examples of personal statements for sixth form college

Sixth Form Personal Statement Examples and Guide

Coming to the end of secondary school but thinking of finishing somewhere new?

Sixth form colleges can be fiercely competitive – and most admissions personnel expect a personal statement.

An excellent personal statement can make all the difference to your chances, you need to know:

what to include,
the best structure to use, and
how to stand out against all those other applicants.

Let’s break it down, step by step.

If you want this guide and template in a PDF, grab it by clicking the button below .

1.1 Introduce Yourself 🌟
1.2 Share Your Achievements 🏆
1.3 Future Forward 🔮
1.4 Quick School Tips to Keep in Mind:
1.5 How long should my sixth form personal statement be?
1.6 Still stumped?
2 Sixth Form Personal Statement Structure
3 Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out
4 Year 11 Personal Statement Examples
5.1 Useful Sentence Starters
5.2 Skill Examples
5.3 Personal Qualities to reference
6 Sixth Form Application Template

How to write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College

Introduce yourself 🌟.

Your personal statement is your canvas.

Paint a picture of who you are. Keep it authentic and positive.

What qualities make you unique?

Maybe you’re fiercely independent or the most dependable friend someone can have.

Let your true colours shine!

Share Your Achievements 🏆

Both inside and outside the classroom, your experiences matter.

If you’ve done work experience that’s shaped your career or course choices, highlight it.

And hey, if you’ve got that Certificate of Commendation, flaunt it!

Future Forward 🔮

Where do you see yourself going?

Maybe you have your eyes set on a specific college or apprenticeship.

While it’s okay to keep it general, don’t shy away from sharing your future career plans.

Show them you’ve got vision!

Quick School Tips to Keep in Mind:

Honesty is the Best Policy: No need to exaggerate or be someone you’re not.
Stay Positive: Talk about what you love, not what you dislike.
First Draft: Start on paper, get feedback, and then finalize your statement.
Back It Up: Always keep a backup of your statement. You never know when you might want to tweak it.

How long should my sixth form personal statement be?

This varies from college to college, so make sure to check their website. Most however want a single page.

The prestigious Hill’s Road college in Cambridge says it should be no longer than a side of A4.

Need inspiration?

Remember, every student has their own journey.

From the student who relishes in the joy of reading in their spare time, to the one who’s passionate about Business Studies because they see the real-life applications.

Or even the one who’s had work experience that transformed their outlook.

Use their stories to inspire your own narrative.

Still stumped?

No worries.

Download our template to guide your thoughts.

In less than 30 minutes you can piece together your story, achievements, and aspirations and have your final draft ready.

As you write, envision the future you want and bridge the gap between where you stand today and where you want to be.

Your journey is unique, and your personal statement should reflect that.

Happy writing, and here’s to the next chapter of your educational journey! 📘🌱

Sixth Form Personal Statement Structure

This isn’t set in stone, but it does make sense to begin with personal qualities and end with future aspirations.

Don’t get stuck on the structure, well written content is much more important!

Everyone should cover these core topics:

Personal Qualities
Academic Achievements
Extracurricular Activities
Part-time work
Work Experience Reflection
Immediate and Long Term Future Aspirations

Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

In the sea of applications, a standout personal statement can be your ticket to catching the attention of admissions.

Yes the basics, such as showcasing your academic achievements and explaining your passion for your chosen courses, are essential.

But there are several strategies to give your statement that extra edge:

Tell a Story: Everyone loves a good story.

examples of personal statements for sixth form college

Instead of just listing your achievements, weave them into a narrative.

Did a particular event in your life steer you towards a subject? Maybe a family trip ignited your passion for geography, or a community service project made you realize the value of teamwork and leadership. Sharing these stories provides context and makes your statement more memorable.

Be Authentic: It’s tempting to write what you think admissions officers want to hear, but they can spot inauthenticity. Speak your truth. If you’re passionate about something unconventional or have a hobby that’s out of the ordinary, share it! It might just be the thing that sets you apart.

Use Vivid Imagery: While you shouldn’t be overly verbose, using descriptive language can paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

Instead of saying, “I love history,” you might write, “I’m captivated by the tapestry of events, people, and decisions that have shaped our world, like the intricate dance of diplomacy during the Renaissance.” Don’t write fluff for the sake of it, give some real detail!

Quick Impact Techniques: If you feel your statement might still blend into the crowd, consider starting with a powerful, thought-provoking question related to your chosen field of study to engage the reader immediately.

Seek Feedback: Sometimes, we’re too close to our own writing to see its strengths and weaknesses.

Have a teacher, mentor, or parent review your statement. They might offer insights or perspectives you hadn’t considered.

Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of who you are and your journey thus far. While it’s essential to stand out, ensure that you’re doing so in a way that remains true to yourself and your experiences.

Year 11 Personal Statement Examples

Starter sentences, skills and qualities, useful sentence starters, skill examples, personal qualities to reference, sixth form application template.

Download this guide using the button above or grab a pen and paper and make your first draft using the points below.

Course Choices:

First Choice: _________________________________
Second Choice: _______________________________
Third Choice: ________________________________

Personal Qualities:

I describe myself as: _____________________________________________. [Examples: proactive, innovative, a team player, empathetic, analytical, resilient]
Passions and Interests: I have a keen interest in _____________________________ and also enjoy _________________________. [Examples: exploring diverse cultures, performing arts, engaging in community service, technology trends, reading historical novels]

Academic Pursuits:

My favourite subjects at school are: ____________________________________ Reasons: (Provide depth about why these subjects resonate with you.)
Achievements this Year: This academic year, I’ve made it a priority to ____________________________________________________________. [Examples: expand my reading beyond the curriculum, lead group projects, engage in peer tutoring, delve into practical applications of my subjects]
Recognitions/Awards: Mention any accolades here and provide context if necessary. For instance: ___________________________________________

Extracurricular Activities and Part-time Work:

Outside School: In my free time, I’m actively involved in ___________________________________________________________. [Examples: a leadership role in a youth community group, volunteering at the local animal shelter, tutoring peers in maths]
Work Experience: I undertook my work placement at __________________________________ Role and Responsibilities: During my time there, I ______________________________ [Discuss the skills you acquired, challenges faced, and your accomplishments]

Reflections on Work Experience:

Personal Growth: My experience at _______________________ allowed me to ___________________________________________. [Examples: understand the intricacies of the corporate world, develop my problem-solving skills, understand the value of customer service]
Career Insights: My time there made me realise that I’m inclined towards _______________________ or alternatively made me reconsider and think about ________________________________________________.

Future Aspirations:

Academic/Career Pathway: I aim to study ___________________________ at college or consider an apprenticeship in ___________________.
Long-term Vision: Post my academic journey, I envision myself working as _____________________/engaging in ____________________ because __________________________. [Examples: I want to make a difference in environmental policies, the dynamics of financial markets intrigue me, I wish to explore innovative solutions in software development]

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What is a personal statement?

Essentially, your personal statement is written information about you, your experiences and future aspirations. It summarises your skills, experiences and attributes that are relevant to the subjects and sixth form are applying to - illustrating to prospective admissions officers why you are a perfect fit for their college.

Most importantly, your personal statement should be professional and always written in your own words. This is your first chance to introduce yourself to the sixth form you want to study at, who only have a very short snippet of writing to make their initial assessments.

Admissions staff are curious, they want to know who you are and why you want to study the subjects and courses that they are offering. You want to always link back to why your personal attributes and achievements make you the ideal student for them, and what you can contribute in terms of academic ability, confidence and interests.

How to start a personal statement for sixth form

Often, the most difficult part of writing your personal statement for sixth form is knowing how and where to start. How do you begin introducing yourself in a way that isn’t too generic or overly confident?

If we’re being totally honest, there isn’t a right or wrong way to start a personal statement. As long as it’s effective at capturing the attention of the admissions officer reading through your application, it’ll do perfectly.

Some students like to begin by introducing themselves, where they study, and their ambitions for the future; some like to introduce themselves by talking about what personal qualities they have; while others like to start with a quote that has inspired them throughout their education.

The way you choose to introduce yourself to the reader will ultimately fall down on you as an individual - the way you write, the way you like to interact with others, and how you want to set the tone for the remainder of your personal statement. It’s best to just try writing a selection of sentences that introduce you in different ways, and then choose the one you think best reflects you and your personality.

And if you’re really stuck on how to start your personal statement, we recommend writing the main body of text to help you get into the headspace of writing in this way. Once you’ve finished talking about yourself, your achievements, interests and goals, you’ll have set the overarching tone for your personal statement, making it easier to return to the start and have another go at writing your introduction.

How to write a personal statement: 5 essential elements to include

Personal statements offer a great opportunity to talk about your various achievements and aspirations. They are an open platform with which you can talk about all the reasons as to why you’re an ideal fit for that particular sixth form.

With that being said, there are still certain things that you should remember to include. Let’s dive into these in a little more detail.

1. Why do you want to attend that specific college or sixth form?

One of the big questions that admissions officers will have about your application revolves around why you want to attend their specific college or sixth form. Therefore, it’s important you dedicate at least part of your statement to talking about your reasons for wanting to study there.

Before submitting your application for sixth form, it’s highly likely that you have already conducted lots of research about the college, including the A-Level subjects it offers, the facilities it has, as well as its previous performance reports.

Use this research as an opportunity to talk about all the things at the sixth form which captured your interest and made you want to study there. For example, if the college you are applying to is recognised for its science facilities, perhaps you could write something about how you believe their excellent science faculty - with all its resources and specialist equipment - will help you to excel in the future.

Of course, there are many aspects of a sixth form which you can include as part or all of your reason for studying there, including the following:

The schools’ ethos

Facilities and equipment

Its academic specialism (if applicable)

The teaching staff

The subjects it offers

Careers and university guidance support

The extracurricular activities on offer

2. What are your future aspirations?

Secondly, another key thing to talk about within your personal statement for sixth form is to talk about your goals for the future.

Sixth form colleges are passionate about making sure students are able to achieve their full potential, and they’ll want to understand your aspirations so they know whether they can offer you the support to make that happen.

When writing your personal statement, remember to leave plenty of room to discuss what your plans for the future are, and why that sixth form can help you get there. Explain how the subjects you’ve applied for, as well as the college’s facilities, staff and students can help you achieve your goal.

Even if you’re not sure what you may want to pursue beyond sixth form, you should still talk about all the opportunities the sixth form could offer you. For example, does the college have a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities available, where you can build a portfolio of skills and experience? Or do they have a reputable careers and guidance service that can help you to narrow down your options?

3. What relevant experience do you have to support your future goals?

Your personal statement is an opportunity to really build a positive image of yourself, highlighting why you are the most dedicated, passionate student that the college could wish for.

Therefore, when writing about your aspirations for the future, it’s important to try and include any relevant experience that proves your commitment to your chosen subjects and, (if decided on) career path.

Here, try to illustrate how these experiences have given you new skills or made you think about your future plans. For example, has babysitting made you consider a career working with children as a teacher or child psychologist? Or has your paper round taught you how to manage time effectively, ensuring that you always get the job complete on time?

