As the number of students studying abroad continues to rise each year, more international students are pursuing their dreams of studying in various corners of the world. The United States is no longer the only choice for international students. Among English-speaking countries, the United Kingdom stands out as a strong contender, becoming a major destination for students studying abroad. 

 

Although the application processes for the UK and the US differ slightly, both require the submission of essays or personal statements. In the UK, almost all application materials are submitted through the centralized admissions system, UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). While a few universities use independent systems, they often still require a personal statement similar to that of UCAS.

 

Compared to the Common Application Essay required by US universities, the UCAS Personal Statement focuses more on the student’s overall academic and extracurricular achievements. Since it covers a broader range of content, some students find it easier to approach. A detailed comparison is provided below:

 

Common Application	UCAS
8 questions to choose from	Only 1 question
Creative writing	Academic writing
Expressed in a storytelling manner; modifiers may be used	Use straightforward language; fewer modifiers
Focus on a single experience (either on-campus or off-campus)	Total experience on/off campus
No need to mention your intended major	Must mention the major you would like to study in the future

 

Here are some practical writing tips for mastering the UCAS personal statement:

 

Get Straight to the Point

Due to character and line limitations, it’s recommended to dive directly into the topic at the beginning of your personal statement. Focus on the field of study you are passionate about, explain how you developed your interest, and then transition to why you want to study in the UK. 

 

Example: 

Witnessing family members battle inherited diseases like hypertension, I began paying close attention to treatments for genetic diseases. (Connect personal experiences to the field of study.) In an independent research project, I found that high BPM music elevated blood pressure. (Describe activities that showcase your strong interest in the field.) Seeing the UK develop the COVID-19 vaccine at such high efficiency, I set my mind my pursuing my studies here. (Highlight the motivation to study in the UK by referencing its achievements.)

 

Provide Details on Academic and Extracurricular Experiences

In the middle sections, include detailed descriptions of your academic and extracurricular experiences up to the present. Focus on any information that strengthens your application, such as skills, knowledge, and participation in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.

Remember, the second paragraph is the core of your personal statement. Provide concrete examples that give the admissions team a deeper understanding of your academic background. 

 

Example: 

In AP Biology, I furthered my interests by doing labs like transferring plasmids in E.coli, dissecting squid, and testing carbon dioxide levels surrounding plants with and without Photosynthesis. (Describe what you learned in AP Biology and the experiments conducted.)

To familiarize myself with lab work, I volunteered to become a chemistry teaching assistant, and help prepare lab equipment, organize inventories, and grade assignments. (Detail your participation in school volunteer activities and the responsibilities you handled, such as assisting with lab preparation and grading assignments.)

 

Outline Your Aspirations for the Future 

The conclusion should reiterate your experiences and personal qualities mentioned earlier, but avoid repeating exact phrases. Instead, reframe them and explain how these experiences and qualities will help you adapt to the UK’s educational culture. Additionally, outline your future goals—whether it’s further studies or career aspirations—and mention what you hope to gain from studying in the UK. 

 

Example: 

During high school, I took many biology classes inside and outside of school and other science and math courses associated with biology. I familiarized myself with research and healthcare through clubs, internships, and research programs. (Summarize your participation in biology, chemistry, and math courses, as well as research projects and extracurricular activities.)

 

By studying at a UK university, I believe I would be able to work with people from different cultures and would have a comprehensive understanding of biology to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry (Not only express motivation to study in the UK but also specify the goal of working with peers from around the world and contributing to the pharmaceutical industry.) by alleviating the suffering of diseases through ongoing research and improvements in medicine. (Provide specific examples of how you plan to contribute to society through your studies.)

 

Let’s recap!

Basic Structure of a UCAS Personal Statement

1st Paragraph: How did you become interested in this field?

2nd Paragraph: Relevant courses (e.g., AP, IB) you have taken that will prepare you for future study

3rd Paragraph: Academic experiences about major (e.g., research, club)

4th Paragraph: Activities you have engaged in that are related to this area (e.g., volunteer)

5th Paragraph: Other experiences that you think are important to you and would like to mention; your future goal

Additional Tip：Devote 80% of your essay to academic experiences and development; use the remaining 20% to highlight extracurricular activities like volunteer work or internships 

 

Building strong writing skills requires consistent practice. Cultivate a habit of reading and writing regularly to enhance your application and prepare for challenges you may encounter in university life.