Home › University › How To Write A Personal Statement? 10 Tips + Student Questions Answered › How To End A Personal Statement So The Admissions Committee Remembers You

How To End A Personal Statement So The Admissions Committee Remembers You

  • Published January 20, 2023

A woman smiling while writing on her notebook.

Students are often unsure of  how to end a personal statement.  A strong conclusion makes all the difference in whether your application gets noticed by admissions officers or not.

If you’ve just finished writing your personal statement and you’re stuck on your ending, then don’t worry! This article will walk you through the essentials of personal statement conclusions.

Avoid writing a tedious and forgettable ending for your personal statement by following these rules.

Talk About Your Main Points

Don’t end your final paragraph by stating what you’ve never mentioned in the body of your personal statement. Remember, the purpose of your conclusion is to  wrap up  the package.

You shouldn’t say, “My experiences kindled my passion for engineering,” if you didn’t mention these “experiences” in the first place!

So actually summarising your key main body points is a great conclusion in many cases.

Summarise Your Key Points In A Simple Way

After reading thousands of personal statements, the admissions committee will be happy to see you concluding your personal statement with a clear summarisation of the vital points. 

Go over your personal statement and jot down the main takeaway of each paragraph. Once you have that list, find a way to integrate them into your conclusion.

You can dedicate a sentence to each key point, tie them all together, and you now have a conclusion that does what it’s supposed to do!

how to end a personal statement with 11 tips

Use Your Key Points To Restate Your Passion For Your Course

If you’re wondering how to end your personal statement using your key points, use them to restate your passion for the course you’re applying for.

Say your key points including your skills and experiences, and wrap them up by saying, “With the [your specific skills] and [your specific experiences] I’ve gained over the years, I’m committed to [mention your course].”

By doing so, you’re hitting two birds with one stone. One, you’re reminding the admissions committee that you have the skill set necessary to succeed in your course. Two, you’re demonstrating your dedication to your desired course.

Double Down On Your “Why”

Another powerful ending is to remind the reader of your “why.” Many students pursue their chosen course because they’re not sure what else to take.

So being clear on your purpose immediately sets you apart from the rest. 

To do this, take the most heart-moving story from the body of your personal statement on what inspired you to apply for your course. Mention the main idea of it in a sentence or two, then end with a “for this reason, I believe pursuing [mention course] is the best way to achieve my [state your why].”

If your course is related to education, perhaps your “why” is to help children learn by allowing them to show how they learn best.

Say you’re writing a medical personal statement . Maybe your “why” is to forward technology that helps safeguard the elderly from falling accidents because you witnessed your grandparent suffer injuries from a fall when you were young.

Doubling down on your “why” shows your conviction and direction on why you’re applying for your course.

Mention The Next Step Of Your Application Process

What’s the next step after the admissions committee accepts your personal statement? For many courses, they’ll call you up for an interview . Go ahead and mention this in your conclusion!

Write along the lines of “I’m looking forward to dedicating myself to this course, and I would love to receive an invitation for the interview.”

The reader will right away recognise that you’ve done your research. You know what the next step should be. You  are  serious about this application!

Make The Universities Excited To Have You As Their Student

Studying at a university is not merely a means to an end. It’s a profound journey in and of itself! You’ll meet new colleagues, form lifelong communities, and discover mentors who will guide you along with your future career.

Think of them when you’re pondering on how to end a personal statement. What can you contribute as a student to make the university a better place? Demonstrate your excitement in meeting them, building relationships with them, and serving them!

A statement as straightforward as “I am eager to establish new, lifelong relationships and use my [mention your skills] to help make the university a better place for learning and community-building.”

Demonstrate Your Willingness To Learn

Universities exist to train and mould students, not the other way around! A little humility goes a long way. Show yours by demonstrating your willingness to learn. Nothing excites teachers more than willing students.

To pull this off, make sure you know what values your course upholds. It could be service, excellence, inclusivity, and so on. State in your conclusion that “I’m looking forward to learning how to embody [write down the course’s values you resonate with], to grow and succeed in [mention your field of study].”

There’s so much value packed in this simple personal statement ending. Tweak it and make it yours!

Avoid Famous Quotes

Many students insert famous quotes from well-known persons when ending their personal statements. Avoid this tactic as much as possible because you’re driving attention  away  from YOU as the applicant.

If you want to include famous quotes, put them at the beginning of your personal statement to grab attention. To keep your reader’s attention focused on you in the end, why not come up with a memorable, relevant quote of your own?

Use The Bookend Strategy

Bookends are sturdy objects placed at either end of upright books to keep them standing. When you translate that into writing, the bookend strategy is when the introduction and conclusion statements connect to support the body between them.

You may start your personal statement with a heart-wrenching story about how you watched your beloved pet die of the wrong diagnosis. Then, for your conclusion, you can call back on this story and state how this event fuels you to pursue veterinary practice.

The bookend strategy is a clean and efficient way how to end your personal statement.

Ask Help From Your Family And Friends

If you’re still stuck on how to end a personal statement, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Approach your family and friends because they know you more than anyone. Read to them the introduction and body of your personal statement.

Ask them what particular line struck them the most. Maybe they know something about you that you missed including in your personal statement. What characteristics do they see in you that will help you succeed in your course?

Gather their answers in one place, and after reading them in one go, you now have a decent idea of what to emphasise in your conclusion statement.

Never State That It’s The “Conclusion” Or “Summary”

The most boring, generic way to end a personal statement is to write “In conclusion” or “In summary.” It’s actually one of the topics we cover in  what not to put in a personal statement .

Avoid this writing style at all costs. A good conclusion statement doesn’t require explicit announcements.

By its style and structure alone, the reader knows immediately they’re about to read a lasting statement. So don’t hesitate to proceed straight to the major points. As long as the conclusion connects seamlessly with the previous paragraph, you’re good to go!

Stay Authentic

Universities hold honesty in high esteem. Show authenticity and honesty in your personal statement beginning with an attention-grabbing introduction to a strong conclusion.

The best way to radiate honesty in your personal statement is to write from the right mindset. When you work on your personal statement, your objective is to show  who you are and demonstrate why you are a worthy candidate for the course .

Don’t try to impress. If you come from that standpoint, you’re more likely to add embellishments. The experienced admissions committee can smell insincere personal statements from a mile away. So stick with who you are and let your personality shine through.

Give Yourself A Break, Then Come Back To It

When working on how to conclude a personal statement, you need to give yourself time. After writing a rough draft of your conclusion statement, take a break and return to it after a few days. 

When you return to it, you’ll be surprised to notice details you haven’t seen before. Edit as you like, and make it better. Keep the old versions of your conclusion at hand so you can readily compare them with your newest, edited text. Compare and choose which one sounds better.

5 Bad Examples For A Personal Statement Conclusion

These are 5 personal statement examples for conclusions that don’t meet the criteria outlined above.

  • In this application essay, I have made it clear I am an outstanding candidate for a degree because I think everyone will love my positive attitude and I deserve it.
  • In summary, you can see my highlighted qualifications and experience, I know they’re not the best, but I want to stress that my passion for this field is what sets me apart as a candidate. It shouldn’t matter if the others are more qualified or experienced than me.
  • Remember the skills I have, that’s really what sets me apart from other students, they don’t have what it takes to break the rules creatively and not follow the book.
  • Finally, I would like to thank you for considering me for this opportunity and I hope you will make the right decision by choosing me, otherwise, I may cry and be disappointed.
  • As a final note, it’s easy to see how qualified I am for this degree and how I will excel in it – but you should accept me because I’m cool and will get along with everyone else.

5 Amazing Examples Of A Personal Statement Ending

  • In conclusion, I am excited about the opportunity to study computer science at this university. My passion for technology, combined with my programming skills and experience, make me an ideal candidate for the program. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the research community. I am confident that this program will enable me to achieve my career goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of technology.
  • In summary, I have always been fascinated by the human body and its functions. My experience in volunteering in hospitals, combined with my academic record, makes me confident in my ability to handle the rigours of a medical degree. I am excited about the opportunity to study at this esteemed university and to contribute to the field of medicine through research and patient care.
  • To wrap things up, I am excited to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at this university. My passion for designing and building, combined with my experience in physics and mathematics, make me confident that I have the knowledge and skills to excel in this program. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the field of mechanical engineering through research and innovation.
  • Finally, I am honoured to be considered for a law degree at this university. My passion for justice, combined with my research skills and experience, make me an ideal candidate for the program. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from the esteemed faculty and to contribute to the legal field through research and practice.
  • As a final note, I am excited to pursue a degree in Environmental Science at this university. My passion for the environment, combined with my experience in environmental research, makes me confident that I have the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in this field. I am eager to learn from the esteemed faculty and contribute to the field through research and conservation efforts.

How Long Should the Conclusion To A Personal Statement Be?

A personal statement conclusion should be 150-200 words long and leave a positive lasting impression on the reader. A UCAS personal statement should be 4000 characters long, making the conclusion 705-940 characters long – this is just a rough estimation based on the average number of characters per word (4.7).

