Personal Statement

Words and phrases to use in your personal statement

• Use I: You must write in the first person. Your personal statement should read as if you are actually saying it. So make sure you use I…but don’t overuse it either. Get a balance.
• Use positive words and stay away from anything negative if possible. It is not frowned on to address any negative points, but overall your personal statement should have an upbeat tone.
• Try and avoid the use of qualifying words such as quite, somewhat or probably. Be direct with what you say, as this expresses confidence and strength. Don’t let the point get lost by using too many qualifying words.
• A study conducted in 2005 at the University of Hertfordshire came up with the top 10 words to use in your UCAS Personal Statement. These were:
  1. achievement
  2. active
  3. develop
  4. evidence
  5. experience
  6. impact
  7. individual
  8. involved
  9. planning
  10. transferable skills
• Use words you are comfortable with. Using a word in the wrong context would be a big mistake. It is better to impress with who you are and what you can do, will do and want to do, then with a long word in the wrong place.