How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber (2024)
We spoke to admissions tutors at unis and colleges – read on for their tips.
1. Don't begin with the overkill opening
Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard.
Tutors said: ‘The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Go straight in. What excites you about the course and why do you want to learn about it more?’
Be succinct and draw the reader in, but not with a gimmick. This isn't the X Factor.
Admissions tutor
2. Write about why you want to study that course
Think about why you want to study the course and how you can demonstrate this in your written statement:
’Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you’re interested in studying the area you’re applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.’
It's much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line… Start with what's inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.
Admissions tutor
3. Avoid cliches
Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line. UCAS publishes a list of common opening lines each year. Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
From a young age…
For as long as I can remember…
I am applying for this course because…
I have always been interested in…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
And try not to use quotes. Quotations are top of the list of admissions tutors' pet hates.
4. Maybe don't begin at the start?
’Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last. I think the opening line is the hardest one to write, so I often say leave it until the end and just try and get something down on paper.’
It may be easier to get on with writing the main content of your statement and coming back to the introduction afterwards –that way you will also know what you’re introducing.
I often advise applicants to start with paragraph two, where you get into why you want to study the course. That's what we're really interested in.
Admissions tutor
In the realm of university admissions, crafting a compelling personal statement is key. As someone deeply entrenched in the academic world, I've had the privilege of working closely with both prospective students and admissions boards, gaining insights into the intricacies of personal statement evaluations. The nuances outlined in the article resonate deeply with my experiences and expertise.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:
Engaging Opening: Crafting an impactful introduction involves a delicate balance. It should capture attention without being overly gimmicky. Highlighting motivations for pursuing the course swiftly and succinctly is crucial. Demonstrating understanding and enthusiasm for the subject matter from a current perspective is valued over childhood inspirations.
Expressing Motivation: Articulating genuine interest in the course is pivotal. Emphasizing the present-day reasons for choosing the field of study is more impactful than stating interest without substantial depth. Tutors seek specificity and relevance in motivations rather than vague statements.
Avoiding Clichés: Steering clear of common clichés is imperative. Overused phrases like "from a young age" or "I have always been interested in" can dilute the uniqueness of a personal statement. Originality and individuality in expressing motivations greatly enhance the statement's impact.
Consider Starting Elsewhere: Some advisors recommend crafting the main content first before diving into the introduction. This approach allows for a better understanding of the core message before framing the beginning. Focusing on the substantive aspects of why one wants to study the course is often more engaging than a traditional chronological introduction.
Crafting a standout personal statement involves weaving personal experiences and aspirations into a concise, engaging narrative. By adhering to these insights, applicants can create compelling personal statements that resonate with admissions tutors, showcasing their genuine interest and suitability for the chosen course of study.
Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying the area you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it.
Discuss what makes you different from other candidates by including specific details and brief examples of your experiences to help your personal statement stand out. Use your level of experience as a guide to decide the number of body paragraphs to include.
Example: “In my final year at college, I lost my part-time job and scholarship and had no one to support me financially. Despite the huge toll these events took on my mental and financial status, I was able to maintain my 3.98 GPA.
Examples of hooks/grabbers include: An intriguing question that will make readers curious. A historical or current-events example of the concepts being discussed. A personal example of how the writer connects to the topic.
The attention grabber, also known as a “hook”, is the first sentence that the reader will see, and its purpose is to grab the reader's attention. A few common attention grabbers are: - A short, meaningful quote that relates to your topic. - Think of a quote that interested you during your research.
The “Hook”: The first paragraph should engage the reader and make them want to keep reading your paper. Remember, the program's admissions committee you are applying to have hundreds (even thousands) of personal statements to read. The stronger your beginning, the more likely they will get to the end.
The ten most frequently-used opening statements. 1.”I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ...” 2. “From a young age I have always been interested in ... “ 3. “From an early age I have always been interested in ... “ 4.
Avoid overused phrases like 'my passion for history began...' or 'I have been interested in geography since a young age'. Admissions tutors read a ton of personal statements and you want to stand out. So get creative with your sentences, but make sure not to go off-topic.
This sounds obvious but when writing a personal statement, it's important to show your passion for the subject. If you've read any related books, talk briefly about what you learnt from them, and why they have developed your interest in the subject.
Use your personal statement as an opportunity to share your enthusiasm. Outline any life experience you've had that relates to your course, any transferable skills, voluntary work, work experience and goals and aspirations to support your application.
Example: “Recent graduate with a degree in English from Bath University. Practical work experience as the former editor of Bath University student blog and magazine. Looking to start my career in journalism in a role where I can build on the skills gained at university and through my editorial experience.”
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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