Do You Feel More Confident Writing A Personal Statement Conclusion?

To  end your personal statement  in the best possible way, you need to know the body’s key points. Use them as pillars when deciding which direction your conclusion takes. 

Will you highlight your future goals? Maybe you want to focus on your why? Take the time to decide. And if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends so you can leave a lasting impression on the applications committee.

How much did this article help you out? Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference!

how to end psychology personal statement

Real Alumni Stories

Learn more about our alumni through their success stories.

  • Real stories about our Alumni
  • Students share their programme experiences
  • Case studies from Alumni heading to Oxbridge
  • Alumni insights and stats

Empower Your Child's Future: Book Your Complimentary Consultation Now

  • Receive tailored advice to match your child's interests and goals.
  • Gain insights from our experienced programme consultants.
  • Get answers in real-time, making your decision-making process smoother and more informed.

Immerse Education advisor

Subscribe to the Immerse Education newsletter for £100 off your programme*

* Terms and Conditions may apply

Download Our Prospectus

how to end psychology personal statement

  • I'm a Parent
  • I'm a Student
  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Phone number *
  • Which subjects interest you? (Optional) Architecture Artificial Intelligence Banking and Finance Biology Biotechnology Business Management Chemistry Coding Computer Science Creative Writing Criminology Economics Encryption and Cybersecurity Engineering English Literature Entrepreneurship Fashion and Design Female Future Leaders Film and Animation Fine and Digital Art Film Studies Global Society and Sustainability History International Relations Law Marketing and Entertainment Mathematics Medicine Medicine and Health Sciences Media and Journalism Nanotechnology Natural Sciences Philosophy Philosophy Politics and Economics Physics Psychology Software Development and AI Software Development and Gaming Veterinary Studies Online Research Programme

Secure priority enrolment for our new summer school location with a small refundable deposit.

" * " indicates required fields

Receive priority enrolment for new summer school locations by registering your interest below.

Our programme consultant will contact you to talk about your options.

  • Family Name *
  • Phone Number
  • Yes. See Privacy Policy.

Subject is unavailable at location

You have selected a subject that is not available at the location that you have previously chosen.

The location filter has been reset, and you are now able to search for all the courses where we offer the subject.

  • Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
  • Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

  • Private Oxbridge Consultation
  • International Oxbridge Consultation
  • Postgraduate Applications Guidance
  • Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

  • The Premier Service
  • Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend (2024 is Fully Booked)

Targeted Support

  • Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
  • Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
  • Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support
  • Oxbridge Interview Preparation Day 2024

Application Guidance

  • ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
  • Teacher Training Workshop
  • Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

  • Personal Statement Group Workshop
  • Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

  • Admissions Test Day
  • Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

  • Interview Preparation Day
  • Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

  • Oxbridge Interview Resources
  • Admissions Tests Resources
  • Student Library
  • Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

  • Become A Tutor
  • Our Offices
  • Dukes Education

News & Press

  • Widening Access
  • Publications
  • Sign In Register
  • Sign In    Register

Psychology Personal Statement Guide

Writing a personal statement is not simple, as it demands a lot from you. It requires you to be introspective and analytical about your opinions, interests, and motivations. It wants you to show yourself to your best advantage without coming across as arrogant and boastful . It asks you to convince people you’ve never met to offer a place on their course to someone they have little knowledge of. All of this in 4000 characters or fewer? Not so easy.

This guide is designed to help you navigate this challenging, but hopefully ultimately rewarding, task by taking you through what makes a good and a not-so-good psychology personal statement. It will give you a very good idea of what a personal statement is and isn’t, as well as what admissions tutors are looking for, and how to present yourself in the best light. The guide will lead you through the following points:

  • Why are Personal Statements Important?
  • What Should I Include in a Psychology Personal Statement?  
  • What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start a Psychology Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish a psychology personal statement  .

how to end psychology personal statement

What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement ?  

While personal statements should be personal to you, yours should not be about your own psychological or mental health history . Even if some or all of your motivation for studying the subject stems from this, it would be inappropriate to state as much since you should retain a scientifically objective interest in the formal academic subject beyond how it might be relevant to you personally.

You should also avoid talking about how the degree might help you to understand your own mentality or psychological health as this isn’t a guaranteed outcome of the course, and could suggest you’ve misunderstood what it involves.

Remember to maintain a formal, professional, and academic detachment and tone throughout.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

The start of your personal statement should set out why you’re interested in the subject and why you’d like to study it at university.

You should always avoid using quotations or clichés as these come across as hackneyed; instead, use simple and straightforward language that is appealing and memorable . You want to create a good impression through your own words, not someone else’s.

If you’re struggling with the first line, it might help to draft some reasons for your interest and motivation separately and incorporate these later. Once you have begun, make sure your statement follows a sensible order and that its structure is clear from reading it.

Like with the initial impression from the statement’s introduction, the final impression made on the reader should be a positive one that excites them and leaves them with a genuine sense of who you are and why you’re applying.

Without repeating what you’ve already said, you should try to emphasise the extent of your interest and why you’d like to study psychology. Plans for how you'd like to expand your academic performance at university can come into this section, as can any ambitions the degree could assist you with further down the line.

The important point to remember is that you want to leave the reader thinking it would be the best course of action to invite you to an interview or make you an offer

  • What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Psychology Personal Statement?
  • How Long Should my Psychology Personal Statement Be?
  • What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Psychology Personal Statement?
  • How Can I Tailor my Psychology Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Refine your interests by looking into the broad areas of psychology that most universities will offer, e.g. developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, etc. Do some research into what appeals most to you through books and articles, and take notes so you can highlight your own personal informed interests where appropriate throughout the statement. This will give a much better impression than repeating what you know from your school syllabus.

Try to mention in the statement the academic skills you already possess and how these might equip you for success during the degree, e.g. your mathematical competency for dealing with statistics, or your experimental experience in the sciences. If you’ve won any academic prizes or awards, then by all means mention them but only if they’re made relevant to your ultimate study of psychology.

Your statement will be restricted to 4000 characters (including spaces) or to 47 lines of the UCAS form, whichever you reach first. Needless to say, such a limit makes every word count even more than usual, so it’s best to try to use all 4000 characters to express everything you need to. Create a list of points you want to include and tick them off to ensure you don’t omit anything.

So many activities you do outside the classroom will be underpinned by psychology, e.g. playing or coaching sports, gaming, and interacting with animals to name a few. Anything you do mention should go towards establishing your profile as a capable and skilled potential student of psychology, but these activities don’t necessarily need to relate directly – they could teach you different skills that would come in useful during the degree, such as research skills or empathy. Any mention of non-academic pursuits should be kept to a minimum and always related back to the subject you intend to study.

Whilst you cannot make your statement too specific to any one university, there are certain things you can do to ensure Oxbridge tutors know you are thinking of them.

Oxford and Cambridge value intellectual curiosity, an appreciation of interdisciplinary interest, and flexible thinking that allows you to test ideas. It’s therefore advisable to consider what evidence you have of these attributes which you can incorporate into your statement. Good examples of this would be challenging current ways of thinking, going beyond the confines of your school syllabus, or conducting an experiment with surprising results. In addition, given the system of small group teaching at the two universities and the onus they place on independent study, showing some evidence of academic autonomy would help to prove your suitability for their courses.

Book your Psychology Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.  

If you’d like to know more about Psychology, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.  

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

  • Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
  • Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ

  • Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
  • Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
  • Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
  • Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
  • Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
  • Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
  • Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Safeguarding & Child Protection
  • Company Registration Number: 3757054

Recently Updated Blogs

Blog how can i make last-minute improvements to my admissions test performance, blog how important is the admissions test to my oxbridge application, blog a beginner’s guide to the ucas personal statement, blog how to save admissions tutors from a lacklustre personal statement, blog will my cambridge interview be online or in-person, choosing a college, a slippery question, added to cart.

Doxa | Application Experts

Exemplar Psychology Personal Statement with annotations from Successful Student

How to write the perfect russell group psychology personal statement, an example personal statement with annotations from a successful applicant.

The study of Psychology appeals to me because it involves both the logic and rigour of science as well as the humanity of art. I first discovered this duality in Sacks’ “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”, a beautiful recording of patients with fascinating neurological abnormalities. This interested me such that I delved into his earlier work “Awakenings”, in which Sacks gives a much better impression of what it was to be in both his position and that of the patient. Moreover, though the patients had the same aetiologies, and indeed similar comatose states resulting from encephalitis lethargica, they were distinctly unique. I found this to be scientifically intriguing, if frustrating were I to be in Sacks’ position! Indeed, whilst ‘Martha N.’ experienced a hallucinatory response to L-DOPA, ‘Frances D.’ would experience oculogyric or respiratory crises. Depending on dosage, and interestingly, circumstance: a day outing would decrease all symptoms. I found this non-pharmaceutical impact enlightening.

[1] The personal statement begins by highlighting the applicant's fascination with the study of Psychology, emphasizing its unique blend of scientific rigor and humanistic understanding. Their mention of Oliver Sacks' works, "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" and "Awakenings," demonstrates their early exposure to the complexities of neurological abnormalities and the diverse experiences of patients.

