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28 November 2023

6 minutes read

Crafting an Outstanding UCL Personal Statement: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

Dirghayu Kaushik

Gaining admission to University College London (UCL) is a dream for many, but achieving this goal requires more than just academic excellence.

Your UCL personal statement plays a pivotal role in your application, serving as a unique opportunity to showcase your aspirations, achievements, and individuality.

This article provides essential insights and examples to assist you in creating a personal statement that captures the essence of your academic and personal journey, tailored to resonate with UCL’s admissions committee.

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• The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application

Understanding the Significance

Your personal statement is a critical element of your UCAS application to UCL. It’s your chance to convey your enthusiasm, experiences, and suitability for your chosen course.

This narrative helps the admissions team to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s about making a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for UCL and how the university fits into your academic and career aspirations.

What UCL Looks For

UCL, being a prestigious and competitive institution, seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a commitment to their field of study, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the university community.

Your personal statement should reflect these qualities, showcasing your passion for learning, your understanding of the course content, and your readiness for the challenges of university life.

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• Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL

Creating a personal statement for University College London (UCL) is a crucial step in your application process. Your statement should stand out, reflecting your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for your chosen course. Here are key points to help you craft a winning personal statement for UCL:

• Understand UCL’s Values and Course Requirements : Before you begin, research UCL’s ethos, values, and specific requirements for your chosen course. Understanding what UCL looks for in its students can help tailor your statement to resonate with the admissions committee.
• Start with a Compelling Introduction : Your opening lines should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a personal anecdote, a provocative question, or a statement that clearly expresses your passion for the subject.
• Showcase Your Academic Strengths : Highlight your academic achievements that are relevant to the course. Include any awards, high grades in related subjects, or participation in relevant academic competitions or projects.
• Demonstrate Interest and Knowledge in the Subject : Show that you have a deep understanding of and a genuine interest in the field. Discuss any books, articles, or research that have inspired you and shaped your desire to study this subject at UCL.
• Reflect on Relevant Experiences : Include work experience, internships, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have helped develop skills and qualities relevant to the course. Explain what you learned from these experiences and how they have prepared you for university-level study.
• Discuss Your Career Aspirations : Clearly articulate how the course at UCL fits into your long-term career goals. This shows admissions tutors that you have a clear direction and motivation for your studies.
• Exhibit Your Skills and Qualities : Highlight personal skills and qualities that make you a suitable candidate for the course. These might include problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, or communication skills.
• Explain Why UCL Is the Right Choice for You : Discuss specific aspects of UCL and its course offerings that appeal to you. This could be particular modules, the teaching methodology, research opportunities, or the campus environment.
• Make It Personal and Authentic : Your statement should be personal and reflect your true self. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Admissions tutors want to hear your voice and understand who you are.
• Conclude with a Strong Closing Statement : End your personal statement on a high note, reemphasizing your enthusiasm and readiness for the course and how you look forward to contributing to the UCL community.
• Proofread and Edit : Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and typos. A well-written, error-free statement demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
• Seek Feedback : Before finalizing, get feedback from teachers, mentors, or those who know you well. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.

By following these points, you can craft a personal statement that not only meets the standards of UCL but also truly represents your academic ambitions and personal journey, significantly boosting your chances of admission.

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• Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses

Example of UCL Medicine Program

Medicine applicants need to demonstrate a passion for the field, empathy, and a strong academic background in sciences. An effective personal statement for a UCL medicine course might begin with a personal anecdote or experience that sparked your interest in medicine.

Follow this with details of your academic journey in sciences, any relevant work experience, and extracurricular activities. Conclude by discussing your career aspirations in medicine and how UCL’s program aligns with these goals.

Example for UCL Economics Program

For an economics course, your statement should reflect your understanding of economic principles and your ability to think critically about economic issues. Start by explaining why you are interested in economics, possibly by citing a current issue or personal experience.

Include your academic achievements in mathematics and related subjects, and any relevant extracurricular activities, like participating in economics clubs or competitions. Finally, express how UCL’s economics program will help you achieve your career objectives.

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Key Dos and Don’ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

• Final Steps Before Submission

Review and Feedback

Before submitting your personal statement, it’s crucial to review it thoroughly. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Their insights can help refine your statement, ensuring it’s compelling and error-free.

Aligning Your Statement with UCL’s Values

Research UCL’s values and ethos, and subtly align your statement with these. Show how you embody qualities valued by UCL, such as intellectual curiosity, global perspective, and a commitment to impact society positively. This alignment demonstrates that you are not only a good fit academically but also culturally for UCL.

Your UCL personal statement is a vital part of your application. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications, experiences, and aspirations.

By following the guidelines and examples provided in this guide, you can create a statement that captures your individuality and suitability for UCL.

Remember, this is your chance to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee, so take the time to craft a personal statement that truly reflects who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for UCL.

Q1: How important is it to relate my personal statement to my future career goals?

It’s very important. Relating your course of study to your future career goals shows foresight and a clear understanding of how UCL will help you achieve your aspirations.

