what font size should my personal statement be

• Our Writers
• How to Order
• Assignment Writing Service
• Report Writing Service
• Buy Coursework
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Research Paper Writing Service
• All Essay Services

Personal Statement Writing

Personal Statement Format

A Complete Guide to a Perfect Personal Statement Format

People also read

How to Write a Personal Statement - Easy Tips & Examples

10+ Personal Statement Examples to Elevate Your Application

Common App Personal Statement Prompts - 2024

Do you struggle with formatting your personal statement? Many students face challenges when it comes to formatting their personal statements.

It's common for students to feel unsure about how to structure their personal statements. Questions like, "How do I organize it? What tone should I use? Am I including the right information?" can be really stressful and confusing, adding more pressure to an already stressful application process.

But don't worry! This blog is here to help. We'll make it easy for you to understand personal statement formatting, so you can create a strong and impressive personal statement. 

So, let’s begin!

• 1. What is a Correct Personal Statement Format?
• 2. How to Format A Personal Statement
• 3. Personal Statement Format Examples

What is a Correct Personal Statement Format?

Like other academic papers, personal statements should also be formatted and structured according to a standard set of guidelines. In this way, you can make sure all the information in your personal statement is in an organized manner.

Usually the guidelines for formatting are provided by institutions where you are applying. Different institutions can have varying requirements so it's important to be mindful of their requirements.

However, here are the basic guidelines that you can follow if you don’t know how to format a personal statement.

• Word Limit: Aim for around 500 words, staying within 495-505 words.
• Spacing: Use single-spacing within paragraphs and add an extra line of space between each paragraph.
• Font Style: Opt for a universally accepted font style, such as Times New Roman.
• Font Size: Maintain a 12-point font size throughout your personal statement.
• Header: Include your name and the page number in the header of each page for easy organization.

A standard formatting convention should be used to make your personal statement readable. Keep in mind that review committees go through hundreds of personal statements so it is important to make sure your personal statement stands out. 

Here is a sample personal statement format template you can use to write a personal statement:

How to Format A Personal Statement

The requirements for writing a personal statement vary, but generally, a personal statement includes certain information in the following format.

Step 1 - Determining Word Limit and Line-Spacing

Knowing the word limit is crucial. Ensure your personal statement aligns with the specified range, that is typically around 500 words. 

Implement double-spacing within paragraphs, adding an extra line of space between each paragraph. This technique creates a visually clear and structured layout for easy reading.

Step 2 - Font Style and Size

Consistency in font style is important for readability. Choose a widely accepted and easily readable font like Times New Roman or Arial. 

Maintain a font size of 12 points throughout your personal statement. This standard size aids in presenting a professional appearance and facilitates smooth reading.

Step 3 - Header Inclusion for Organization

To keep your document organized, consider including the title and page number in the header of each page. 

This simple addition aids in document management and ensures easy navigation, particularly if your personal statement extends across multiple pages.

Step 4 - Structuring the Content

Your personal statement's structure plays a pivotal role in its impact. Here's a breakdown of how to organize your narrative effectively:

• Opening Paragraph - Begin with an introduction that clearly states the purpose of your personal statement. Engage the reader with an attention-grabbing opening statement and specify the program or position you're applying for.
• Body Paragraphs - Detail your academic background, relevant experiences, and accomplishments. Showcase your skills and attributes as a strong candidate, write about any extra activities you took part in high school. Explain why the program or position you're applying for interests you and how it aligns with your ambitions.
• Transition to Goals - Smoothly transition from your experiences to your goals, setting the stage for discussing your academic and career aspirations. Express gratitude for considering your application and end with a memorable statement or closing remark.

Step 5 - Finalizing Your Personal Statement

Ensure your personal statement is signed off with your full name. If submitting a printed copy, include your signature for authenticity. Proofread your document for clarity, coherence, and accuracy before submission.

Remember, each organization may have its own set of rules, so always double-check and follow their specific guidelines for the final touches on your personal statement.

Personal Statement Format Examples

If you are looking for helpful personal statement format examples, you are at the right place. Going through examples is one of the best practices to get an idea of how to write a perfect personal statement.

That’s why we have provided you with some good personal statement format examples to help you know what specific details should be included. 

Personal Statement Format For Grad School

Personal Statement Format For University

Personal Statement Format Law School

Personal Statement Format For College

Personal Statement Format For Masters

Personal Statement Format For Job

Personal Statement Format For Scholarship

Check out more flawlessly formatted personal statement examples to learn more!

Facing formatting hurdles with your personal statement? Even after this guide, if you're still feeling adrift, our writing service is here for you.

Our dedicated team excels at crafting standout personal statements. Our team is skilled at delivering perfectly formatted personal statements. Our essay writing service for students has helped thousands like you by providing winning personal statements.

So , why risk it? Order now to buy personal statement !

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Personal Statement

Personal Statement Format

Personal Statement Format | Step-by-Step Guide With Examples

Published on: Apr 13, 2021

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

People also read

How to Write a Personal Statement That Gets Noticed

Personal Statement Prompts: Topics & Ideas for Students

Inspiring Personal Statement Examples to Help You Stand Out

Share this article

On This Page On This Page -->

A personal statement is often required of applicants to jobs, internships, and graduate programs. It can be challenging because you need to answer some questions about yourself in this document while still keeping it interesting!

