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Durham University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to The University of Durham. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

History Personal Statement Example 2 I am captivated by the diversity and depth offered by a History degree; attracted by the way it encourages us to be analytical of the values and patterns of past societies. It was in my final year of secondary school that I was awarded the History Attainment Award, although my desire to study History dates back to an earlier age when I visited the site of the allied landings in Normandy at just eleven years old...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 2 Psychology surrounds us. I often observe my class mates and ask myself why they are so different, struggling with attention or eating disorders. While looking for reasons, I also want to find ways to help them and I am confident that psychology will give me the means to do so...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 4 I find it amazing to watch as the digital revolution sculpts society at a rate that has never before been seen; there is so much to still be discovered. Quantum computing is a topic that particularly interests me, stemming from my studies and keen interest in physics...

French and Arabic Personal Statement Example In studying French and Arabic, I am eager to compare two mutually influential languages and cultures, particularly their overlapping history and its cultural representations. I decided to defer my entry to retake my Maths A2 and plan to turn this to my advantage by working and living in France, putting what I've already learnt of the French language and culture into practice...

Physics Personal Statement Example 4 The elegance of the scientific subjects, in particular physics is what has established my eagerness for a deeper insight into the subject. What sets physics apart from the other sciences, in my opinion, is that it can be practically applied to all instances of life...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Languages Personal Statement Example 10 At the age of eight, a friend introduced me to Guy Hamilton's 1969 film 'Battle of Britain'. This instilled in me two things: my doomed childhood ambition to be a Spitfire pilot, long since grudgingly abandoned, but also, perhaps ironically, a love for the sound and feel of the German language that has stayed with me all through the intervening decade...

English Personal Statement Example (Mature Student) Having worked on a secure psychiatric unit for two years, caring for many people unable to or precluded from following their dreams due to mental illness, as well as over a decade employed in positions just to pay the bills, I am finally pursuing my dream of becoming a published novelist...

Biomedical Science Personal Statement Example 5 Venturing into the unknown and never-ending world of science and medicine has been a passion and desire of mine for the majority of my life. I am captivated by how a simple idea can be transformed into a reality that can pave the way for new cures and more advanced anatomical understanding...

Physics Personal Statement Example 5 With philosophy at its foundation, and mathematics as its language, physics is full of profound insights into the workings of the universe, from the tiniest quantum interactions to the forming of the most distant galaxies...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

Biochemistry Personal Statement Example 1 The need to survive is a remarkable thing, for it has allowed evolution to equip organisms with a range of extraordinary capabilities in order to stay alive. Since reading 'Why Geese Don't Get Obese' by Widmaier, my interests have developed in the molecular adaptations of animals; for example, the antifreeze protein that prevents the blood of Antarctic Notothenioid fishes from turning into ice...

Maths Personal Statement Example 4 What I love about maths is that it has no limits. It fascinates me: the formulae, the theorems, the logic. My original interest in the subject was triggered several years ago when I started discussing maths and physics with my dad...

German and English Literature Personal Statement Example Email correspondence with a friend in Berlin during the celebrations of the twentieth anniversary of the German reunification gave me an insight into the importance and relevance of Germany’s past both within the country itself, and throughout Europe...

Biology Personal Statement Example 8 My interest in Biology started at a very young age due to spending a lot of time outdoors. I am intrigued by the functioning of living organisms and how they are all linked; one small change in one species will affect a whole range of others...

Physics & Astrophysics Personal Statement Example I have always considered Physics to be a captivating area of study, whether it is a question of how aspects of it work, or indeed why they work. As such, I have found deep fascination in studying Physics, as it is able to provide answers (as well as evidence) to such queries...

Physics Personal Statement Example (International Student) 1 Some people believe there is no universal key to the mysteries of the world, but I am convinced otherwise. Since early childhood when my parents, both physicists by training, patiently answered all my why-questions and encouraged me in my fascination with astronomy, I have been thinking of Physics as the perfect science that can unveil all the secrets that fascinate humanity...

Economics and Politics/Geography Personal Statement Example My desire to study Economics in combination with the Social Sciences stems primarily from my interest in these fields but also from the fact that these two disciplines compliment each other exceptionally well...

Anthropology and Archaeology Personal Statement Example My interest in culture first started when I began to attend my local Hindu Temple with my friend in primary school. I was highly interested in how her surroundings differed from my own and enjoyed immersing myself in her way of life...

Law Personal Statement Example 11 My desire to study law at university is firmly rooted in my interest in world events and also with helping others. Law effects our everyday lives almost without us noticing. If we look at the news, there is always an aspect of law up for debate...

