Personal Statement Writing

Draft a winning personal statement.

Course Director: Tom Arbuthnott

Deputy Head (Partnerships), Eton College
View Study Options

Course overview

Our Personal Statement Writing Course will help you understand the different qualities admissions tutors want to see on personal statements, and how you should communicate them. You will write two personal statement drafts and get feedback on them so that you can further develop your personal statement. You will be guided by advice from a former admissions tutor and fellow students.

Syllabus

1

Understanding Personal Statements

  • How admissions departments assess personal statements
  • Extra-curricular experiences
  • Super-curricular strategy

2

Planning your Personal Statement

  • The ‘personal statement mindset’
  • Structuring your personal statement with examples
  • Writing your opening paragraph
  • Sharing the first draft of the opening paragraph

3

Writing your Personal Statement

  • Understanding the writing process
  • Tone and style
  • Structuring your evidence
  • Editing and submitting the first draft

Personal Statement Writing – learning outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • write a personal statement that describes your skills and qualities
  • evaluate the relevance of extra-curricular activities to your personal statement
  • plan super-curricular activities for your personal statement
  • adopt a positive mindset for writing your personal statement
  • express your reasons for choosing your course
  • manage the process of writing and editing your final draft.

Study options

Self-Study

Self-paced, independent learning that students complete at their own pace.

This is a flexible option which students can fit around school and other extracurricular commitments.

See how it works >

  • 7–10 hours of learning materials
  • Progress dashboard
  • Certificate of completion

Course Pack

This course is also available as part of our 'Get into University' Course Pack

Important information

Safeguarding

As part of our rigorous safeguarding procedures, all EtonX tutors and staff have passed an enhanced DBS check and child safeguarding course.

Privacy and data

We take every step to ensure the security of your personal data. For information on how we collect and use your data, see our Privacy Policy.

Technical requirements

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Entry requirements

The minimum level of English required to participate in our courses is Upper Intermediate or B2 on the CEFR.

I have learnt how to confidently demonstrate my personal qualities and strengths in my application. I was surprised by the fact that there are multiple activities that I’ve done in the past or still doing that reflect my pure interest and passion towards the subject that I wish to major in.
Eva, Personal Statement Writing, Thailand

Free access for state schools

If you’re a state school student in the UK aged 13 or over, you get free access to all of our courses. No catch. Start building your skills today!

Not in the State Sector?

Don't worry - you can still purchase a 12 month subscription! Individual and bulk school licence purchases are available.