Your statement should be more than just a list of skills and accomplishments. Here you have the perfect opportunity to write about your career goals, what makes you unique from other candidates.

These statements are always different and dependent on the institution you're writing for. But all types of statements require a specific format as in other academic papers, so make sure to follow these guidelines carefully!

This statement is a core component of the application essay process. In this blog, we will discuss how to write a personal statement in the correct format. So, let’s get this started.

What is a Proper Personal Statement Format?

You should always follow formatting and structure guidelines when writing your personal statement. By following the proper format, you can ensure all the information is organized correctly for easy reading!

Make sure you format your statement in both interesting and engaging ways. Here is a basic format that should help you get started:

• The perfect length for a statement is 500 words. So, be sure to finish your paper within 495 - 505.
• Keep your paragraphs single-spaced and aligned with an extra line of space from the next.
• Times New Roman is a great font choice for every paper.
• Make sure the font size is 12 pt.
• Mention your name and page number in the header of each page.

How do you format a personal statement heading?

A statement heading should include the name of your document, your name, and for which school or department.

These statements should be formatted in a standard, reader-friendly style. Carefully consider the type of formatting that will make your statement appealing to review.

As admission committees go through thousands of these documents each year, it is important to make sure that you stand out from other applicants.

How to Format a Personal Statement?

Many students ask,  'What is the format of a personal statement?’ How should I write my personal statement?

The requirements for writing a statement vary but generally, it includes specific information in the format.

Introduction

It often begins with an opening statement designed to grab the reader’s attention. In this opening paragraph, you can highlight your skills and experiences so they can connect directly to the program you're applying for.

If you are applying for a degree or a position, make sure to include the program name and your title.

Body Paragraphs

In these paragraphs, you need to answer any specific questions about your qualifications, long-term goals, and compatibility with the program.

Should a personal statement have paragraphs?

Yes, your statement is a series of well-written paragraphs that connect together in an elegant and logical way.

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence to inform the readers of what that paragraph will be focusing on. Also, provide examples from your experience and make sure these are relevant to the argument.

In conclusion, summarize all the points discussed in your body paragraphs. Also, restate your interest in that specific program or position you're applying for.

Highlight how this degree or position will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Personal Statement Format Examples

Do you want to know more about the perfect personal statement format? Check our helpful examples. Going through them will give you a great idea of how to outline your personal statement.

It is important to know the specific details that should be included in your statement. You want it to match who you really are and what makes YOU unique, right? We've provided some good examples of perfect statements below:

It is important to avoid plagiarism, but you should feel free to use the following examples as inspiration for your own statement.

Personal Statement Format for College

A statement for college is written to show admission officers who you are and why your talents deserve a place at their college.

In college personal statements, you must discuss your high school major accomplishments. With the help of this example, you can format your own statement for college.

The following example includes all sorts of ways to ensure that it is personalized and interesting enough, so colleges want YOU!

Personal Statement Format Graduate School

This statement is a chance to share more about who you are. It should not be simply an introspection but also provide insight into your plans and goals.

Do you want to know the best way to create an engaging and creative graduate school personal statement? Check out this example! This will help ensure that all of your information has been properly formatted.

Personal Statement Format for Masters

This statement is an opportunity to express your unique qualities in a way that will make you stand out from other applicants.

You might be wondering why students study the courses they do. They have reasons for wanting to take that specific course. Look at this Master's example to know how they mention those specific reasons.

Personal Statement Format for University

A personal statement is the most important document. It will help you convince the admission committee why you are a deserving candidate to study at their university.

These examples will help you write your own statement in an engaging and informative way.

MBA Personal Statement Format

It's time to take the next step in your career! Get an edge over other applicants by writing the perfect MBA personal statement.

It's not too late to get into the MBA program you've always wanted. This easy personal statement format template will surely help you write one.

Personal Statement Law School Format

This statement is your chance to reflect upon life and show law admission committees who you really are. So, it must be well-written and formatted correctly.

A perfect law school personal statement can be drafted using the following format:

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

The nursing personal statement is an integral part of your application process. It's an opportunity to show off your personality and address any questions that admission committees could have.

The following example will inspire you and ensure that your statement is on the right track.

Personal Statement Format Medical School

Personal statements for medical school are an opportunity to tell your story and explain why you want to be a doctor.

Your medical school personal statement should be creative, interesting, and engaging. The following example is a great way to stimulate your creativity.

Personal Statement Format for Job

What makes you stand out from the others? That's what your statement should be all about. It is an opportunity for self-expression and highlighting what makes you special, so use this space wisely!

Writing a statement for your job application can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! This is one of the short personal statement examples that will guide you through the process.

When you start writing a personal statement, always refer back to the guidelines and examples provided above.

When you are ready to write your statement, remember that it should be professional and follow all the formatting guidelines. After you've done writing, read your personal statement several times to ensure it is error-free.

This statement is a tricky thing to write for a lot of reasons. Sometimes mistakes are just too hard to overlook, and in the end, you lose everything that matters most - your chance at getting into college or university.

Wasting your time on your statement is a huge mistake. However, if you make the wrong choice, it's game over for scholarship opportunities.