English and Philosophy Personal Statement Example English has always been at the forefront of my mind, whether it be writing storybooks as a child, play-writing as a teen, or analysing literature at A Level. I enjoy the thrill of writing creatively but equally enjoy composing non-literary pieces where I can put across my views, inform or debate...

Maths and Science Personal Statement Example Maths and science, in particular physics, have always been my favourite subjects in school. I have an inquisitive mind and am always asking "how?" and "why?" to find out how things work. I chose maths, physics and biology for my A levels, yet only realised I wanted to do engineering when I started studying topics such as mechanics...

History (Ancient and Modern) Personal Statement Example 1 It is those things we don’t yet know or understand that make history a fascinating, intellectual puzzle. We know a remarkable amount about history and the development of society but new archaeological discoveries, the dedicated efforts of historians, translators and other academics and advancements in areas such as archaeometry mean that the body of historical information is still expanding...

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 2 To me, fiction is like the magic carpet of Aladdin. It takes me to travel through time and space and explore the slices of human experience. In the wonderful trips, I am guided by the author and accompanied by the characters...

History and English Personal Statement Example Studying history and English concurrently has appealed to me ever since I recognised the inseparability of the two disciplines closest to my heart. Personally, I believe that the literary style of a piece of writing is as important as scholarly research and I try to make my essays as lively as possible whilst still grounded in solid historical or literary method, dulce et utile, following the example of writers such as Richard J Evans...

History Personal Statement Example 37 My interest in history lies in the simple fact that I have always been fascinated by the past. At eleven I won a full academic bursary to attend my current school. This was a way into a community in which my intellectual curiosity would be valued and where I could further my enthusiasm for history...

German Personal Statement Example 7 The study of language has always been appealing and is the focus of much of my time and energy, but the study of the German language is what mesmerises me most. Before understanding German I was first intrigued by its sound, and as I began to learn it, I became fascinated by its complexity...

Economics Personal Statement Example 28 While working in the stock broker I became 100% sure that I wanted to study Economics at university. I gained employment at a Stock Broker office as a Monitor Operator in Bangladesh and my duty was to monitor the daily price list of trading of shares at the beginning of the day and then preparing trading reports at the end...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 17 The realisation I wanted to study Chemistry at degree level came with my growing appreciation of its contribution and significance in shaping modern society, coupled with an increasing interest in the subject as my knowledge and understanding have developed...

History Personal Statement Example 40 History has always fascinated me because of what it can tell us about humanity; the decisions taken, the actions chosen and the mistakes made can all make us reflect on what it means to be human. I firmly believe history is not simply a case of learning facts and dates but rather a chance to analyse the past, enhancing our understanding of how we interact with each other today...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 64 Psychology is ubiquitous in society. Because of the mercurial nature of humans, there is always something different to study and analyse. I find this exciting. Part of what draws me to psychology is how the dynamics of it affect daily life and behaviour...

History Personal Statement Example 43 I have always wanted to be part of an open-minded society and live in a country where originality is rewarded, so the UK came to my mind as being the best country to read my degree. My passion for the English language has developed over years of studying English at school, where I have been successful in every written and oral exam...

English Personal Statement Example 30 English is not simply the study of humanity, or society, or history or the written word; it is all of those together and it is this versatility that makes it so appealing to me. The link between literary criticism and psychoanalysis is a great interest of mine...

PPE/Politics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 I have a strong interest in the close relationship between political events and economic developments, highlighted by a study of Russia in the lead up to the 1917 revolution. I was grabbed by the film adaptation of Ten Days That Shook the World, with its emphasis on its power of the masses...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 68 For me human beings have always been fascinating, and even mysterious, because, though we are all humans, we all think differently and behave so differently. I wonder why those impoverished people who live with little can have a happy life, whereas some millionaires who have status, reputation and money choose to commit suicide...

Archaeology Personal Statement Example 6 I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures and civilisations, reflected in my enduring love of history, and more recently, archaeology. Compared to modern history, archaeology carries a sense of enigma which makes it much more stimulating for an imaginative and inquisitive mind...

English Literature Personal Statement Example 20 I was once told by a writer at Bath "LitFest" that literature is "all about control". At a young age, his words seemed obscure, but years later, I am finally able to grasp his meaning. On one side of a barrier of ink and paper, a writer aims to understand and control their world, whilst a reader attempts to lose control in a boundless, imaginary world...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 12 A Gospel choir tour around South Africa was the catalyst for my fascination with human culture. As I travelled I was able to directly experience a multiplicity of cultures even within this one country...

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement Example 11 Throughout my life, I have been fascinated but also deeply fearful of the power that politicians around the world possess. Having grown up in the years following Lithuania's departure from the Soviet Union and joining the European Union, I have observed how imperative it is that political decisions should be made responsibly...

Geography Personal Statement Example 19 I could say that my love of Geography started in school, but in fact holidays to foreign lands have had a more significant impact on me. From the volcanic badlands of Lanzarote's Timanfaya, to the unique beauty of Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania, Geography and its impact on nature and human development have awed me...

Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 3 When I was in primary school I would take pens apart to put them back together, so that I could see how every small piece fits together to create a whole working object, and as I furthered my education my focus shifted to the w orld around me...

Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) Personal Statement Example 3 In this day and age virtually every aspect of our lives may be considered political. My passion to study Politics stems from this tenet and a belief that a comprehension of Politics is integral to understanding the current state of humanity...

Ancient and Modern History Personal Statement Example 1 What makes history engaging and interesting to me is its interdisciplinary nature and its ability to take you on a journey to the discovery of humanity's past. History has been a constant source of captivation for me, from studying the mythology of Ancient Greece in primary school through to the study of the Russian Revolution at A Level...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 14 The need for the study of Sociology in society is, arguably, universally fundamental. The study of society is of paramount importance in solving social problems of great magnitude such as poverty and family disorganisation...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 58 I could tell you why am interested in computer science until the cows come home, but to give you the fundamentals I would so passionately tell you that this course is one of the few disciplines which truly embodies the days of tomorrow...

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Entry Requirements

All courses have their own entry requirements, which you can check on a course-by-course basis by visiting the course pages.  As a guide our minimum requirements are: 

• Achievement of an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or an equivalent degree qualification from an overseas university. 
• Evidence of English language for applicants whose first language isn’t English. 

Where a course has different or additional entry requirements this will be listed on the course page. 

Durham has a large and thriving international postgraduate community, and information about qualification equivalences can be found on our  country information  pages. 

If you’d like advice about entry requirements or if your qualifications are suitable for entry please Ask Us .

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Applications can normally be submitted all year round and open in the October of the year preceding the start of your course.   In order for it to be possible to start your studies at Durham on time at the start of an academic year, we normally require applicants who require a student visa to apply for their postgraduate programme by the end of July and applicants who do not require a student visa to apply for their postgraduate programme by the end of August.  It's really important that offer holders supply the necessary evidence to meet any offer conditions as soon as possible, but normally no later than mid-August if a student visa is needed and mid-September if not.

For some courses you will need to apply early as entry is very competitive.  If you’re an international applicant and need a visa you’ll also need to apply in enough time to arrange this.  Some Business School MSc courses have application deadlines for some applicants, and the University can close admissions to any programme if it becomes over-subscribed.

The following programmes all operate a staged admissions process, with application deadlines throughout the year.  You can find out more information at:

Full-Time MBA programme

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How to Apply

For most postgraduate taught degrees you apply through Durham’s Applicant Portal .  You don’t have to submit your application all in one go.  The application is organised into sections so once you’ve started it you can save it and come back to it at any time.  You’ll need to upload certain documents as part of the application process so it’s a good idea to have these ready when you apply. These include: 

• Transcripts of your qualifications 
• English language test certificates if taken
• Personal statement (if not written directly into the portal)
• Scholarship documentation (if applying)

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of your documents with you when you apply as you can always upload them later through the portal.

We communicate with you through your applicant portal through action requests and notifications, so it’s a good idea to log in to your portal regularly so you can check on the progress of your application.   

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All Business School MSc programmes require applicants to pay a small application fee before we can consider your application.  If you are applying for one of these courses, please submit your application as normal and then you will receive an action request in your applicant portal with instructions on how to do this.  We can’t consider your application until the fee is paid so it’s a good idea to do this as soon as you can. 

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Natural Sciences: What are you looking for in a personal statement?

We are looking for applicants who are interested in studying more than one subject throughout their three or four years of undergraduate study.

We expect the personal statement to reflect this interest and talk in detail about more than one subject (what excites you about studying the subjects you want to study as part of your Natural Sciences degree?).

If an interest is only expressed in a single subject, then such applicants will be less likely to receive an offer.

We also expect the personal statement to cover outside interests such as hobbies or sports or services to the community.

In this respect, the University has some general advice on how to write your personal statement.

A rule of thumb is to have an 80:20 ratio- 80% of the statement being focused on the subject and your interest in it and 20% being focused on other areas.

If your application to study the Natural Sciences degree at Durham is fundamentally different to other degrees that you are applying for through UCAS you may be interested in submitting a  substitute personal statement directly to Durham.