[2] The applicant's scientific curiosity is evident in their intrigue about the distinct manifestations of encephalitis lethargica among patients, despite similar underlying causes. This scientific puzzle captured their interest and sparked a desire to understand the intricacies of the human brain and behavior.

After reading these works, I wanted to learn more about psychiatry. I work shadowed and interviewed psychiatric staff at University College London Hospital (UCLH). As well as learning more about the implications of psychological principles (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy etc.) I saw more clearly the relevance of philosophy and ethics to the subject. Indeed a schizophrenic patient came to my attention whose anti-social actions had to be considered alongside the severity of his illness. This case of schizophrenia particularly interested me, so I studied Robert Sapolsky’s lecture at Stanford University, using it as a platform to better understand the perspectives and stories of schizophrenic speakers such as Eleanor Longden and Elyn Saks.

[3] The mention of shadowing and interviewing psychiatric staff at University College London Hospital (UCLH) showcases the applicant's proactive engagement with the field of psychiatry. Their recognition of the relevance of philosophy and ethics in understanding psychological principles highlights their appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of Psychology.

[4] The applicant's exploration of Robert Sapolsky's lecture at Stanford University and their study of the experiences of schizophrenic speakers deepens their understanding of mental illnesses and the perspectives of those affected by them. This demonstrates their commitment to seeking knowledge beyond traditional academic resources.

As I grew more enthusiastic about psychology, I wanted to share what I’d learnt and learn more myself. Thus I co-founded The Psychology Society at City of London School (CLS, where I have been full scholarship holder since 2014). At our weekly meetings, my co-head and I alternately present on topics related to psychology (which we research and prepare PowerPoint presentations for over the 2 intervening weeks). This autumn term we welcome our first speaker, Dr Laurence McKenna of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, and will continue to discuss, present and learn with our members! Further, I have completed my John Carpenter Essay (the CLS equivalent of the EPQ) on The Psychology of Evil. Chiefly amongst my research for this paper was reading Zero Degrees of Empathy by Simon Baron-Cohen and The Lucifer Effect by Phillip Zimbardo. The first of these taught me about the various pathologies that result in “empathy erosion”: a more explicable phrase than ‘evil’ that increases the potential for social action. In the second I learnt about the Stanford Prison Experiment and its parallels with the horrors of Abu Ghraib. It was particularly emphasised that cruelty isn’t a solely dispositional issue, it is situational and systemic. In my essay, I discuss both books in much more detail.

[5] The co-founding of The Psychology Society at City of London School (CLS) demonstrates the applicant's leadership skills and their dedication to sharing their passion for Psychology with others. The inclusion of a planned speaker and ongoing discussions with society members further highlights their commitment to fostering a learning community.

[6] The completion of a research essay on "The Psychology of Evil" showcases the applicant's ability to critically engage with psychological concepts and draw insights from influential works by Simon Baron-Cohen and Phillip Zimbardo. Their recognition of the situational and systemic factors influencing cruelty demonstrates their nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena.

Outside school, I am a Young Leader at my local Cub Scout section. I have been involved in Scouting in some capacity for almost 10 years. And so I was awarded the Jack Petchey Award recognising my dedication. I have used my Scouting Skills to complete the expedition criteria for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, which I am on track to earn next year. Moreover I have been awarded ‘half colours’ for my contribution to the CLS Charity Committee. Also, every school week this past academic year, I taught Chemistry to a GCSE student as part of the CLS Mentoring Scheme, and I volunteer at ‘The Soup Kitchen’ once a month. Beyond volunteering, I am a keen runner, having participated in the London Mini Marathon.

[7] The mention of involvement in scouting, earning the Jack Petchey Award, and working towards the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award highlights the applicant's commitment to personal development, leadership, and community engagement outside of academic pursuits. Their volunteering at "The Soup Kitchen" and participation in charity activities further exemplify their dedication to making a positive impact on society.

[8] The applicant's mention of mentoring a GCSE student in Chemistry and their passion for running further showcase their commitment to supporting others and maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.  

Received offers from:

UCL (accepted)

King’s College London

Why is this a good Oxbridge Psychology personal statement?

Overall, this personal statement effectively portrays the applicant's intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, leadership abilities, community engagement, and commitment to personal and academic growth.

Their genuine passion for Psychology, demonstrated through their extensive reading, extracurricular involvement, and active pursuit of knowledge, makes them a strong candidate for pursuing a Psychology degree at Oxford or Cambridge.

LATEST RESOURCES

Your Guide to the John Locke Essay Competition

The Uni Guide has a fresh new look

  • Teacher training
  • Bangor University
  • Birmingham City University
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Hull
  • University of Kent
  • University of Reading
  • Personal statements
  • Ucas application
  • A-level choices
  • Choosing a course
  • Student life
  • Student finance
  • Where to start with applying to uni

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps

  • The Ucas personal statement is changing in 2025
  • Teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement
  • How to write your personal statement in an evening
  • How to write your university application
  • Which university is right for you?
  • What you need to know about getting a university scholarship, grant or bursary
  • How to decide on a university course
  • Is a higher or degree apprenticeship right for you?
  • Universities

By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 21 September 2023 | 10 min read

Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from universities 

 Get tips from the top to help you nail your psychology personal statement 

Share this page

Email & print.

how to end psychology personal statement

The university application personal statement is changing in 2025
University admissions service Ucas has announced that a new style of personal statement will be launched in 2025. This will affect anyone making a university application from autumn 2025 onwards.

.

Research the course and make it clear that you understand what it’s all about

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

Keep it focused on you 

… but make sure you understand what the course is all about and keep it academic.

  • Read more:  how to write your university application

Answer the question of why you want to study psychology 

  • Read more:  teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Show the range of your interest

  • Read more:  personal statement FAQs

Highlight any relevant work experience

  • Read more:  the ten biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement

And work experience outside the healthcare sector could still be relevant, too

  • Read more:  universities reveal all about personal statements

Reflect on your relevant experience

  • Read more:  universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

Avoid cliches

  • Read more:  how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Let it all flow out in your first draft

  • Read more:  how long does it take for universities to reply to your application? 

Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly where you want your career to take you yet

And a few final tips from universities…, you may want to look at these....

Help and advice on putting your application together

Personal statement FAQs

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

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

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

Related to this article

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

  • Search Advice
  • Search courses &/or universities

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

Promoted universities

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

Browse expert advice

  • University open days
  • Clearing and results day
  • Preparing for university
  • Student accommodation
  • Oxbridge applications
  • Ucas deadline 2024 countdown
  • GCSE choices and university
  • Making firm and insurance choices
  • Advice for parents

About this site

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

Who we work with

  • Your account settings

Ad privacy settings

Popular tools and features

  • A-level Explorer
  • Course search

how to end psychology personal statement

Connect with us

ESLDIRECT.COM

ESL Resources for Job Hunters, English Learners, Adult Learners and Tutors

How to Write a Personal Statement for Psychology: With [Examples]

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for psychology courses with helpful tips and examples.

What do a volunteer in a program for homeless children, a future college lecturer, and a medical student with a passion for supporting high achievers with ADHD have in common? They all want to study psychology.

By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to write an outstanding personal statement for psychology.

psychology personal statement

Table of Contents

What is a psychology personal statement, what are the different stages of writing a personal statement for psychology, psychology personal statement example #1, psychology personal statement example #2, psychology personal statement example #3, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s a professional essay that outlines your interest and knowledge in the field, along with your relevant qualifications and career goals. You will also explain how you fit with the psychology program to which you are applying.

A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to psychology and your enthusiasm for learning. The statement should provide insight into why you are interested in studying psychology.

Furthermore, the statement should highlight any skills and experiences you have, such as research experience or volunteer work.

For example,

“I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

1. Understand the Course and Application Requirements

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the specific requirements of the psychology course you’re applying for.

Ask your chosen university or college for any specific guidance they may have and read it carefully.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with any guidelines including word count, and list any information you should include in your personal statement.

2. Identify your interests

Writing a personal statement for a psychology course can seem daunting, but breaking it down into individual steps can be much easier.

Start by identifying your experience, interests and skills, including, work experience, conferences you have attended, and voluntary work.

“With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.”

Be sure to explain reasons for your interest in the branches of psychology that the course may cover, and provide examples from your own life when possible.

Let your passion for the subject and your natural curiosity shine through in your personal statement, and make sure it is original and specific to your experiences.

3. Write down your initial ideas

When writing a personal statement for psychology, it is important to plan properly by writing down your initial ideas.

This idea list should include your experiences, interests, and skills related to psychology and why you are applying to study psychology.

Use your initial ideas to create an outline for your personal statement that includes a brief introduction about yourself and why you want to study psychology. Choose the experiences that made an impact on you, particularly if they relate to your future career.

“…my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level.”

Think about how to make your opening sentences captivating and relevant, as this will be your first impression on the reader. Use short, punchy sentences to grab the reader’s attention.

4. Write your personal statement

Start with an engaging opening paragraph. Make sure to use a professional and formal writing style, avoid jokes, and make sure your personality comes through in your writing.

