Goals of your personal statement

Now youve looked at some example personal statements, you may have some idea of how you might put
your own together.
However, even if youre still stuck, you should have seen lots of statements you like, as well as a few that
you don't.
Use this knowledge to decide how you are going to write your personal statement.
From the personal statements you have just read through, you may have gathered the following guidelines:

Dont sound arrogant and pretentious

Try to have an interesting phrase or paragraph to start and finish on

Try not to quote books, magazines or publications in a way that makes it sound like youve only read
them to put them on your statement.

Do not lie outright and stay as close to the truth as possible

Don't try to be funny or make jokes in your statement

Don't start every sentence with I

Don't include your hobbies and interests unless they are relevant

Don't use vocabulary you don't normally use and just looked up in a dictionary

Don't use famous quotes in your statement unless you back them up with information on how and
why this persons quote influenced you. Dropping them in just for the sake of it makes you look silly and that
you havent given serious thought to your personal statement.
Don't repeat things already on your UCAS form, e.g. predicted exam grades.
With the exception of a gap year, don't make claims you are going to do something before you come
to university

Don't include clichs

Don't take any political or religious viewpoints.

Guidelines like these should give you an idea of what to focus on and think about when writing your own
personal statement.
They also stop your statement from looking too much like one of the examples that you might have copied
bits from.
Take a look at the personal goals in more depth.
Remember - you don't have to use any of these goals as your own. If you think you are really witty and some
light humour will go down well in your statement, then take the plunge and put it down.
These goals are really just ideas you might want to use to help you come up with your first draft - remember
a personal statement is supposed to be personal, and you should stick with writing whatever you think will
work best for you.

Language of your personal statement

From looking at example personal statements you have probably found some language that you like or think
works well.
The first thing to remember is: do not directly copy any of it! not even a single sentence! The reason is,
copying statements is plagiarism, and if an admissions tutor sees a statement they recognise they will
probably reject you instantly.
You should also not copy single sentences for the same reason - sentences that stick out in your mind may
stick out in the examiners also.
It is ok to find a sentence or paragraph that says what you want to say, but make sure you adapt it yourself
and don't just copy it.
You need to use language that makes you sound enthusiastic about your courses and portrays you as an
interesting person.
If you're still wondering what sort of language to use look at existing personal statements, prospectuses and
on the web to find sentences you feel fit your views.
University prospectuses are a good place to look - find your course, see how it is described and see if you
can work anything similar into your personal statement.
Write down a list of words or sentences you would like to use like this:

to gain greater understanding of the world around you

sends a signal to prospective employers and graduate schools

students of economics become problem-solvers

the fact is economics affects our daily lives

a challenging and diverse discipline

develops analytical skills, quantitative skills, research skills

it is interesting and relevant

Don't copy the sentences you find outright - change them or write your own sentence in a similar style.
If you can't find any sentences you like, try and write your own - it is a personal statement after all.

Structure of your personal statement

Now it's time to think about the structure of your personal statement - you should have read lots of
examples by now and may have a fair idea about how yours is going to look, but this section should clarify
things a bit if you don't.
Most statements are written in an essay format, but you don't have to do yours like this.
We don't recommend you write it as one large block of text. Even though you can fit more words in, this just
makes it hard to read.
You could however use headings rather than write in an essay style. Not many personal statements are
written like this but if you think yours would work better like this, then go ahead.
A starting guideline is to simply spend half the statement talking about the course and why you want to take
it, and spend the other half writing about yourself and your own abilities, though once you get into it this can
be easily changed.
Another approach is to split up your notes into a few categories and write a paragraph on each category. For
example:

Paragraph 1: Introduction to the subject, the aspects youre interested in and why

Paragraph 2: What you have done related to the subject that isnt already on your UCAS form

Paragraphs 3 and 4: Work experience placements and relevant activities at school

Paragraph 5: Your interests outside of school, particularly those that show you are a responsible
and reliable person
Paragraph 6: Your goal of attending university and a memorable closing comment
Again, this is only a guideline - depending on yourself and your course you may want to change things.
The last option is to simply find a statement you like and use it as a template.
Please note, we say template - not copy and paste!
You can write the first draft of your personal statement using the same structure, being careful that you don't
use any of the exact language.
Spend most of your time on the start and finish of the personal statement.
A good opening will grab the readers attention and cause them to read the statement properly, rather than
just scanning it.
A good conclusion will mean the reader remembers what you wrote, and hopefully will recommend you.
In our opinion it's best to start with why you want to take your subject, and finish with why you want to go to
university or what you want to do afterwards.