Many people miss an opportunity by not doing enough to make their school application form perfect. But there’s always a way, and that includes hiring professional writers who can write custom statements for you!

The right professional writer can help you craft a statement that will make it easy for you to get into any college or university of your choice. A statement written by professionals flows smoothly and is impressive throughout.

If that's a tough task for you, get the best college essay help online at CollegeEssay.org  to increase your chances of enrolling in your dream college/university. Bring to the table all of your important information and let our expert writers take care of it.

You can also try out our AI essay writer and make a great first impression!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a personal statement.

A personal statement should not be more than 4,000 characters, so you'll need to stay within this limit when writing one. 

Does a personal statement need a title?

There is no need to add titles when submitting your personal statement. Avoid mentioning things that the college wants you to say. Be honest and genuine about yourself! 

Should I leave spaces between paragraphs in my personal statement?

Yes, you should leave spaces between paragraphs to avoid cramped-looking text. 

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

Personal Statement Format: A Student’s Guide With Examples

by  Antony W

June 24, 2024

Interns, job seekers, and graduates will write personal statements to showcase their skills and career targets.

Even though personal statements target specific questions and follow a given type of format, they vary depending on the institution being written to.

From this post, you are going to learn how to create your statement using the right format.

What is a Correct Personal Statement Format?

When writing a personal statement, consider adhering to the standard set of guidelines that will help format and structure your personal statement.

That way your statement will look neat and all the information perfectly organized.

Consider following the basic guidelines provided below in case you don’t know how to format a personal statement.

As you write down your personal statement ensure your paragraphs are single-spaced throughout the entire document

• Make your statement as brief as possible but informative, the recommended number of words is 500 maximum (4,000 characters). Stick to the word count no matter the type of personal statement you are writing. Generally, the best idea would be to make your word count 495 to 505.
• Consider using Times New Roman or Calibri as your font style throughout the statement. The appropriate font size would be 12pt for whichever font style you choose.
• Don’t forget to include your name and page number on your statement’s header.

How to Format a Personal Statement

Although requirements for writing a personal statement vary, all of them follow the same type of format. Below are formatting tips for personal statement .

Introduction

The introduction is the first step you take when writing a personal statement.

This is the point where you kick off with opening statements that grab the attention of your reader.

This section will have a summary of who you are and connect you to the program you are applying to.

Remember to mention the degree position or the program you are applying for.

Body Paragraphs

From this section, you will answer queries that deal with your compactness with the program, qualifications, and targets.

Every paragraph you come up with ought to start with a topic sentence followed by a brief explanation clarifying what it touches on.

This is also the part where you include your experiences to back your argument but make sure your experiences are relevant.

In this section, you are supposed to summarize all the points explained in the body and show your interest in the position or program.

Don’t forget to tell the reader how the program or position is a step toward your targets.

Example of Personal Statements

This is the right place if you are looking for various types of personal statements. You can also find samples of personal statements online to get an idea of how to write the best personal statement.

Nonetheless, discussed below are the various kinds of personal statements you may find useful:

Medical School Personal Statement

With a medical personal statement, you get a chance to tell the person admitting you the reasons behind your wanting to study medicine, why they should consider your application, and what difference you will make.

You can also include a Graduate School personal statement to boost your creativity and chances of being accepted.

Graduate School Personal Statement

Students who have just finished a course of study are often asked to mail in their personal statements.

With the statement, the admission committee can learn more about the candidate requesting a chance.

Personal Statement Law School

As you write your personal statement, make sure everything is written well and in the right format.

That is because it’s the best way to touch on your life. The law admission committee gets a picture of who you are when you reflect on your life.

Personal Statement for Masters

With a personal statement for masters, you will be able to describe your reasons for wanting to study a given course.

Personal Statement for Job

As the name suggests, this statement is by people seeking employment. It is supposed to sell the job seeker.

The bone in search of a job is supposed to give reasons why he or she is fit for the job than the others.

Write down a statement that is specific, interesting, and engaging. Don’t forget to indicate things you will offer if given the opportunity.

Personal Statement for College

High school leavers write this statement to college admission officers. From this statement, the students introduce themselves and provide reasons why they think they are meant for the school.

As you write a personal statement for College, don’t forget to touch on your main achievements and experiences.

Nursing School Personal Statement

A nursing personal school statement is yet another important aspect of a nursing school application.

This statement gives you a chance to detail yourself and give answers to possible questions the admission committee might have for you.

Personal Statement for University

A University personal statement is also a document of importance because with it you can tell the admission committee why you think you are a perfect student for their University.

MBA Personal Statement

With the MBS personal statement, you will be able to tell the admission committee why they should let you take the MBA degree cause from their institution.

Writing a good personal statement is never easy  – preparing an application that might kill your chances of getting a scholarship, a job, or joining a College or University of your dreams with just a mistake is never easy.

Most applicants who fail and miss this lifetime opportunity are the ones who don’t express themselves well enough You can always refer to the personal statement examples provided above when writing a personal statement. 

That way, your statement will follow the right formatting guidelines. Don’t submit your statement just yet! Consider reading it a couple of times to identify and eliminate typos for a better flow.