There really is no limit to the type of experience you can include in your personal statement. In fact, the more relevant experience you can add, the better it will be at helping to prove your commitment to pursuing a particular career path or subject in the future.

Just remember to only include relevant experience and link it back to your reasons for choosing the subjects and college you’re applying for. Personal statements usually have strict word or character limits, so you don’t want to waste words talking about experiences that won’t help to illustrate your dedication to a particular subject field.

4. What are your personal qualities?

Another important aspect of your personal statement for sixth form needs to include some detail around your personal qualities and attributes, and how they can help you excel during your time at the sixth form college you’re applying to?

Now, this doesn’t mean you should simply write down every single good quality about yourself. Instead, it’s about selecting a few but well-descript qualities that you presume to be your best, as backed by solid evidence or experience.

There’s no limit to what type of qualities you may want to include in your list. But a good place to start could be thinking about what type of qualities you think would shine well at the sixth form college you are applying to.

Would you consider yourself to be a hard worker? Polite? Reliable? Well-organised with your time and tasks? You can even read through the sixth form college’s syllabus to see what type of words they use to describe their students and ethos and then incorporate the ones you have into your personal statement.

Remember to always back up your claims with specific examples. E.g., is it common for your teachers at school to call you a polite or hardworking student? Can your school mates depend on you during project work to complete your tasks ahead of deadlines? The more concrete evidence you have to support your points, the better - it gives more validity to everything you’re saying about yourself.

5. What extracurricular activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Finally, another important element of your personal statement for sixth form is to talk about what you enjoy doing in your spare time, including any hobbies or clubs you participate in.

Sixth form colleges will be using your personal statement to gain insights about you as an individual - not just as a student at their college. Therefore, you should try and provide some details about what you do outside of school so they can gain a better understanding of you as a young person.

What are some hobbies or activities you enjoy doing in your spare time and why? How often do you do it? After doing these activities, have you gone on to develop any skills? Are any of these skills transferable to the subjects you hope to study or your plans for the future?

It’s also important to include any that have gone on to earn you any certificates, medals or awards. For example, include any musical gradings you have obtained, any sports team awards you have won, or any extracurricular awards you have obtained, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award.

The more information you can include to demonstrate your hard work, commitment and effort - the better. Sixth form colleges will be curious to learn more about your personality and see whether it fits nicely with their ethos and current student body.

Lastly, some do’s and don’ts when writing your personal statement for sixth form

Although we’ve covered the five essential elements of a personal statement, it’s important to be aware of some additional do’s and don’ts when writing your personal statement - to make it the very best it can be.

Write formally, using your best English: Be meticulous with your spelling and grammar checks to ensure there are no inaccuracies. Any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors may indicate that you’ve not taken the time to carefully proofread your work, which doesn’t present the best initial impression.

Show your enthusiasm: Include as much detail as possible about your dreams for the future and how the sixth form can help you achieve those dreams. The college will want to see that you are enthusiastic about studying with them, and will also look favourably on students who are passionate about learning, excelling themselves, and reaching their future goals.

Ask your friends and family to read your personal statement: It can be really beneficial to ask your friends, family, teachers and/or carers to read through drafts of your personal statement. Coming at it with a completely fresh view, they’ll be able to identify areas for improvement, highlight anything you may have missed, and ensure your spelling and grammar is perfect.

Leave it until the last minute: It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to plan out exactly what you want to write in your personal statement, have time to draft a couple of versions, give it to others for feedback, and have room for final spelling and grammar checks. Don’t put off writing your personal statement until it’s too late for you to be able to produce your best version.

Exaggerate any details: If you are invited to interview at the sixth form college, you may be asked to talk about what you have written in your personal statement. Here, anything you’ve exaggerated will become obvious, and the admissions team won’t look favourably on those who have twisted the truth to advance their application.

Let your nerves get the better of you: Writing a personal statement for sixth form can be nerve-wracking, especially when sitting down to write your first draft. Don’t let your worry stop you from applying - most colleges and sixth forms base their decisions on a combination of requirements, including your grades, interview and school references - personal statements make up only a proportion of the decision.

Writing your personal statement for sixth form is an opportunity for you to share information about yourself, your goals and achievements, in the way that you want to be portrayed.

Colleges and boarding schools want to know all about you - what you want to study and why, what you do alongside your academia, and what matters the most to you - it’s a chance for them to understand what makes you tick and where your passions lie, so they can be sure you’re the ideal student for their institution.

When writing your personal statement, keep in mind the various points we’ve included in the article above, so you can be sure you’ve covered all aspects of the personal statement which are most important to the sixth form college or boarding school.

As daunting as it may sound, your personal statement really is a chance to help sell yourself to the school - so use it as a ground with which you can show off everything that’s so great about you. Your application is made up of several other factors, and your personal statement is only one part of that overarching submission.

Just remember, as long as you plan far enough in advance for you to be able to write a few drafts and obtain feedback from friends and family, you can take comfort in the fact that you’ve submitted your best possible statement. Keep calm, draft it out, and most importantly - good luck!

Add an online learning experience to your personal statement

Looking to add some practical experiences to your personal statement? Want to demonstrate your commitment to your subject or to your passion for learning in general? Discover our collection of online learning programmes to start building a competitive edge over other applicants.

With a range of university-style subjects available, gain clarity over your future pursuits, explore the subjects that you find most interesting, and get ahead for the future.

You can even choose how you want to learn; study one-to-one with an expert tutor through scheduled Tutorials , or learn amongst a small group of students, online, with our 2-week Academic Online Courses .

The power of connection makes for endless opportunities. Study with some of the world’s very best tutors in the world, from the comfort of your own home. Study with Melio .

Submit an application to study with us or book a call with our admissions team for further information.

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How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

Learn about our editorial policies

Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)

The personal statement. It’s one of the most important parts of the entire college application process. This essay is the perfect opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and what makes you stand out from the crowd. But writing a good personal statement isn’t exactly easy. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to nail your personal statement, complete with example essays . Each essay was reviewed and commented upon by admissions expert Bill Jack. Let’s dive in!

Related: How to write an essay about yourself

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a special type of essay that’s required when you’re applying to colleges and scholarship programs. In this essay, you’re expected to share something about who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of it as a chance to reveal a side of yourself not found in the rest of your application. Personal statements are typically around 400 – 600 words in length.

What can I write about?

Pretty much anything, as long as it’s about you . While this is liberating in the sense that your writing options are nearly unlimited, it’s also overwhelming for the same reason. The good news is that you’ll probably be responding to a specific prompt. Chances are you’re applying to a school that uses the Common App , which means you’ll have seven prompts to choose from . Reviewing these prompts can help generate some ideas, but so can asking yourself meaningful questions.

Below you’ll find a list of questions to ask yourself during the brainstorming process. For each of the following questions, spend a few minutes jotting down whatever comes to mind.

What experiences have shaped who you are?
What’s special or unique about you or your life story?
Who or what has inspired you the most?
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
What are your goals for the future? How have you arrived at those goals?
If your life was a movie, what would be the most interesting scene?
What have been some of the biggest challenges in your life? How did you respond and what did you learn?

The purpose of these questions is to prompt you to think about your life at a deeper level. Hopefully by reflecting on them, you’ll find an essay topic that is impactful and meaningful. In the next section, we’ll offer some advice on actually writing your essay.

Also see: How to write a 500 word essay

How do I write my personal statement?

Once you’ve found a topic, it’s time to start writing! Every personal statement is different, so there’s not really one formula that works for every student. That being said, the following tips should get you started in the right direction:

1. Freewrite, then rewrite

The blank page tends to get more intimidating the longer you stare at it, so it’s best to go ahead and jump right in! Don’t worry about making the first draft absolutely perfect. Instead, just get your ideas on the page and don’t spend too much time thinking about the finer details. Think of this initial writing session as a “brain dump”. Take 15-30 minutes to quickly empty all your thoughts onto the page without worrying about things like grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. You can even use bullet points if that helps. Once you have your ideas on the page, then you can go back and shape them exactly how you want.

2. Establish your theme

Now that you’ve got some basic ideas down on the page, it’s time to lock in on a theme. Your theme is a specific angle that reflects the central message of your essay. It can be summarized in a sentence or even a word. For example, let’s say you’re writing about how you had to establish a whole new group of friends when you moved to a new city. The theme for this type of essay would probably be something like “adaptation”. Having a theme will help you stay focused throughout your essay. Since you only have a limited number of words, you can’t afford to go off on tangents that don’t relate to your theme.

3. Tell a story

A lot of great essays rely on a specific scene or story. Find the personal anecdote relevant to your theme and transfer it to the page. The best way to do this is by using descriptive language. Consult the five senses as you’re setting the scene. What did you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell? How were you feeling emotionally? Using descriptive language can really help your essay come to life. According to UPchieve , a nonprofit that supports low income students, focusing on a particular moment as a “ revised version of a memoir ” is one way to keep readers engaged.

Related: College essay primer: show, don’t tell

4. Focus on your opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph should grab your reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay. In most cases, this is the best place to include your anecdote (if you have one). By leading with your personal story, you can hook your audience from the get-go. After telling your story, you can explain why it’s important to who you are.

Related: How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)

5. Use an authentic voice

Your personal statement reflects who you are, so you should use a tone that represents you. That means you shouldn’t try to sound like someone else, and you shouldn’t use fancy words just to show off. This isn’t an academic paper, so you don’t have to adopt a super formal tone. Instead, write in a way that allows room for your personality to breathe.

6. Edit, edit, edit…

Once you’re done writing, give yourself some time away from the essay. Try to allow a few days to pass before looking at the essay again with fresh eyes. This way, you’re more likely to pick up on spelling and grammatical errors. You may even get some new ideas and rethink the way you wrote some things. Once you’re satisfied, let someone else edit your essay. We recommend asking a teacher, parent, or sibling for their thoughts before submitting.

Examples of personal statements

Sometimes viewing someone else’s work is the best way to generate inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. The following essays are written in response to four different Common App prompts:

Prompt 1: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

When I was eight years old, I wanted a GameCube very badly. For weeks I hounded my dad to buy me one and finally he agreed. But there was a catch. He’d only get me a GameCube if I promised to start reading. Every day I played video games, I would have to pick up a book and read for at least one hour. At that point in my life, reading was just something I had to suffer through for school assignments. To read for pleasure seemed ludicrous. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about this proposed agreement. But I figured anything was worth it to get my hands on that shiny new video game console, so I bit the bullet and shook my dad’s hand. Little did I know that I had just made a life-changing deal.

At first, the required hour of reading was a chore — something I had to do so I could play Mario Kart. But it quickly turned into something more than that. To my complete and utter surprise, I discovered that I actually enjoyed reading. One hour turned into two, two turned into three, and after a while I was spending more time reading than I was playing video games. I found myself captivated by the written word, and I read everything I could get my hands on. Lord of the Rings , Percy Jackson , Goosebumps — you name it. I was falling in love with literature, while my GameCube was accumulating dust in the TV stand.

Soon enough, reading led to writing. I was beginning to come up with my own stories, so I put pen to paper and let my imagination run wild. It started out small. My first effort was a rudimentary picture book about a friendly raccoon who went to the moon. But things progressed. My stories became more intricate, my characters more complex. I wrote a series of science fiction novellas. I tried my hand at poetry. I was amazed at the worlds I could create with the tip of my pen. I had dreams of becoming an author.