1- Personal statement
I have always enjoyed studying Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and I would like the opportunity to
continue this study. Chemical Engineering appeals to me because of the challenges involved in the
application of scientific theory to practical, real world problems such as how to deal with nuclear
waste. I particularly look forward to studying fluid dynamics as I was introduced to this during the
Engineering Education Scheme (EES). I am aware that in todays world chemical engineering has
an increasingly important role across a wide range of industries from pharmaceuticals to
petrochemicals. The broad range of career paths, and the opportunity to contribute to society
through technological innovation, is for me, one of the main attractions of chemical engineering.
I have applied to take part in the Year In Industry scheme during which I hope to gain practical
experience, as well as greater maturity enabling me to go into my degree course with improved
skills and broader experience. I also hope to study e-learning courses on project management and
presentation skills run by the IChemE. In Year 12 I took part in the EES, which improved my
understanding and skills in team working, time management, and report writing, as well as visual
and oral presentation. Throughout the course of the project the team had to frequently correspond
with mentors in industry and academia and this experience has broadened my appreciation of
practice and application in a real life situation. In July I attended a week-long Into Engineering
seminar run by REACT Engineering. Working in two teams, we were given a design exercise
based upon a typical decommissioning project. I also attended a Headstart course at Newcastle
University, which I thoroughly enjoyed. One of the main activities was to design, manufacture and
test a small crane. I found both of these experiences very challenging, as we were given only
limited time so we had to prioritise our tasks and carefully plan our work.
This year a fellow student and I were awarded 500 by the European Scholarship Prize to fund a
visit to Prague to do research for our A-level History coursework. I gained an understanding of the
citys culture and history and further developed my independence. During the summer I
represented my school on a Connexions review of a government white paper on 14-19 education. I
gained an insight into the governments proposals and learned a lot about working with different
groups of people. Last year I was part of the editorial team for the school magazine. I wrote a
number of articles and I was responsible for ensuring that staff contributions were ready for the
deadline. I also enjoy participating in a range of sports and have represented the school at football
and cricket, which has further enhanced my team working skills.
In my spare time I am working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. In September I
completed a 4-day expedition in the Lake District, which tested my endurance but gave me a great
sense of achievement. As part of the award I have been helping at the local youth caf once a
week, which I am really enjoying as it gives me the chance to meet new people. I also enjoy

reading, particularly books on physics and Russian history. I am really interested in computers and
I am currently trying to configure a Linux based file and print server for my home network.
2 - Personal statement
I have great interest in questions such as "How do you convert raw materials into useful products
through the application of chemistry on a large scale, or more accurately, how to create and
operate facilities relating to the manufacture of commodities essential for modern everyday life, in
a safe efficient and environmentally friendly manner?" Questions such as these were triggered at a
younger age by issues such as the origins of plastics, and how they are extracted, and produced. I
am currently reading into the subject in my spare time. "Chemical Engineering and Industrial
Processes" by the BP educational service, which currently provides a very useful insight into some
of the challenges facing a chemical engineer, from Concepts of design to Industrial processes.
Studying maths mechanics is helping me develop my numeric skills, which I believe combined with
chemistry, will help me greatly with Chemical Engineering. My studies of economics, combined
with my subscription to the FT through the school library, have helped me to keep up to date with
current affairs. This includes recent events in the petrochemical industry. More recently, following
some research, I have become very interested in the concept of supercritical solvents, which is an
area I hope to explore more in later life. It is because I find chemistry so fascinating and the idea of
chemical engineering so appealing that I have chosen to follow chemical engineering as a future
career

path.