If you can’t call in a professional writer then consider getting help from the best paper writing services to enhance your chances of being enrolled in a College or University of your desire.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

• Enquire Now
• About SI-UK
• All Global Offices
• Find Your UK University Course
• Free Service
• Premium Service
• Visa Service
• Oxbridge Service
• Medicine Service
• Art and Design Service
• View all Services
• UCAS and Applying
• UK University Rankings 2024
• University Subject Guide
• Scholarships and Funding
• All UK Study Information
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate and Masters
• All Study Options
• UK University Profiles
• UK University Study Guide
• Language Centre Home
• Pearson Academic English Test
• University News
• Open Days and Events
• Work with Us

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies.

Updates for International Students If you are an international student interested in UK study from January or September 2022 and need advice and support on topics such as travel, quarantine and financing your studies, stay up to date with the latest Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today. Enquire Now Close

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today.

Enquire Now Close

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines

• UK University Blog
• Personal Statement Writing Tips

How to Write a UK University Personal Statement

Personal Statement

Last updated: 5 March 2024

A  personal statement is an important part of your UK university application. Many students have similar grades and experience, so a compelling personal statement is needed to ensure your application stands out.

Learn more about what to write about in your personal statement below, or visit SI-UK London for a free consultation to discuss your UCAS university application .

What should I include in my personal statement?

It is important to understand that a personal statement is not a detailed explanation of your resume. The focus needs to be on what you have learned at school and work and how this is relevant to the course you are applying to. If your experience is limited, you can describe which attributes make you a suitable candidate.

When writing a personal statement, demonstrating enthusiasm about where you are applying to is important. Research the university past and present, and learn as much as possible about the industry your course belongs in.

Remember that your personal statement needs to look professional, and little things such as the choice of font and its size can affect an admission officer’s opinion of you. A font size of 11 or 12 in Arial or Times New Roman is advisable.

How long should my personal statement be?

The length of your personal statement is determined by each university, but for undergraduate applications, it is generally between 400 and 600 words of 4 and 5 paragraphs on one side of A4. Certain  postgraduate master’s courses may require up to 1,500 words, so check on the university website before beginning.

Personal statement format

• Your career aim
• How you became interested in this field
• What you have done to get closer to your aim
• Why you are applying to this university
• How you will use what you learn

Personal statement checklist

• Use Arial or Times New Roman
• Font size 11 or 12
• 4-5 paragraphs
• Include why you chose the university
• No negative information
• Don’t duplicate material from your resume
• One side of A4, unless the course specifically asks for more/less

Study in the UK

Still unsure about what steps to take next? Visit us in London for a free consultation on your higher education application to study in the UK. Our international experts can help you apply with free course and university selection advice.

Last Updated: 5 March 2024

You might also be interested in...

Blog how to draft a meaningful uk law school personal statement, blog tips and advice for a cambridge architecture personal statement, blog university of cambridge engineering personal statement writing tips, blog top tips for your university of cambridge medicine personal statement, blog how to write a statement of purpose for uk university entry, blog preparing for september 2024 uk university entry.

 My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.   Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University

Leading Universities and SI-UK Partners

• © 2024 SI-UK
• All rights reserved
• Privacy Policy -->

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.

• FRONT MATTER
• TABLE OF CONTENTS

Issues of Length and Form

Normally, the length of a personal statement will be dictated by the application—500 words or 800 words are typical limits, as are one-page or two-page limits. If you’re given, say, a count of 1,500 words, you need not write to the maximum length, but to compose only one-half of the word count might be an opportunity missed. In any case, what matters most is that the material you present conforms as closely as possible to these word or space restrictions—parts of your application might literally not be read if you violate the rules—and that your presentation is aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. To achieve these goals, I promote the following tips:

• If your personal statement is a stand-alone document within your application, open it with a simple heading such as “Personal Statement for Janet Lerner.” Thus, if your documents would get separated somehow, they could more easily be reassembled.
• If there are any pages to your essay beyond one, number them, and perhaps include your name on those pages as well.
• Choose a publishing font that is highly readable, such as Times or Bookman. Some fonts allow for more tightness to the text, which is fine as long as the essay remains readable. Ideally, use no more than a 12-point size and no less than a 10-point size, favoring the larger, and use the same font size throughout the document.
• Allow for ample enough margins that the reader isn’t distracted by cramped-looking text. Margins of at least one inch are standard.
• Single space your text, skipping a line between paragraphs. You can indent paragraph beginnings or not, as long as you’re consistent.

At times, especially when you fill out an application electronically or have to cut and paste, word limits will be defined by physical space. In such a case, keep enough white space between your text and the application text that the material isn’t crowded, and choose a font different from that used in the application if possible. Also, if your application is electronic and requires you to cut and paste text or conform to a word or character count, check the material that you input carefully to be certain that it’s complete and reads just as you wish it to. In some cases, you may lose special characters or paragraph breaks, and words over the maximum allowable count may be cut off. The safest practice is to proofread anything you send electronically within the very form in which it is sent.

