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Analysis: How to write the best personal statement for university
24 September 2019
Bella Malins, UCL’s head of access and admissions, reveals what she looks for in prospective students.
What are universities looking for?
We are looking for excellent writing and a statement that is unique to you. It is your opportunity to show us passion for your subject and why you are a good fit for our course and university community.
Personal statements are not about what you have done, but what you have got out of each experience. Make your point, evidence it and explain how it has helped your understanding of the subject or improved your key skills.
Demonstrate enthusiasm
You get one personal statement and it needs to be relevant for each course you apply for. Read course descriptions to understand the qualities, skills and experiences necessary. Demonstrate motivation for the subject(s), including what you have done to enhance your knowledge (such as attending talks, reading articles or your own research).
Experiences and achievements
About 75 to 85 per cent of your statement should focus on the subject and your learning, with about 15 to 25 per cent on activities or work experience.
We know that not everyone can secure work experience at a City law firm or in parliament. We are more interested in what you learnt from any opportunity — whether volunteering at your local hospital or attending an exhibition or summer school.
Evidence any “transferable skills” that the course requires, such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
Make every word count
You have only 4,000 characters, or roughly 500 words. Be true to your own voice and use vocabulary that you are comfortable with.
Get a second opinion
Ask a teacher, family member or adviser to proofread your statement and look for things you may have missed.
We do read them
Imagine you have 3,000 applications for 100 places. Now imagine that 95 per cent have the grades you are asking for.
Every statement at UCL gets read and there are plenty of programmes where a well-written statement can make the difference. They may even be ranked.
Be truthful
We can see through exaggerated claims and you may be asked to expand on something you have written in interview or at an open day. UCAS also checks each personal statement for plagiarism.
What puts us off?
Clichés and bland statements such as: “Ever since I was a child . . .”; unnecessary quotes; abbreviations; and overuse of the thesaurus.
This article was first published in The Times on 23 September 2019
- Original article in The Times
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6 minutes read
Crafting an Outstanding UCL Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples
Dirghayu Kaushik
29 August 2024
Gaining admission to University College London (UCL) is a dream for many, but achieving this goal requires more than just academic excellence.
Your UCL personal statement plays a pivotal role in your application, serving as a unique opportunity to showcase your aspirations, achievements, and individuality.
This article provides essential insights and examples to assist you in creating a personal statement that captures the essence of your academic and personal journey, tailored to resonate with UCL’s admissions committee.
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- The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application
Understanding the Significance
Your personal statement is a critical element of your UCAS application to UCL. It’s your chance to convey your enthusiasm, experiences, and suitability for your chosen course.
This narrative helps the admissions team to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s about making a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for UCL and how the university fits into your academic and career aspirations.
What UCL Looks For
UCL, being a prestigious and competitive institution, seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to their field of study, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.
Your personal statement should reflect these qualities, showcasing your passion for learning, your understanding of the course content, and your readiness for the challenges of university life.
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- Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL
Creating a personal statement for University College London (UCL) is a crucial step in your application process. Your statement should stand out, reflecting your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for your chosen course. Here are key points to help you craft a winning personal statement for UCL:
- Understand UCL’s Values and Course Requirements : Before you begin, research UCL’s ethos, values, and specific requirements for your chosen course. Understanding what UCL looks for in its students can help tailor your statement to resonate with the admissions committee.
- Start with a Compelling Introduction : Your opening lines should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a personal anecdote, a provocative question, or a statement that clearly expresses your passion for the subject.
- Showcase Your Academic Strengths : Highlight your academic achievements that are relevant to the course. Include any awards, high grades in related subjects, or participation in relevant academic competitions or projects.
- Demonstrate Interest and Knowledge in the Subject : Show that you have a deep understanding of and a genuine interest in the field. Discuss any books, articles, or research that have inspired you and shaped your desire to study this subject at UCL.
- Reflect on Relevant Experiences : Include work experience, internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have helped develop skills and qualities relevant to the course. Explain what you learned from these experiences and how they have prepared you for university-level study.
- Discuss Your Career Aspirations : Clearly articulate how the course at UCL fits into your long-term career goals. This shows admissions tutors that you have a clear direction and motivation for your studies.