I have thoroughly enjoyed studying the flute, piano, and singing, achieving grades five, six, and
eight respectively in each of those instruments; I have also learned to play the organ. Having often
led the services in my local parish by playing the flute and piano, I feel that I am confident when
participating in public performances. I have been a dedicated member in several school bands,
orchestras and choirs, performing in concerts and musicals, throughout my school life.
I am an enthusiastic cyclist, cycling at least once daily. My cycling trips have allowed me to see
much of central London, which, cannot be appreciated by car or bus. I have also enjoyed classes
in Taekwondo, in which I have achieved a yellow belt. Reading is a hobby, which I greatly enjoy,
J.R.R. Tolkien, Garth Nix, Paul Davies and Ian M. Banks being among my favourite authors. I am
also developing an interest in psychology, after having read Prometheus Rising, which captivated
me because it gave accurate insights into human behaviour. I am planning to follow this by reading
the sequel, the Illuminatus! Trilogy. I also have a strong affinity for chess, which, following my
enrolment in the school chess club has helped me tackle problems in a more logical and strategic
attitude. In addition helping the younger members of the club has allowed me to develop coaching
skills.
At School, I have been a prefect for a first form class and take responsibility for them at certain
times during the school day. I have also regularly visited Fulham Primary School, a local school
that has many young children who do not speak English as a first language where I assist the

teachers with their classes, helping individuals with problems. I am planning to attend a number of
mathematical debates later this year held in central London by the ________ society. I am also a
regular attendant at my schools Debating Society, which I believe has helped me develop a more
critical mind, and has helped me structure my arguments in a clearer manner, and develop my
team-working skills. Another society, which I am involved in, is the Newman Society, which has
held some very interesting talks from public figures, including historians and politicians. I was
awarded the first prize in a literary competition for poetry in my year. One especially enjoying and
fulfilling experience was the Ballroom dancing class, which was run by the school. We have
learned the Cha, Jive, Waltz, Tango and Salsa.
I intend to defer entry to university for a year in order to travel to New Zealand and Italy, where I
hope to gain both valuable work experience, and improve my grasp of Italian culture and language,
in which I am already fluent. I look forward to this experience and also to the rewards and
challenges of higher education.

3 - Personal statement
Society needs engineers that can and will change the world. Meeting todays growing
global demands, coupled with safeguarding our environment is what really intrigues me. I want to
study Chemical Engineering because of its increasingly significant role in our society, particularly
across a variety of industries from petrochemicals to environmental technology. It is an extremely
versatile subject which provides a unique opportunity to be involved in the development and
manufacture of a wide range of products, an aspect that I look forward to learning about.
Chemical Engineering incorporates Mathematics and Chemistry, which is another reason why I am
drawn to the subject. Through my A Level studies I have come to love these subjects and want to
continue studying them. I feel that all my A Level choices complement each other perfectly and
have encouraged me to develop skills beneficial to the study of Chemical Engineering, such as
critical analysis and research. Mathematics and Chemistry have sharpened my methodical thinking
and logical problem solving skills, whilst an extended essay in English Literature on 'Hamlet' has
developed my analytical and explanatory skills. Laboratory work in Chemistry has always been
exciting to me from a young age. From learning about wet tests to practical work such as the
hydrolysis of an ester, my passion for the subject in its entirety has increased. This was observed
and acknowledged amongst my peers as I was awarded the certificate of merit for my effort and
achievement in Chemistry.
In year 12, I was nominated as the school council representative; I was responsible for various
tasks including negotiating the purchase of equipment for school functions, in addition to speaking
to a large group of students. This role enabled me to develop strong interpersonal and
communication skills. I feel these skills have been further strengthened through my duties as a
director of Nexus, a Young Enterprise company. I led the team responsible for putting together a
feasible business plan, finding potential investors. I plan to use my Gap Year as an opportunity to
become a more rounded individual. As a result, I have applied to the Year in Industry in hopes of
gaining a 6-month placement for the next year to help broaden my understanding of Chemical
Engineering.
I am also very involved in my local community as I joined the Bromley Youth Panel where I worked
with other students and Bromley Council. I was part of the team which had the opportunity to
interview potential candidates for the role of the Director of Children's Services in the Bromley
borough. I found the experience both challenging and rewarding, and through it I was able to
understand the importance of communicating effectively and working within a team. In recognition
of my contribution to the management of Dance, Drama and Music courses that were ran for
young people last summer, I was presented with Millennium Volunteer Award by the mayor of