Other online sites that give space to the subject of length and form in personal statements are these:

“Applying to Graduate School: Writing a Compelling Personal Statement,” from the International Honor Society in Psychology

“FAQs for Writing Your Graduate Admissions Essay,” from about.com

Get university advice on The Student Room app

• Teacher training
• Bangor University
• Birmingham City University
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Aberdeen
• University of East Anglia
• University of Hull
• University of Kent
• University of Reading
• A-level choices
• GCSE choices and university
• Choosing a course
• Making firm and insurance choices
• University open days
• Top questions to ask at a university open day
• Ucas Extra explained
• Understanding conditional offers
• University offers: what they mean and what to do next
• Getting the most from Ucas university fairs
• What do I need to get into Oxbridge?
• What to do if you don’t get an offer from your first choice university
• What you need to know about getting a university scholarship, grant or bursary
• AS and A-levels explained
• Is a higher or degree apprenticeship right for you?
• Universities

By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 13 September 2023 | 9 min read

Personal statement FAQs

We've gone through some of the most commonly asked personal statement questions and put all the answers in one place

Share this page

Email & print.

Your personal statement is a big part of your uni application. It's where you can show universities why they should give you a place on your chosen course. Read on for quick tips on writing your personal statement. We'll cover what sort of things to include, along with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that crop up over on our sister site The Student Room .  If you can't find an answer to your question here, try posting it to the personal statements forum on The Student Room .

When should I start writing my personal statement?

It’s never too early to start thinking about it! However, you'll need a good idea of what course you’re going to apply for before you launch into writing it. On the other hand, don’t leave it too late as it's quite a long process and you're likely to have a few drafts before reaching your finished product.

Remember:  your referee will need to see your personal statement before they can write your reference. If you get yourself organised over the summer, you can start by jotting down a few ideas over those few weeks - ready to start writing it when you arrive back to school or college in September.

The Ucas application deadline for most undergraduate uni courses starting in September 2024 is 31 January 2024. If you're applying to Oxbridge or for medicine, dentistry or veterinary science courses to start in 2024 there's an earlier deadline – 16 October 2023. You can find all the key Ucas deadlines and application dates for 2024 entry in this article . 

• Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements

How long can the personal statement be?

Statements are limited to whichever is shorter of either:

• 4,000 characters (including spaces)  OR

Be aware that software such as Microsoft Word may not give a character or line count that completely matches what the Ucas form says. The character count should be reasonably accurate, but the line limit is more difficult because lines may wrap at different points depending on the software you're using.

The only way to be 100% sure what the character and line counts are is to copy your draft statement into your online Ucas form (but be careful not to submit it unless you're sure it's the final version). You can edit and save your personal statement without submitting it as many times as you like, and you'll only be able to mark the section as complete when you're on the preview screen. 

If testing out your personal statement draft on your Ucas form still feels too risky, you can get a good indication of where you're at by using the Courier New font, size 10, with the default margins, to get a reasonable estimate how many lines your personal statement will be. If you've left a line between paragraphs, then you will probably reach the line limit before the character limit.

• Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Where do I start?

Most people won’t be able to just start writing the statement off the top of their head – so it’s a good idea to jot down a few notes first. The main things to think about are:

• What do I want to study? (if you can't answer this, you should probably concentrate on working it out before writing your personal statement).
• Why do I want to study it?
• What personal qualities, interests and experience do I have which show I am suited to this subject, and to study at university?

Many people have trouble writing about themselves and their personal qualities. If you’re struggling with this step, it can be helpful to look up some information on writing a CV - there are a lot of parallels in how to put yourself forward effectively.

• Read more: five practical tips to help with your personal statement

What sort of structure should I use?

Most people write their personal statement in an essay style, starting off with the course, and why they want to do it, then talking about their relevant work experience and skills and finishing off with extracurricular activities.

As a guide, spend around two thirds of the space talking about your course and how you’re suited to it, and one third on your work experience and other activities. Exactly how you write your statement depends on your subject – generally people write more about work experience for vocational subjects like medicine and law than they would for subjects like maths or English where work experience is less important.

• Read more: avoid these ten biggest personal statement mistakes

No formatting of any type is allowed in your personal statement (except using capital letters), so any bold, italic, or underlined words will disappear in the preview.

Tabs and multiple spaces will be condensed to a single space, so it is not possible to indent lines. Single spaces at the beginning of lines will also be removed.

You have a very limited set of special characters. Common symbols that aren't allowed are € and the special quote characters “ ‘ ’ ” which will simply be removed from your statement, so remember to replace quotes with " and '.

Backslashes (\) are also not allowed, but will be replaced with forward slashes (/) and curly brackets will be replaced with normal ones.

What’s the most important part of the personal statement?

Write about your aspirations in a meaningful way. The crucial bit about a personal statement is where you talk about the subject you are applying for and why you want to do this at uni. Admissions tutors will always focus on this bit – so make this interesting and not just a list of books. Your personality should emerge here – they should be able to understand what is driving you to apply for this course, as well as getting a sense of your energy and enthusiasm.

• Read more: how to write your university application

Should I talk about what I want to do after university?

You could, but only if you have a good idea of what you want to do. If you sound sure about what you want to do after uni it gives the impression that you’ve thought carefully about your course and what you want to do with it. It's also a nice way to round off your statement, rather than finishing on less important stuff like extra curricular activities. If you don’t have any future plans, then leave this bit out – you don’t want to be asked about them at interviews.

Should I talk about my qualifications?

