What NOT to Include in Your Personal Statement | Writing The Perfect Personal Statement

TL;DR

Avoid including irrelevant information, too many details, errors, failures, one-liners, childhood aspirations in personal statements for university applications.

Transcript

okay i've read hundreds and hundreds of personal statements over the past few years and these are a few things that i'm going to recommend today that you do not include within your personal statement and if you've written your personal statement already take a look at it and take these things out to give yourself the maximum chance of getting selec... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Personal statements should emphasize academic achievements and interests related to the chosen course.
• 💁 Avoid irrelevant details, excessive information, and errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• ❓ Connect experiences and skills to demonstrate your intellectual journey and passion for the subject.
• ⛔ Limit extracurricular activities to those directly relevant to your academic pursuits.
• 🥅 Focus on showcasing skills and accomplishments that align with the course and future career goals.
• 🪜 Steer clear of using one-liners, quotes, and childhood aspirations that don't add substance to your personal statement.
• 🐕‍🦺 Seek feedback from others and consider professional editing services to improve the quality of your personal statement.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the primary purpose of a personal statement?

The purpose of a personal statement is to introduce yourself and convince admission tutors of your suitability for the course based on your interests and academic background.

Q: Why should extracurricular activities be limited in a personal statement?

Extracurricular activities should be directly related to your academic journey and demonstrate relevant skills rather than just listing them for the sake of inclusion.

Q: How should academic projects be presented in a personal statement?

Academic projects should be briefly mentioned, focusing on the skills gained and how they contribute to your interest in the course, without going into unnecessary details.

Q: Why is it important to avoid one-liners and quotes in personal statements?

Using common one-liners and quotes detracts from the originality of your personal statement and may not add value unless integrated seamlessly into your narrative.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Personal statements should focus on academic interests and background relevant to the course.

• Avoid excessive details, irrelevant content, and errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate your intellectual journey and passion for the chosen course.