Writing your Personal Statement

Considering your UCAS personal statement? Our helpful guide walks you through what to include, how to structure it, and tips to make your application stand out.

What is a Personal Statement?

Your UCAS personal statement is one of the most important sections of your undergraduate application.

For 2026 entry, the way you write your personal statement has changed.

Instead of a free-form essay, you’ll now answer three set questions, making it easier for you to structure your statement whilst giving our admissions tutors all the information they need to consider your application. They'll want to hear about your passion for the subject, how your past studies have prepared you for your chosen course, and learn about your additional work and life experiences.

Before you begin, allow yourself plenty of time to plan, draft, and proofread your answers. Writing your personal statement in a separate document first is a great way to stay organised and track the 4,000 overall character limit (including spaces).

Ready? Apply now through UCAS

Your Three Personal Statement Questions

Below is a summary of each question from UCAS, with expert advice from our Admissions team.

1. Why do you want to study this subject?

This is your chance to show genuine interest in your subject and enthusiasm for university study. You should think about:

What excites you most about the course?
Where your interest started and how it has developed.
Specific topics, modules, or themes you can’t wait to explore. Explore our study areas for details.
Any research you’ve done outside of the classroom to better understand the subject?

Admissions insight: "We want to see authentic curiosity and a clear motivation."

2. How have your studies helped prepare you?

Here, you should aim to link your current learning to your chosen course. We can already see the subjects you've studied in other areas of your UCAS application, so instead of listing them, we encourage you to discuss your course content, academic preparation, study methods, and transferable skills. For example, think about:

Topics, projects, or coursework you've studied that's relevant to your chosen degree.
Skills you’ve gained, such as time-management, problem-solving, or creativity.
Where you’ve gone beyond the syllabus (e.g. wider reading, competitions, or independent projects).

Admissions insight: "We want to see that you have the right foundation for the subject and you’re ready for university study."

3. What else have you done, and why is it valuable?

Our Admissions tutors also want to see your extracurricular experience and achievements outside the classroom. You should consider writing about:

Any work experience, volunteering, or part-time jobs related to your course.
Activities like sport, music, clubs, or leadership roles.
Skills developed, such as teamwork, resilience, or independence.
How these experiences make you a stronger, well-rounded candidate.

Admissions insight: "All universities value students who combine their academic ability with real-life skills. At Edinburgh Napier, we’re even more committed to practical teaching and learning, so we're keen to see this reflected in your statement."

The UCAS personal statement is your chance to show motivation, preparation, and potential. Take your time and make it count.

Top Tips for Writing Your Personal Statement

Below is a breakdown of what you should include, what to avoid and tips on how to make your personal statement more authentic and relevant to your course.

What to include in your personal statement

When writing your personal statement, we suggest you consider the following:

Reflect on your own journey and what it's taught you. This will help to show us what makes you unique.
Keep a positive, enthusiastic tone. Show us your passion for the subject or course you want to study.
Always connect your experiences back to your chosen course. You can view subject guides on UCAS for more advice.
Take your time to draft and refine each answer. This will help meet the 4,000 overall character limit (including spaces).

What to avoid in your personal statement

When thinking about what to avoid in your personal statement, consider the following:

Copying someone else’s writing — UCAS checks for similarity when you submit.
Using clichés or quotes. In most cases this is unnecessary and can increase your word-count.
Exaggerating or downplaying your achievements. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Rushing to finish at the last minute. This can result in you leaving out crucial information.
Over-relying on A.I to help (see more below).

Using AI responsibly in your personal statement

AI tools like Microsoft Word Editor and spellchecker, Grammarly, ChatGPT and the Hemingway App can help when planning your personal statement. They're useful for brainstorming ideas, organising thoughts, and improving clarity. However, your final statement should always reflect your own voice. Ensure your answers show your motivation, preparation, and unique experiences.

How AI Can Help

Generate ideas for topics or provide examples of transferable skills.
Structure your answers clearly for each question.
Improve readability using tools like the Hemingway App to simplify complex sentences.
Help to reduce word-count without losing your authentic voice.

What to Avoid

Don’t let AI write your answers for you, it must be your own work.
Don’t copy AI-generated text; admissions tutors can spot generic phrases.
Don’t rely too heavily on AI, use it as a tool, not a replacement for your thinking.

You can also explore advice from UCAS regarding the use of of AI in your personal statement.

Before you submit your application

Before you submit your personal statement, we strongly advise that you consider the key points below to ensure you have covered all the necessary steps.

Have I explained why I want to study this subject?
Have I shown how my studies prepared me, including my transferable skills?
Have I included valuable extracurricular, and practical real-world experience?
Is it written in my own voice? Does it sound authentic?
Have I stayed within the UCAS character count? (4,000 overall character limit, including spaces).
Have I proofread my work and asked someone I trust to review it?

Still unsure?

The personal statement is just one section of your application. Explore our How to Apply page to get all the information you need.

How to Write Your Personal Statement