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A personal statement gives you the platform to share your creative story and tell us why UAL is the university for you.

What is a personal statement?

Our definition.

A personal statement is a written pitch.

It is your opportunity to tell us what inspires you, what you're interested in and why you want to study your chosen course at UAL.

Where to begin?

First, ask yourself a few questions.

• Why this subject?
• What artists and styles inspire you?
• What experience and skills do you have?
• What are your career goals? How can this course help you achieve them?

7 tips for your personal statement

• It's all about you.  Your personal story is what makes you unique and stand out from the crowd.
• Make it relevant. Talk about examples and experiences that match your course criteria.
• What about extra-curricular activities?  Do you do any volunteering or have any hobbies?
• Structure as well as substance.  Structure it carefully to create a clear narrative.
• Watch out for errors.  Ask someone else to read it to check for mistakes.
• Practice makes perfect. You may need to write a few drafts before you're happy.
• Read aloud.  Before submitting your statement, read it aloud as a final check.

Advice from UAL staff and students

Watch the full series

Head over to our YouTube channel to hear more advice on everything from how to prepare a portfolio to our top interview tips.

Join us on Instagram

Join a live Q&A or watch helpful videos on our IGTV channel covering everything from life at UAL to application advice.

Need more help?

Our advice on how to prepare a portfolio, an important part of an application for many UAL courses.

How to submit your portfolio

Learn how to upload your portfolio to PebblePad, our online submission tool.

Our top interview tips

Here's our advice on how to prepare for an interview at UAL.

How to write an effective UCAS personal statement

Personal statement top tops

For many students, writing a compelling personal statement for their UCAS application is a daunting prospect. Louise Evans,  Head of Adviser Experience at UCAS, shares her top tips for writing an effective personal statement below.

The personal statement is an important part of the UCAS application. It’s a student’s opportunity to describe their ambitions, skills, and experience. However, it’s often the part of the application they also worry about the most.

If they’re in need of some inspiration, then look no further – here are the best places to pick up a pointer or two.

1. The UCAS website

Planning should start on the UCAS website . There are tips on how to get started and what to include. It also covers technical aspects to bear in mind, such as the character count.

2. Personal statement timeline

The  personal statement timeline is really useful. It’s packed with advice on how to spread out the planning and writing stages so there’s no last minute panicking.

3. Our blog

A few years ago we asked university admissions tutors to tell us what they’re looking for in the personal statement .

4. Teachers and tutors

Teachers and tutors are well placed to know a student’s strengths and can point out areas and skills a student may not have considered, but are really relevant.

5. Open days

Open days are not only a chance to find out what a university has to offer, but also to find out what they expect from their students. If at all possible students should make the time to visit a university and ask as many questions as they can. Course tutors can offer advice on what they like to see in personal statements, and what can help somebody stand out from the crowd. Find out when open days are happening in our  open days search .

6. Video guide

This video with Jane Marshall from Imperial College has everything a student needs to know about how to write a personal statement. In less than five minutes you can get some great tips.

7. Personal statement mind map

Although it might look a bit chaotic, this personal statement mind map is a great way for a student to get their thoughts in order .

7. Search for course details 

Every course that can be applied for is listed in our search tool , together with entry requirements and a description of what it covers. Students can find the courses they’re interested in and try to match up their strengths and experiences to the course requirements.

8. Friends and family

Once they’ve drafted their personal statement, get your students to read it aloud to people they trust. They’ll be able to offer fresh insight into how the statement flows and any areas that might have been missed.