No. There’s already a section on the Ucas form for this, so don’t waste the space on your personal statement. If you have something important which doesn’t go in the qualifications section, ask your referee to put it down in your reference – it will sound better if it comes from them than from you. This goes for module marks as well. Some people are told they should try to link each A-level to the course they are applying for. It can be far more effective to focus your time and space on talking about the subject you are applying for – that is what matters.

How do I write it for two different courses?

There’s no easy way to write a personal statement for two totally unrelated courses. If the courses are similar you may find you can write a statement relevant to both, without mentioning either subject by name. If the courses are completely unrelated, it may be impossible to write for both subjects without your personal statement sounding vague and unfocused. Instead you will need to concentrate on just one subject and just ignore the other – it sometimes works!

What are admissions tutors looking for?

Different admissions tutors are looking for different things, but in general they will be thinking things like:  “Do we want this student on this course?” , and  “Do we want this student at this university?”  And most will be looking for an interest in the subject you are applying for that goes beyond simply your A-level syllabus/reading list. 

Remember, most universities and departments now publish information on applications and writing personal statements, so reading the subject section of their website might list more specific information on exactly what they’re looking for. If in doubt, google the name of the university along with the subject/course and admissions statement.

• Read more: 6 steps you need to take to apply to university

Is it worth doing loads of extracurricular stuff to make it sound good?

There’s no point doing extra things just to try and make yourself look good to universities – you won’t enjoy it and it probably won’t help much either. An interest and aptitude for the course is likely to be more important to admissions tutors than lots of extracurricular activities. If you do want to do something to boost your application, read relevant books or do work experience related to the subject instead. 

What happens if I lie on the personal statement?

If you aren't confident that the universities will accept you based on your predicted grades or something else, you might reconsider applying. 

It's best not to write anything which you can't back up in interview if necessary. Interviewers can and do bring up nearly anything in a personal statement as a basis for questions. 

Any last tips?

What have you done that's relevant to your subject, that is unique, and that it's likely no one else is going to write about in their personal statement? Many people have similar interests and work experience, so you need something to separate you from the crowd. For example, everyone who applies for economics seems to read The Economist, The Financial Times, and The Guardian. So if you put down those, don't expect them to be amazed by your reading around the subject. Have a deeper think – what makes you special? 

• Read more: how to write your personal statement in an evening

And the most important thing?

Finally, remember that it’s your personal statement, and you can write  whatever you want  on it. If everything in this guide conflicts with what you’ve got already, but you think you still have a killer personal statement, then use that. A personal statement is about  you , and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you what to put – sticking blindly to a formula will just stop your true personality showing through.

Tricks to squeeze more in

• Remember it's a personal statement, and leave out anything unnecessary.
• Don't repeat yourself.
• Cut out the waffle – be concise!
• Get rid of pointless words, such as very specific details or unecessary adjectives
• Ask your referee to mention some stuff that you cannot
• Get some structure to your statement
• If you can't get it under the line/character limit, you may just have to chop whole sentences

What should I do once I’ve written it?

Get people's opinions on it! Show it to your friends, parents, teachers, career advisors and so on and note down their comments. The most useful comments are likely to come from your teachers in the subject and the people at your school or college who handle Ucas applications. If you have enough time, leave your personal statement for a couple of weeks to a month and come back to it – if you’re not still happy with what you wrote, it’s time to start redrafting.

Definitely do not post it on an internet forum or discussion board. If your personal statement is published online before your application is complete, it may get picked up by Ucas' plagiarism detection .

You may want to look at these...

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all.

Want to know how to craft an amazing personal statement? Take some advice from the experts...

Teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Writing a personal statement is one of the most important things you will do when applying to university. Here is some useful advice and insider knowledge from Mrs Kinetta, who has more than 25 years of experience as a sixth form tutor.

Writing a history personal statement: expert advice from universities

Here’s how to shine in your history personal statement

Related to this article

Search the uni guide, find further advice or search for information on a course or university.

• Search Advice
• Search courses &/or universities

The Uni Guide and The Student Room are both part of The Student Room Group.

Promoted universities

• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• University of Glasgow
• University of the Arts London
• University of Southampton
• Aston University, Birmingham
• Swansea University
• Ulster University
• Cardiff University

Browse expert advice

• Oxbridge applications
• Ucas application
• Personal statements
• Ucas deadline 2024 countdown
• Clearing and results day
• Preparing for university
• Student accommodation
• Student life
• Student finance
• Advice for parents

About this site

• Cookie policy
• List of universities and colleges
• Privacy notice
• Terms and conditions
• Where we get our info