Then somewhere along the way my family got a subscription to Netflix, and that completely changed the way I thought about storytelling. My nose had been buried in books up until then, so I hadn’t really seen a lot of movies. That quickly changed. It seemed like every other day a pair of new DVDs would arrive in the mail (this was the early days of Netflix). Dark Knight, The Truman Show, Inception, Memento — all these great films were coming in and out of the house. And I couldn’t get enough of them. Movies brought stories to life in a way that books could not. I was head over heels for visual storytelling.

Suddenly I wasn’t writing novels and short stories anymore. I was writing scripts for movies. Now I wanted to transfer my ideas to the big screen, rather than the pages of a book. But I was still doing the same thing I had always done. I was writing, just in a different format. To help with this process, I read the screenplays of my favorite films and paid attention to the way they were crafted. I kept watching more and more movies. And I hadn’t forgotten about my first love, either. I still cherished books and looked to them for inspiration. By the end of my junior year of high school, I had completed two scripts for short films.

So why am I telling you all this? Because I want to turn my love of storytelling into a career. I’m not totally sure how to do that yet, but I know I have options. Whether it’s film production, creative writing, or even journalism, I want to find a major that suits my ambitions. Writing has taken me a long way, and I know it can take me even further. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I couldn’t be more excited to see how my craft develops. In the meantime, I should probably get rid of that dusty old GameCube.

Feedback from admissions professional Bill Jack

Essays don’t always have to reveal details about the student’s intended career path, but one thing I like about this essay is that it gives the reader a sense of the why. Why do they want to pursue storytelling. It also shows the reader that they are open to how they pursue their interest. Being open to exploration is such a vital part of college, so it’s also showing the reader that they likely will be open to new things in college. And, it’s always fun to learn a little bit more about the student’s family, especially if the reader can learn about how the students interacts with their family.

Prompt 2: “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”

I remember my first impression of Irvine: weird. It was foggy, stock-full of greenery and eucalyptus trees, and reminded me of my 5th grade trip to a “science camp” which was located in the San Bernardino mountains. Besides Irvine, that was one of the few places in Southern California where you’d find so many non-palm trees.

Of course, perhaps my initial impression of Irvine was biased, motivated by a desire to stay in my hometown and a fear of the unknown. While that was true to an extent, Irvine was certainly still a little peculiar. The city itself was based on a “master plan” of sorts, with the location of each of its schools, parks, shops, and arguably its trees having been logically “picked” before the foundation was poured. Even the homes all looked roughly the same, with their beige, stucco walls almost serving as a hallmark of the city itself.

Thus, this perfectly structured, perfectly safe city seemed like a paradise of sorts to many outsiders, my parents included. I was a little more hesitant to welcome this. As I saw it, this was a phony city – believing that its uniformity stood for a lack of personality. My hometown, although not as flawlessly safe nor clean as Irvine, was where most of my dearest memories had occurred. From the many sleepovers at Cindie’s house, to trying to avoid my school’s own version of the “infamous” cheese touch, to the many laughs shared with friends and family, I shed a tear at the prospect of leaving my home.

Moving into the foreign city, remnants of the hostility I held towards Irvine remained. Still dwelling in my memories of the past, I was initially unable to see Irvine as a “home.” So, as I walked into my first-ever Irvine class, being greeted by many kind, yet unfamiliar faces around me, I was unable to recognize that some of those new faces would later become some of my dearest friends. Such negative feelings about the city were further reinforced by newer, harder classes, and more complicated homework. Sitting in the discomfort of this unfamiliar environment, it started to seem that “change” was something not only inevitable, but insurmountable.

As the years went on, however, this idea seemed to fade. I got used to my classes and bike racing through Irvine neighborhoods with my friends, watching the trees that once seemed just a “weird” green blob soon transform into one of my favorite parts of the city. While I kept my old, beloved memories stored, I made space for new ones. From carefully making our way over the narrow creek path next to our school, to the laughs we shared during chemistry class, my new memories made with friends seemed to transform a city I once disliked into one I would miss.

Through this transformation, I have come to recognize that change, although sometimes intimidating at first, can open the door to great times and meaningful connections. Although Irvine may have once seemed like a strange, “phony” place that I couldn’t wait to be rid of, the memories and laughs I had grown to share there were very real. As I move onto this next part of my life, I hope I can use this knowledge that I have gained from my time in Irvine to make the most of what’s to come. Even if the change may be frightening at first, I have learned to embrace what’s on the other side, whether green or not.

One huge plus to writing an essay that focuses on a place is that you might have it read by someone who has been there. Yet, what’s really helpful about this essay is that even if someone hasn’t been there, a picture is painted about what the place is like. Admission officers have the hard task of really understanding what the student sees, so the use of adjectives and imagery can really help. It’s also really clever to see that the green that’s mentioned at the beginning is mentioned at the end. It’s a nice way to bookend the essay and tie it all together.

Prompt 6: “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”

I like getting lost. Not literally, of course, but figuratively. Whether it be in the story of a love song by Taylor Swift, or in the memories brought back by listening to my favorite childhood video game’s background music, I’ve always appreciated music’s ability to transport me to another place, another time, another feeling.

Alas, I cannot sing, nor have I practiced an instrument since my middle school piano class days. So, perhaps Kurt Vonnegut was right. As he puts it, “Virtually every writer I know would rather be a musician.” While I cannot speak for others, I have certainly not debunked his theory. Writing allows many, including myself, to attempt to mimic the transformative power of music – even if our singing voices aren’t exactly “pleasant.” Just as you can get lost in music, you can do so in a story. Whether it is in George Orwell’s totalitarian Oceania, or Little Women’s Orchard House, the stories outlined in novels can provide an amazing look into the lives and worlds of others, and an escape from the worries and problems of those in your own.

While I am certainly not claiming to have the storytelling abilities of the Orwells or Alcotts before me, I’ve had fun trying to recreate such transformative feelings for others. When I was nine, I attempted to write a story about a little girl who had gotten lost in the woods, only managing to get a couple pages through. As I got older, whenever I was assigned a creative writing assignment in school, I wrote about the same pig, Phil. He was always angry: in my 8th grade science class, Phil was mad at some humans who had harbored his friend captive, and in my 9th grade English class, at a couple who robbed him.

Thus, when I heard about a writing club being opened at my school in 11th grade, I knew I had to join. I wanted to discern whether writing was just a hobby I picked up now and then, or a true passion. If it was a passion, I wanted to learn as much as possible about how I could improve. Although my high school’s writing club certainly wasn’t going to transform me into Shakespeare, I knew I could learn a lot from it – and I did. The club challenged me to do many things, from writing on the spot, to writing poetry, to even writing about myself, something that’s hopefully coming in handy right now.

From then on, I started to expand into different types of writing, storing short ideas, skits, and more in appropriately-labeled Google Drive folders. At around the same time, I became interested in classic literature, which largely stemmed from a project in English class. We had been required to choose and read a classic on our own, then present it to the class in an interesting way. While my book was certainly interesting and unique in its own right, nearly everyone else’s novels seemed more captivating to me. So, I took it upon myself to read as many classics as I could the following summer.

One of the books I read during the summer, funnily enough, was Animal Farm, which starred angry pigs, reminiscent of Phil. I had also started going over different ideas in my head, thinking about how I could translate them into words using the new skills I learned. While the writing club helped reaffirm my interest in writing and allowed me to develop new skills, my newfound affinity for classics gave me inspiration to write. Now, I am actually considering writing as part of my future. In this endeavor, I hope that Phil, and the music I inevitably listen to as I write, will accompany me every step of the way.

Admission officers might read 70 (or more!) essays in one day. It’s not uncommon for them to start to blend together and sound similar. This essay might not make you laugh out loud. But, it might make the reader chuckle while reading it thanks to the subtle humor and levity. Being able to incorporate a little humor into your essay (if it is natural for you to do… do not force it), can really be a great way to shed additional light into who you are. Remember, the essay isn’t merely about proving that you can write, but it should also reveal a little bit about your personality.

Prompt 5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”

I learned a lot of things during the summer I worked at Tropical Smoothie. I discovered the value of hard work. I figured out how to save money. I even mastered the art of the Mango Magic smoothie (the secret is lots of sugar). But most importantly, I learned the power of perspective. And I have Deja to thank for that.

Deja was my shift supervisor, and one of Tropical Smoothie’s best employees. She was punctual, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She knew the store from top to bottom, and could handle pretty much any situation thrown her way. She made everyone around her better. On top of all that, she was four months pregnant! I was always impressed by Deja’s work ethic, but I gained an entirely new level of respect for her one day.

It was a Friday night, and Deja and I were working the closing shift together. It was very busy, and Deja and I were the only ones on shift. We managed to get by, but we were exhausted by the end of the evening. After wiping down the counters and mopping the floors, we closed up shop and went our separate ways. I was eager to get home.

I walked a couple blocks to where I had parked my car. Well, it wasn’t my car actually. It was my dad’s ‘98 Chevy pickup truck, and it was in rough shape. It had no heat or A/C, the leather seats were cracked beyond repair, and the driver’s side door was jammed shut. I sighed as I got in through the passenger side and scooted over to the driver’s seat. The whole reason I was working at Tropical Smoothie was to save up enough money to buy my own car. I was hoping to have something more respectable to drive during my senior year of high school.

I cranked the old thing up and started on my way home. But soon enough, I spotted Deja walking on the side of the road. There was no sidewalk here, the light was low, and she was dangerously close to the passing cars. I pulled over and offered her a ride. She got in and explained that she was on her way home. Apparently she didn’t have a car and had been walking to work every day. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was complaining about my set of wheels, while Deja didn’t have any to begin with.

We got to talking, and she confessed that she had been having a tough time. You would never know from the way she was so cheerful at work, but Deja had a lot on her plate. She was taking care of her mother, her boyfriend had just lost his job, and she was worried about making ends meet. And of course, she was expecting a baby in five months. On top of all that, she had been walking nearly a mile to and from work every day. The whole thing was a real eye opener, and made me reconsider some things in my own life.

For one, I didn’t mind driving my dad’s truck anymore. It was banged up, sure, but it was a lot better than nothing. My mindset had changed. I appreciated the truck now. I began to think about other things differently, too. I started making mental notes of all the things in my life I was thankful for — my family, my friends, my health. I became grateful for what I had, instead of obsessing over the things I didn’t.

I also gained more awareness of the world outside my own little bubble. My encounter with Deja had shown me first-hand that everyone is dealing with their own problems, some worse than others. So I started paying more attention to my friends, family members, and coworkers. I started listening more and asking how I could help. I also gave Deja a ride home for the rest of the summer.

These are all small things, of course, but I think they make a difference. I realized I’m at my best when I’m not fixated on my own life, but when I’m considerate of the lives around me. I want to keep this in mind as I continue to grow and develop as a person. I want to continue to search for ways to support the people around me. And most importantly, I want to keep things in perspective.

