Writing a personal statement - the REAL guide
If you're finding writing a UCAS personal statement difficult, take some of our personal statement tips. 
Things to think about when writing a personal statement - why you want to study the course you're applying for
Your UCAS personal statement will be stronger if you can specify what in particular you enjoy about studying the subject, and why you want to study it further. If it's a new subject, try to give examples of how you've developed the skills that will help you succeed in it.
When writing this part of a UCAS personal statement, try to mention how your interest in the subject goes beyond studying it at school or college.
For example, if you're applying to study French, you might have a French pen pal. You might read magazines that relate to your subject or have done some relevant work experience.
Writing a personal statement - why you think you would be good at the course How has your school or college course equipped you with the skills to do well at your chose subject?
Writing a personal statement - your hobbies and interests
Music certificates, sports trophies, Duke of Edinburgh awards, membership to any clubs, charity work, what you do in your free time (drinking is not a good pastime to put down!) etc. will all improve a UCAS personal statement.
Writing a personal statement - your career plans
Include them if you know how the course fits into your career plans. 
Writing a personal statement - why you think you would be good at the course
How has your school or college course equipped you with the skills to do well at your chose subject?
Writing a personal statement - your hobbies and interests
Music certificates, sports trophies, Duke of Edinburgh awards, membership to any clubs, charity work, what you do in your free time (drinking is not a good pastime to put down!) etc. will all improve a UCAS personal statement.
Writing a personal statement - your career plans
Include them if you know how the course fits into your career plans.
Other UCAS personal statement tips:
Blow your own trumpet, HARD, when you're writing your personal statement
Think of writing a UCAS personal statement as preparing the material for ‘This is Your Life'. Some universities make a decision based on your personal statement and predicted grades alone. So, a personal statement has to sell you! Before writing a personal statement, think hard about the things you've done in your life and what they say about you. Highlight what they say about you and don't be afraid to make yourself sound brilliant.
Think ‘rounded' when writing your personal statement
Going to university isn't just about studying (although obviously that's the most important reason for going!). It's also about trying out new experiences, meeting people from different backgrounds and generally developing as a person. When writing a personal statement, you're showing you're a happy, well-balanced student who is mature enough to cope with the demands of full-time studying.
Putting a gap year on a personal statement
Most universities are happy for students to apply for deferred entry and take a gap year. However, a gap year has to be presented in the right way! Your UCAS personal statement needs to show it's a well-planned gap year, and that it will benefit you. If it'll fit in with your course, too, even better! For tips on the sort of skills you can hope to develop, take a look at our Putting your gap year on your CV advice page. (If you're still not convinced, read a gap year student's feelings about the Thailand Experience and how she felt it benefited her before going to uni.) You won't have completed your gap year when you begin writing your personal statement but you can write about the skills you hope to develop. Not sure what they'll be? Give one of the Real Gap travel advisers a call, tell them what you hope to achieve during your gap year trip and let them help you!
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