Q2: Can I include quotes in my personal statement?

While a well-chosen quote can be impactful, it’s generally better to use your own words to ensure your personal statement is truly personal and unique.

Q3: How can I ensure that my personal statement stands out?

To make your personal statement stand out, focus on unique experiences, present your content in a structured and coherent manner, and infuse your personal voice and enthusiasm throughout the text.

Q4: Is it okay to share personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, sharing personal challenges can be powerful, especially if you can demonstrate how they have shaped your character and academic journey. However, ensure that the overall tone remains positive and forward-looking.

• Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement

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Table of Contents

• • The Role of a Personal Statement in Your UCL Application
• • Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for UCL
• • Personal Statement Examples for Different UCL Courses
• • Key Dos and Don'ts in Writing Your Personal Statement
• • Final Steps Before Submission
• • Conclusion

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Applicant Helpdesk - Engineering Faculty

How can we help you today, faq  (security and crime science).

Modified on: Tue, 2 Jul, 2019 at 10:36 AM

How do I apply?

When should i apply, is my application more competitive if i apply early, can i apply via ucas clearing or adjustment, can i apply for direct entry into year 2 or 3, can i apply for deferred entry, how can i defer my year of entry, if i send you my cv/transcript, can you tell me whether i would be made an offer, are there particular routes to entry for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, do you accept mature applicants, what entry requirements do you have for mature applicants, do you offer part-time courses, do you offer a degree with a year in industry, do you offer a degree with a year abroad, can i visit the campus, how are applications assessed, will i have to attend an interview as part of the admissions process, what should i include in my personal statement, the rest of the courses i am applying to are not related to this subject. how should i write my personal statement, how can i submit my results, when will i hear whether my application was successful, how can i check the progress of my application.

Can I check the progress of my child's’/students’ application?

I’m still studying, can I still apply?

Will i have to pay home or overseas tuition fees, my application wasn’t successful, can i appeal the decision, what are the entry requirements, what a-levels should i study, i have non-standard qualifications, can i still apply, my predicted grades are lower than the entry requirements, can i still apply, do you take as grades in account when considering my application, i’m doing 4 a-levels, will that make my application more competitive, i’m resitting/retaking my a-levels, will this disadvantage me, do i need to take an english language test, what english language qualifications do you accept, how can i accept my offer, when do i need to accept my offer, do i need to tell ucl my results directly, i have requested a remark, can i still take up my place, i didn’t meet the condition(s) of my offer, can i still come to study, i’m an overseas student, when should i apply for my study visa, when should i apply for a student loan, can i work during my studies.

I have received my offer, met my conditions and want to come to study at UCL. What should I do now? 

All applications for the undergraduate programmes need to be submitted via UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/ .

The deadline for applications to start studies in September is usually mid-January of the following calendar year. You can find the application deadlines on the prospectus pages and in the UCAS Key Dates Calendar: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/scheme/undergraduate/type/key-date . In order to guarantee that your application will be considered, it must be submitted before the deadline.

Although you are welcome to apply early and this may result in a quicker decision, there is no competitive advantage in doing so and no guarantee of an early decision.

Security and Crime Science does not and is unlikely to enter UCAS Adjustment or Clearing, as we fill all our spaces before this.

Entry to the second or third year of the BSc Security and Crime Science programme is not permitted. Students can apply via UCAS to enter the first year only.

Yes, however please be aware that if you are applying for deferred entry, you will still need to meet the conditions attached to any offers you receive by the end of August of the calendar year you are applying in.

Offer-holders can request to defer their entry to the following academic year by contacting the Admissions office ( [email protected] ).

We are unable to advise you as to whether you would be likely to be made an offer based on your CV/transcripts/work experience prior to the application being submitted. We recommend that you review the entry requirements of the programme you are interested in on the UCL prospectus webpages prior to submitting your application via UCAS. Only full applications submitted via UCAS can be considered.

Security & Crime Science participates in the Access UCL scheme, via which students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for a contextual offer. Full details of the scheme can be found here:   https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/application/requirements/access-ucl

Yes. Applicants over the age of 21 are considered mature, however we welcome applications from all age groups. The application process is the same.

When assessing the application we would usually expect to see evidence of recent study (i.e. in the last two to three years) and evidence of relevant work experience.

No, our BSc in Security and Crime Science is offered full-time, on-campus only.

No, but in the 2nd year students have the opportunity to enrol on a Professional Practice module (subject to interview and other eligibility checks). In this module students gain first-hand experience of professional practice through a series of workshops and a 70-hour project with a partner organisation. In addition to this, a large number of our undergraduate students arrange internships during the summer vacation period to gain work experience. Companies often target UCL students and the UCL Careers service can assist students to find internship opportunities.

No, at the moment our students do not have the opportunity to study at another institution.

If you are interested in visiting UCL, we recommend signing up to attend one of UCL's Open Days - this allows you to visit the campus, meet current students and staff and attend a variety of activities. You can find further information online here . International students can also book onto campus tours throughout the year: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/international/tours . We are unable to offer individual department tours to prospective applicants.

