The competition for places on courses at UK universities can be intense and many of the most popular subjects such as medicine, law or engineering are often over-subscribed with applicants. That is why the need to write a compelling personal statement to stand out is crucial for international students who want to study in the UK.
Learn more about UCAS's top ten personal statement tips for UK university applicants below and, if you are considering studying in the UK, why not browse our in-depth course search, subject guides and UK university rankings?
Top Ten Personal Statement Tips
1. Express interest in your subject and show passion
You should express an interest and passion in your chosen university subject throughout your personal statement. If admissions officers don't feel like you care about what you are to study, why should they offer you a place? Demonstrate your passion.
2. Make your first line stand out to grab the reader's attention
Your opening sentence is a chance to make an immediate grab for the attention of the reader. Make it stand out and you'll hook them for the rest of the statement.
3. Relate outside and social interests to your course
Admissions officers love it when you can demonstrably link your hobbies to the course you are applying for. These must be relevant though - anything which stands out as being a waste of space on your statement will count against it.
4. Think about what you want to achieve after graduation
Think about the type of role or career you would like to move into after you finish your degree. Explaining what you wish to achieve after graduation is a great way to show your ambition.
5. Get the basics right
Make sure you use paragraphs so the text is clear, have a defined, beginning, middle and end and keep your writing succinct. By following these simple guidelines, your personal statement will automatically stand out.
6. Don't try to sound too clever
Whilst the purpose of a personal statement is to sell yourself, do not come across as too arrogant or 'know-it-all' as this is not an appealing trait.
7. Take time and make it your best work
You have plenty of time to craft your personal statement, and producing multiple drafts and revisions over a couple of weeks allows your personal statement to breathe and grow.
8. Don't leave it until the last minute
Related to the above, the worst thing you can do is leave it to the last minute. This means mistakes, inaccuracies and a general panic at submitting your personal statement on time.
9. Get a second opinion
Worried about certain sections, phrases or your grammar? Have a friend, family member or colleague give it a second look to avoid small mistakes that are easy to miss.
10. Be honest
You will be asked to produce evidence of your stated achievements, so it is incredibly important to not lie about any previous grades or accomplishments.
Personal Statement Editing
If you are interested in studying in the UK, or are putting the final touches to your UCAS application, SI-UK can help. Arrange a free consultation today in Nairobi or Mombasa and we can help you choose where to study, edit your personal statement and offer one-to-one guidance on your future.
SI-UK's service is fast, reliable and efficient. Their consultants are specialists, working closely with all UK universities and, through my consultants' advice and application assistance, I was able to receive offers from my favoured universities. 