Too often we can be focused on our own problems that we fail to realize that everyone has their own things going on in their lives, too. This essay showcases how it’s important to put things in perspective, a skill that certainly will prove invaluable in college… and not just in the classroom. Another reason I like this essay is because it provides deeper insight into the student’s life. Sure, you might have mentioned in your activities list that you have a job. But as this essay does, you can show why you have the job in the first place, what your responsibilities are, and more.

A few last tips

We hope these essay examples gave you a bit of inspiration of what to include in your own. However, before you go, we’d like to send you off with a few (personal statement) writing tips to help you make your essays as lovely as the memories and anecdotes they’re based off of. Without further ado, here are some of our best tips for writing your personal statements:

1. Open strong

College admissions officers read many, many essays (think 50+) a day, which can sometimes cause them to start blending together and sounding alike. One way to avoid your essay from simply fading into the background is to start strong. This means opening your essay with something memorable, whether an interesting personal anecdote, a descriptive setting, or anything else that you think would catch a reader’s attention (so long as it’s not inappropriate). Not only might this help college admissions officers better remember your essay, but it will also make them curious about what the rest of your essay will entail.

2. Be authentic

Perhaps most important when it comes to writing personal statement essays is to maintain your authenticity. Ultimately, your essays should reflect your unique stories and quirks that make you who you are, and should help college admissions officers determine whether you’d truly be a good fit for their school or not. So, don’t stress trying to figure out what colleges are looking for. Be yourself, and let the colleges come to you!

3. Strong writing

This one may seem a little obvious, but strong writing will certainly appeal to colleges. Not only will it make your essay more compelling, but it may show colleges that you’re ready for college-level essay writing (that you’ll likely have to do a lot of). Just remember that good writing is not limited to grammar. Using captivating detail and descriptions are a huge part of making your essay seem more like a story than a lecture.

4. Proofread

Last but not least, remember to proofread! Make sure your essay contains no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. When you’re done proofreading your essay yourself, we would also recommend that you ask a teacher, parent, or other grammatically savvy person to proofread your essay as well.

Final thoughts

With those in hand, we hope you now have a better sense of how to write your personal statement. While your grades and test scores are important when it comes to college admissions, it’s really your essays that can “make” or “break” your application.

Although this may make it seem like a daunting task, writing an amazing personal statement essay is all about effort. Thus, so long as you start early, follow the advice listed above, and dedicate your time and effort to it, it’s entirely possible to write an essay that perfectly encapsulates you. Good luck, and happy writing!

Also see: Scholarships360’s free scholarships search tool

Key Takeaways

It may take some people longer than others to know what they want to write about, but remember that everyone, including you, has something unique to write about!
Personal statements should be personal, which means you should avoid being too general and really strive to show off what makes you “you”
Time and effort are two of the most important things you can put into your personal statement to ensure that it is the best representation of yourself
Don’t forget to ask people who know you to read your work before you submit; they should be able to tell you better than anyone if you are truly shining through!

Frequently asked questions about writing personal statements

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College – Guide for 2024

In A-Level by Think Student Editor January 15, 2021 1 Comment

Writing your personal statement can seem like a daunting task, and here at Think Student, we would like to provide you with some useful tips on how you can write a successful personal statement. We have compiled a list of 15 do’s and don’ts for writing your personal statement for college, to make your life easier. Perhaps you are confused about structure, what information you should include, or how long your personal statement should be. We hope that this article will answer any questions you may have about the techniques you should use when writing your personal statement.

1. Don’t Be Too Clever With Your Introduction

Your introduction is the first impression that you are going to make on the reader of your personal statement. It should describe you, and be as interesting and engaging as possible, but make sure you don’t overcomplicate it!

You have to remember that you are not writing an essay, and don’t need to summarise what you will talk about. It is simply (as the name would suggest) a way of introducing who you are as a person . Try to make this concise so you can discuss your achievements and interests for the majority of your personal statement.

2. Don’t Repeat Sentence Starters Too Much

One of the ways that you can make your writing more interesting is by varying the sentence starters you use throughout your personal statement. There are many different ways that you can do this, but the most important thing that you should remember is that your sentences should not all start with ‘I…’.

You will be aware of some sentence openings from your English lessons, but here are some examples of words you could use to help you out:

Adverb Openings: Similarly, Slowly, Fortunately….
Verb Openings: Learning, Working, Being part of…
Connective Openings: Although, Despite…

There are many examples of words that you may like to use to start your sentences, and this is simply a small limited set of examples. However, you should also be aware of the sentence openings which are most commonly used, so that you can try to stay away from them to make your personal statement stand out! Some examples of these can be found here .

3. Do Use Vocabulary That You Understand

One of the common mistakes that people make when writing their personal statements is using complex vocabulary in the wrong context, which can make their writing weaker and reduce the quality of their personal statement overall.

Instead, you should be using the vocabulary that you understand. Your personal statement should be a reflection of your understanding. If you can include some complex vocabulary – great, if not however, you shouldn’t worry.

As long as you personal statement is coherent, and gets across the messages that you want it to (like your achievements and reasons for applying for a particular course), it is better that it makes sense than to try to overcomplicate things by using strange vocabulary!

4. Do Talk About Your Extra-Curricular Activities

Your extracurricular activities showcase who you are outside of your school life. You may play an instrument or a sport, or enjoy something like creative writing in your free time. Whatever the hobby or extra-curricular activity you do, it is certainly worth mentioning.

Talking about your extra-curricular activities shows how you spend your time to further your skills, outside of academia. This is important for enabling your potential sixth form to see how many skills you have. It is even better if you can link the skills you have developed to the subjects that you are interested in studying at sixth form!

5. Don’t Just Talk About Your Extra-Curricular Activities

Although the extra-curricular activities that you do should be mentioned in your writing, it is important that they don’t take over your personal statement. They are important, but your personal statement is not intended to be a way to only showcase these!

You need to make up the majority of your personal statement with other aspects – namely your academic achievement, and how and why you are interested in the subjects that you would like to study at sixth form college.

You should make sure that your personal statement has a good balance of information about achievements within school, outside of school, and reasons for your interest in the subjects that you want to take.

6. Do Make it Specific to You

Your sixth form college will receive many applications from prospective students, and you want to make yours stand out. The information that you choose to include needs to be relevant, and most importantly, specific to you.

Obviously, you will have to include similar types of information to everyone else, but it is absolutely essential that you do not copy any part of your personal statement from online sources, or even your friends.

In order to make your personal statement specific to you, you should consider the things that make you stand out from other candidates. These could be skills that you have developed that are relevant to your course, or (as I said before) extracurricular activities.

Avoiding things like common sentence starters (as mentioned in point 2), will also make your writing style more unique, and specific to you.

7. Don’t Include Cliché Analogies

I won’t go into this one too much at all. We all know what kind of sentences fit into this category. If you are stuck, here’s two to avoid:

“Since the very first day I was born, I wanted to become…”
“From a young age, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a…”

8. Don’t Lie About What You Have Achieved

Lying about achievements is a bad idea all the time, but this is especially true when writing a personal statement. Your chances of being found out are incredibly high, and it serves you no purpose in the long run.

You should be proud of your actual achievements, and be able to promote yourself without lying. In fact, a personal statement is intended to be something that showcases who you are as a person, and so lying presents you as a liar – which is not a label that you should want.

However tempting it is to add a couple of extra achievements to your list, it is not worth it, and will not benefit you at all. Starting at sixth form college is an opportunity to start a new chapter in your life – meeting new people and studying new subjects – and you don’t want to start out by lying.

9. Do Show Genuine Interest Towards Your Chosen Subjects

The subjects that you choose at A-Level should be the subjects that you find the most interesting and want to pursue in the future . Because of this, you shouldn’t find it difficult to communicate your interest in your subjects to your sixth form.

If you’re not sure where to start, you could talk about:

Why you have chosen the subjects
How they relate to your GCSE subjects
What you would like to do with the subjects that you have chosen in the future (more about this in point 15!)
What things you do outside of school that relate to the subjects that you have chosen (if there aren’t any, don’t worry – these are just an extra!)

Your interest in your subjects should come across all the way through your personal statement, because of your writing style and general tone , though this can sometimes be hard to achieve, which is one of the reasons that you should leave plenty of time for writing and editing your personal statement!

10. Don’t Come Across as Arrogant

Although you want to showcase your achievements in the most positive way possible, you should make sure that you don’t come across as arrogant – try not to sound like a know it all! You are moving on to your next stage of learning, and you want it to come across that you are willing to put in the effort to learn the things that you don’t know!

As with showing your interest in you subjects, this is more of a tone thing than anything else, so make sure you leave plenty of time for amendments. You can do this using feedback from teachers, parents or even friends, but make sure that you check that you have come across positively.

11. Do Keep an Eye on Your Word Count

Your personal statement needs to be a general overview of your interests, skills and experience. This may seem like a lot to cover but luckily, you don’t need to go into too much detail.

Your colleges will be receiving a lot of personal statements in a short amount of time so you need to make sure that your personal statement includes all of the relevant information, without making it too wordy.

You should try and limit your writing to roughly one A4 page. By doing this, you can ensure that you only include important details, and whoever ends up reading your personal statement can get all the information they need relatively quickly.

If you are struggling with condensing your writing down to the appropriate amount, try and include things that you can elaborate on in a future interview. If you state your skills and achievements without talking about them individually in great length, you will be able to include a greater variety of things.

12. Don’t Forget About Your Personal Statement’s Structure

Your personal statement requires planning, and so should have a structure which is logical and well thought out. This is not to say that there is only one way to structure your personal statement, but you do need to plan out your personal statement so that it flows in a coherent way.

You could choose to follow your introduction with paragraphs which are categorised into subjects, each one including the reasons for you wanting to study it, any potential extra-curricular activities that you do which are related, and why it would be useful for your future goals.

Alternatively, you could categorise your paragraphs into reasons that you want to study your subjects, your extra-curricular activities, and future goals separately.

Whatever way you would like to structure your personal statement, try to plan it in advance, so that your final personal statement has a good flow and is logically set out.

13. Don’t Forget About Punctuation and Grammar

One of the ways that you can showcase your abilities is by making sure that your personal statement is an example of the best written communication that you are able to produce. One of the important parts of this is the use of correct punctuation and grammar.

This is one of the things that you will be able to perfect in your editing of your personal statement. You may, again, also find the feedback of someone else useful for this – it is often easier to identify someone else’s mistakes than it is to find your own!

You may want to also use online tools to identify mistakes, such as grammarly . The techniques used in your written communication are important, and this is something that (with time) is fairly easy to get right, especially as you have such a long time to write your personal statement.

14. Don’t Rush Your Personal Statement

Making your personal statement something that is specific to you, and well written, is something that will take time and planning. Therefore, you need to make sure that you do not leave writing your personal statement until the last minute! Your school are likely to give you internal deadlines to follow, and it would be useful to make sure that you stick to them, as to ensure that you don’t have to write your personal statement in a state of panic!

It is also important to note that writing a personal statement is something that you will have to do more than once in your lifetime, and so taking advantage of this opportunity to practice writing one well is something that will be useful to you in the future.

You need to make sure that you leave enough time to get feedback from teachers, as well as to edit your writing for clarity and conciseness. Even if you work well under pressure, writing your personal statement is certainly a task that you should be doing in advance of its due date!

15. Do Talk About Your Future Plans After Sixth Form College

Your future plans are something that your sixth form college will be interested in hearing about in your personal statement. They are a way of showing why you are choosing the subjects that you are, as well as demonstrating that you have goals which you are directing your attention towards.

Talking about your future career aspirations is one of the things that can show your sixth form that you are focused on achievement, and have an idea of how you would like to progress. This could give the impression that you will be more hardworking on your college courses.

Keep in mind that your future plans don’t have to be too specific – after all, it is very difficult to know what you would like to do for the rest of your life when you are only 16! If you don’t know what specific career you would like to go into, you may want to simply mention which field you might be interested in going into.

Also remember that providing some information about your current future plans does not commit you to those plans. You can always change your mind about what you would like to do , but it is nice for your college to be able to see that you are planning ahead as best you can when you apply.

Very helpful but frequently 6th Form Admissions ask for the PS to examine why their particular school is the one of choice and just seen one asking me to describe what I will bring to their 6th form

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How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges

← What Is an Application Theme and Why Is It Important?

10 Personal Statement Examples That Work →

Most of the college applications process is fairly cut and dry. You’ll submit information about your classes and grades, standardized test scores, and various other accomplishments and honors. On much of the application, your accomplishments must speak for themselves.

The personal statement is different though, and it’s your chance to let your voice be heard. To learn more about the personal statement, how to choose a topic, and how to write one that wows colleges, don’t miss this post.

What is the Personal Statement?

Personal statements are used in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. For undergrad admissions, personal statements are any essays students must write to submit their main application. For example, the Common App Essay and Coalition Application Essay are examples of personal statements. Similarly, the ApplyTexas Essays and University of California Essays are also good examples .

Personal statements in college admissions are generally not school-specific (those are called “supplemental essays”). Instead, they’re sent to a wide range of schools, usually every school you apply to.

What is the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

The personal statement is generally your opportunity to speak to your unique experiences, qualities, or beliefs that aren’t elsewhere represented on the application. It is a chance to break away from the data that defines you on paper, and provide a glimpse into who you really are. In short, it’s the admissions committee’s chance to get to know the real you.

So, what are colleges looking for in your personal statement? They are looking for something that sets you apart. They are asking themselves: do you write about something truly unique? Do you write about something common, in a new and interesting way? Do you write about an aspect of your application that needed further explanation? All of these are great ways to impress with your personal statement.

Beyond getting to know you, admissions committees are also evaluating your writing skills. Are you able to write clearly and succinctly? Can you tell an engaging story? Writing effectively is an important skill in both college and life, so be sure to also fine-tune your actual writing (grammar and syntax), not just the content of your essay.

Is your personal statement strong enough? Get a free review of your personal statement with CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review.

How To a Choose A Topic For Your Personal Statement

Most of the time, you’re given a handful of prompts to choose from. Common personal statement prompts include:

Central aspect of your identity (activity, interest, talent, background)
Overcoming a failure
Time you rose to a challenge or showed leadership
Experience that changed your beliefs
Problem you’d like to solve
Subject or idea that captivates you

One of the questions that we hear most often about the personal statement is, “How do I choose what to write about?” For some students, the personal statement prompt triggers an immediate and strong idea. For many more, there is at least initially some uncertainty.

We often encourage students to think less about the exact prompt and more about what aspects of themselves they think are most worthy of highlighting. This is especially helpful if you’re offered a “topic of your choice” prompt, as the best essay topic for you might actually be one you make up!

For students with an interesting story or a defining background, these can serve as the perfect catalyst to shape your approach. For students with a unique voice or different perspective, simple topics written in a new way can be engaging and insightful.

Finally, you need to consider the rest of your application when you choose a topic for your personal statement. If you are returning from a gap year, failed a single class during sophomore year, or participated extensively in something you’re passionate about that isn’t elsewhere on your application, you might attempt to address one of these topics in your statement. After all, the admissions committee wants to get to know you and understand who you really are, and these are all things that will give them a deeper understanding of that.

Still, tons of students have a decent amount of writer’s block when it comes to choosing a topic. This is understandable since the personal statement tends to be considered rather high stakes. To help you get the ball rolling, we recommend the post What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for College

1. approach this as a creative writing assignment..

Personal statements are difficult for many students because they’ve never had to do this type of writing. High schoolers are used to writing academic reports or analytical papers, but not creative storytelling pieces.

The point of creative writing is to have fun with it, and to share a meaningful story. Choose a topic that inspires you so that you’ll enjoy writing your essay. It doesn’t have to be intellectual or impressive at all. You have your transcript and test scores to prove your academic skills, so the point of the personal statement is to give you free rein to showcase your personality. This will result in a more engaging essay and reading experience for admissions officers.

As you’re writing, there’s no need to follow the traditional five-paragraph format with an explicit thesis. Your story should have an overarching message, but it doesn’t need to be explicitly stated—it should shine through organically.

Your writing should also feel natural. While it will be more refined than a conversation with your best friend, it shouldn’t feel stuffy or contrived when it comes off your tongue. This balance can be difficult to strike, but a tone that would feel natural when talking with an admired teacher or a longtime mentor is usually a good fit.

2. Show, don’t tell.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to simply state everything that happened, instead of actually bringing the reader to the moment it happened, and telling a story. It’s boring to read: “I was overjoyed and felt empowered when I finished my first half marathon.” It’s much more interesting when the writing actually shows you what happened and what the writer felt in that moment: “As I rounded the final bend before the finish line, my heart fluttered in excitement. The adrenaline drowned out my burning legs and gasping lungs. I was going to finish my first half marathon! This was almost incomprehensible to me, as someone who could barely run a mile just a year ago.”

If you find yourself starting to write your essay like a report, and are having trouble going beyond “telling,” envision yourself in the moment you want to write about. What did you feel, emotionally and physically? Why was this moment meaningful? What did you see or hear? What were your thoughts?

For inspiration, read some memoirs or personal essays, like The New York Times Modern Love Column . You could also listen to podcasts of personal stories, like The Moth . What do these writers and storytellers do that make their stories engaging? If you didn’t enjoy a particular story, what was it that you didn’t like? Analyzing real stories can help you identify techniques that you personally resonate with.

3. Use dialogue.

A great way to keep your writing engaging is to include some dialogue. Instead of writing: “My brothers taunted me,” consider sharing what they actually said. It’s more powerful to read something like:

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame.

Having dialogue can break up longer paragraphs of text, and bring some action and immediacy to your story. That being said, don’t overdo it. It’s important to strike a balance between relying too much on dialogue, and using it occasionally as an effective writing tool. You don’t want your essay to read like a script for a movie (unless, of course, that’s intentional and you want to showcase your screenwriting skills!).

Want free essay feedback? Submit your essay to CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review and get fast, actionable edits on your essay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements

1. giving a recap or report of all the events..

Your essay isn’t a play-by-play of everything that happened in that time frame. Only include relevant details that enrich the story, instead of making your personal statement a report of the events. Remember that the goal is to share your voice, what’s important to you, and who you are.

2. Writing about too many events or experiences.

Similarly, another common mistake is to make your personal statement a resume or recap of all your high school accomplishments. The Activities Section of the Common App is the place for listing out your achievements, not your personal statement. Focus on one specific experience or a few related experiences, and go into detail on those.

3. Using cliche language.

Try to avoid overdone quotes from famous people like Gandhi or Thoreau. Better yet, try to avoid quotes from other people in general, unless it’s a message from someone you personally know. Adding these famous quotes won’t make your essay unique, and it takes up valuable space for you to share your voice.

You should also steer away from broad language or lavish claims like “It was the best day of my life.” Since they’re so cliche, these statements also obscure your message, and it’s hard to understand what you actually mean. If it was actually the best day of your life, show us why, rather than just telling us.

If you want to learn more about personal statements, see our post of 11 Common App Essay Examples .

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Writing a Personal Statement

Whether you apply for a job, a training place or a college place, you will have to provide personal details about yourself. You will need to present yourself as an interesting individual and mention things which are special to you. This online book will help you to do this.

Sample personal statements

Here are 2 examples of a personal statement - Sample A and Sample B.

You can either use the same headings, like Sample A, or you can write it in paragraphs, like Sample B.

You can word process your statement and submit it online through the assignment below. Don’t forget to put your name at the top.

Personal Statement Examples For Sixth Form: 2025 College Guide

A personal statement for Sixth Form is a written document that students typically submit as part of their application to join a school or college for the final two years of their secondary education. It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their academic achievements, interests, and motivations.

Table of Contents

Writing a personal statement for a sixth-form college application may feel tasking at first, but you’ll easily nail it if you follow the guidelines in this article.

Before we go on to share the personal statement examples for sixth form, it’s beneficial to understand why these years are important for future university students and degree seekers.

Why Is The Sixth Form Important?

Sixth Form, the final two years of secondary education in many educational systems, including the United Kingdom, plays a crucial role in a student’s academic and personal development for several reasons:

Preparation for Higher Education

The Sixth Form provides a bridge between high school and university or college. It offers a more advanced and specialized curriculum, helping students prepare for the academic challenges of higher education.

A-Levels and Advanced Qualifications

In many countries, including the UK, the Sixth Form is where students typically study for A-levels or equivalent qualifications. These qualifications are essential for gaining admission to universities and pursuing specific career paths.

Subject Specialization

The Sixth Form allows students to focus on specific subjects of interest, enabling them to explore their academic passions in greater depth. This specialization is often a prerequisite for pursuing related fields in higher education and careers.

Developing Critical Skills

Beyond subject knowledge, the Sixth Form also emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication—essential skills for success in academia and the workplace.

Increased Independence

Sixth Form students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their own learning. This promotes independence, self-discipline, and time management skills—qualities that are invaluable in higher education and professional life.

Career Preparation

Some Sixth Form programs offer vocational courses or work experience opportunities, helping students gain practical skills and explore potential career paths. This can be valuable for those planning to enter the workforce directly after Sixth Form.

SEE ALSO: What Counts as Student ID? Does Student ID Count as ID in the UK?

What Should A Personal Statement For Sixth Form Include?

A personal statement for Sixth Form should provide admissions committees with a clear and compelling overview of who you are as a student and an individual. It should demonstrate your academic motivation, interests, and suitability for the Sixth Form program you are applying to.

Here’s what you should include in your personal statement:

Introduction

When crafting the introduction to your personal statement, it’s important to grab the reader’s attention right from the start.

Consider starting with a compelling anecdote or personal story that highlights your passion for the field you’re applying to. This can help create a strong connection between you and the admissions committee.

Additionally, be sure to clearly outline your goals and motivations for pursuing further education in your chosen field. By sharing what drives you and why you are passionate about this area of study, you can set a solid foundation for the rest of your personal statement.

Remember, the introduction sets the tone for the entire essay, so make sure it is engaging and showcases your unique qualities effectively.

Your Academic Achievements

Adding your academic achievements in your personal statement can be a great way to showcase your dedication and hard work. Highlighting specific accomplishments such as high grades, awards, or research projects can help demonstrate your academic abilities and commitment to excellence.