Applications are assessed firstly by UCL Admissions officers against the published entry criteria.  Applicants with non-standard qualifications or applications from mature applicants are referred onto the Security and Crime Science Admissions Tutor for review.

No, offers are made based on the application alone so you will generally not be invited to attend an interview. UK-based applicants made an offer of study may be invited to attend a post-offer open day in the department in April. This is not used for selection purposes, but allows offer-holders to make an informed choice before accepting our offer. We hold a virtual offer holders` day for overseas applicants with an offer.

We expect you to explain why you want to study at UCL, why Security and Crime Science, your interests and future ambitions. Evidence of an interest in crime prevention, and awareness of the department's approach to these issues, would be looked upon favourably. There is lots of general advice available online about writing personal statements for UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/getting-started/when-apply/writing-ucas-undergraduate-personal-statement .

We understand that the subject of our course is quite specific and that it can prove difficult to tailor your personal statement to it. Therefore, you can submit a separate personal statement via email to [email protected] . Please wait a couple of days after submitting your UCAS application before you send your statement to our Admissions Team and make sure you include your UCAS ID number in the message.

You can either upload this to the application yourself on UCL Select, and then email [email protected] to let us know what has been uploaded or alternatively, you can email the same address and we will add the information to the application and process as necessary. Please remember to include your UCAS ID number on any correspondence.

UCL endeavours to ensure that all applicants who have applied by the deadline will receive a decision via UCAS by 31 March in the calendar year of proposed entry, or a calendar year ahead for deferred entry applications. Some applicants may hear back earlier.

Applicants can follow the progress of their application via the UCAS Online Application Tracking Facility or via UCL’s Applicant Portal .

Can I check the progress of my child's/student's application?

No, we are unable to discuss an applicant’s results or application details with anyone other than the applicant themselves without the applicant’s prior written consent.

Yes, you can apply prior to receiving the results of your current qualification. Your referee is expected to input your predicted grades in their UCAS reference. Any offer made while the applicant is still studying will be conditional on achieving the results specified by the offer letter.

UCL will assess your fee status when you submit your application and you will be informed of their assessment later in the year. You can find further guidance here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/fees-funding

UCL decisions on applications are final, and there is no right of appeal against them. UCL will consider a complaint against any decision only if there is substantive evidence of an irregularity in the processing of the application in question.

You can find further information on our entry requirements for different qualifications, including international ones, on the main prospectus webpages under the Entry Requirements section.

For BSc Security and Crime Science we do not specify what the three A-level subjects are. You can see the list of UCL’s list of preferred A-level subjects here .

In the case of non-standard or mixed qualifications, your application will be referred to the Admissions Tutor for review. The Admissions Tutor may be required to make a special case for admission to the Faculty Tutor, and if they are in agreement, the case will then go forward to the Dean of Students (Academic). The DoS’ decision is always final in such cases, and as each is considered on an individual basis, we are not able to guarantee that such an application will be successful.

Entry onto SCS is very competitive. The majority of applicants will either be predicted to meet or exceed the entry requirements for our programme. If your predicted grades are below our entry requirements then you are less likely to receive an offer.

We do not generally use AS grades as part of our assessment, however if there is a large discrepancy between the AS grades already achieved and your predicted A-Level grades, the application may be referred to Admissions Tutor for further review. A large discrepancy would likely make an application less competitive.

Our entry requirements are AAA. We would always look at the best three A-levels, so taking four A-levels would not necessarily give an applicant an advantage over someone taking three A-levels.

Resitting within the 2 years will not disadvantage you, but may impact on the predicted grades your referee records on the application.

Applicants resitting or taking A-levels over 3 years may be considered, but applicants should note that it may make their application less competitive. It is advisable to explain the reason for taking the qualification over three years in the reference, e.g. extenuating circumstances.

Your offer letter will normally specify if you are required to take an English Language test. If you are unsure, please contact the UCL Admissions office ( [email protected] ) to verify this.

Evidence of proficiency would normally be either having completed 12 months education in a country that UCL considers to be majority English speaking, 18 months work experience in a country that UCL considers to be majority English speaking, or having achieved a school leaving qualification containing English no more than the summer two years prior to the proposed date of enrolment. All of the above must be recent, i.e. having happened no more than 2 years prior to date of enrolment. More information can be found here .

Accepted English language qualifications are listed here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/application/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

The preferred test is IELTS.

You will need to accept your offer via the UCAS portal.

You will be informed by UCAS of the date by which you need to make a formal response to the offers you have received, either accepting them firmly, on an insurance basis, or declining them.

Results for A levels, Scottish Highers and IB are automatically imported into UCAS. Students taking other qualifications will need to notify UCL of their results directly, by sending official documentation e.g. transcripts by email, or uploading these directly to the UCL Applicant Portal themselves on Portico.

We would advise requesting a priority remark from the exam board to ensure a swift turnaround and to email [email protected] to inform us that you have requested a remark so that we can keep a note of this on your record.

