Personal Statement Writing
Suggested Structure
Section 1: Why you want to do this course? (Approximately 10% of the length)
- Has anyone inspired you?
- Why are you interested in this subject?
- What do you like about it and why?
Section 2: Extra reading/media to do with your subject (Approximately 30% of the length)
- What books have you read and why did you like them?
- What documentaries have you watched and what did you learn?
- What podcasts have you listened to?
- What magazine articles have you read?
- Check out the Reading Suggestions page for ideas
Section 3: Extracurricular activities to do with your subject (Approximately 30% of the length)
- Are you part of any clubs in school that link to your subject?
- Do you help out in your subject's department on open evenings?
- Have you gone to any museums?
- Have you completed any work experience linked to the subject?
- Have you attended any public lectures or masterclasses?
Section 4: Extracurricular activities not to do with the subject (Approximately 20% of the length)
- What clubs are you a part of?
- Do you do any sports?
- Do you play any instruments?
- Do you volunteer?
- Have you done any other work experience?
- What other hobbies do you have?
Section 5: Conclusion (Approximately 10% of the length)
- Why do you want this?
- Why would you be good at it?
- What do you want to get from this course?