However, it’s important to strike a balance and not solely focus on your achievements, but also reflect on how they have shaped your goals and aspirations.

Sharing your academic achievements in your personal statement will provide the admissions committee with valuable insight into your academic background and potential for success in their program.

Be sure to connect your accomplishments to the skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate, emphasizing how they have prepared you for future challenges and opportunities.

Remember, while academic achievements are important, showcasing your passion, drive, and unique perspective will help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.

Why You Want to Join This Sixth-Form

Explain why you are interested in attending this specific Sixth Form. Mention any unique programs, subjects, or opportunities that attract you to the institution. This will show that you have done your research about the school or college.

You may want to see the The 17 Best Things You Can Do On The Day of Exam Tips!

Your Academic Interests

In your personal statement, it’s important to clearly outline your academic interests to showcase your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study.

Start by discussing how you developed an interest in the subject, whether through a specific experience, class, or mentor. Highlight any relevant coursework, research projects, or extracurricular activities that have further fueled your enthusiasm for the topic.

Additionally, explain how your academic interests align with your future goals and aspirations. Share how you plan to leverage your education and expertise in this area to make a positive impact in the world or pursue a specific career path.

Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies

Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, or hobbies. Describe any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve taken on within these activities. This will help to show case the values you bring into your various communities.

Work Experience or Volunteering

It’s important to highlight both your work experience and volunteering experiences. These two aspects can provide a well-rounded view of your skills, interests, and values.

Work experience demonstrates your ability to thrive in a professional setting, while volunteering shows your commitment to giving back to the community.

Including both work experience and volunteering in your personal statement can showcase a diverse range of skills and experiences that make you a well-rounded candidate.

Skills and Qualities

Discuss personal qualities or skills that make you a suitable candidate for Sixth Form, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, or problem-solving abilities. Provide specific examples of when you’ve demonstrated these qualities.

Achievements Outside of School

Mention any achievements or experiences outside of school, such as competitions, projects, or hobbies, that demonstrate your commitment and dedication. If you have a community you have helped, do mention it and what impact you created amongst them.

Future Goals and Ambitions

Outline your short-term and long-term goals, both academically and personally. Explain how the Sixth Form program will help you achieve these goals.

Why You Stand Out

Identify what makes you unique as an applicant. Share experiences, interests, or qualities that set you apart from other candidates.

Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for joining the Sixth Form. End with a positive and memorable closing statement.

How To Write A Personal Statement For Sixth Form: A Step By Step Guide

When you begin writing your personal statements for sixth-form applications, it’s beneficial to know what elements to include. Here’s a useful breakdown of the things to include in your statement to impress admissions personnel:

Step 1: Start with an introduction

A sixth-form personal statement introduction is a terrific method to get the attention of college admissions staff. There isn’t a lot of in-depth information needed for this area.

It may contain information on who you are, where you are studying, what you are applying for, why you wish to follow a certain sixth-form course structure, and why you are applying to a specific college.

Keep things interesting while saving your accomplishments and hobbies for later portions of the statement because this is going to be your initial impression.

Step 2: Share your academic strengths

In order to provide the admissions staff with additional information about you and your abilities, include a section in your application that lists your best grades and key secondary school topics.

In order to show that you are prepared to successfully finish the sixth-form program, it is crucial to talk about your academic talents and abilities and link them to the position you are applying for.

For instance, it’s beneficial to connect this to your prior accomplishments in science courses if you’re applying to study biology and chemistry in the sixth form.

SEE ALSO: What are the Best Universities for Art in the UK? Top 17 on Our List

Step 3: Highlight any positions of responsibility you’ve held

Inclusion of any prior secondary school obligations is a wonderful method to impress admissions officers because the sixth form helps pupils develop into responsible, competent persons.

This shows that you’ve already built a solid foundation of dedication and are capable of succeeding in sixth form. Prefect, peer monitor, student leader, or any other relevant school volunteer experience are examples of these jobs.

Step 4: Include your relevant work history

The next step is to show that you can uphold your obligations by emphasizing your professional talents as they relate to your job experience, including non-GCSE-based activities from both within and outside of school.

For instance, you may list any auxiliary voluntary work you’ve done in your community or your Year 10 employment experience.

Do not forget to emphasize the abilities you have gained from these events, such as time management, organization, communication, and attention to detail.

Step 5: Mention extra-curricular activities

Highlighting your involvement in extracurricular activities is an excellent method to show that you are a good fit for sixth form.

It demonstrates to admissions officers that you possess crucial abilities outside of the classroom, such as teamwork, motivation, organization, problem-solving, and time management.

Mention your pastimes or interests as well as any pertinent honors, successes, fund-raising efforts, or philanthropic endeavors.

Step 6: State your plans for the future

The admissions team might want to know what you want to study following the sixth form with supporting documentation. You can connect your future goals to your selected sixth-form course structure by mentioning your ambitions.

For instance, if you intend to concentrate on the sciences, describe how this can assist you in landing a spot in the undergraduate biochemistry program you intend to apply for.

Examples Of Sixth-Form Personal Statements

When writing your personal statement, it might be beneficial to refer to well-written examples as a guide. Here are some personal statement examples you can refer to:

I’m a Year 10 student at Trinity Lodge Academy in Edinburgh, studying GCSEs in triple sciences with a particular interest in chemistry. I’m keen to pursue advanced-level courses in science and mathematics in my sixth-form studies to prepare for a science undergraduate degree in engineering.

I’ve always excelled at mathematics and science courses, taking a special interest in chemistry throughout secondary school. I’m going to complete four GCSEs grade six and above with expected grades of seven in maths and eight in chemistry.

Recently, I became a student leader in my school, serving as a role model of good behavior, punctuality, and diligence for my fellow students. Beyond this, I actively volunteer for my school’s science society, providing mentorship to younger students interested in developing their skills.

Outside of school, I work part-time as an administrator for a local accounting firm. This work allows me to improve my communication, attention to detail, and time management skills in a professional environment. It also allows me to learn the professional application of mathematics in the real world. Beyond this, I’m passionate about engineering and designing model airplanes from scratch, a hobby I’ve had since I was young.

My plans include completing sixth form and studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Blue Lake.

My name is Alex Patel, and I am excited to express my interest in joining the Sixth Form at ABC Academy. The pursuit of knowledge has always been my driving force, and I am eager to continue my educational journey in an environment that values curiosity and innovation.

Throughout my GCSEs, I not only achieved excellent grades but also immersed myself in a variety of subjects. My love for literature and writing led me to start a book club at my current school, where we explore diverse literary works and engage in thoughtful discussions.

Beyond academics, I have a deep passion for music. I have been playing the piano for over seven years and have participated in various local music competitions. A dditionally, I am also a dedicated member of our school’s orchestra, where I play the violin. I believe that the arts play a crucial role in fostering creativity and self-expression.

One of the reasons I am drawn to ABC Academy is its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. I am eager to explore new opportunities for personal growth and development, whether through joining the debate club or participating in community service projects.

My career aspiration is to become a journalist, using my passion for writing to uncover and share important stories. I am confident that ABC Academy’s rigorous academic programs and supportive faculty will provide the ideal foundation for achieving this dream.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to the vibrant community at ABC Academy, and I look forward to the intellectual challenges and personal growth that await in the Sixth Form.

FAQs On Personal Statement For Sixth Form

Personal statements for Sixth Form applications are typically 500-700 words long. It’s important to adhere to any specific word or character limits set by the school or college you’re applying to.

Yes, you should definitely include your academic achievements and grades but don’t make your entire personal statement about them. Instead, use your grades to demonstrate your commitment to your studies and your ability to excel academically.

The personal statement examples for sixth form provided in this article showcase the diverse talents and passions of students entering this level of their education.

From academic achievements to extracurricular interests, these statements demonstrate the unique qualities that make each stand out.

By studying these examples, future sixth-formers can gain inspiration and guidance on how to craft their own compelling personal statements. Remember, authenticity is key – be true to yourself and let your personality shine through in your writing.

uk.indeed.com – Personal statement examples for sixth form (plus steps)
acrosopy.co.uk – Sixth Form Personal Statement Examples and Guide
thestudentroom.co.uk – Tips for writing your sixth-form college application personal statement

#Personal #Statement #Examples #Sixth #Form #College #Guide

Crafting Winning Personal Statements for Sixth Form: Examples and Steps

6 March 2024

Introduction

In today's competitive job market, both job seekers and employers face numerous challenges. Job seekers need to find a way to stand out from the crowd and showcase their skills and experiences effectively, while employers are constantly seeking qualified candidates who align with their company culture and values.

One crucial aspect of the job application process, especially for those in their final year of secondary school looking to enter sixth form, is the personal statement. A well-crafted personal statement not only highlights an individual's strengths and aspirations but also provides insight into their personality and potential fit within a specific academic setting.

Understanding the Importance of Personal Statements for Sixth Form

As students transition from secondary school to sixth form, the pressure to stand out among their peers escalates. Among the various requirements for sixth form applications, personal statements play a crucial role in showcasing a student's personality, academic achievements, and future aspirations. A well-crafted personal statement can be the key to unlocking opportunities for further education and future career prospects.

The Significance of Personal Statements in Sixth Form Applications

A personal statement is more than just a piece of writing; it is an opportunity for students to express their individuality and demonstrate their suitability for the chosen course or institution. Admissions tutors use personal statements to gain insight into a student's motivations, interests, and goals beyond what can be gleaned from grades and qualifications.

Highlights unique qualities: Personal statements allow students to showcase what sets them apart from other applicants, such as extracurricular activities, work experience, or personal achievements.
Demonstrates commitment: By articulating their passion for a particular subject or field of study, students can demonstrate their dedication and enthusiasm to pursue further education.
Reflects on future goals: Personal statements provide a platform for students to outline their aspirations and how the chosen course or institution aligns with their long-term objectives.

Impact on Decision Making

Personal statements play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for sixth form admissions. They enable admissions tutors to assess a student's suitability for the course, their potential contribution to the institution, and their overall preparedness for higher education.

According to Sarah Johnson, Education Consultant at EduVision UK, "A well-written personal statement can make a significant difference in the selection process. It allows students to demonstrate not only their academic abilities but also their soft skills and personal attributes that are essential for success in sixth form and beyond."

In today's competitive academic landscape, a compelling personal statement can be the deciding factor that sets one student apart from the rest. As such, students must invest time and effort into crafting a personal statement that truly reflects their capabilities and aspirations.

Key Components of a Compelling Sixth Form Personal Statement

When crafting your personal statement for Sixth Form, it's essential to include key components that will make you stand out to admissions tutors. Your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your accomplishments, skills, and aspirations, so it's crucial to get it right. Here are the key components that should be included in a compelling sixth form personal statement:

Educational Achievements:

Highlight your academic achievements, including subjects you excel in and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed. Admissions tutors want to see that you have a strong academic record and are passionate about your chosen subjects.

Extracurricular Activities:

Discuss any extracurricular activities you participate in, such as sports teams, clubs, volunteering, or part-time work. This demonstrates your commitment, time management skills, and ability to balance academics with other interests.