You then have until 5pm on 31 August of the calendar year you applied in to provide us with the results. We are not able to consider any results received after that deadline.

If you don’t meet the conditions of your offer, we might not be able to accept you onto our course. You should receive a decision shortly after your results are published. 

If you were not made an offer, we will release your application as soon as possible so that you can pursue other university places.

International applicants who require a visa to study in the UK will start to be assigned a CAS number by UCL Admissions in June/July (no more than 3 months before the enrolment date). The CAS number is needed before a visa application can be made.

You should also consider applying for Student Finance as soon as you can, if eligible. It can take several months for applications to be processed.

You can work part-time, as many students do, to supplement your income during you studies, however our degree is full-time and will demand around 40 hours per week of your attention. Your academic work should take priority so for this reason we do not usually recommend students working during their studies. 

If you are studying at UCL with a study visa for longer than 6 months, you can normally work up for up to 20 hours a week during your studies and full-time outside term date to help support your studies (please double-check the conditions of your visa). 

UCLU's JobShop service could help you find flexible part-time employment.

I have received my offer, met my conditions and want to come to study at UCL. What should I do now?

The next step will be pre-enrolment no more than 6 weeks prior to the beginning of your course. You will be able to find further information on the required steps for new students online here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/new-students/pre-enrol

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UCL University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to University College London. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1 My most memorable Christmas came with a parcel of Harry Potter audio books and this was where my quest to understanding language began. The moment Stephen Fry started to narrate chapter one, I fell in love with words and all they could achieve...

History Personal Statement Example 3 Recently, I found out that my grandma was gambled into slavery for seven years. She escaped her prison and made her way back to Hong Kong, 300 miles south. I was amazed at how courageous she was. This personal discovery led me to read Jung Chang's 'Wild Swans' which made me both proud and ashamed of my heritage...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 1 As Pythagoras may have said, (Ambitious)2 + (Bold)2 = (Critical thinker)2 makes a perfect student and is what I strive to be. From the simple Pythagorean to the complex Fermat's Last Theorem, mathematics is a never ending branch of study which I enthusiastically enjoy studying and why I wish to pursue it even further at university...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits. I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline...

Economics and Politics Personal Statement Example 1 "I killed the bank": the last words of Andrew Jackson, former president of the US, after he had vetoed to renew the charter and withdraw all federal deposits from banks causing them to bust. Real money was backed with gold shortly after, causing the greatest economic boom in history for the US where no income tax was implemented...

Spanish and Economics Personal Statement Example My aspiration to study Spanish and Economics has not only been influenced by my curricular education but also from experiences I have had throughout life. I am intrigued in the effects caused by the failing Euro zone, and I consider communication among speakers of different languages essential in progressing forward...

Economics Personal Statement Example 5 Choosing an undergraduate degree in economics is a result of my deep seated curiosity to know why economies are they way they are; why oil prices in my country, Pakistan, rapidly fluctuate whereas economies like USA and China continue to strengthen despite recessions...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Geography Personal Statement Example 2 In a dynamic world, the study of geography is increasingly important. The diversity of the subject and the interaction between the physical environment and human population is becoming even more evident with climate change and globalisation influencing our everyday lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 11 “If she’s smart she will study Medicine.” This is an unwritten rule in my culture - all Nigerian parents want their children to become doctors. What becomes of the aspiring psychologist in the family? I met a junior doctor, at an educational conference, who wanted to specialise in psychiatry...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 3 Growing up in post-soviet Belarus I wasn't surrounded by the architectural wonders - all the buildings were dull and grey, therefore from early childhood I started drawing and making houses of my dreams...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Anthropology and Archaeology Personal Statement Example My interest in culture first started when I began to attend my local Hindu Temple with my friend in primary school. I was highly interested in how her surroundings differed from my own and enjoyed immersing myself in her way of life...

English and History Personal Statement Example 1 I believe history inspires optimism. With the state being cut and our economy weakening we could easily fall to pessimism. I just have to look within history to see that just over 400 years ago Queen Mary I killed 'rebels' for heresy when they protested, whereas Modern freedoms have allowed me to protest openly in several Unite marches...

English Personal Statement Example 23 My love of literature is rooted in the connection it gives us to centuries of ideas, giving us the ability to converse with ghosts, linking us with the greatest and most eloquent minds in history; as Bovee puts it, “books are embalmed minds”...

Pharmacology and Human Sciences Personal Statement Example From the race to find a vaccine for the H1N1 virus to the almost daily reports of breakthroughs in the field of cancer research, science has always fascinated me.On a more personal note, my interest has largely stemmed from school, work experiences, and science in the news...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 45 Advances in computer and information technology over the past few decades have brought about revolution in science, medicine, education, business, and entertainment. I wish to be part of the future revolution and that is why I want to study computer science...

Maths & Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example 1 "It has become a very strange and perhaps frightening subject from the ordinary point of view,but anyone who penetrates into it will find a veritable fairyland"( Kasner E and Newman J).This saying is perhaps the most fitted to describe my enthusiasm for Maths...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 48 Since embarking on the A level course 16 months ago I have decided to devote my life to working in psychology. I am struck by the way Psychological research has impacted all areas of life, but also how much there is yet to understand...