‘I am excited to apply to study psychology at postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age, when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.’

Allocate one paragraph to each point on your list. Make sure your statement is specific and original, and avoid long-winded sentences.

Once you have your first draft, seek feedback from classmates as well as tutors. Incorporate any comments, feedback, and suggestions that improve your statement.

5. Revise your personal statement

  • Wait 24 hours, then read over your final draft and check for grammar or spelling mistakes. Read it out loud or have someone else read it for you to ensure it is clear, informative and personal.
  • Ensure your personal statement is original and specific to your experiences.
  • Stay away from any negative content unless talking about how a difficult experience has made you stronger and more resilient, which will make you a better student.
  • Keep redrafting until you feel it is as polished as possible.

I am excited to apply to study psychology at a postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School, I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.

During my undergraduate degree in biology, I was the president of the psychology club, where I worked with graduate students to complete several independent research projects on topics relating to young learners. As a result, I am keen to become a child psychologist, focusing on supporting young people who are homeless and in the foster care system.

I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me a strong candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at a higher level and become part of a new learning community.

With every academic paper and publication, I read since beginning to study medicine and psychology, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in helping patients, psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am full of admiration for grassroots charities making sure that all patients can access high-quality, affordable care.

With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.

While I enjoy being involved in this type of community project and foresee my involvement continuing for many years, my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level. I maintain a 4.0 GPA and have taken three extra credit courses while acting as a research assistant for Professor Dimbleby one day a week.

I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to join a world-class team at Cornell to become the best that I can be and support others to be their best.

I have long had an interest in better understanding psychopathologies and wish to pursue a psychiatry residency at Ramsey Hospital after graduating from Cold Springs University Medical School. It has been fascinating to see the societal change in terms of acknowledging and talking about mental and social issues such as depression and anxiety as well as the contribution and importance of the inclusion of neurodivergent people in our communities. As a future psychiatrist, I am committed to treating every patient with respect and dignity, ensuring I am treating the person rather than focusing only on the diagnosis.

My psychiatry rotation during medical school was an enriching experience and I became confident in taking patients’ psychiatric history and conducting mental status exams. My ability to build rapport with patients and question them directly but respectfully, improved over the six weeks and I look forward to focusing more on these skills as I gain a deeper understanding of effective psychiatric care.

Last year I volunteered with a charity supporting mental health and neurodivergence awareness in Hanoi, Viet Nam, as I feel a deep connection with that country, thanks to having Vietnamese-American relatives. I learned that there are very few psychologists and even fewer clinical psychiatrists who can prescribe medication and treatment. As increasing numbers of teenagers and adults as well as younger children are being diagnosed with ADHD, as in the US, there are often long waiting times, and challenges in accessing medication. There is much work to be done on the use of non-stimulants to treat ADHD where stimulants such as amphetamines are ineffective and I completed my final research paper on this topic.

In Vietnam it was interesting to me to encounter some of the same prejudices as my older sister encountered from relatives and her primary care doctor, who insisted that my sister could not have ADHD because she is a well-paid, successful accountant. The struggle to balance and often hide symptoms of her condition has left my sister battling anxiety and depression and I am particularly interested in developments in treating ADHD in combination with depression, severe anxiety and other psychiatric conditions.

Following my residency my goal is to qualify as a psychologist and practice locally in Arizona while offering continuing long-distance support via Zoom to the team in Hanoi. I am determined to become an outstanding psychiatrist, enhancing my patients’ emotional well-being while supporting them as individuals with the best and most professional care.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What format should I use for my personal statement for psychology?

Your personal statement should include a brief introduction about yourself, your experiences, any past knowledge and why you want to study this specific course. Also include details of your relevant hands-on experiences (research, internship, volunteer, work, etc.) and what you learned from them.

Additionally, if you are applying to a PhD program, make sure to mention the name of the faculty member(s) you are applying to.

How should I structure my personal statement for psychology?

A personal statement for psychology should begin with an introduction about yourself, such as your experiences and any past knowledge that relates to the field, as well as why you want to study psychology.

The body of your statement should go into depth on your relevant hands-on experiences, such as research, internships, volunteering, or work. Be sure to provide details about what you did, the names of any organizations or people you worked with, and what you learned from the experience.

The conclusion should show how you are a good fit for the school/program/faculty member you are applying to, such as how the experience you mentioned has solidified your interest in the field.

Finally, it is important to ensure your statement flows. Take time to edit and proofread your statement to make sure everything connects and is cohesive.

What topics should I focus on in my personal statement for psychology?

Consider the aspects of the psychology course that you enjoy the most and do some additional reading beyond what you’ve been taught.

Additionally, provide specific examples of how you’ve pursued your interest in the subject, such as writing about a topic you’ve studied that you find fascinating or discussing a book or blog post that made you want to learn more.

Finally, consider which field of psychology you would like to specialize in and why.

What level of detail should I go into for my personal statement for psychology?

It’s important to go into specific detail about your interests and skills.

Avoid sweeping generalisations (I always get high grades) and give focused details (I maintain a 3.9 GPA).

Research the course you are applying for so you have a realistic idea of what you will be doing on it, and make sure to articulate why you want to study psychology.

What should I avoid when writing my personal statement for psychology?

When writing your personal statement for psychology, there are a few things you should avoid in order to give yourself the best chance of getting onto your desired course.

  • Firstly, avoid using an informal writing style or telling jokes. Use a professional and formal tone when injecting personality into your statement.
  • Be mindful of not giving too much personal information in terms of speaking about your own life events, mental health challenges, or learning difficulties unless they have made you stronger.
  • Finally, pay attention to your tone and avoid phrases such as “less fortunate people”. Stay away from using sophisticated language or phrases if you don’t understand them. Be honest and original.

How can I get feedback on my personal statement for psychology?

Ask trusted individuals, such as professors, mentors, and friends, to read over your statement and give feedback. This will help you to identify any errors or missing information that you may have overlooked.

  • Personal Statement versus Statement of Purpose
  • How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement: With Examples
  • Residency Personal Statement Examples: Top Tips for Best Length, Content, and Structure
  • Statement of Purpose Examples: How to Write the Best One for You?
  • Nursing Personal Statement Examples in 2023
  • How to write a Resume Personal Statement That Gets You the Job – with Examples and Tips
  • Pharmacy Personal Statement Examples: How to Write a Strong Statement for Pharmacy School
  • How to Write a Personal Statement for Engineering: Examples and Advice
  • Best Internal Medicine Personal Statement Examples For Residency
  • MBA Personal Statement Examples for Graduate Applicants
  • Law Personal Statement Examples to Help With Your Law School Application
  • How to Write a Personal Statement for Criminology: With Helpful Examples

Where to start

  • Ultimate Guides
  • Virtual Work Experiences
  • Chat to students
  • UCAS events
  • Apprenticeships

Subject guides

  • Subject tasters

Industry guides

Where to go.

  • Universities and colleges

City guides

  • Types of employment
  • Write a cover letter
  • Starting work
  • Career quiz

Before you apply

  • Campus open days
  • What and where to study
  • Distance learning
  • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
  • Studying at a college
  • Pros and cons of university

Applying to university

  • Dates and deadlines

Personal statement

  • UCAS Tariff points
  • Individual needs

After applying

  • Track your application
  • Decisions and offers

Results day

Clearing and results day, conservatoires.

  • Fees and finance
  • How to apply

Replying to offers

  • Tracking your application

Postgraduate

  • Choosing a course
  • Fees, loans, and funding
  • Teacher training
  • International students
  • Student finance
  • Scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Additional funding

  • Managing money

Student life

  • Starting uni or college
  • Mental health and wellbeing

Accommodation

  • Accommodation for apprentices
  • Accommodation for disabled students
  • Apply for student accommodation
  • Find the right accommodation
  • The ultimate packing list
  • Visas and immigration
  • English Language Tests (ELTs)
  • Choosing the right course
  • Entry requirements
  • International clearing guide

Financial information

  • Available finance options
  • Saving money
  • UK bank accounts
  • Support for refugees and asylum seekers

Extra support

  • Adjusting to the UK
  • Application tips
  • Available support
  • Checklist for moving to the UK
  • International FAQs
  • Support organisations

Student recruitment and marketing

  • Drive applications through Clearing
  • Drive applications through Extra
  • Exhibiting as a university or college
  • Improve conversions
  • Improve your competitive strategy
  • Increase brand awareness
  • International
  • Provider pages

Data products and solutions

  • Application and decision tracker
  • Competitor insight dashboard
  • Course feasibility
  • Leaky Hosepipe solution
  • Outreach Elevator
  • Student decision report
  • Untapped Geographies

Managing applications

  • Availability of UCAS data
  • Fraud and similarity
  • HESA return
  • Link services
  • Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)
  • Results Processing Service (ABL)
  • Systems and services guides

Qualification Information Services

  • Qualification Information Profiles (QIPs)
  • Qualification guides and resources
  • UCAS Tariff

Products as part of your membership

  • Recruitment, marketing and admissions services

Provider news and updates

  • UCAS correspondents bulletin

Provider developments

  • Upcoming developments
  • Previous updates
  • UCAS maintenance schedule
  • Service status

Test and training environments

  • HEP1 and HEP2

Link product development

  • Availability of new features
  • UCAS Link API strategy
  • Groups and forums

Admissions guides and resources

  • Conservatoire admissions guide and resources
  • Provider contact types
  • Undergraduate admissions guide and resources

Good practice

  • Admissions policies
  • Admissions processes
  • Applicant experience
  • Collection tool help
  • Contextualised admissions
  • Equality and diversity
  • Supporting disadvantages and under-represented groups
  • Unconditional offers
  • Widening access and participation

Online learning

Provider engagement.

