Writing your personal statement

Be specific

Write about why you are interested in the subject, making sure you mention a specific aspect.

For example, don't just write: "I want to study sport," or, "I am interested in a career in sport" - write about which part of sport you are interested in, such as Physical Education, sports coaching, or sports science.

UCAS only lets you submit one personal statement on an application, so if you are applying for more than one course, you can email [email protected] with a second personal statement relevant to the second course.

Be enthusiastic

Don't just write "I'm applying for the… course because I get good grades in this subject".

Mention any wider reading you have done around the subject and reflect on any relevant news stories/current affairs related to it.

If you are subscribed to a relevant professional subscription or journal, mention it.

If you are a member of a professional group or have attended any relevant conferences, make sure you highlight this.

Mention your interests that are relevant to the subject you're wanting to study in.

We're looking for a keen interest in coding, technology trends and gaming for Computer Science, for example.

If you are applying for a Journalism, Media or English-related course, we look for examples of content you have created such as blogs, videos, school newspaper articles, or creative writing.

Add links to any online content you have created.

Don't just talk about your academic achievements,  mention any extracurricular activities you are involved in as well. That includes any sports you play or volunteering you do.

Not only do these demonstrate your enthusiasm and interests, but they also highlight your dedication and work ethic.

Be career-minded

Talk about the career you want and why doing this degree will help you.

This shows you have thought about coming to university and are not just applying for a course because all your friends are, or because a teacher has told you to apply because you are good at that subject.

Talk about any relevant work experience you have done.

We get a lot of Business applicants who mention watching The Apprentice sparked their interest in the subject area. Be unique and talk about your experience and inspirations.

If you’re applying for courses leading to Professional registration such as Primary Education or Nursing, make sure to mention any relevant work experience or volunteering to make your application stand out. For more information on the application process and personal statements for Nursing, visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/nursing

Mention the things that you’ve learned through your own experiences or those close to you, remember you need to show that you have a good understanding of the profession.

If you’re applying for Early Childhood Studies/Education Studies/Working with Children, Young People and Families, and want to become a teacher, show awareness of the need for a PGCE after your degree to gain QTS. This shows you have researched your future career and the path you need to take to get there.

Be accurate

We are looking for a good standard of written English and a statement that flows logically.

Our tutors want to know you will be able to write essays at university.

Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct – triple check everything and don't rely on a spellchecker to pick up every mistake.

Show your teachers or parents your first draft – a few extra pairs of eyes may pick up something you've missed.

Make sure your personal statement is concise – you only have 4,000 characters (around 500 words) to sell yourself, so avoid rambling and empty statements.

A lot of applicants for courses that involve working with children say they were inspired by a specific teacher and mention them by name. As nice as that is, it's a little irrelevant for us reading your personal statement.