Economics Personal Statement Example 23 It would not be foolish to contemplate the possibility of a far greater progress still. John Maynard Keynes From childhood I was bred to learn and the passion to understand has become a trait of my character...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 5 I realised that I wanted to study Anthropology in 2005 after picking up a book called ''Mapping Human History'' by Steve Olson. I read the book cover to cover a number of times, and knew that I had discovered a subject that I was not only interested in learning but wanted to investigate for myself...

Postgraduate Linguistics Personal Statement Example My interest in linguistics was gradually shaped throughout my life by all the different ways in which I have experienced languages: as a learner, translator, and as a teacher. However, it was the times spent living in Russia and later in the UK that made me fully understand that language can be a means of conveying much more than just our thoughts...

European Social & Political Studies Personal Statement Example In my opinion, the problems societies face today deserve an in-depth analysis which draws on different disciplines of thought for its relevance; furthermore the implementations of strategies to combat problems must take into account more than one academic approach if they are going to be positively effective...

Human Sciences Personal Statement Example Perhaps what makes me different from other University applicants is that I have ambition to understand multidimensional human life. It is not the appeal of a top qualification or the zesty student lifestyle that attracts me to this course; but it is the long-term knowledge and answers to interdisciplinary human problems, and the enigmas that I will commit a lifetime investigating with perhaps no solution, that inspires me to apply...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 51 There is a reason behind everything we do, a purpose to our actions. The cognition behind any decision that we make is one of the many aspects of psychology that I am fascinated by. The following five words, as said by the Prophet Muhammad, I believe explain such a suggestion: "Actions are but by intentions"...

Archaeology and Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 As an immigrant living in Spain, I am constantly reminded of the importance social and cultural factors have on my daily life, the language I speak, and the difference between the relationships I maintain with people from my own country and those I encounter here on a daily basis...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics is at the root of many academic subjects, such as mechanics in Physics, organic Chemistry and even Music and this is why I find it so fascinating. The process of starting from a simple set of formulae and deriving nearly all mathematical truth from these is what makes Mathematics a leading academic subject...

Creative Writing Personal Statement Example 2 To me, fiction is like the magic carpet of Aladdin. It takes me to travel through time and space and explore the slices of human experience. In the wonderful trips, I am guided by the author and accompanied by the characters...

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Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 10 Chemical engineering is a most fascinating field of all the branches of science and engineering. To me it truly reflects human endeavour and spirit through means such as the exploration of unknown substances, and making something of worth and value out of mere raw materials...

Maths Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics dictates our understanding of the universe; the sciences that the world depends on today are founded and dependant on maths. Scientists and mathematicians spend their lives making remarkable discoveries contributing to the development of humanity, the findings we have been making in fields like quantum mechanics would be completely impossible without maths...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 66 White coats, stethoscopes hung around necks and the sense of playing hero were popular amongst childhood dreams. However, unlike others around me, this dream was not lost when I realised reality paved a much tougher road- instead, it grew to become a fierce ambition...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 64 Psychology is ubiquitous in society. Because of the mercurial nature of humans, there is always something different to study and analyse. I find this exciting. Part of what draws me to psychology is how the dynamics of it affect daily life and behaviour...

Economics Personal Statement Example 30 The ever-changing nature of the human science intrigues me. Newton’s laws of motion will never change, from wherever ‘the ball is dropped’. However, different strategies and policies have to be framed and implemented for each economic problem...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Physics Personal Statement Example 15 I have always been intrigued by the world of physics. From everyday experiences to the most extreme boundaries of today's knowledge, I have always voraciously searched for answers to my questions. As I grew up, the elegance of mathematical demonstrations and of physical theorems fascinated me, and I have often dreamt of making contributions to the unification theory and of improving and simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 3 When I was in primary school I would take pens apart to put them back together, so that I could see how every small piece fits together to create a whole working object, and as I furthered my education my focus shifted to the w orld around me...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 7 Coming from a mixed religious background, the comparison between cultural practices has touched me deeply, personally and profoundly. I have been able to observe the influence of culture on people's perspectives and world views...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 My decision to study engineering stems from a desire to contribute to the evolution of society through a process that does not just define our environment but our era. My personal inspiration is the Segovia aqueduct, an 800m long, 30 metre high Roman marvel which still stands today...

PPE/Economics Personal Statement Example Humanity today stands at the intersection of the most significant questions facing the world today: if democracy leads to political infighting, should it be sacrificed in the interest of economic well-being? Does religious fundamentalism provide a way for countries in the developing world to assert their identity in the face of Western hegemony? Does the entry of Western consumer goods threaten a country’s economic self-sufficiency? The answers of these questions will determine what the nature of our world is in the twenty-first century...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

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• 24 Jan 2024
• 10 Minutes to read

UCL Management Science Additional Personal Statement

• Updated on 24 Jan 2024

This is a detailed guide to tackling the additional personal statement received after applying to the UCL Management Science BSc program. There is a question-by-question breakdown with sample answers to each question. As stated, these answers should ONLY  be used as a template. They are hypothetical  and may contain fictitious data. Given that you have a total of 1000 words across the entire questionnaire, a sample word count has been provided for each question. 