  • Annual provider update

Adviser news

  • Adviser portal
  • Key dates timeline
  • Newsletters
  • Adviser lives
  • Qualification reform

Discovery events

  • Getting ready for UCAS Discovery
  • Events training

Create your future events

Conferences.

  • Teacher and adviser conference 2024
  • International Teachers and Advisers Conference

Events calendar 2024

Cycle toolkits.

  • Adviser 2025 toolkit
  • Conservatoire application toolkit
  • Supporting students with individual needs

Lesson activities

  • Classroom resources
  • Lesson plans

Develop your adviser skills

  • Practical ways to guide students
  • Help finding work experience
  • Events and summer school
  • Positive career discussions
  • Advice about GCSE choices

Online training

  • Personal development platform
  • Adviser tips

Tools and resources

  • UCAS hub guide
  • Digital training
  • Progression pathways

Pre application support

  • Bursaries, scholarships, and financial support
  • Help writing personal statements
  • Student budget planner
  • Alternatives to A Levels
  • Higher education options

Application overview

  • Application deadlines
  • Application process
  • Exam results process
  • Monitor student progression
  • Predicted grades
  • Undergraduate references 2024
  • Reference processes and terminology
  • Conservatoire references

UCAS registered centres

  • Becoming a UCAS registered centre
  • Getting started
  • Teachers and advisers

International advisers

  • Clearing guide for international students
  • Qualifications advice
  • Supporting international students

Confirmation and Clearing

  • ACSL guidance
  • Clearing essentials
  • Conservatoires confirmation
  • International students guide
  • Reach talent and acquisition

Apprentices with UCAS

Career finder, employer profiles, multichannel campaigns, apprentices, international guides, make the most of clearing, smart financial decisions.

  • Filling in your application

Making changes to your application

How to get a reference, results process, application cancellation request form.

  • Requests for personal data
  • Notifications
  • Preferences
  • Provider Homepage
  • Provider Dashboard
  • Student Hub
  • Adviser Homepage
  • Adviser Portal
  • How to end your personal statement
  • Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
  • Amendments to the Tariff consultation
  • Offer rate calculator
  • How to use the offer rate calculator
  • Understanding historical entry grades data
  • Admissions tests
  • Deferred entry
  • Staying safe online
  • How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
  • The new personal statement for 2026 entry
  • How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
  • How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
  • Introducing the personal statement tool
  • Personal statement dos and don'ts
  • What to include in a personal statement
  • Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement

Using your personal statement beyond a university application

  • Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
  • Personal statement advice: animal science
  • Personal statement advice: biology
  • Personal statement advice: business and management
  • Personal statement advice: chemistry
  • Personal statement advice and example: computer science
  • Personal statement advice: dance
  • Personal statement advice: dentistry
  • Personal statement advice: drama
  • Personal statement advice: economics
  • Personal statement advice: engineering
  • Personal statement advice: english
  • Personal statement advice: geography
  • Personal statement advice: history
  • Personal statement advice: law
  • Personal statement advice: maths
  • Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
  • Personal statement advice: medicine
  • Personal statement advice: midwifery
  • Personal statement advice: modern languages
  • Personal statement advice: music
  • Personal statement advice: nursing
  • Personal statement advice: pharmacy
  • Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
  • Personal statement advice: politics
  • Personal statement advice: psychology
  • Personal statement advice: social work
  • Personal statement advice: sociology
  • Personal statement advice: sports science
  • Personal statement advice: statistics
  • Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
  • Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
  • Personal statement: finance and accounting
  • Personal statement advice: architecture, building and planning
  • Personal statement advice: art and design
  • Personal statement advice: environmental science
  • Personal statement advice: marketing
  • Personal statement advice: philosophy
  • Personal statement advice: photography
  • Personal statement advice: physics
  • References for mature students

You want to leave the admissions tutor reading your personal statement with a strong lasting impression – one that will leave them no choice but to make you an offer (or invite you to an interview).

There are several ways you can do this.

HE Careers Adviser Liz says:

A good ending can link back to what you claim at the beginning or be a short summary as to what you’re looking forward to at university, new challenges etc… or even your commitment as to why you would be an ideal candidate (without bragging).

Read more here about how to begin a personal statement . Then follow our tips on how to bring it all together at the end.

how to end psychology personal statement

Think about what you’re writing in this critical spot – what’s your reason for including it here? Keep the ending of your personal statement short, concise and to the point.

Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

How to end your personal statement: what to write.

A key academic skill at degree level is being able to form a structured written argument, including a conclusion that summarises the key points. 

As Liverpool student Joseph says:

You don’t want a conclusion in the same way as you would for an essay, as that’s just taking away from your word count. Don’t draw it out.’

In other words, keep it to the point and punchy.

There’s no set way to end your statement. Instead, think about the following and how it might help you to stand out: 

Tie it back to what you’ve written earlier

Revisit the key points you’ve already spoken about in the main body of your personal statement and emphasise them again in your conclusion. This could be reiterating key skills, interests, and experiences you’ve already touched on, giving them one last chance to hit home (but don’t just regurgitate what you’ve already said).

Talk about the future

Looking to the future is an optimistic way to finish. It shows you’re goal-oriented, and you’ve carefully thought about how this course fits into your plans. You don’t need to have the next ten years mapped out, but if you’ve a broad sense of your career path – or any related life ambitions you want to fill – it’s worth mentioning them here, as well as how this course will help you achieve those.

Learn more about career prospects for your subject (and more) in our subject guides .

Think about your university experience

You could conclude by talking more generally about what you want to get from your overall university experience. For instance:

  • Would you like to build your confidence meeting people from a variety of backgrounds?
  • Are you hoping to engage with a local community through a mutual passion or vocation?

Also, talk about how you will be an asset to a university. 

Remember, all of your UCAS choices will see your personal statement , so it may be best to keep it general, rather than being specific about one university.

The personal statement tool image

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

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

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

Find out more

Chloe ng – higher education career coach, manchester metropolitan university.

  • Do tie it all in together – your passion for the subject and your future career.
  • Do think about what you will bring to the broader university experience (not just the academic side).
  • Do check your spelling and grammar – admissions tutors say it demonstrates an attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Don’t go off on a tangent right at the last minute.
  • Don’t list too many career ambitions at the end – keep it focused.
  • Don’t repeat yourself – they only need to read each point once.

Final thoughts

  • Be positive and remember concluding your personal statement is a reminder to the admissions tutor on why they should choose you over someone else.
  • If you’re struggling with the ending, take a break and come back to it.
  • Even though you might want it off your plate, it’s important not to rush the ending.
  • Re-reading what you’ve got so far may also help you see what you’d like to reiterate in (or leave out of) the conclusion.

Need more advice?

Mature students: Five things to do now to boost your personal statement

Starting your personal statement

Personal statement dos and don’ts

Writing your full personal statement

Search for a course and learn more, including modules, graduate stats, and student satisfaction scores.

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Explore live events management at lipa, make the most of your open day, top ten student money tips.

U2 Tuition

How to Write a Psychology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

This blog leads you through some of U2's Oxford and Cambridge-educated Psychology graduates' tips for building content for, writing and structuring your Psychology personal statements.  

Most University level Psychology courses do not require that students have taken Psychology at A-level or IB (in fact, some professors advise that students don't take it, because the A-Level/ IB syllabus is so different from what you learn at University). 

So, how do you demonstrate your aptitude for the course at university level? Whether you have studied Psychology at school, or are starting afresh, this blog will teach you how to ensure your Psychology personal statement stands out to interviewers for the top UK universities.

Creating a Psychology Personal Statement: Brain Scan and Academic Symbols on iPad

Tips for your Psychology Personal Statement

Few students will have written anything like a UCAS personal statement before - an approximate side of A4 on what exactly you have to offer. For some general tips on how to write a high-level and original personal statement, check out our blog on 10 Top Tips for Writing a Standout Oxbridge Personal Statement .

Your personal statement should integrate your personal interests, subject knowledge and extracurricular experience. For Psychology, we suggest focusing on three main areas: (1) highlight your personal interest in psychology, be it clinical psychology or the stigma surrounding mental health, and link this more explicitly to the range of ways you have explored the subject;

(2) emphasise your academic abilities and how these will ensure you suit the course e.g. You may mention your mathematical/ scientific abilities and how this complements/ facilitates your interest in empirically studying human behaviour; (3) discuss extra-curricular activities and how these also relate to your subject interest. E.g. Essay competitions, projects, lectures etc. 

