperatures fall.

While the length of the form is typical for a means-tested benefit, the amount of information required could be difficult for some older people, charities say.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, told the Money blog: "The pension credit form has 243 boxes to navigate. It is not particularly long or complex as claim forms go, but completing it would still pose a challenge for many of us, including many older people with no one to help them."

Independent Age's chief executive Joanna Elson agreed, saying the scale of questions "can sometimes be complex, and gathering this amount of personal information can be daunting".

She also said older people struggling financially "may be experiencing stress and anxiety which can make a long form difficult to tackle".

Meanwhile, anti-poverty charity Turn2us said forms for means-tested benefits are typically this long.

It noted that most people who receive winter fuel payments won't need to make a claim, and for those who do, the questionnaire won't be as long as that needed for pension credit.

But Turn2us benefits expert David Samson said the "needless complexity" of the social security system was a "major barrier" for people trying to access support.

"Currently, around 850,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming pension credit, and without timely support to apply, they are at risk of missing out on the winter fuel payment," he said.

Charities have raised concern that the government's pension credit awareness drive is not allowing enough time to increase low take-up of the benefit.

Ms Abrahams said: "We are conscious that time is now very short with the last date for claiming pension credit in time to secure your winter fuel payment this winter being 21 December, only just over four months away.

"Expecting the current 63% take up figure for pension credit to rise substantially in these circumstances would be very much a triumph of hope over experience."

Ms Elson said the government must do "all it can" to remove barriers to receiving pension credit. 

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions told Money that more staff were covering a rise in calls about the benefit.

"There is no increase in pension credit processing time. We have surged additional staff to cover increasing pension credit calls and urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to pension credit to check now," they said.

ASOS has announced it will soon be making changes to its "fair use" policy - leaving many wondering if it will become the latest retailer to scrap free returns.

The online fashion giant sent an email to premier and non-premier members over the weekend, explaining it would be making changes to its fair use policy in relation to returns "in the next couple of weeks".

It said the new policy would apply to a "small group of customers", but did not give any more details.

The cryptic email has sparked speculation that ASOS may be amending its free returns policy in the UK after rolling out a similar strategy in the US last year.

That policy sees customers charged a $4.99 fee for returns when they are deemed to "constantly take actions that make providing them with free returns unsustainable".

Rival brands such as Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Zara and H&M have started charging customers for returns after seeing a rise in large-scale takebacks.

A 2021 survey also found online returns alone cost UK retailers around £5.2bn a year on average.

Corin Camenisch, of financial technology company SumUp , said customers may be less inclined to keep shopping with certain retailers if they face an additional cost to return unwanted or faulty items.

"However, if the policy is implemented on a case-by-case basis and only affects customers who are so-called 'serial refunders', like it is in the US, customers may not notice a difference," she said.

"They may even have a more positive shopping experience, as policy updates are often made to improve efficiency within their distribution centres."

What are your rights?

Regulations state that consumers have a right to return an item they have purchased online.

The product does not have to be in its original packaging, but a company is entitled to ask for some form of proof of purchase.

Companies are not allowed to charge you for items that were placed in your online shopping basket as a result of a pre-ticked box.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumers also do not have to pay for returns if their item is faulty or not as described. 

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

After the news the government has stopped defending environmental challenges against Shell's Jackdaw untapped gas site in Scotland, the energy giant is one of the 100 most valuable companies suffering share price falls on the London Stock Exchange.

It's down 0.46%, one of the biggest drops in the FTSE 100 index. 

We're yet to see the market impact on the other fossil fuel producer affected by the government decision, the Norwegian state-owned Equinor. 

It's listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which is not yet open for trading. It's the company developing the UK's largest untapped oil and gas field. 

The dollar has strengthened slightly against sterling, with £1 equal to $1.3192, lower than the recent two-year high of $1.32. The pound has increased in value against the euro and is now at a month high, with a pound buying €1.1895.

Oil has remained below $80 with a barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil priced at $78.36.

A poll has offered some insight into whether Britons would support limiting airport drinking.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary wants a two-drink limit at airports to stop drunken behaviour in the sky.

Wetherspoons boss Sir Tim Martin suggested Mr O'Leary might want to look at his own airline's discounting of alcohol before imposing rules on others - and plenty of Money blog commenters pushed back similarly.

But a poll of Sky News followers on LinkedIn suggests almost half the public - at least the section that exists on that platform - think Mr O'Leary has a point... 

Readers/followers who don't want a limit (or don't support Ryanair)...

The cynic in me is wondering if he's worried that tanked up passengers may go to sleep on board and not buy his overpriced tins of warm Guinness? Laura Andrus

You need more than two drinks before getting on a Ryanair flight. Iain McCall

Sorry, are we living in a dictatorship? It is every passenger's responsibility to ensure they consume the appropriate amount of alcohol should they decide to drink. Sylvester Odozi

If Ryanair flights were on time you'd probably only have time for two drinks. Just a thought 💭 Louise Swain

Readers/followers who agree with a booze limit (or something)...

Michael O'Leary is a standing up for himself and his business. This country does have a drink problem. Paul.P

Two drinks is enough, especially in the mornings. Alcohol is a drug and alters behaviour and I have been on plenty of flights where drunk guests behaved appallingly. claudia

Should be a total ban on all alcohol in airports. Because you have to arrive so many hours before your flight, some people just go mad and ruin it for others. Pendragon

Something's got to be done! Endured a horrific drunk on our flight, terrifying. Shazc

Why not consider breath tests if any person is suspected of heavy drinking, if you fail you don't fly! Easy. Barry

The UK's financial watchdog is investigating a £4bn insurance market following concerns it is not providing "fair value" for customers seeking financial protection in case of serious illness or death.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced it is launching a market study into so-called pure protection products, which are designed to help individuals and their families with their finances should the policyholder die or become unable to meet their financial commitment.

It said it had "concerns that the design of commission arrangements may not allow firms to deliver good outcomes to policyholders".

The FCA said it was also worried that some products may be providing poor value - eg where a customer pays more for the product over a lifetime than the maximum possible payout.

Some £4bn was paid out in pure protection insurance claims in 2022, the FCA said.

The policies are mainly sold through independent advisers or mortgage brokers.

Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, said: "Pure protection can offer peace of mind and financial security, often when people are at their most vulnerable.

"Consumers should be able to buy products which meet their needs and provide fair value. We have seen indications that this may not be the case across the pure protection market, and we will act if we find that the market is not working well."

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