Question 1:  Justify your chosen organisation in terms of the ways in which it is complex, innovative, and uses data to drive decisions.  Use relevant facts from this year (2023) to support your justification.  Discuss and quantify the impact (i.e. value to the organisation) of examples used (e.g. new innovative products or processes, newly introduced technologies, recent big data projects).

(250 Words)

To effectively answer this question, you need to focus on three key aspects: complexity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. These aspects should be supported by relevant examples from the year 2023. Let's break down the outline and then provide a sample answer using a hypothetical organization.

1. Introduction

    - Introduce the chosen organization.

    - Briefly mention its industry and significance.

2. Complexity of the Organization

    - Describe the organizational structure.

    - Discuss the complexity in its operations, global reach, supply chain, or product/service range.

    - Include any specific challenges the organization faces due to its complexity.

3. Innovation

    - Highlight key innovations introduced in 2023.

    - Discuss the nature of these innovations (e.g., product, service, process).

    - Explain how these innovations differentiate the organization from its competitors.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

    - Describe how the organization uses data to make decisions.

    - Provide examples of recent big data projects or analytics initiatives.

    - Illustrate how data analytics has influenced strategy or operations.

5. Impact and Value

    - Quantify the impact of the innovations and data-driven decisions.

    - Discuss the value added to the organization, such as increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, or enhanced operational efficiency.

    - Use specific metrics or figures to support your points.

6. Conclusion

    - Summarize the key points.

    - Reinforce why the organization is a leader in complexity, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

  Sample Answer

In 2023, Tesla, a giant in the car and energy industry, stands out for its innovative electric cars and renewable energy solutions. With a diverse setup including car making, battery production, and solar energy, Tesla's worldwide operations show its complexity. They skillfully handle challenges like sourcing battery materials globally and manufacturing in various countries. A major move in 2023 was Tesla's launch of Model Q, an affordable electric car targeting middle-income buyers. This, along with Tesla's unique battery tech, makes them a standout in the car market. They also pushed forward in solar energy with advanced solar roofs, reaffirming their commitment to clean energy. Data plays a crucial role at Tesla. Their 'OptiCharge' project uses big data and machine learning to smartly decide when and where Tesla cars should charge, improving customer experience and helping balance the energy grid. Data is also key in managing their supply chain efficiently, cutting down costs. The Model Q launch boosted Tesla's share in the electric car market by 20% in 2023. 'OptiCharge' increased customer satisfaction about charging by 15%. Using data smartly in their supply chain cut operational costs by 10%. These numbers show the real value of Tesla's innovations and strategies. To sum up, Tesla in 2023 is a leader thanks to its complex operations, cutting-edge innovations, and smart use of data. These factors have led to more market share, happier customers, and more efficient operations, proving their significant impact on the company.

Remember, this is a hypothetical example using Tesla as a model organization. The specific details, especially numerical data, are fictional and used for illustrative purposes. For a real-world organization, you would need to research and use accurate and up-to-date information.

Question 2: Describe five important ways that the UCL Management Science BSc/MSci is different from other undergraduate Business or Management programmes.

(300 Words)

To respond to this question effectively, it's crucial to focus on the unique aspects of the UCL Management Science BSc program that distinguish it from other undergraduate Business or Management programs. The answer should highlight specific features, approaches, or opportunities offered by the UCL program that are not commonly found in similar programs. Let's start with an outline and then provide a sample answer.

   - Briefly introduce the UCL Management Science BSc program.

   - State the importance of understanding its unique aspects compared to other business or management programs.

2. Distinctive Curriculum

   - Detail how the curriculum of UCL’s program differs from standard business or management curricula.

   - Emphasize specialized courses, unique subjects, or a particular focus on certain areas.

3. Teaching and Learning Approach

   - Describe the teaching methods (e.g., case studies, projects, hands-on experiences) that set the UCL program apart.

   - Discuss the emphasis on practical skills, industry projects, or research opportunities.

4. Industry Links and Networking

   - Highlight the program’s connections with businesses and industry experts.

   - Mention internships, guest lectures, and partnership projects that are integral to the program

5. International Opportunities

   - Discuss any international exposure or global perspectives integrated into the program, like study abroad options or international case studies.

6. Career and Postgraduate Opportunities

   - Explain how the UCL program prepares students for specific career paths or postgraduate opportunities that may be unique compared to other programs.

7. Conclusion

   - Summarize the key differentiators of the UCL Management Science BSc program.

   - Reinforce the program's unique value proposition for prospective students.