(1) Highlight your personal interest in psychology and link this more explicitly to the range of ways you have explored the subject

If you have an initial interest in Psychology, but have not had a chance to explore it in-depth, or beyond the school syllabus, this should be the first step. Do not regurgitate your school syllabus. You’ll need to read and research the subject, refining your interests and building evidence of your wider exploration e.g. through reading books, articles and scientific research papers.

Ideas to direct your wider subject exploration:

One way of developing an early understanding of key aspects of Psychology is to briefly look at the compulsory modules of the courses that interest you and gain an initial overview of key themes/ topics through reading and research. E.g. The undergraduate psychology course at Oxford University covers: Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Neuroscience, so you could try to gain a quick appreciation of each module through research. Cambridge also provide a useful A-Z of key topics in Psychology.

After an initial introduction into broad areas of psychology and what they involve, focus in. Which areas pique your interest most? Keep a file with notes on each topic, read articles to extend your knowledge, and remember to relate concepts to your personal experience (e.g. examples from everyday life, real-world applications of concepts) so you don’t end up turning your personal statement into an essay. Why does [Insert topic] make you want to study Psychology at degree level? What catalysed your interest in [Insert topic]? Can you think of examples in your everyday life that relate? :

E.g. Following some research, you may find you are interested in Social Psychology, in particular group identity. What interests you about it? You may have read about ‘outgroup homogeneity’: the failure to see differences between members of of an out-group. Can you think of examples in your everyday experience? E.g. Racial prejudice?

Conversely, you may have started with thinking about racial prejudice, if that is something you are particularly passionate about, and that could have led you to research the psychology behind it, which could have brought you to Outgroup homogeneity. Either method is great. When it comes to writing your personal statement, it can be best to start with the personal experience/ interest and mention how this spurred you on to the academic research/ how your interest deepened with wider exploration.

Psychology Personal Statement Reading Recommendations

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Saks: This book provides case histories of patients who have suffered a range of neurological disorders. E.g. Patients who have lost their memories, patients with violent tics, those with disabilities, but who are mathematical geniuses.

Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman : Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences laureate, Kahneman, developed ‘Prospect theory’, a theory of the psychology of choice, which has been central to the relatively new field of behavioural economics.

The book provides a good overview of a variety of key topics and is particularly useful for those with a penchant for economics (thinking about interdisciplinarity and how your subjects of interest link is always great for your personal statement), or for those simply interested in real-world applications of theories.

Try to think of examples from your everyday life e.g. How decision making can be influenced by advertising and product placement.

Bad Science - Ben Goldachre: Dr Ben Goldacre is the author of the Bad Science column in the Guardian. This humorous book should encourage you to critically appraise articles that you read and stimulate a broader discussion on subjectivity/objectivity and empiricism in psychological research. Humans introduce bias into all research - e.g. Look into the spurious findings of fMRI research when researchers do not adequately account for ‘noise’ in the data.

The Memory Illusion – Dr Julia Shaw: Forensic psychologist and memory specialist, Dr Julia Shaw, uses the latest research to show the many ways in which our brains can be led astray by memory. Learn about how errors in reconstructing memory reflect inherent biases.

If you would like to learn more about memory, check out our co-curricular division, Minds Underground™’s Mind-Enhancing Articles for Psychology, where our Oxbridge psychologists examine the role of memory and other key psychology topics/ questions.

Four Wider Reading Psychology Books: Essential for a Strong Psychology Personal Statement

Also try to read some scientific papers and start thinking critically about them, and stay updated on developments in psychology and psychology in the news. E.g. Through reading The New Scientist - Psychology News , Neuroscience News , Naked Scientist Psychology articles & podcasts, or the Royal Society of Psychology research articles, podcasts and blog posts.

(2) Emphasise your academic abilities and how these will ensure you suit the Psychology course.

Throughout your personal statement, you should demonstrate how you have built skills in preparation for university and for studying Psychology .

To begin preparation, brainstorm your academic abilities and skills, and how these ensure you will suit the course/s you are applying for. Extensively research your top university choices, and see if they have a page dedicated to what they want from applicants. Fill a table as in the example below to help you relate your skills to the study of Psychology.

Table for Students to Fill Out Motivations for Studying Psychology: Psychology Personal Statement Preparation

(3) Discuss extra-curricular activities and how these relate to your subject interests

Many students mistake “extra-curricular activities” for non-subject-related activities such as sport, art, or music. Whilst you can mention these at the end of your personal statement, you are much better off mentioning co-curriculars that directly link to your subject, especially if applying to Oxford or Cambridge (non-academic activities should be 2-3 lines maximum to round-off your personal statement in this case).

If you can’t think of co-curricular activities to mention, now is the time to start finding opportunities to take part in! Here are some ideas:

Psychology Essay Competitions

Minds Underground hosts a Psychology Essay Competition each year. This year, the competition includes a Psychology Research Proposal Challenge, which is perfect for demonstrating independent research & initiative, and will encourage you to learn about experimental design, data collection, handling and analysis.

Also check out Oxford and Cambridge-run essay competitions e.g. Newnham College runs a Psychological & Behavioural Sciences competition each year.

Research Projects

You could task yourself with curating your own independent research project to mention on your personal statement.

3 Example Human Psychology Projects:

Investigating the effects of colour, word type, or other non-semantic factors on memory/reaction time/false memory recall of word lists

Influence of age/gender/multilingualism or any number of other factors on memory, number & word processing, any easily quantifiable metric.

An investigation into behavioural economics in the style of Kahneman & Tversky, looking at Type 1 & 2 decision making and how this can be influenced, for example, by advertising and product placement.

If you are looking to undertake a project under the tutelage of a Psychology subject expert, we also run specialised guided research projects through Minds Underground, usually a month in duration, with weekly project tutorial sessions (these are paid). E.g. “A Psychology or Medicine Project with a Research Associate for the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Oxford University Hospital Trust (NHS)” or “Psychiatrists & Pharmaceuticals: Alzheimer’s Research Project” with Psychology & Philosophy Oxford graduate, Georgia, who is studying for an MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at UCL.

The aim is to combine teaching of high-level subject-specific content with exposure to real-world applications of these concepts, giving you the opportunity to undertake a project that is both useful for a university application and potential future career.

The projects are great to mention on personal statements, and make impressive talking points at your interview, particularly for top UK universities such as Oxbridge (our project hosts are all Oxbridge-educated), who favour applicants with an interest in scientific research. 

Societies, Summer Schools & Lectures/ Talks

 Are you part of your school’s Psychology Society ? If the school doesn’t have one, could you start one up? Or if they have a STEM society, could you introduce a Psychology element or invite speakers for lectures?

We host a fantastic Psychology Summer School for university applicants, hosted by our team of Psychology Oxbridge graduates. The weekly sessions, running from July to September, will provide a taster of University level Psychology, to provide material which students can write about in personal statements, an discuss during their interviews

There are a plethora of online lectures and talks for you to access online - E.g. Gresham College Psychology lectures, or Ted Talks on Psychology

Psychology Summer School Course Outline: Enhancing Your Psychology Personal Statement

Additional Psychology Personal Statement Advice for those applying to Oxbridge: Oxford, Cambridge

Applying to leading courses like Cambridge's Psychological and Behavioural Sciences or Oxford's Experimental Psychology course requires a tailored approach in your personal statement. Here's how you can make your statement stand out for these Oxbridge courses, compared to non-Oxbridge programmes:

Research-Centric Focus:

Highlight your interest in research from the very beginning. Discuss specific research projects you've been involved in or research findings that have fascinated you.

Look into the cutting-edge research conducted at Cambridge or Oxford and see if anything aligns with your academic interests.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

Emphasise your readiness to explore the interdisciplinary aspects of psychology. These Oxbridge courses often connect psychology with other fields. Mention your interest in related subjects such as neuroscience, biology, or even philosophy, if relevant.

Discuss how these interdisciplinary connections will enrich your understanding of psychology and your research capabilities.

Critical Thinking and Independent Study:

Both Cambridge and Oxford value independent learning and critical thinking. Share your experiences with independent research, coursework, or self-study that demonstrate your ability to think critically and engage deeply with psychology.

Specific Course Features:

Relate some of your content to the unique features of the course at either Cambridge or Oxford. For example, Cambridge's Psychological and Behavioural Sciences course includes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding human behaviour. Oxford's Experimental Psychology course focuses on research design and data analysis.

Explain how these aspects align with your academic goals and career aspirations.

Psychology personal statement checklist with icons: light bulb for ideas, book for academic achievements

Use of Research Methods:

Try to demonstrate your familiarity with research methods and data analysis tools, as these are central to both courses. Highlight any coursework or projects that have developed your skills in these areas.

Looking Beyond the Classroom:

Mention your involvement in psychology-related co-curricular activities, such as higher level topic areas, clubs, volunteer work, or internships, to demonstrate your dedication to the field beyond academic requirements.