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How to Write a Personal Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024 with Examples

It’s that time of year when students prepare for the university application process and the first steps in their careers. As part of that process, the UCAS personal statement is one of the most important elements of the UK university application . Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses, writing a compelling personal statement with admissions tutors is key to assessing your abilities.

This guide will teach you how to write a great personal statement and break down each part of your statement with examples, tips, and insights into what the admissions tutors are looking for. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a clearer idea of ​​how to structure your statement.

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document required in university applications, especially in the UK through UCAS, that allows you to present yourself as a candidate. It allows you to demonstrate your skills, experiences, and motivations in a way that a CV or predicted grades cannot.

A standard UCAS personal statement is limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces), roughly 500-600 words. Every word counts, so your statement must be concise, well-organized, and carefully crafted to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for your chosen course.

UCAS Personal Statement Vs Regular One?

All undergraduate personal statements in the UK are aimed to be submitted via UCAS . So, many admission tutors, university professors, applicants and students, called this type of “admission essay” a UCAS personal statement.

Why Do You Need a Good Personal Statement?

Your personal statement is a unique opportunity to impress admissions tutors by showing your passion for the subject and your potential to succeed at the university level. Although your predicted grades and teacher references are important, the personal statement adds personality to your application. It’s your chance to:

• Highlight relevant experience : Universities want to know how your past achievements, work experiences, and extracurricular activities have prepared you for university life.
• Showcase your passion : Your enthusiasm and dedication to the university course will set you apart from other applicants.
• Demonstrate your skills : From critical thinking and problem-solving to communication and teamwork, the personal statement allows you to prove how your skills align with the course requirements.
• Explain your motivations : Universities seek genuinely interested students in their chosen field, so be clear about why you want to study this subject.

A strong personal statement can significantly affect your chances of being selected for the interview stage.

How to Structure Your Personal Statement

A well-structured personal statement will keep admissions tutors engaged and ensure you cover all the necessary points. While there is no one-size-fits-all template , you can follow this framework:

• Introduction (Why you want to study this subject)
• Academic Interests and Achievements
• Work and Voluntary Experience
• Extracurricular Activities and Skills
• Conclusion (Your future goals and why this course/university is right for you)

1. Introduction: Why Do You Want to Study This Subject?

Begin by explaining what sparked your interest in the subject. Avoid clichéd phrases like “I have always been interested in…” Instead, share a personal experience, a book you’ve read, or an event that inspired you. 

Personal statement introduction example:

“My fascination with biology started when I visited a local nature reserve and observed firsthand the delicate interplay between ecosystems. This early experience led me to explore genetics in-depth, and I realised that studying biological sciences at university would allow me to contribute to advancements in environmental sustainability.”

Your introduction should be engaging, authentic, and directly linked to your chosen course.

2. Academic Interests and Achievements

Now that you’ve hooked the reader, it’s time to delve into your academic background. Discuss any courses , projects , or assignments that have prepared you for university-level study. Include subjects you’ve enjoyed and explain why.

If you’ve participated in any additional reading, research, or academic competitions related to your course, mention these. This section should focus on showing that you have the intellectual curiosity and academic discipline needed to succeed.

Example: “In my final year of A-level chemistry, I conducted an independent research project on renewable energy sources. This experience enhanced my understanding of chemical processes and deepened my passion for solving real-world problems through science.”

Remember, the admissions tutors want evidence of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills . Avoid merely listing subjects; focus on demonstrating how these experiences have shaped your academic journey.

3. Work and Voluntary Experience

Work experience is crucial in demonstrating your dedication and how you’ve applied your skills outside of the classroom. This can include internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or any relevant extra-curricular courses.

Make sure you tie your experiences back to your chosen course. For example , if you’re applying for a medical degree , discuss how volunteering at a hospital solidified your interest in healthcare and developed your empathy, resilience, and communication skills.

Example: “My experience volunteering at a local care home strengthened my understanding of the psychological aspects of patient care. I regularly interacted with elderly residents, many of whom suffered from dementia, which honed my ability to communicate effectively and patiently. This experience has further fueled my desire to study psychology and contribute to understanding cognitive decline.”

Always reflect on what you learned, rather than simply describing the activity.

4. Extracurricular Activities and Skills

A good personal statement balances academic prowess with extracurricular interests. Universities don’t just want academically strong students—they want well-rounded individuals who can contribute to campus life.

You should achieve an 80:20 ratio , where 80% of your personal statement is academically focused, and 20% highlights your extracurricular activities. However, even in this section, you want to link your experiences back to valuable skills for your course.

Being a sports captai n shows leadership , teamwork , and time management . Playing a musical instrument shows discipline and dedication, which are transferable skills that can support your success at university.

