Don’t get caught up in trying to become a human thesaurus. Personal statements should look more like a record of your academic and personal achievements and less like a churning out of quotes from age-old philosophers! Your personal statement needs to show off who you are, which is easy to lose whilst rattling off your achievements or quotes from others.
Write like you
The whole personal statement may look like a mammoth task right now, so start off by breaking it into more manageable chunks. Break it up into sections and approach them one at a time – you don't necessarily have to fully write up any of your paragraphs .
Break it down
back yourself up! - Don’t lose sight of the task at hand. Always remember to answer the question: ‘Why should we give you a place on the course?’ Instead of writing about yourself aimlessly, check that every bit of the personal statement should be answering this question.
Use examples
So now you have done all the above steps, let’s get down to it: the most effective opening sentences are simple, to the point and personal to you. Remember showing your interest and enthusiasm in the course is the biggest thing.
Now write your opening line
Once you've started your first draft, get other people to critique your statement, especially if you know other students who are currently doing the same course you're applying for. You can also ask teachers or professionals in the field. Use appropriate vocabulary, spelling and grammar.
Check, check, and check again!
An admissions tutor might read over 3,000 personal statements a year so it can be hard to stand out,’ says Jonathan. Admissions tutors will appreciate it’s difficult to think of an opening that nobody will have ever used before.
Avoid overused opening sentences
‘Avoid anything too whimsical,’ advises Emma-Marie Fry, an area director at Inspiring Futures. Emma manages the career guidance team in London and the south-east and goes into schools to deliver support to students.
Steer clear of clichéd openings and childhood anecdotes
These skills are a must for the students preparing for CMA because planning the syllabus determines one’s strategy for one’s preparation. Study planning provides enough time for the students to read all the required subjects on time.
Be wary of opening your personal statement with a joke