A standout UCAS personal statement isn’t about flashy words or long lists of achievements — it’s about clarity, reflection, and genuine passion for your subject. Seeing examples of what works can help you shape your own approach.
At RevisionDojo, we’ve supported IB and A-Level students in crafting personal statements that capture attention. Here’s a breakdown of examples that highlight effective techniques.
Quick Start Checklist
When writing your statement, successful examples often include:
- A clear, engaging introduction
- Evidence of academic interest beyond the classroom
- Reflection on extracurriculars linked to the subject
- Skills demonstrated through real experiences
- A conclusion that ties goals to the chosen course
Example 1: Strong Introduction
Weak opening: “I have always wanted to study Law since I was a child.”
Stronger opening: “Arguing complex cases in my school’s debate society taught me how evidence and logic shape justice — sparking my desire to study Law.”
Why it works: It connects a real experience to subject interest while avoiding clichés.
Example 2: Academic Depth
Weak evidence: “I like reading about History.”
Stronger evidence: “Exploring primary sources on the Cold War in my Extended Essay deepened my interest in international relations and showed me how interpretation shapes historical understanding.”
Why it works: It shows depth, independent research, and relevance to university study.
Example 3: Extracurricular Relevance
Weak link: “I play football every weekend.”
Stronger link: “Captaining my football team developed leadership and resilience, skills I applied in collaborative lab work during my IB Chemistry project.”
Why it works: It turns a hobby into transferable skills tied to academic growth.
Example 4: Balanced Conclusion
Weak conclusion: “I hope to be accepted to study Medicine at your university.”
Stronger conclusion: “Studying Medicine will allow me to combine my curiosity about human biology with my desire to contribute meaningfully to patient care.”
Why it works: It connects academic passion with career motivation in a professional tone.
Key Takeaways from These Examples
- Show, don’t just tell — back up claims with evidence.
- Reflect, don’t list — explain what experiences taught you.
- Keep the subject central — everything should link to your course.
- Write with authenticity — your unique voice matters.
Common Traits of Successful Statements
- Strong narrative flow, not just random paragraphs
- Focused examples that demonstrate curiosity and commitment
- Concise writing that avoids filler phrases
- Professional but personal tone
- Clear link between past experiences and future goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I copy from sample statements I find online?
No. Universities use plagiarism detection software, and copying can disqualify your application. Use examples as inspiration, not templates to copy.
2. How much of my personal statement should be academic vs extracurricular?
Roughly 75–80% should focus on academics, with the remainder on extracurriculars and transferable skills. Admissions tutors want academic motivation to dominate.
3. Can I include work experience that isn’t directly related to my course?
Yes, if you reflect on transferable skills. For example, part-time retail work can demonstrate communication, teamwork, and responsibility.
4. Should I use quotes in my personal statement?
No. Quotes take up valuable space and don’t showcase your originality. Your own words and reflections are far more powerful.
5. Do all strong statements follow the same structure?
Not necessarily. While most have an introduction, academic body, and conclusion, there’s flexibility. What matters is clarity, reflection, and keeping the subject central.
Conclusion
Examples of strong personal statements reveal a common theme: authenticity, reflection, and subject focus. By learning from effective techniques, you can craft a statement that impresses admissions tutors and sets you apart.
At RevisionDojo, we help students build statements that reflect their unique strengths and ambitions.
Call to Action
Want to craft a personal statement that works? Explore RevisionDojo’s resources to learn proven strategies and structure your UCAS statement for maximum impact.
