Introduction
Writing a UCAS personal statement can feel daunting, especially when you’re applying for a course with thousands of other candidates. One way to stand out is by using well-chosen key phrases that signal your motivation, academic preparation, and suitability for the course. However, simply inserting buzzwords isn’t enough — you need to integrate them naturally so they reflect your genuine experiences and personality.
This guide explains how to identify and use key phrases for popular courses, while avoiding clichés and showing authenticity.
Quick Start Checklist
- Research key skills and qualities for your chosen course.
- Collect phrases from course descriptions and syllabi.
- Connect phrases to your real experiences.
- Avoid generic overused statements.
- Revise for clarity and natural flow.
Why Key Phrases Matter
Universities use personal statements to evaluate whether you understand the demands of a course. By using subject-specific phrases, you show that you’ve researched the program and are prepared for its challenges. For example, a medicine applicant might highlight “clinical communication skills” while an engineering applicant might stress “problem-solving in practical contexts.”
These phrases work best when tied to your experiences, not used as empty filler.
Key Phrases for Popular UCAS Courses
Medicine
- “Patient-centred approach”
- “Clinical decision-making”
- “Resilience under pressure”
- “Teamwork in healthcare settings”
Example: “Volunteering at a care home developed my resilience under pressure and reinforced the importance of a patient-centred approach to healthcare.”
Law
- “Analytical reasoning”
- “Critical evaluation of evidence”
- “Constructing arguments”
- “Attention to legal detail”
Example: “Through debating competitions, I strengthened my ability to construct arguments and critically evaluate evidence, which I know is central to legal study.”
Engineering
- “Problem-solving in real-world contexts”
- “Applying mathematical models”
- “Innovative design”
- “Collaborative project work”
Example: “Completing my Extended Essay in physics allowed me to apply mathematical models to real-world engineering challenges.”
Psychology
- “Empirical research methods”
- “Understanding human behaviour”
- “Critical thinking”
- “Ethical considerations in research”
Example: “Designing a small psychology experiment in class taught me the importance of ethical considerations when studying human behaviour.”
Business
- “Leadership and initiative”
- “Strategic decision-making”
- “Entrepreneurial thinking”
- “Understanding global markets”
Example: “Launching a small online shop required entrepreneurial thinking and strategic decision-making, which deepened my interest in business.”
How to Integrate Key Phrases Naturally
- Start with the experience – think about what you’ve done.
- Choose the right phrase – identify which key quality it demonstrates.
- Write reflectively – explain what you learned and how it connects to your course.
For instance, instead of writing “I have resilience under pressure”, show it: “During a demanding hospital shadowing placement, I developed resilience under pressure by managing multiple tasks and adapting quickly to new situations.”
To practice writing in this focused way, you can adapt strategies used when preparing structured essays, such as those discussed in guides like writing a perfect DBQ.
Avoiding Overused Phrases
UCAS admissions tutors read thousands of statements every year. Phrases like “I have always been passionate about…” are so common they become meaningless. Instead:
- Replace “passionate” with an example of why you care.
- Replace “since a young age” with a specific moment of discovery.
- Replace “hard-working” with a story that demonstrates effort and outcome.
FAQs
1. How many key phrases should I include?
There’s no fixed number, but aim for quality over quantity. Two or three well-placed, well-explained phrases are better than stuffing your statement with jargon.
2. Should I copy phrases from university websites?
You can use them as inspiration, but don’t copy word-for-word. Instead, reframe them around your personal experiences so they sound authentic.
3. Can key phrases help if I don’t have much work experience?
Absolutely. Even school projects, leadership roles, or independent reading can demonstrate key qualities. The important part is showing how you reflect on the experience and connect it to your chosen course.
Conclusion
Using key phrases in your personal statement helps show admissions tutors that you understand what your chosen course requires and that you already demonstrate those qualities. The trick is not to force phrases in, but to integrate them through stories and reflections from your own journey.
RevisionDojo can help you refine your statement with clarity and confidence, ensuring your personality shines alongside the right academic signals.