Who we work with

• Your account settings

Ad privacy settings

Popular tools and features

• A-level Explorer
• Course search

Connect with us

• Personal Statement
• Study in the UK

How to write a perfect UCAS Personal Statement? A UCAS Personal Statement is one of the most important document when you are applying to study at a UK university . Like other documents for the UK student visa, you must also focus on writing an eye-catching personal statement. A UCAS Personal Statement is a document which gives you chance to show your understanding and passion of your choice and reason for studying in the UK. If you full-fill all other requirements like finance, English language, and marks but failed to write an impressive personal statement, then chances of getting UK visa automatically decreased. This is why it is very important for you as an international student who wishes to study in the UK should write a perfect personal statement. What is a UCAS Personal Statement? It is a statement in which an international student who wants to study in the UK writes about the following things: • Why choose the specific UK university course? • Why choosing a particular university of the UK? • What are the skills of the student and experience? That’s not it, it is a perfect chance to impress the admission staff by demonstrating the achievements, skills, and knowledge related to the UK, course, and university etc. A personal statement could be one for different universities but the same course. So it is important that you don’t mention the name of the university and write about the course generally. This will save your time. What to write in the UCAS Personal Statement? A personal statement is not much different from the resume. So, it is your chance to include maximum positive things and still, keep it’s simple and easy to read. You can include numerous things like: • What makes you choose the specific subject • What are your career aspirations • You can also talk about your work experience and relate it to the course or subject • You need to also mention your previous education and it is related to the new course • What makes you choose the particular university of the UK while there are other options available • You can also mention any skill, interest, and passions which display your character. Adding a general paragraph about your extracurricular activities, general knowledge about the course and the UK will help you to stand out. Please completely avoid making unrealistic and fake claims in your personal statement which is impossible to prove. What is an ideal length (number of words) of Personal Statement? There is no specific rule by any university regarding the Personal Statement. Come university only specify that the personal statement should not be longer than one page. So keep this as a general rule when writing the personal statement for the university. For undergraduate, the length of personal statement should be between 400 to 600 words. If you are applying for postgraduate programmes, then you can write up to 1000 words in your personal statement. Try not to make it very long. Admission officers have to read so many personal statements. A lengthy personal statement could be difficult to read and even make them annoying if they did not found anything interested in the start. What are the errors in my Personal Statement? Here are some of the most common personal statement errors. You must ignore them when writing your own UCAS personal statement. This will increase your chances to impress the admission officer. • Your personal statement is too long to read • Your personal statement is too short to understand • There could be errors in the English language • You have included too much or too little information • Your personal statement has not been structured well. Again, do not lie in the personal statement as the admission officers may ask questions on the basis of information you have provided in your personal statement. Free Sample and structure of UCAS Personal Statement Instead of sharing with you a readymade personal statement sample, following we are sharing with you the structure of a personal statement. Follow this structure whether you are writing it for an undergraduate course of postgraduate course. Paragraph 1: Start from your future career objectives which must be related to your course. Paragraph 2: Write about your previous studies and try to relate it to future course and career. Paragraph 3: In this paragraph, you must write about work experience and how new course will help in your career growth. Paragraph 4: Write that how you will be successful on the course. Paragraph 5: Here you need to write about your academic objectives.

The FAQ about UCAS personal statement: What is the name of the UCAS personal statement tool? There are some online free tools available to write a personal statement but we suggest you write your own in MS Documents. What is the font size in a personal statement? Ideally, the font size should not be bigger than 12 and smaller than 11. Use this font sizes and pick the fonts like Times New Roman and Arial. Do we have personal statement builder for free? Yes, like online tools, there are UCAS statement builders available. Relying on them is not a good idea and could because of plagiarism. Can a personal statement be sent in PDF format? Yes, this statement can be sent in PDF and DoC formats. If the university has specified any special file format, then use only that one. You can use online converters to turn your DOC into PDF for free. How Many words do we need to include in a personal statement? For undergraduate statement, 600 are good enough where for postgraduate, 1000 words are enough to give demonstrate about your personality. Can someone else write your personal statement for a visa? No, the personal statement must be written by the candidate until he/she has a medical disability. It is a statement which demonstrates the candidate personality and no one else can describe it better than the candidate. What is the best tool for personal statement grammar mistakes? Do not wholly rely on online tools. They only give you some ideas. For grammar mistakes, you can try Grammarly but still double check it on your own.

This discussion is now closed.

• CV school leaver
• tsr formatting codes!!
• Reference help
• AQA GCSE DT NEA, how many slides?
• Religious studies essay length
• how much should i write for coursework for child development ocr?
• The hyperlink is not working
• Add the coloured button and different fonts back into the react system
• Help please! Unit 4 BTEC health and social care
• What is the most used font for essay writing?
• university research poster
• What is your favourite font?
• Types of Fonts
• Biomedical Science - SPF Assignment Examples/Tips
• Have clear way to tell the difference between user ranks in the app (colours)
• PLEASE HELP- GCSE's Foundation Triple Science
• Where can i make my CV for free?
• TSR Goes Green: Do you prefer a print book or an e-reader?

personal statement font and font size?!

Related discussions

Last reply 13 hours ago

Last reply 5 days ago

Last reply 1 week ago

Last reply 2 weeks ago

Last reply 3 weeks ago

Last reply 4 weeks ago

Articles for you

How to write a personal statement that universities will love

Writing a physics personal statement: expert advice from universities

Writing a history personal statement: expert advice from universities

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

• All Discussions

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

• 32.6K All Categories
• 16.7K General
• 5.1K Logical Reasoning
• 1.3K Reading Comprehension
• 1.7K Logic Games
• 73 Podcasts
• 193 Webinars
• 34 Newsletters
• 9 Scholarships
• 193 Test Center Reviews
• 2K Study Groups
• 109 Study Guides/Cheat Sheets
• 2.5K Specific LSAT Dates
• 28 June 2024 LSAT
• 3 April 2024 LSAT
• 11 February 2024 LSAT
• 23 January 2024 LSAT
• 37 November 2023 LSAT
• 42 October 2023 LSAT
• 12 September 2023 LSAT
• 38 August 2023 LSAT
• 27 June 2023 LSAT
• 20 August 2024 LSAT
• 30 Sage Advice
• 4.9K Not LSAT
• 4K Law School Admissions
• 13 Law School Explained
• 10 Forum Rules
• 599 Technical Problems
• 277 Off-topic