Sample Answer

The UCL Management Science BSc program stands out in the crowded field of undergraduate business and management education. Recognizing its distinctiveness is crucial for students contemplating a specialized approach to management education. Unlike traditional business programs, UCL's Management Science BSc places a significant emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills. Courses like ‘Quantitative Methods for Management’ and ‘Predictive Analytics’ set this program apart, providing a more data-driven and analytical approach to business problems compared to conventional business studies. The program is heavily focused on real-world applications. Students engage in project-based learning, collaborating with businesses on actual management challenges. This hands-on approach, which is less common in traditional business programs, equips students with practical skills and experience. UCL’s strong industry links are a standout feature. The program offers unique opportunities for internships and industry projects, allowing students to gain invaluable insights and build networks within the business world. Guest lectures by industry leaders are a regular part of the curriculum, providing students with contemporary industry knowledge. The Management Science BSc program at UCL incorporates a global perspective, offering students opportunities for international exchange programs. This global exposure is vital in today's interconnected business world and is not always a focus in other business programs. This program uniquely prepares students for careers in data analytics, strategic consultancy, and operations management, fields that are increasingly critical in the modern business landscape. Furthermore, the program lays a robust foundation for postgraduate studies in specialized areas like analytics or supply chain management. In conclusion, the UCL Management Science BSc program differentiates itself through its analytical curriculum, practical learning approach, strong industry connections, international opportunities, and targeted career pathways. These elements collectively offer a unique and comprehensive educational experience for students aspiring to be at the forefront of management science.

Question 3: Identify a difficult or challenging situation you have had to deal with that required you to understand and work with other PEOPLE. How did you deal with this situation and what did you learn from it?

(150 Words)

To respond effectively to this question, structure your answer to showcase your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and learning outcomes from the experience. Let's break it down:

1. Brief Description of the Situation

   - Start by describing the challenging situation.

2. Your Role and Actions

   - Explain your specific role in the situation.

   - Describe the actions you took to address the challenge.

   - Share the result of your actions.

4. Learning Experience

   - Conclude with what you learned from handling the situation.

In high school, I faced a tough situation leading a group project. Our team had different ideas and ways of doing things, which caused a lot of arguments. We were struggling to get our project done. I knew we had to change how we were working together. I decided to organize meetings where everyone could talk about their ideas and listen to each other. It was important that everyone felt heard. We also did some fun activities together to help us bond. Slowly, things started to get better. We began to understand and respect each other's opinions. This made working together a lot easier. Eventually, we completed our project successfully and even got praised by our teacher. This experience taught me a lot. I learned that good communication and listening to others are key to working well in a team. It showed me how a group can overcome problems by talking and listening to each other.

Question 4: Please suggest something that you think everyone on the MANAGEMENT SCIENCE programme should read, and why? Hint: Avoid obvious things like The Economist or well-known business books. Think about the things that you have read that have really inspired you.

To respond to this question, focus on a book or article that has significantly influenced your understanding or interest in management science. Choose something that aligns with the themes of the program but is also unique and personally impactful. Here's an outline and a sample answer. 

1. Introduction of the Suggested Reading

   - Mention the title and author of the book or article.

2. Connection to Management Science

   - Briefly explain how the reading relates to management science.

3. Personal Impact

   - Describe why the reading inspired you and how it shaped your perspective.

4. Recommendation for Others

   - State why you believe it would be beneficial for others in the program to read it.

Sample Answer 

I recommend 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman for everyone in the Management Science program. This book explores how our thinking is divided into two systems: fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, rational thinking. Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, delves into how these two systems shape our decision-making in business and everyday life. I found this book enlightening because it opened my eyes to the biases and errors in our judgments and decisions. It made me understand the importance of critical thinking in management. This book is not just about psychology; it's about how our mind works in making decisions, which is crucial in management science. I believe everyone in the program can benefit from understanding these concepts. It will help us make better decisions, both as future managers and in our personal lives.

Question 5: Tell us something surprising about you that would make your future classmates want to have you in their class?

To respond to this question, focus on a unique, interesting aspect or skill you have that would contribute positively to the classroom dynamic and would be engaging or beneficial to your future classmates. Here's an outline and a sample response:

1. Introduction of the Unique Aspect or Skill

   - Start by stating the surprising thing about you.

2. Explanation and Relevance

   - Explain this aspect or skill in more detail.

   - Highlight how it relates to being a part of the class or how it could be beneficial in a classroom setting.

3. Personal Reflection

   - Briefly reflect on why this aspect makes you a unique addition to the class.

4. Engagement with Classmates

   - Mention how this could make your future classmates interested in having you in their class.

Something surprising about me is that I’m an avid chess player, ranked nationally in junior tournaments. Chess has taught me strategic thinking, patience, and how to anticipate various outcomes, which I believe are essential skills in management science. I often see real-life situations, including business scenarios, as a chess game where strategic moves decide success. My love for chess has not only shaped my mindset but has also made me a problem solver, always looking for the best solution. I think my classmates would find this aspect of me interesting because it adds a unique perspective to classroom discussions, especially in strategy-related subjects. I’m always eager to share my insights and learn from others’ experiences, making for a collaborative and engaging classroom environment. I believe my strategic approach to problems will make classroom discussions more lively and insightful.