Skills and Abilities:

Showcase your transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and organization. Explain how these skills have helped you succeed academically and in other areas of your life.

Career Goals:

Articulate your long-term career goals and how studying at Sixth Form will help you achieve them. Admissions tutors want to see that you have a clear vision for your future and understand how further education fits into your plans.

Passion for Chosen Subjects:

Express your passion for the subjects you want to study at Sixth Form. Share why you are interested in these subjects, what motivates you to learn more about them, and how they relate to your future career aspirations.

Personal Qualities:

Highlight your personal qualities, such as resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. Admissions tutors are looking for well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to the Sixth Form community.

By including these key components in your personal statement, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths, ambitions, and suitability for Sixth Form education. Remember to tailor your personal statement to each institution you are applying to and provide specific examples to support your claims.

How to Structure Your Personal Statement for Sixth Form

Structuring your personal statement for sixth form effectively is crucial to make a strong impression on admissions tutors. A well-organized personal statement not only showcases your skills and experiences but also demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Follow these steps to create a winning structure for your sixth form personal statement:

1. Introduction:

Start with a compelling opening that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states your motivation for applying to sixth form. You can begin with an interesting anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a brief summary of your passion for the subject.

2. Educational Background:

Provide a brief overview of your academic achievements, including any relevant subjects, coursework, or projects you have completed. Highlight any specific skills or knowledge you have gained that are related to the course you are applying for.

3. Work Experience and Extracurricular Activities:

Discuss any work experience, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have helped you develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, or problem-solving. Relate these experiences to how they have shaped your career aspirations.

4. Career Goals:

Outline your long-term career goals and explain how attending sixth form will help you achieve them. Emphasize your passion for the subject and your commitment to furthering your education to reach your objectives.

5. Skills and Attributes:

Highlight specific skills, qualities, and attributes that make you a suitable candidate for sixth form. This could include your ability to work independently, your strong work ethic, your creativity, or your attention to detail.

6. Conclusion:

End your personal statement by summarizing why you are a perfect fit for sixth form and reiterating your enthusiasm for the course. Finish with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Remember to keep your personal statement concise, focused, and relevant to the course you are applying for. Avoid including irrelevant information or going off on tangents that do not contribute to your overall narrative.

By following this structured approach, you can create a cohesive and persuasive personal statement that showcases your unique qualities and convinces admissions tutors of your suitability for sixth form.

Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Sixth Form Personal Statement

When crafting your personal statement for sixth form, it's vital to showcase your strengths and personality effectively. Here are some dos to keep in mind:

Showcase your passion: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subjects you want to study or the career path you aim to follow.
Be authentic: Write in your voice and be true to yourself. Admissions officers appreciate genuine personal statements.
Highlight your achievements: Mention any relevant academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, or work experience that set you apart.
Tailor your statement: Customise your personal statement for each sixth form you apply to, highlighting why you're a great fit for their programme.
Seek feedback: Ask teachers, mentors, or family members to review your personal statement and provide constructive criticism.

Avoid common pitfalls when writing your personal statement by steering clear of the following don'ts:

Plagiarise content: Never copy someone else's work. Your personal statement should reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.
Rely on clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases or generic statements. Be specific and original in your writing.
Overshare personal information: Maintain professionalism by not divulging overly personal details that are unrelated to your academic pursuits.
Use slang or jargon: Keep your language formal and professional. Avoid slang terms or industry-specific jargon that may not be universally understood.
Leave it until the last minute: Give yourself ample time to write, edit, and revise your personal statement. Rushing the process can result in a subpar submission.

6: Tips for Making Your Sixth Form Personal Statement Stand Out

Crafting a compelling personal statement for sixth form can be the key to securing a spot in your desired educational institution. Here are some expert tips to help your personal statement stand out from the rest:

Highlight Your Unique Qualities

Focus on what sets you apart from other candidates. Whether it's a particular skill, experience, or passion, make sure to showcase what makes you unique.

Showcase Your Achievements

Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they have prepared you for sixth form. Highlight any awards, extracurricular activities, or responsibilities you have taken on.

Demonstrate Your Interest in the Chosen Field

Explain why you are passionate about the subject you want to study in sixth form. Show that you have a genuine interest and understanding of the field.

Be Genuine and Authentic

Avoid using clichés or trying to impress with overly elaborate language. Be honest, sincere, and let your true personality shine through in your personal statement.

Tailor Your Statement to Each Institution

Customize your personal statement for each sixth form you are applying to. Research the institution and mention specific aspects that attract you to their program.

Seek Feedback and Revise

Ask teachers, mentors, or family members to review your personal statement and provide feedback. Revise your statement based on their suggestions to ensure it is clear and impactful.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex sentences. Make sure your personal statement is easy to read and understand, while still showcasing your academic abilities and aspirations.

Start Early and Plan Ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your personal statement. Starting early will allow you to create a strong and polished final version.

Show Your Future Goals

Share your ambitions and career goals in your personal statement. Demonstrating a clear vision of your future can impress admissions officers and show your commitment to success.

By following these expert tips, you can create a standout personal statement for sixth form that captures the attention of admissions tutors and increases your chances of securing a place in your desired institution.

Expert Insights on Crafting an Effective Personal Statement for Sixth Form

Expert opinion: sarah johnson, founder of eliteprep uk.

"Crafting a compelling personal statement for sixth form is crucial as it provides insight into the student's personality, academic achievements, and future aspirations. It's essential to strike a balance between showcasing your strengths and demonstrating your passion for the chosen field."

Expert Advice: Dr. Alexander Hughes, Career Coach at Success Path Consulting

"When writing a personal statement for sixth form, students should focus on highlighting their unique qualities and experiences. Avoid clichés and generic statements, instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and potential contribution to the school community."

Expert Perspective: Rebecca Patel, Admissions Consultant at Insightful Futures

"Personal statements offer students the opportunity to convey their enthusiasm for learning and outline their goals for the future. Tailoring your statement to each school you apply to shows dedication and genuine interest in joining their academic community."

Expert Viewpoint: Professor James McGregor, Education Specialist at Global Scholars Institute

"A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other applicants and leave a lasting impression on admissions committees. Focus on narrating your academic journey, extracurricular activities, and future ambitions in a concise and engaging manner."

Seeking advice from industry experts like Sarah Johnson, Dr. Alexander Hughes, Rebecca Patel, and Professor James McGregor can provide invaluable insights into the art of creating a standout personal statement for sixth form. By incorporating their recommendations, students can enhance their chances of securing a spot at their desired educational institution.

Real-life Examples of Successful Sixth Form Personal Statements

1. example 1: passion for economics.

"During my GCSEs, I discovered my passion for economics while studying business studies. I was fascinated by how economic theories influence global markets and decisions. To deepen my understanding, I attended online lectures and read publications by leading economists like Paul Krugman. This motivated me to pursue a career in economics and contribute positively to society."

2. Example 2: Commitment to Social Change

"Growing up in a socio-economically diverse community, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized groups. This inspired me to volunteer at local charities and organize fundraisers for social causes. Through these experiences, I developed empathy, leadership skills, and a strong sense of social responsibility. I aim to study sociology to drive positive change and advocate for underrepresented voices."

3. Example 3: Innovation in Technology

"From a young age, I have been fascinated by technology and its potential to revolutionize industries. My participation in coding workshops and hackathons honed my technical skills and sparked my interest in artificial intelligence. I aspire to study computer science to innovate solutions that address real-world problems and shape the future of technology."

These real-life examples illustrate the diversity of interests and motivations that can be showcased in a compelling sixth form personal statement. By sharing personal anecdotes, aspirations, and experiences, applicants can stand out to admissions tutors and demonstrate their suitability for their chosen course.

Statistics on the Impact of Well-Written Personal Statements in the Job Market

Personal statements play a crucial role in the job application process, especially for sixth form students looking to make a strong impression on prospective employers. Let's delve into some statistics that highlight the impact of well-crafted personal statements in the competitive job market:

1. Increased Interview Opportunities:

Studies have shown that candidates with well-written personal statements are 50% more likely to secure interview opportunities compared to those with generic CVs.

2. Higher Chance of Job Offers:

According to research conducted by JobSearch Insights, applicants who include a tailored personal statement in their applications are 40% more likely to receive job offers from employers.

3. Enhanced Employability Skills:

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reports that employers highly value communication and self-presentation skills, with 75% stating that a well-crafted personal statement can significantly enhance a candidate's employability prospects.

4. Positive Employer Perception:

A survey conducted by HireNow revealed that 90% of employers consider personal statements as a key factor in forming a positive perception of applicants, showcasing their passion and commitment to the role.

5. Stand Out from the Competition:

Research by Career Insights UK indicates that 60% of recruiters are more likely to shortlist candidates who provide compelling personal statements, allowing them to stand out in a sea of applications.

These statistics underscore the significance of investing time and effort into creating a standout personal statement when applying for sixth form opportunities. A well-written personal statement can be the key differentiator that sets you apart from other candidates and paves the way for a successful career journey.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As you navigate through the process of crafting your personal statement for sixth form, remember that this document is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. It serves as a crucial tool in capturing the attention of admissions tutors and highlighting why you are an ideal candidate for the course.

Final Words of Advice

Remember to tailor your personal statement to each specific institution and course, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Be genuine, reflective, and enthusiastic, as these qualities can make your statement more compelling and memorable to readers. Use the tips and examples provided to guide you in creating a standout personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants.

Continued Support from Experts

Experts like Sarah Johnson, Founder of Academic Success Consultancy, emphasize the importance of seeking feedback on your personal statement. "Don't hesitate to reach out to teachers, careers advisors, or online platforms like EssayHub for professional guidance and constructive criticism," Johnson advises. "Objective feedback can help you fine-tune your statement for maximum impact." With dedication, creativity, and attention to detail, you can create a personal statement that effectively communicates your passion and potential. Best of luck as you embark on this important step towards your academic and professional future!

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How long should my personal statement be?

The 'word' limit is 47 lines of text, or 4000 characters. This equates to (roughly) 600 words.

UCAS recommends that you write out your personal statement in a word processor before copying and pasting it into their online application form.

To help you with this, use our personal statement length checker when writing your statement.

When should I start writing my personal statement?

Nobody can write a brilliant personal statement in one draft, so it's important you start early on to make sure your statement is the best it can be.

We recommend you begin jotting down some notes for your initial draft during the summer holidays (July and August) so you have something down before you go back to school/college in the autumn.

How do I write a UCAS personal statement?

To write a great personal statement that will give you the best chance of success, we recommend you:

Start with why you've chosen your course and what aspect(s) of it interest you most
Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through
Don't include over-used phrases such as "From a very young age..." and "I've always wanted to be...".
Try to be original and give it your own unique voice
Don't use quotes, humour, jokes or cliches - now is not the time!
Round off with a summary of what you want to do in the future and how your degree will help you achieve this.

For more tips and advice, please see:

Personal Statement Editing Services
Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
Analysis Of A Personal Statement
The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
Personal Statement FAQs
10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

Where can I get more help and support with my personal statement?

At Studential, we also offer a range of UCAS Personal Editing & Review Services , including ones for:

UCAS Undergraduate
UCAS Oxbridge
UCAS Postgraduate

Our professional editors are here to help those who are struggling with their personal statements, and need a little extra help with putting together a final draft.

You can also use our Personal Statement Template to help you put together your first draft.

What should I not include in my personal statement?

When writing your UCAS personal statement, it's best to avoid the following:

Humour or jokes
Cliches and quotes
Over-used words and phrases
Lies or stretching the truth
Not getting feedback from family and friends
Forgetting to include your skills, work experience and/or personal traits.

For more information, please take a look at our 10 Personal Statement Don'ts .

Personal Statement for College

Ai generator.

Introduction Since I was young, I have always been captivated by the power of storytelling and the complexities of the human experience. This passion has driven me to pursue a degree in psychology, where I can explore the intricate workings of the mind and contribute to improving mental health and well-being. I am excited to join your esteemed college to further my understanding and make a meaningful impact in the field.

Academic Background I have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, particularly in psychology and related subjects. Graduating with honors from XYZ High School, I have taken advanced courses in psychology, biology, and statistics, all of which have prepared me for rigorous college-level coursework. My participation in the Psychology Club and my role as a peer tutor have deepened my interest in the subject and honed my analytical and communication skills.

Extracurricular Activities Beyond the classroom, I have been actively involved in various extracurricular activities that reflect my interests and values. I volunteered at a local mental health clinic, where I assisted with patient support programs and observed clinical practices. This experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in psychology. Additionally, I was a member of the Debate Team, which enhanced my critical thinking and public speaking abilities, and I played varsity soccer, which taught me the importance of teamwork and resilience.

Personal Qualities and Skills I am a compassionate, dedicated, and curious individual who thrives in challenging environments. My strong organizational skills and attention to detail have enabled me to balance my academic and extracurricular commitments effectively. I am also a strong communicator, able to empathize with others and convey complex ideas clearly. These qualities have been essential in my volunteer work and leadership roles, where I have learned the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive communities.

Future Goals My long-term goal is to become a clinical psychologist, specializing in adolescent mental health. I am particularly interested in researching the effects of social media on teenage mental health and developing intervention programs to support young people. Your college’s renowned psychology program, with its emphasis on research and practical experience, aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I am eager to contribute to and grow within your academic community, taking advantage of the opportunities to engage in meaningful research and clinical practice.

Conclusion In conclusion, my passion for psychology, combined with my academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, make me a strong candidate for your college. I am excited about the possibility of joining your institution and contributing to the field of psychology. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and goals align with the opportunities available at your college.

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Personal statement examples for sixth form (plus steps)
Example 2. Review this personal statement for an arts-based sixth form application: I'm a Year 10 student at Glasgow Academy studying GCSEs in various subjects, particularly interested in English, art, design and drama. I want to pursue my passion for English literature and art history by completing A-levels at sixth form college.
Tips for writing your sixth form college application personal statement
Here are three general examples of sixth-form personal statements that could give you some ideas about what to write about in yours: Example personal statement 1. Example personal statement 2. Example personal statement 3. If you've got a question about your personal statement, head over to our secondary school, sixth form and FE college forum ...
Sixth Form Personal Statement Examples and Guide
2 Sixth Form Personal Statement Structure. 3 Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out. 4 Year 11 Personal Statement Examples. 5 Starter sentences, Skills and Qualities. 5.1 Useful Sentence Starters. 5.2 Skill Examples. 5.3 Personal Qualities to reference. 6 Sixth Form Application Template.
PDF How to write a personal statement for college/sixth form
A college/6th Form personal statement is written information about you! It puts across relevant skills, experience and attributes that will make you appealing and illustrate your suitability for the course that you would like to apply for. It should be professional and in your own words. A personal statement is important because you are ...
How to Write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form
When writing your personal statement, remember to leave plenty of room to discuss what your plans for the future are, and why that sixth form can help you get there. Explain how the subjects you've applied for, as well as the college's facilities, staff and students can help you achieve your goal.
PDF A GUIDE TO WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT
The character limit for Personal Statements is 4000 characters, including spaces. The line limit is 47 lines of text. You need to meet both of these criteria before you can submit your statement. The Sixth Form uses Unifrog to help students write their personal statement, track progress and gather feedback from their tutor.
How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)
5. Use an authentic voice. Your personal statement reflects who you are, so you should use a tone that represents you. That means you shouldn't try to sound like someone else, and you shouldn't use fancy words just to show off. This isn't an academic paper, so you don't have to adopt a super formal tone.
PDF The Ultimate Guide to Personal Statements
EXAMPLE FROM ONE OF OUR MEDIA STUDENTS: "I have recently joined the Media Team as part of my Sixth Form's Hub. I am working as part of a team with set deadlines collaborating on exciting Sixth Form projects. Using my skills and experience, I have updated and rebranded the Sixth Form magazine to a more contemporary style." T????. YOUR NOTES:
How to Write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College
13. Don't Forget About Punctuation and Grammar. One of the ways that you can showcase your abilities is by making sure that your personal statement is an example of the best written communication that you are able to produce. One of the important parts of this is the use of correct punctuation and grammar.
How to Write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College
Example 1 (Sixth form application). Example 2 (College application). ME am currently studying in year 11 at Thanet School in Broadstairs. Instead, you should be using the vocabulary that you understand. Our personal account should be a reflection of your understanding.
How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges
Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for College. 1. Approach this as a creative writing assignment. Personal statements are difficult for many students because they've never had to do this type of writing. High schoolers are used to writing academic reports or analytical papers, but not creative storytelling pieces.
Writing a Personal Statement
Here are 2 examples of a personal statement - Sample A and Sample B. You can either use the same headings, like Sample A, or you can write it in paragraphs, like Sample B. You can word process your statement and submit it online through the assignment below. Don't forget to put your name at the top. Previous.
PDF Who I am What I have done Where I am going
There is a section on the application for work experience but it is worth including a mention in your personal statement if your work experience has influenced your choice of career or selection of course. If you got a Certificate of Commendation you should certainly mention it. Where I am going.
PDF Applications for College
Example 1 I am interested in joining Anytown Sixth Form College because I want to gain A-levels and maybe apply to university. I have looked at the sixth form prospectus so I know it offers A levels in the subjects I'd like to study.
Personal Statement Examples For Sixth Form: 2025 College Guide
The personal statement examples for sixth form provided in this article showcase the diverse talents and passions of students entering this level of their education. From academic achievements to extracurricular interests, these statements demonstrate the unique qualities that make each stand out.
PDF How to Write Your Personal Statement: the Big Do'S and Don'Ts
The other third of the personal statement should be about you and why you think you would be a good university student. This is your opportunity to say what makes you interesting, special or unique. Everyone has aspects of their personality that make them interesting; it's just a case of putting them into words.
12 Outstanding Personal Statement Examples
If you're applying to college, you'll most likely need to write a personal statement as part of your college application. (And please note that the personal statement examples below are for undergraduate applications—if you're trying to find grad school statement of purpose examples, please head to that link.). But before diving into analyzing some great personal statement examples, it ...
PDF How to write a personal statement for college/sixth form/apprenticeship
How to write a personal statement for college/sixth form/apprenticeship applications First, read the course/job description. Take note of anything that interests you. ... Explain why you want to do your chosen course(s)/apprenticeship. For example, someone who wanted to work with animals might write 'I would like to study a BTEC in animal care ...
PDF How to write a personal statement for college
Here you could outline: ü Who are you and/or where are you currently studying ü What are you applying for (e.g. English literature, bricklaying, childcare) ü Your reasons for wanting to study your chosen subjects ü Your reasons for wanting to study at that particular college(e.g. what makes that college standout for you?)
Crafting Winning Personal Statements for Sixth Form: Examples and Steps
Relate these experiences to how they have shaped your career aspirations. 4. Career Goals: Outline your long-term career goals and explain how attending sixth form will help you achieve them. Emphasize your passion for the subject and your commitment to furthering your education to reach your objectives. 5.
The Sixth Form College Colchester
Personal Statement Guidelines. Your Personal Statement gives us a guide to your level of literacy and communication skills. So you might want to check your spelling and think about your sentence construction. As with our own students applying to university, we want to see if your personal statement supports your course choices and career ideas.
Personal Statement Writing Guide
The 'word' limit is 47 lines of text, or 4000 characters. This equates to (roughly) 600 words. UCAS recommends that you write out your personal statement in a word processor before copying and pasting it into their online application form. To help you with this, use our personal statement length checker when writing your statement.
How to write a personal statement for further education
Dos and don'ts when writing a personal statement. Do use your best English and check your spelling and grammar are correct.; Do be enthusiastic - if you show your interest in the course, it will help your application.; Do ask people that you trust, like your teacher/adviser or parent/carer to read through what you have written and give you feedback. ...
Personal Statement for College [Edit & Download], Pdf
Personal Statement for College. Introduction Since I was young, I have always been captivated by the power of storytelling and the complexities of the human experience. This passion has driven me to pursue a degree in psychology, where I can explore the intricate workings of the mind and contribute to improving mental health and well-being.

Sixth Form Personal Statement Examples and Guide

How to write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College

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How long should my sixth form personal statement be?

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Sixth Form Personal Statement Structure

Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

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What is a personal statement?

How to start a personal statement for sixth form

How to write a personal statement: 5 essential elements to include

1. Why do you want to attend that specific college or sixth form?

2. What are your future aspirations?

3. What relevant experience do you have to support your future goals?

4. What are your personal qualities?

5. What extracurricular activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Lastly, some do’s and don’ts when writing your personal statement for sixth form

Add an online learning experience to your personal statement

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)

What is a personal statement?

What can I write about?

How do I write my personal statement?

1. Freewrite, then rewrite

2. Establish your theme

3. Tell a story

4. Focus on your opening paragraph

5. Use an authentic voice

6. Edit, edit, edit…

Examples of personal statements

Prompt 1: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

Feedback from admissions professional Bill Jack

A few last tips

1. Open strong

2. Be authentic

3. Strong writing

4. Proofread

Final thoughts

Key Takeaways

Frequently asked questions about writing personal statements

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Sixth Form College – Guide for 2024

1. Don’t Be Too Clever With Your Introduction

2. Don’t Repeat Sentence Starters Too Much

3. Do Use Vocabulary That You Understand

4. Do Talk About Your Extra-Curricular Activities

5. Don’t Just Talk About Your Extra-Curricular Activities

6. Do Make it Specific to You

7. Don’t Include Cliché Analogies

8. Don’t Lie About What You Have Achieved

9. Do Show Genuine Interest Towards Your Chosen Subjects

10. Don’t Come Across as Arrogant

11. Do Keep an Eye on Your Word Count

12. Don’t Forget About Your Personal Statement’s Structure

13. Don’t Forget About Punctuation and Grammar

14. Don’t Rush Your Personal Statement

15. Do Talk About Your Future Plans After Sixth Form College

What are your chances of acceptance?

Your chancing factors

How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges

What is the Personal Statement?

What is the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

How To a Choose A Topic For Your Personal Statement

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for College

2. Show, don’t tell.

3. Use dialogue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements

2. Writing about too many events or experiences.

3. Using cliche language.

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