![\"Student](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/kentstudents\/files\/2021\/10\/GettyImages-667018224.jpg\")
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There\u2019s a lot of hype around writing the perfect personal statement, but<\/span> t<\/span>he <\/span>clue\u2019s<\/span> in the name, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> personal, <\/span>w<\/span>hich means<\/span> you <\/span>should write it with your interests in mind. But, as unique as your statement should be, it still needs a good structure to help it flow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The opening paragraph \u2013 5%<\/strong><\/p>\n Getting started can be a struggle, but don’t overthink it. Your opening paragraph should include interesting content but it doesn\u2019t have to start with a snappy one-liner.\u00a0Talk about what has inspired you to study your subject and explain where your interest stems from. If you can’t get off the mark though, move on and come back to the intro at the end.<\/p>\n Why do you love your subject? \u2013 70%<\/strong><\/p>\n The following paragraphs should focus on your course choice. This is where you need to get into the nitty-gritty detail about what gives you a buzz. For example, if you want to study Biology, what area? Is it gene expression or human physiology? If you want to study History, are you more interested in military history or American history? Your enthusiasm needs to jump off the page.<\/p>\n Next, mention but don\u2019t list the subjects you\u2019re currently studying and the skills you\u2019ve gained from them. For example, if you\u2019re studying English, you\u2019re likely building great analytical and writing skills. Or, if you\u2019re studying psychology then you\u2019ll already have fantastic critical thinking and research abilities.<\/p>\n Finally, share any work experience you\u2019ve completed. Avoid listing everything you\u2019ve done, but expand on the qualities and skills you’ve gained, such as teamwork and good time management. And if you can, go one step further and explain how those skills are suited to the course you’re applying for.<\/p>\n The ABC model will help you to support and make the most of your statements:\u00b7<\/p>\n Aim to achieve A and B when writing your main points and keep referring to your subject of interest wherever possible.<\/p>\n What do you get involved with outside of school\/college? \u2013 20%<\/strong><\/p>\n The final section of your statement should include your extracurricular activities.<\/p>\n You may have gained leadership skills from sports; problem-solving and communication techniques from part-time work; teamwork experience from Duke of Edinburgh; or time management skills from juggling your study and extracurricular commitments.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not involved in any extracurricular activities, use this section to mention wider reading. Reference any books, articles and journals that are specific to your subject of interest and explain why you\u2019ve found them engaging.<\/p>\n Wrap it up \u2013 5%<\/strong><\/p>\n Tie up your personal statement with a small paragraph. Some students use their conclusion to share what they want to pursue in the future, while others use it to emphasise their motives for going to uni. It doesn\u2019t need to be lengthy, just a sentence or two.<\/p>\n For more guidance and a helpful checklist, take a look at our other blog: Personal statements: the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts<\/a>.<\/p>\n Good luck!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a guest post written by the Content Officer at the University of Kent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n