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UCL School of Management

University college london, the ucl mba admissions faq.

Deciding to take your MBA at UCL is an important decision that could transform your career. Our admissions team is here to support you throughout your application journey. Here are some of our most frequent inquiries.

The UCL Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit your application, the sooner you will receive an admissions decision. 

Learn more about deadlines.

To find out the status of your application, please contact the admissions team at  [email protected] . If you have been liaising with your dedicated admissions advisor, they will be able to give you an update as well. 

Yes, two references are required for this programme. It is strongly recommended that one of your referees be from your current supervisor or manager. The other referee may be a peer or coworker. Referees should not be family members or friends. References will not be accepted directly from applicants; they must come from an institutional (professional) email address and will not be accepted from personal email addresses.

Learn more about admissions requirements.   

You must have achieved a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (2:1) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised institution. In addition to this, we require at least five years of work experience, though many students bring 10+ years of work experience to their cohorts. Students with extenuating circumstances may be accepted without an undergraduate degree, though extensive leadership and total years of work experience is paramount to being considered.

There are several items to include with your application upon submission:

• A personal statement that includes three micro essays and an optional essay
• Two references 
• Your updated resume/CV
• Full academic transcripts
• A recorded video interview (booked post-submission)
• Application fee (£160)
• English proficiency
• GMAT/GRE are not required, but may be requested in order to strengthen your application

The application process for the UCL MBA consists of eight steps and is completed online via the  application portalExternal link:open_in_new . These steps are:

• Programme information : Select the corresponding start date from the drop-down list.
• Academic background : Include a detailed history of your academic performance.
• Language information : Select your native language. 
• Professional experience : Include your cumulative work experience and indicate your work history by adding the organisations in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Uploads : Your complete and detailed resume/curriculum vitae (CV) will need to be uploaded under this section.
• Personal statement : Your personal statement allows you to express your motivations and suitability for the programme.
• Letters of reference : Two references are required for this programme. It is strongly recommended that one of your referees be your current supervisor. The other referee may be a peer, coworker or mentor. We will contact your referees by email when you submit your application and ask them to complete an online reference form. Once this is uploaded, it will be automatically associated with your application. Please note that referees should not be family members or friends.

Tuition fees for the programme are charged based on the number of modules taken each quarter. The UCL MBA students will complete 12 taught 15-credit modules and a final 30-credit capstone project as part of the programme. 

Total fees for students starting in the 2020/21 academic year are £42,500 for the entirety of the programme, or £3,035 per 15-credit module and £6,070 for the final 30-credit capstone project. 

Admitted students will be required to submit a £1,000 tuition fee deposit to reserve their place in the programme. Please note that the fees quoted here do not include costs related to books or immersion expenses.

Learn more about tuition fees.

The programme tuition fees do not include costs related to books, immersion or orientation expenses. 

Students who elect to attend immersions and orientations are responsible for all travel and accommodation fees. Depending on the content covered, some immersions may require additional fees of up to £500 on average (fees may vary depending on country of origin).

You will not be expected to pay the full amount for the year or programme up front. Our flexible, pay-as-you-go structure is different from the norm, allowing you to pay your fees when you register for a specific module.

This depends on your organisation and how they would like to go about funding your tuition. If your organisation will be making a full payment towards the programme up front, you will need to accept your offer, provide us with correspondence from your organisation that they wish to fund the programme in full, and from there, we will be able to invoice the full fees. 

Please involve your admissions advisor in this conversation as soon as possible to ensure we can support you at each step in the process.

Unfortunately, the apprenticeship levy cannot be used for the UCL MBA.

Your admissions advisor is an invaluable partner. In addition to providing information about the UCL MBA programme, your advisor serves as your dedicated resource throughout the application process. They can help you:

• determine how an MBA may support your career goals
• navigate entry requirements
• prepare for interviews
• explore your funding options.

If you are applying with your work experience, and no undergraduate degree, please reach out to the admissions team or your dedicated admissions advisor to discuss your application in more detail. 

The minimum eligibility for those applying without an undergraduate qualification is to have at least seven years of total work experience and two years of executive leadership experience.

Your personal statement helps the Admissions Committee better understand your personal and professional goals.

To create your personal statement, please respond to the following essay topics:

• Tell us what characteristics of the UCL MBA programme are attractive to you and why the University should admit you. 
• What are your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? How will the UCL MBA help you to achieve your goals? 
• Describe your experiences dealing with uncertainty and data in the workplace. Tell us how you believe uncertainty or data could impact your industry/business sector and your personal role.

If you wish to communicate additional information about your background, you may also complete an optional essay on the below question: 

Do you have unique experiences, skills or goals that are not captured in the rest of the application?

Applicants should upload their personal statement to the online application.

Standardised test scores are not required, but may be requested in order to strengthen your application.

Learn more about entry requirements.

We have two intakes each year - one in September and one in April. 

Yes, the total tuition for the programme is inclusive of VAT.

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Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

Study at LSE webinars Watch our Personal Statement FAQs webinar

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