One of the challenges of UCAS is that you submit one personal statement for up to five courses. But what if you’re applying to slightly different courses, like Economics and Politics, or Engineering and Physics? The key is tailoring your statement so it works for all choices without alienating any of them.
At RevisionDojo, we help IB and A-Level students craft personal statements that balance multiple interests. Here’s how you can tailor your statement effectively.
Quick Start Checklist
When tailoring your UCAS statement:
- Focus on skills and themes relevant to all courses
- Avoid naming specific universities or professors
- Use examples that demonstrate broad subject interest
- Highlight transferable skills from academics and extracurriculars
- Keep the subject focus clear, even if courses vary
Step 1: Identify Common Ground
If you’re applying to related courses, look for overlapping skills:
- Economics & Politics → critical analysis, essay writing, data interpretation
- Engineering & Physics → problem-solving, mathematics, experimentation
- Psychology & Sociology → research skills, understanding human behavior
By emphasizing these shared skills, your statement stays relevant to all.
Step 2: Highlight Academic Evidence
Use coursework, projects, or extended essays that connect across subjects. For example:
- “My Extended Essay on renewable energy policy combined economic evaluation with scientific analysis, deepening my interest in both Economics and Environmental Science.”
This shows flexibility while keeping focus.
Step 3: Balance Extracurricular Links
Extracurriculars should also align with multiple courses. For example:
- Volunteering in a debate society → suits Law, Politics, and International Relations
- Coding projects → relevant for Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Healthcare volunteering → useful for Medicine, Psychology, and Biology
Step 4: Avoid Over-Specificity
Don’t write: “I want to study Law at Oxford.”
Instead, write: “I want to study Law because it combines logical reasoning with social impact.”
This keeps your statement universal while still passionate.
Step 5: Keep the Subject Central
Even when applying across courses, your personal statement should show consistent academic focus. Avoid making it sound like you’re indecisive. Frame it as:
- “My interest lies in understanding human behavior, whether through psychology or sociology.”
- “I am motivated by solving real-world problems, from theoretical physics to practical engineering.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing a generic statement with no depth
- Overemphasizing one subject at the expense of others
- Mentioning specific universities, which excludes others
- Failing to show genuine academic passion
Tips for a Strong Multi-Course Statement
- Brainstorm overlapping themes before drafting
- Use evidence-based examples to connect interests
- Keep reflection central — explain what you learned, not just what you did
- End with a forward-looking conclusion about academic and career goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I write completely different statements for different courses?
Not through UCAS. You only get one statement for all five choices. However, if you apply outside UCAS (like international universities), you can create separate essays.
2. What if my courses are very different, like Law and Medicine?
That’s risky. UCAS expects a coherent statement. Applying for unrelated courses makes it harder to show clear motivation. Instead, focus on one field or related subjects.
3. Should I make my statement 50/50 for two courses?
No. Aim for balance but focus on themes that unite them. A split approach can make you look indecisive. Admissions tutors want consistent passion.
4. Will universities know I’m applying to different courses?
Yes, but they don’t see your other choices. Your personal statement must make sense for their course, so avoid references that exclude other subjects.
5. How do I end a tailored statement effectively?
End with a forward-looking conclusion that ties your skills and passion to future study, without limiting it to one subject. For example: “I am eager to apply my analytical and problem-solving skills to whichever course allows me to explore them most fully.”
Conclusion
Tailoring your UCAS personal statement for multiple courses is about finding shared themes and presenting yourself as flexible yet focused. By emphasizing skills, reflection, and genuine interest, you can create a statement that appeals across different universities and programs.
At RevisionDojo, we help students balance multiple applications without losing authenticity or clarity.
Call to Action
Applying to more than one type of course? Explore RevisionDojo’s guides to craft a tailored UCAS statement that keeps every option open.