Related Discussions

• Font Size for Personal Statement ? What font size do you use for your personal statement?<br /> <br /> I have read some posts recommending about using font size 12. But, is it okay t…
• Review for Personal Statement + Diversity Statement Hi All, <br /> <br /> I'll be finalizing my personal statement and diversity statement within the next few days and would love to have more people …

typical length for personal statement and diversity statement I've read online the standard length for law school personal statement is 2-page, size 11-12 font, double-spaced and for diversity statement is 1-pag…

• Personal Statement font size requirements Hi Everyone.<br /> <br /> I've just spent the last few weeks crafting my personal statement (with a 7sage editor) and have an essay I'm very proud …

Tips for Personal Statement Anyone have tips for writing personal statements ??

Appropriate font size for personal statement.

If the PS instructions do not specify a font size, is it acceptable to use 11 pt. font? If so, should the rest of the application materials be uniformly at 11 pt. font?

Font Size for Personal Statement ? What font size do you use for your personal statement? I have read some posts recommending about using font size 12. But, is it okay to use the si…

Review for Personal Statement + Diversity Statement Hi All, I'll be finalizing my personal statement and diversity statement within the next few days and would love to have more people take a look …

Personal Statement font size requirements Hi Everyone. I've just spent the last few weeks crafting my personal statement (with a 7sage editor) and have an essay I'm very proud of at 2 page…

If the PS instructions do not specify a font size, is it acceptable to use 11 pt. font?

Yes. But you may want to check with each school, just in case.

If so, should the rest of the application materials be uniformly at 11 pt. font?

Depends on the school, actually. Out of all schools that I will apply to during this cycle, only one school specifically stressed that all materials should be presented in uniform font size.

I think that it looks more polished overall if you use the same font size for your various documents. I think that 11 is as small as you should go unless otherwise specified. It might seem like you're using small font because you couldn't fit your PS or something. And it just starts to get difficult to read if you go any smaller.

A lot of schools address font size in their application instructions (be sure to read closely!). After reading through several, it seemed that 11 point is the size that meets most, if not all, schools' requirements. Some say no smaller than 11 point, some say no larger than 12, etc. 11 point should meet most standards, but be sure to read all instructions carefully - you may have to change it depending on the school.

• Personal statement dos and don'ts

Applying to university

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: English
• Personal statement advice: Midwifery
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Filling in your application
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

UCAS asked admissions tutors – the people who read and score your personal statement – for their advice on what you should and shouldn’t do when writing your personal statement. 

The most common piece of advice was not to worry about it – and don’t be tempted to copy anyone else’s.

Read our step-by-step guide to writing your personal statement

Then follow our simple tips below.

• Do talk about why you’re a good candidate – talk about you, your motivations and what brings you to this course.
• Do be enthusiastic – if you show you’re interested in the course, it may help you get a place.
• Do make it relevant . Connect what you’re saying with the course and with your experiences.
• Do outline your ideas clearly .
• Do avoid the negatives – highlight the positives about you, and show you know your strengths.
• Do expect to produce several drafts of your personal statement before being totally happy with it.
• Do ask people you trust for their feedback.
• Don’t be modest or shy . You want your passions to come across. 
• Don’t exaggerate – if you do, you may get caught out in an interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement.
• Don’t use quotes from someone else, or cliches.
• Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out.
• Don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement , but don't just rely on a spellchecker. Proofread as many times as possible.
• Don’t copy and paste – make yours original.
• Don’t post your personal statement on the internet or on social media or share your personal statement with anyone including your friends and family, unless asking for feedback from people you trust.
• Don’t worry about it – we have all the advice you need to help you stand out in your personal statement. 

The personal statement tool image

Don’t be tempted to copy or share your statement.

UCAS scans all personal statements through a similarity detection system to compare them with previous statements.

Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. 

Find out more

Ana ghaffari moghaddam – third year law student and careers coach, university of liverpool.

You’ve got this. Follow those simple steps and use your personal statement as your chance to shine .Use the below as a checklist to make sure you've avoided all common pitfalls.

Want more tips on what to include in your personal statement? Use the links below.

• Get started with our personal statement builder . 
• Five things all students should include in their personal statement. 
• See how you can turn your personal statement into a CV, apprenticeship application or covering letter. 
• Read How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber .

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

How to find a job, make the most of your student experience, three reasons you should attend a ucas exhibition.

Get the Reddit app

Got a question about going to uni in the UK? Want to find out more and speak to others about their course/uni? Not sure if you can eat something that's been loafing in your fridge for 3 weeks, and gone a dubious shade of purple-green? This is the place for you. If you want to post a survey for your dissertation, please make sure your post includes all information required by the rules linked in our wiki!

What should be the size, font, spacing and margin of your personal statement's text? Also,what should the title of the personal statement be?

Is it okay if the title is just "Personal Statement"?

I'm applying for a master's programme btw.