You could seek guidance from your teachers or one of U2’s Oxbridge Psychology tutors, who are familiar with the specific requirements and expectations of Oxbridge courses. They can provide invaluable insights and help you refine your personal statement. Contact us if you’d like to learn more.

Next Steps: Drafting & Structuring Your Psychology Personal Statement

Try to narrow your interests down to 2 or 3 topic areas which you can use as overarching themes for your personal statement, e.g. (1) Theories of Mind, of Consciousness, (2) Psychology & Gender, (3) Social Psychology - Group Identity.

Ensure you can address these themes in depth. Have a range of resources to draw from e.g. a scientific paper, a book, research you undertook as part of an essay competition.

Ensure a strong narrative , including linking of concepts between key sections.

Demonstrate personal critical analysis to show your engagement and interest in the subject.

Example Psychology Personal Statement Structure

Aim for around four main paragraphs:

1st paragraph (introductory): What is your motivation to study Psychology? Be specific: what do you want to explore at university? What is distinctive about studying Psychology that makes it worthwhile? Ensure you talk about what motivates your study of the subject now, not a catalyst from your childhood as the interviewer will find it clichéd and less relevant.

2nd paragraph: Explore your interest in [Insert topic] through [Insert activity: e.g. Summer School]. Which of your abilities did this highlight? Link the topic to an interest in [Insert research form: An experiment, article etc.]. Link this to [Insert another activity e.g. a Cambridge lecture on X].

3rd paragraph: Link to paragraph two. This paragraph can follow the same format, but deal with a different topic/ theme.

4th paragraph: Mention extra-curricular activities that don’t relate to your subject interests really briefly (e.g., music, volunteering, anything else of relevance) and demonstrate how these have built skills in preparation for university and for studying Psychology.

You could mention your other A-Level/ IB subjects, perhaps describing how they have enhanced your study of Psychology. 

You could mention any prizes or roles of responsibility which you have had at school, including any clubs that you might organise, such as the school newspaper or student council.

It can be useful to conclude your personal statement by returning to your aptitude for studying the subject in a final few lines . Which core skills do you possess which will equip you to excel at degree level? It’s important to strike a balance between enthusiasm for the subject and evidence of skills.

Example Successful Psychology Personal Statement

Looking at personal statement examples can help you to understand how to structure your own statement and what to include. Below, we have included an example of a successful Cambridge Psychology personal statement, written by one of our 1st Class Cambridge PBS tutors. N.B. The statement is by no means perfect, but should provide an exemplar for how to weave your academic interests and co-curricular endeavours into your statement.

Over 100 trillion synapses connect to form neural networks in the brain – an engine so close to home yet more enigmatic than some of the cosmos. How can the very matter we use to think and learn unlock mysteries of the universe, yet not know exactly how it stores memories? It is these existential questions that fuel my fascination for studying the delicate mechanisms of our minds. Year one of my A-levels, what started as curiosity became increasingly interesting to me. Psychology lessons were deeply thought-provoking, particularly when biological and cognitive psychology were the topics of study. The biology behind the metaphysics of consciousness and perception has since captured me, especially when considering neurological disorders. Fascinated by these phenomena, last year I attended a lecture by Baland Jalal; he discussed his own research into a cure for sleep paralysis, as well as demonstrating his enthusiasm for the field which was a perfect cross-section of various disciplines that I love. To further explore this new intricate field of interest, I read “The New Science of Consciousness” by Paul Nunez; this book offered me a profound insight into the philosophy and “hard problems” that this science faces; whilst explanations for Alzheimer’s and Free Will are difficult to retrieve, the questions we need to ask are even harder to formulate. Cures for neurodegenerative diseases are currently beyond our grasp, which I believe will be changed with further years of research that I would be honoured to be a part of. The challenges and speculations associated with understanding the brain and our behaviour draws me into the subject as I enjoy combining abstract and logical thinking to decipher problems. Both studying logical programming in Computer Science and my EPQ (an investigation into creating a handmade Wilson Cloud Chamber) showcase the interface of these types of thinking. Self-teaching has been a critical aspect of advancing my knowledge of Neuropsychology as at A-Level there is no depth into more peculiar cases (many of which I discovered after reading “The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat” by Oliver Sacks) such as Anton-Babinski Syndrome – a rare symptom of brain damage that causes people to be “cortically blind”, yet inexplicably deny their blindness. Using my own learning techniques, in Year 12 I helped tutor students in Year 7 physics classes. The significant change in learning style developed my methods of tutoring, teaching me to work with and teach peers of varying ages and enhance my ability to describe difficult concepts in an appropriate and understandable way. During year 12 I was accepted onto the Sutton Trust US Programme – a competitive Fulbright programme for high-achieving state-school students. I was one of 150 students picked from 1000+ applicants. Learning to deal with additional, international examinations and workload alongside school, being the guitarist in a band, and rock-climbing has been essential for my personal development, allowing me to handle substantial pressure. I was awarded a visit to Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s graduate laboratories where I saw leading research into many disciplines of science. This year however I decided that the more specialised curriculum offered in the UK was better suited for me – nevertheless, I am still an alum and volunteer for the programme and was chosen to be an advisor at USA college day this year. I gave individual advice to hundreds of young people, ensuring they had information and advice they needed to pursue undergraduate studies ideal for them. As a member of my school’s Student Wellbeing team, it is evident to anyone that a distinct and recurring interest of mine is to help people. I believe this perfectly ties into my desire to research the brain, as I am driven to be part of the research that will prevent neurodegeneration, aid mental illness and answer the fundamental questions that make us human. As written by Paul Nunez, “The phenomenon of consciousness is the major unsolved challenge of our age”.

Finally, remember not to start thinking about your personal statement too late! The content building part is by far the most important - without well-thought out content and a wide range of evidence for your independent exploration, you will not be able to write an engaging personal statement. The writing part will be easy if you have lots of exciting content to draw from.

Best of luck!

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Psychology Application?

Psychology personal statement tutoring.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Psychology personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidate’s own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Psychology Tutoring

We have a large team of Oxbridge-educated Psychology mentors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates, who support students throughout the process, including personal statement, admissions test and interview preparation.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge Psychology graduate as a mentor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Psychology at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour diagnostic session , where the mentor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Psychology application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate.

Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within Psychology, and is exposed to a range of key themes and topics.

Throughout there will be a focus on the experimental side of psychology, by centering the course on real studies, and discussing the techniques and limitations involved in psychological experiments. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during the interview.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and mentor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Psychology summer school and Oxbridge mock interview days .

Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

Related Blogs and Resources

How to Prepare for Your Oxbridge Interview

University Entry, Application & Admissions Tutoring

Oxbridge Psychology Interview Preparation Guide

How To Get a 9 In English GCSE: Our Oxbridge-Educated GCSE English Tutors’ Top Tips for 2024

Applying for french at university in 2024.

  • Applying to Uni

Select Page

How To Write A Psychology Personal Statement

Posted by Naomi | Jul 24, 2022 | | 0 -->

how to end psychology personal statement

Writing a personal statement can be the most difficult and yet important thing about any course application. For a course like psychology , there’s also the added concern about what your potential future tutors might think of you as a person if you don’t say the right things.

Since psychology is entirely person-centred and involved in the study of human behaviour and why people act in a certain way, this should actually give you more confidence in how you approach your personal statement.

After all, the most essential thing for your studies is that you have a burning interest in people, and why they behave in a certain way. All you have to do is get that down on paper.

For psychology, your personal statement should possibly be more geared towards you than you might think – your insights and feelings on the study of psychology are far more interesting to your admissions tutors than quoting the studies of others; all that proves is that you’ve retained what you’ve read, not that you’ve developed your own ideas that you want to pursue.

So what do you need to include, and more importantly, how should you structure it?

Your personal statement should integrate your personal interests, subject knowledge and extracurricular experience. For psychology, we suggest focusing on four main areas:

  • your personal interest in psychology and link this more explicitly to the range of ways you have explored the subject;
  • your academic abilities and how these will ensure you suit the course e.g. you might talk about your mathematical/ scientific abilities and how this complements/ facilitates your interest in empirically studying human behaviour
  • extra-curricular activities and how these also relate to your subject interest, e.g. essay competitions, projects, lectures etc.
  • gap year plans (if applicable) and future career plans.

We have provided guidance on each of thesw key points below, how to fit them together and structure your personal statement so that you end up with a successful psychology personal statement.

What should I include in my psychology personal statement?

In short, you’re telling the admissions panel why you are suitable to study at their university and why you are an excellent fit for their course.

However, as you only write one personal statement, don't mention any of them by name.

Your passion for the subject will make you a good fit, and you will undoubtedly click more with some panels than others. If the courses vary slightly between institutions, be general with regard to the course content and focus on skills that will be essential for any study pathway, such as problem-solving and creative thinking.

You’ll need to read and research the subject - what interests you most and how do you plan to find out more?

One way of developing an early understanding of key aspects of psychology is to take a good look through the compulsory modules of the courses that interest you and gain an initial overview of key themes or topics through reading and research.