- Exhibit Your Skills and Qualities : Highlight personal skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the course. These might include problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, or communication skills.
- Explain Why UCL Is the Right Choice for You : Discuss specific aspects of UCL and its course offerings that appeal to you. This could be particular modules, the teaching methodology, research opportunities, or the campus environment.
- Make It Personal and Authentic : Your statement should be personal and reflect your true self. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Admissions tutors want to hear your voice and understand who you are.
- Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement : End your personal statement on a high note, reemphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness for the course and how you look forward to contributing to the UCL community.
- Proofread and Edit : Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and typos. A well-written, error-free statement demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
- Seek Feedback : Before finalizing, get feedback from teachers, mentors, or those who know you well. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.
By following these points, you can craft a personal statement that not only meets the standards of UCL but also truly represents your academic ambitions and personal journey, significantly boosting your chances of admission.
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- Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses
Example of UCL Medicine Program
Medicine applicants need to demonstrate a passion for the field, empathy, and a strong academic background in sciences. An effective personal statement for a UCL medicine course might begin with a personal anecdote or experience that sparked your interest in medicine.
Follow this with details of your academic journey in sciences, any relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities. Conclude by discussing your career aspirations in medicine and how UCL’s program aligns with these goals.
Example for UCL Economics Program
For an economics course, your statement should reflect your understanding of economic principles and your ability to think critically about economic issues. Start by explaining why you are interested in economics, possibly by citing a current issue or personal experience.
Include your academic achievements in mathematics and related subjects, and any relevant extracurricular activities, like participating in economics clubs or competitions. Finally, express how UCL’s economics program will help you achieve your career objectives.
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Key Dos and Don’ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
- Final Steps Before Submission
Review and Feedback
Before submitting your personal statement, it’s crucial to review it thoroughly. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Their insights can help refine your statement, ensuring it’s compelling and error-free.
Aligning Your Statement with UCL’s Values
Research UCL’s values and ethos, and subtly align your statement with these. Show how you embody qualities valued by UCL, such as intellectual curiosity, global perspective, and a commitment to impact society positively. This alignment demonstrates that you are not only a good fit academically but also culturally for UCL.
Your UCL personal statement is a vital part of your application. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications, experiences, and aspirations.
By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can create a statement that captures your individuality and suitability for UCL.
Remember, this is your chance to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee, so take the time to craft a personal statement that truly reflects who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for UCL.
Q1: How important is it to relate my personal statement to my future career goals?
It’s very important. Relating your course of study to your future career goals shows foresight and a clear understanding of how UCL will help you achieve your aspirations.
Q2: Can I include quotes in my personal statement?
While a well-chosen quote can be impactful, it’s generally better to use your own words to ensure your personal statement is truly personal and unique.
Q3: How can I ensure that my personal statement stands out?
To make your personal statement stand out, focus on unique experiences, present your content in a structured and coherent manner, and infuse your personal voice and enthusiasm throughout the text.
Q4: Is it okay to share personal challenges in my statement?
Yes, sharing personal challenges can be powerful, especially if you can demonstrate how they have shaped your character and academic journey. However, ensure that the overall tone remains positive and forward-looking.
- Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
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Table of Contents
- • The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application
- • Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL
- • Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses
- • Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
- • Final Steps Before Submission
- • Conclusion
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UCL School of Management
University college london, the ucl mba admissions faq.
Deciding to take your MBA at UCL is an important decision that could transform your career. Our admissions team is here to support you throughout your application journey. Here are some of our most frequent inquiries.
The UCL Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit your application, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision.
Learn more about deadlines.
To find out the status of your application, please contact the admissions team at [email protected] . If you have been liaising with your dedicated admissions advisor, they will be able to give you an update as well.
Yes, two references are required for this programme. It is strongly recommended that one of your referees be from your current supervisor or manager. The other referee may be a peer or coworker. Referees should not be family members or friends. References will not be accepted directly from applicants; they must come from an institutional (professional) email address and will not be accepted from personal email addresses.
Learn more about admissions requirements.
