The Personal Statement

What is the personal statement?
Why do we need to see it?  Does it matter?

The personal statement on the UCAS application form gives you an opportunity to convince an admissions tutor of your suitability for the chosen degree programme.  The information below is intended to help you prepare for writing your personal statement.  For further information on personal statements, please visit the UCAS website.

Since many students are offered a place at university without attending an interview, the personal statement is an ideal way to show what personal attributes and skills you have to help you secure a place on a course.  In essence, it can help you to stand out from the many other students that may have the same predicted academic grades as you.

Therefore, the personal statement is a vital part of the admissions process in deciding whether a student is offered a place at Cardiff.

The personal statement can also make a difference later in the application process if you narrowly miss the required grades for the course.  In these instances, the university is likely to look at your personal statement again to see if your interests and experience demonstrate any extra skills that could help you succeed on the course.

View our comprehensive guide to writing your personal statement by opening the link below:

Dos and Don'ts: Basic guidance to follow when writing your personal statement

Do thorough research into your chosen degree courses to ensure the course content and entry requirements match your interests/abilities

Do take time over your application, structure your application well and be prepared to write at least three drafts before submitting your form to your tutor

Do take time to check for spelling and grammatical errors

Do print out a copy to check for errors and ask a friend/relative/teacher for their feedback

Do be positive – about the course and all you have to offer

Don’t give excuses – always be positive about what you have done and achieved

Don’t waffle –make sure that all information noted is relevant and you show how skills learnt from hobbies/outside interests are transferable to your chosen degree

Don’t tell lies – remember that universities can check up on the content of your personal statement with your referees and work experience placement providers, will normally ask about the content of your personal statement at interview and that UCAS uses a similarity detection service to detect copied work.