For example, the undergraduate psychology course at the University of Bath covers the following compulsory modules:

  • Mind and behaviour
  • Applying psychology
  • Quantative research methods
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Developmental psychology
  • Social psychology.

This means you can try to gain an understanding of each module through research. Cambridge also provide a useful A-Z of key topics in psychology.

After an initial introduction into broad areas of psychology and what they involve, try to narrow them down. Think about which areas pique your interest most, and keep a file with notes on each topic, read articles to extend your knowledge, and remember to relate concepts to your personal experience (e.g. examples from everyday life, real-world applications of concepts) so you don’t end up turning your personal statement into an essay.

For example:

  • why does XYZ make you want to study psychology at degree level?
  • what catalysed your interest in XYZ?
  • can you think of examples in your everyday life that relate to psychology?

For example, after doing your research, you may find you are interested in Social Psychology, in particular group identity. Think about:

  • What interests you about it?
  • You may have read about ‘outgroup homogeneity’: the failure to see differences between members of out-group. Can you think of examples in your everyday experience? E.g. racial prejudice?

Conversely, you may have started with thinking about racial prejudice, if that is something you are particularly passionate about, and that could have led you to research the psychology behind it, which could have brought you to outgroup homogeneity. Either method is good.

When writing your UCAS personal statement , it can be best to start with the personal experience/ interest and mention how this spurred you on to the academic research/ how your interest deepened with wider exploration.

Again, the course descriptions can be a valuable starting point, helping you identify the kind of candidate that the universities are looking for.

This will help you tell the admissions panel why you’re applying, and why your interests guide you towards the subject and why you are suitable. You may have relevant experience you’ve picked up through extracurricular activities at school, or through part-time or voluntary work.

Additionally, skills such as musicianship or being interested in team sports show a suitability for the study of psychology. Covid may have prevented you from gathering lots of additional skill and experience over the past two years, but try to be creative with your application; formed discussion and support groups over video calls are all useful information for your personal statement.

Remember that throughout your personal statement, you should demonstrate how you have built skills in preparation for university and for studying psychology at degree level.

We recommend starting by brainstorming your academic abilities and skills, and how these ensure you are suitable for the course/s you are applying for.

Do plenty of research into your top university choices , and see if they have a page dedicated to what they want from applicants (most universities do if you look carefully at their website). Jot down some notes to help you relate your skills to the study of psychology, which will be useful in forming part of your statement.

Many students mistake “extra-curricular activities” for non-subject-related activities such as sport, art, or music. Whilst you can mention these at the end of your personal statement, you are much better off mentioning anything that directly links to your subject, especially if applying to Oxbridge (non-academic activities should only be 2-3 lines to round-off your personal statement in this case).

If you can’t think of co-curricular activities to mention, now is the time to start finding opportunities to take part in! Essay competitions, research projects and summer lectures/events are just a few things worth undertaking during your spare time to help you become a stantout candidate.

If necessary, tallk about your gap year plans, especially if they relate to your psychology course, e.g. if you are going to be doing some work experience on a mental health ward or help children with learning difficulties.

Your career plans are also another good talking point, and this is something students often include as a way of rounding off their personal statement. What do you want to do with your psychology degree once you've finished university, and what ambitions do you have for the future in your chosen field? Admissions tutors want to see you are serious about psychology and where you want their course to take you once you've graduated.

Also, personal circumstances which might have affected your attendance, grades or other factors may not necessary be a bad thing; how you have coped with challenges is far more interesting to an admissions board than what happened.

How do I write my pyschology personal statement?

Your personal statement is about you. It should ‘sound’ like you – get a friend to read it over for this if necessary.

Many a statement falls at the first hurdle when the panel get to meet you and you’re clearly not the same person – or don’t come across as the same person – that wrote the statement.

Be enthusiastic, but do be careful with anything that might be amusing to you, and not so amusing to anyone else.

You have 4000 characters and 47 lines; that’s a lot less than you think. Use our personal statement length checker to make sure you're not over, or too far under this limit.

Is there anything else that specifically needs to be in a psychology personal statement?

You need to demonstrate your suitability for the course, so think of any interests that you have that are directly relevant. Do you already have ambitions for your career post-degree? Share these in your statement – they all help to show how enthusiastic and suitable you are for a course of academic study of psychology.

Don’t forget that psychology is about behaviour, so include instances where you’ve pursued your interest outside the classroom. Many applications fall down on a lack of scientific understanding and curiosity around the subject, so link experiences to knowledge where you can.

If you have applied for a variety of courses, it may be difficult to persuade the panel that you are sufficiently engaged. If psychology is your aim – and circumstances have dictated that you hedge your bets, for whatever reason – make sure your interest is covered in your statement.

Avoid overplaying personal circumstances; matter of fact uses of experiences to communicate interest are fine, but coming across as though you expect the study of psychology to cure all ills isn’t what you are looking to communicate here.

Finally, pay attention to tone and language, avoiding crass phrases about “helping those less fortunate”. Plain and direct will communicate passion and interest, and an understanding that psychology is more about analysis of data than analysis of people!

Above all, link your interests to insights about what they’ve taught you, and how they help you gain insight and experience.

Further resources

  • How to apply for a psychology degree
  • Psychology personal statement examples
  • How to write a personal statement for university
  • Top rated personal statement examples
  • Personal statement FAQs
  • Personal statement template

About The Author

' src=

Naomi Lofts

Going through school and applying to university myself in 2002, I know how difficult it can be to make the right choices regarding your academic journey, especially when you're uncertain of where you want to be in the future.

Student Underground was created to provide reassurance to those students currently going through this period, as well as an outlet for sharing extra, up-to-date advice on a range of further and higher education topics.

These include choosing GCSEs and A levels, filling out the UCAS application form, taking a gap year, postgraduate study options, starting a business and more.

We hope you find it useful, and if you have any feedback, please leave a comment or email us directly at: [email protected]. Thank you,

Naomi Lofts,

Managing Director

Leave a comment

More information about text formats

Plain text 2

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

Buy My Books

University Interviews Guide

Latest tweets

IMAGES

  1. How to End a Personal Statement With a Lasting Impression

    how to end psychology personal statement

  2. How to Write a Personal Statement for University

    how to end psychology personal statement

  3. Personal Statement Clinical Psychology Examples

    how to end psychology personal statement

  4. Psychology degree personal statement example

    how to end psychology personal statement

  5. How to create a Psychology Graduate School Personal Statement? Download

    how to end psychology personal statement

  6. 🌱 How to finish a personal statement. How to complete your personal

    how to end psychology personal statement

VIDEO

  1. Personal statement advice: Psychology

  2. REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY

  3. Zainab's *Psychology* Personal Statement

  4. Anyone can say I LOVE YOU

  5. মন জয় করার সাইকোলজি

  6. THE POWER OF STATEMENT how thoughts create Reality #selfdevelopment #psychology #life

COMMENTS

  1. Psychology Personal Statement Advice - What To Include - UCAS

    How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber; How to end your personal statement; Introducing the personal statement tool; Personal statement dos and don'ts; What to include in a personal statement; Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement; Using your personal statement beyond a university application

  2. How To End A Personal Statement: Make A Lasting Impression ...

    If you’re wondering how to end your personal statement using your key points, use them to restate your passion for the course you’re applying for.

  3. Psychology Personal Statement Examples - Studential.com

    Our psychology UCAS personal statement examples below will inspire you to write your own unique statement, and help you understand how students have successfully applied for a psychology degree in the past.

  4. Psychology Personal Statement Guide - Oxbridge Applications

    Advice on How to Finish a Psychology Personal Statement Like with the initial impression from the statement’s introduction, the final impression made on the reader should be a positive one that excites them and leaves them with a genuine sense of who you are and why you’re applying.

  5. Exemplar Psychology Personal Statement with annotations from ...

    Discover expert advice from successful Oxbridge applicants to write a flawless personal statement. Learn effective techniques to incorporate Psychology seamlessly. Master concise, persuasive writing and enhance time management skills. Increase your chances of securing a place at Oxford or Cambridge.

  6. Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from ...

    Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang; Avoid cliches The best personal statements avoid sweeping generalisations, and keep things both personal and detailed.

  7. Personal Statement for Psychology: With Tips and Examples

    A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to psychology and your enthusiasm for learning. The statement should provide insight into why you are interested in studying psychology.

  8. How to end your personal statement | Undergraduate - UCAS

    Theres no set way to end your statement. Instead, think about the following and how it might help you to stand out: Tie it back to what you’ve written earlier. Revisit the key points you’ve already spoken about in the main body of your personal statement and emphasise them again in your conclusion.

  9. How to Write a Psychology Personal Statement ... - U2 Tuition

    Keep a file with notes on each topic, read articles to extend your knowledge, and remember to relate concepts to your personal experience (e.g. examples from everyday life, real-world applications of concepts) so you don’t end up turning your personal statement into an essay.

  10. How To Write A Psychology Personal Statement - Studential.com

    We have provided guidance on each of thesw key points below, how to fit them together and structure your personal statement so that you end up with a successful psychology personal statement. What should I include in my psychology personal statement?