Lewisham. In addition to the recognition I received, I also developed organisational skills and
learned how to multi-task and manage my time efficiently in a dynamic environment.
I am confident that I will be able to interact within the diverse atmosphere of university, as my
experience of living in Nigeria, and having a multi cultural background has instilled in me the
confidence to adapt to, and function effectively within new environments. I eagerly look forward to
the exciting opportunities that studying Chemical Engineering has to offer.

4- Personal Statement
The world is on our hands. By 2030, 9.3 billion people will walk this earth. How to meet their
growing demands, as well as ensure that tomorrows environment is kept intact, has been a critical
issue for decades. This spark ignited my passion for Chemical Engineering. It is a subject that
keeps pushing the frontiers of science and technology to new heights. From nylon to bio-mimetic
clothes, from potato chips to microchips, there are infinite possibilities to where Chemical
Engineering can lead you.
I want to learn the ingenuity of manipulating complex chemical processes, which only chemical
engineers have mastered. I seek to utilise the monumental science of Chemistry and Mathematics
to answer vaster ranges of problems. My utmost aim is to conceive, design and implement a
project that would allow me the fortuity to leave my mark on society for the greater good. Of course
every answer cannot be derived from a book, it takes great endurance to test every idea to obtain
an appropriate conclusion. Yet there can be no greater exhilaration that can match the feeling of
fulfilment while observing your idea assisting the lives of many others. Examining economical
factors, cleaning up the chaos of our past and searching for ways that does not squander our
future, to realise that the destiny of this earth is interlinked with my passion hold great reverence in
me.
I believe Mathematics is an art; it takes as much practice to master as one does to learn how to
paint or play the piano. Not only has this subject sharpened my analytical skills, but has taught me
to approach problems systematically. Chemistry is a meticulous subject that requires the most
diligent and observant of approaches. It is a subject that builds your tenacity if you pursue every
experiment to its absolute completion. It has educated me in persistence and determination. The
latter of the two skills played a key part in the success of obtaining my grade 8 in piano. Physics
allowed me to put theory into practice, helping me to become more methodical. Economics is not a
subject I studied professionally, however its ability to take complex problems found in real life and
turn it into a simple model which can be easily solved has always fascinated me. Its ideas and
theories which may appear to be the extremes of accidental randomness have somehow become
tangible to a global system which runs on concrete and rational concepts. As sure as every fire has
its fuel, mine burns on books such as Freakonomics, When Genius Failed, The Communist
Manifesto and countless others.
Apart from being a Maths and Science prefect in school, I help run Physical Recreation by
teaching football and basketball every week. Studying in 3 different continents has provided me
both cultural and linguistic understanding and awareness. Juggling many activities has polished
myself discipline, time management and organisational skills. Playing for Bracknell Town Ladies
F.C has given me communicational skills and humility. In a team, the correct amount of confidence

stands between success and failure. I am the youngest team member yet the first choice penalty
taker. I lead by example and am not afraid to take responsibility. Perfection is my motto and hard
work is my style.
The ability to provide scarce resources to all in society is a defining characteristic of a chemical
engineer that I long to acquire. Being a character of high ambitions, I want to attain the ability to
commute from conceptual reasoning to concrete applications. Although I have a long way to go, I
know I can meet this challenge. The future of this Earth is being decided now, and Chemical
Engineering opens my path to contribute to this momentous decision. It is a discipline that lets you
aspire today to inspire tomorrow.