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Whether you’re a fan of Chloe Gong, Cormac McCarthy, or Sally Rooney, get across your love of English literature and your passion for creative writing in a clear and concise personal statement.

Writing a personal statement is an important part of your child’s university application, and with the new format for 2026 entry, there’s a clear structure to follow. As a parent, guardian, or carer, your support can make a real difference. This page offers advice to help your child write a statement that reflects their experiences and goals, along with tips on what to avoid.

If you have been asked to write a reference for an independent applicant who is not currently attending school or college, please read through the advice below before starting.

Here you'll find everything you need to know about writing your personal statement.

If you're applying to start university and you're 21+, you're considered a mature student. Your background and experience may be different to those students who apply straight from school or college, so we've got some guidance on how to write your personal statement.

Universities and colleges welcome students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of unique strengths and qualities. Here, we offer guidance on how to showcase the valuable and transferable skills drawn from your personal experiences and circumstances.

Demonstrate your interest in aircraft and spacecraft, your science and engineering skills, and what sets you apart when writing your aeronautical and aerospace engineering personal statement.

Biology admissions tutors say it’s all about genuine passion, enthusiasm, and curiosity. The key to writing a successful biology personal statement is to show you understand what you're applying for, along with some evidence of your enthusiasm, and commitment to the subject.

We asked computer science admissions tutors to share their dos and don'ts for writing a strong and engaging computer science personal statement. Show your passion for tech and the impact you can have in this exciting and ever-expanding area.

Whether you want to be writing plays or acting them out, admissions tutors are looking for evidence of your enthusiasm for drama and theatre studies that extends beyond the curriculum, and for your unique personality to come across in your personal statement.

Use your writing skills in your personal statement to highlight your passion for human language and communication in all its forms.

Your child may find writing their personal statement the most difficult part of the application process – they’re not alone.

Help with writing your personal statement for further education courses – what to include about yourself, and some dos and don’ts on how to write it.

Tell your own compelling story and show admissions tutors just how persuasive you can be, by writing an effective and engaging personal statement.

We asked a biology admissions tutor what the secret is to writing a successful biology personal statement. Apparently, there isn't one - it’s all about genuine passion, enthusiasm and curiosity. The simple objective to writing a successful biology personal statement is to show that you understand what you're applying for, along with some evidence of your enthusiasm, and commitment to the subject.

We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging computer science personal statement. Here's what they told us:

Writing a dance personal statement? We asked admissions tutors the dos and don’ts of personal statements – and that means steering clear of clichés.

Are you writing a personal statement for drama? Here's how to make sure that your enthusiasm for drama extends beyond the curriculum.

Writing a personal statement for economics? You'll need more than a subscription to The Financial Times to impress tutors. Here’s how to stand out by being relevant, personal, and concise