You must have achieved a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (2:1) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised institution. In addition to this, we require at least five years of work experience, though many students bring 10+ years of work experience to their cohorts. Students with extenuating circumstances may be accepted without an undergraduate degree, though extensive leadership and total years of work experience is paramount to being considered.
There are several items to include with your application upon submission:
- A personal statement that includes three micro essays and an optional essay
- Two references
- Your updated resume/CV
- Full academic transcripts
- A recorded video interview (booked post-submission)
- Application fee (£160)
- English proficiency
- GMAT/GRE are not required, but may be requested in order to strengthen your application
The application process for the UCL MBA consists of eight steps and is completed online via the application portalExternal link:open_in_new . These steps are:
- Programme information : Select the corresponding start date from the drop-down list.
- Academic background : Include a detailed history of your academic performance.
- Language information : Select your native language.
- Professional experience : Include your cumulative work experience and indicate your work history by adding the organisations in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
- Uploads : Your complete and detailed resume/curriculum vitae (CV) will need to be uploaded under this section.
- Personal statement : Your personal statement allows you to express your motivations and suitability for the programme.
- Letters of reference : Two references are required for this programme. It is strongly recommended that one of your referees be your current supervisor. The other referee may be a peer, coworker or mentor. We will contact your referees by email when you submit your application and ask them to complete an online reference form. Once this is uploaded, it will be automatically associated with your application. Please note that referees should not be family members or friends.
Tuition fees for the programme are charged based on the number of modules taken each quarter. The UCL MBA students will complete 12 taught 15-credit modules and a final 30-credit capstone project as part of the programme.
Total fees for students starting in the 2020/21 academic year are £42,500 for the entirety of the programme, or £3,035 per 15-credit module and £6,070 for the final 30-credit capstone project.
Admitted students will be required to submit a £1,000 tuition fee deposit to reserve their place in the programme. Please note that the fees quoted here do not include costs related to books or immersion expenses.
Learn more about tuition fees.
The programme tuition fees do not include costs related to books, immersion or orientation expenses.
Students who elect to attend immersions and orientations are responsible for all travel and accommodation fees. Depending on the content covered, some immersions may require additional fees of up to £500 on average (fees may vary depending on country of origin).
You will not be expected to pay the full amount for the year or programme up front. Our flexible, pay-as-you-go structure is different from the norm, allowing you to pay your fees when you register for a specific module.
This depends on your organisation and how they would like to go about funding your tuition. If your organisation will be making a full payment towards the programme up front, you will need to accept your offer, provide us with correspondence from your organisation that they wish to fund the programme in full, and from there, we will be able to invoice the full fees.
Please involve your admissions advisor in this conversation as soon as possible to ensure we can support you at each step in the process.
Unfortunately, the apprenticeship levy cannot be used for the UCL MBA.
Your admissions advisor is an invaluable partner. In addition to providing information about the UCL MBA programme, your advisor serves as your dedicated resource throughout the application process. They can help you:
- determine how an MBA may support your career goals
- navigate entry requirements
- prepare for interviews
- explore your funding options.
If you are applying with your work experience, and no undergraduate degree, please reach out to the admissions team or your dedicated admissions advisor to discuss your application in more detail.
The minimum eligibility for those applying without an undergraduate qualification is to have at least seven years of total work experience and two years of executive leadership experience.
Your personal statement helps the Admissions Committee better understand your personal and professional goals.
To create your personal statement, please respond to the following essay topics:
- Tell us what characteristics of the UCL MBA programme are attractive to you and why the University should admit you.
- What are your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? How will the UCL MBA help you to achieve your goals?
- Describe your experiences dealing with uncertainty and data in the workplace. Tell us how you believe uncertainty or data could impact your industry/business sector and your personal role.
If you wish to communicate additional information about your background, you may also complete an optional essay on the below question:
Do you have unique experiences, skills or goals that are not captured in the rest of the application?
Applicants should upload their personal statement to the online application.
Standardised test scores are not required, but may be requested in order to strengthen your application.
Learn more about entry requirements.
We have two intakes each year - one in September and one in April.
Yes, the total tuition for the programme is inclusive of VAT.
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