Example: “As captain of the debate team, I developed strong public speaking and critical thinking skills. Leading our team to the regional finals also taught me how to work under pressure and manage group dynamics, skills I believe will help me succeed in my law degree.”

Also, mention how you plan to continue these activities at university, whether it’s joining a society, or sports team, or volunteering in the local community.

5. Conclusion: Future Goals and Why This Course Is Right for You

In your personal statement conclusion , reflect on your long-term goals and how studying this course will help you achieve them. You can also mention why you have chosen this specific university, such as its resources, research opportunities, or location. Keep this section concise but impactful.

Example: “Ultimately, I aspire to work in environmental law, advocating for policies that protect our planet. Studying at [University Name] will provide me with the legal expertise and practical experience necessary to achieve this goal, particularly through your renowned environmental law program and active pro-bono clinic.”

What Makes a Personal Statement Stand Out?

Now that you understand the structure of a personal statement , let’s explore how you can make it stand out. Here are the key factors:

1. Authenticity

Admissions tutors read thousands of personal statements yearly, so they can easily spot when a student is trying too hard to impress. Be genuine in your writing. Talk about your real passions and interests rather than what you think they want to hear.

2. Clarity and Precision

With a strict word limit, every sentence must serve a purpose. Avoid vague language or flowery descriptions , and be as precise as possible. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points. For example, instead of saying:

“I have excellent communication skills,” say, “I improved my communication skills by volunteering as a tutor, where I had to explain complex concepts to younger students clearly and concisely.”

3. A Personal Connection to the Subject

Your personal statement should convey why this subject excites you. Admissions staff want to understand what drives your curiosity and commitment. Include anecdotes or personal experiences that show your connection to the subject matter. Did a particular book, lecture, or event inspire you? Show them why this field is meaningful to you.

4. Strong Introduction and Conclusion

First impressions matter. Your opening should grab the reader’s attention , and your conclusion should leave a lasting impression . Think of these sections as the bookends of your story—they frame the narrative and are often the most memorable parts.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Different Courses

Not all personal statements are created equal. Depending on your course, the focus of your statement might shift. Here’s how to approach personal statements for a few different fields:

Writing a Personal Statement for Medicine

When applying for medicine , universities expect to see a demonstration of both academic excellence and empathy, compassion, and resilience. The best Medical schools want candidates who can handle the emotional and physical challenges of working in healthcare.

Your statement should highlight:

• Commitment to patient care through relevant work experience or volunteering.
• Understanding of the medical profession and the skills required.
• Academic achievements in science subjects.

Read our detailed guide on Writing a Winning Medical Personal Statement  

Here you can check the medicine personal statement example .

Writing a Personal Statement for Law

Law applicants should focus on their analytical skills, ability to construct arguments, and interest in the legal system. You should:

• Provide examples of critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Highlight any relevant work experience, such as internships or shadowing.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of what studying law entails.

Read: Law Personal Statement Example

Writing a Personal Statement for Psychology

Psychology programmes look for applicants with a strong understanding of human behaviour and a research interest. In your application, you should:

• Explain why psychology fascinates you, and how your past studies have prepared you for this field.
• Include any relevant work or volunteering experience in mental health, education, or research.
• Highlight your analytical and empathetic abilities.
• How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements

Many applicants are not aware that they are making critical mistakes while writing their personal statements. Find below some mistakes you must avoid. 

1. Being Too Generic

Avoid broad, unspecific statements like “I’ve always been interested in this subject.” Instead, personalize your experiences. Why did a specific course or event inspire you?

2. Listing Achievements Without Reflection

It’s not enough to simply list your qualifications or experiences. Always reflect on how these experiences have shaped you and how they relate to the course you are applying for.

3. Not Proofreading

A personal statement filled with spelling and grammatical errors will undermine your application. Take the time to proofread your statement carefully, or ask someone else to review it for you.

Personal Statement Checklist

Before you apply to university , use this personal statement checklist to make sure everything is in order:

• Have you clearly explained why you want to study this subject?
• Have you provided specific examples of relevant academic achievements and experiences?
• Have you reflected on your work and extracurricular experiences?
• Does your statement have a clear and logical structure?
• Have you checked for spelling and grammar mistakes?
• Does your conclusion tie together your motivation and future goals?

Final Thoughts

Writing a personal statement can be challenging, but with careful planning, reflection, and editing, you can craft a statement that truly reflects your unique strengths and motivations. Remember to be authentic, use specific examples, and focus on how your past experiences have prepared you for university.

Further reading:

• How Many Universities Can You Apply To UCAS In The UK
• How To Write A Dentistry Personal Statement
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• Personal Statement Examples UK