How should I structure a personal statement?

The basic structure of a personal statement is roughly 5 paragraphs with 80% of the statement focussed on academics and 20% on extra-curricular, with this 20% normally covered in the final paragraph. For the academically focussed part of the statement, the key is to demostrate depth of understanding rather than breadth. This typically means a fairly narrow topic per paragraph stating and embed your own opinion with justification into the topic - this could be a synopsis of your EPQ, an essay you have written, or a current event. 

For the sentence structure of your personal statement it is important to remember you are writing a piece of English - an admissions officer has to read hundreds of these so make yours interesting and memorable. The traditional pitfalls to avoid here are cliched statements ("I am passionate about economics") and lists ("I read X. I have also read Y. I then did Z"). In general, write about things you are genuinely interested in and you'll portray yourself well.

AM
Answered by Annabel M. Personal Statements tutor

6151 Views

See similar Personal Statements Mentoring tutors

Related Personal Statements Mentoring answers

All answers ▸

How do I demonstrate my interest in my subject on my personal statement?


How should I start with writing a personal statement for Medicine?


How should I structure my Oxbrige personal statement?


What do you need for a good medicine personal statement?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences