A personal statement is a vital component of university applications at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, regardless of the destination country. It is often reviewed as a key evaluation criterion before any interviews take place. Therefore, a well-written personal statement can significantly enhance your chances of standing out among many applicants.

The statement is your only opportunity to express your motivation, academic readiness, and personal strengths. For  US and UK universities, your personal statement should address several essential questions:

1. Why are you interested in this field?
   Explain your reasons for choosing the subject, your familiarity with the area, and how it aligns with your career goals.

2. Why did you choose to study in the UK?
   Go beyond simple preferences. Instead, discuss the UK’s global reputation, educational advantages, and the relevance of your chosen subject in the country’s academic or professional landscape ( the same applies for the US universities)

3. Why this university (non-UCAS applications)?
   Highlight specific aspects such as program content, faculty expertise, industrial links, or research opportunities.

4. What relevant experiences have you had?
   Mention internships, seminars, or summer schools. Focus not just on the activity but also on what you learned and how it influenced your academic or career path.

5. What are your academic and extracurricular achievements?
   Include unique aspects not visible in your transcripts, such as club activities, arts/sports involvement, volunteering, awards, or leadership roles.

6. What are your career goals, and how will this program help you?
   Especially for postgraduate applicants, it’s crucial to clearly link your academic path to your professional ambitions.

7. How will you contribute to the university?
   This may include participation in student societies, sports teams, academic initiatives, or sharing international perspectives.

Tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Your statement must be original and personal.

• Avoid clichés, jokes, or overly casual language.

• Focus on strengths, stay positive, and be modest yet confident.

Length guideline:
For UCAS applications, your statement must not exceed 4,000 characters and 47 lines (including spaces). For non-UCAS applications, a 500-word limit is recommended for clarity and conciseness.