Start early: Give yourself enough time to research, plan and write your personal statement. This will allow you to reflect on your experiences, articulate your goals, and ensure that your statement is well-crafted.

Research the programme: Before you start writing, research the programme and the university to which you are applying. This will help you tailor your statement to the specific requirements of the programme.

Focus on your strengths: Highlight your academic achievements, relevant work experience, and other strengths that make you a good candidate for the programme. Emphasise your unique qualities that make you stand out from other applicants.

Be specific: Avoid general statements and cliches. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your qualifications for the programme.

Use a clear structure: Structure your personal statement so that it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use headings or subheadings to help the reader navigate your statement.

Be concise: Keep your statement to the required length, usually 500-1000 words. Be concise and use clear, simple language to convey your ideas.

Show your passion: Demonstrate your passion for the subject by discussing your relevant interests, experiences, and research projects.

Explain why you are a good fit: Explain how the programme aligns with your career goals, and how you will contribute to the programme’s academic community.

Be aware of, and compliment, the course’s reputation: show that you have a good knowledge of what the course has achieved over the years.

Publications anyone? If you think you might be interested in having your research published at a later date, flag that to them now. Colleges like publications.

Get feedback: Have someone you trust read your statement and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas where you can improve your writing or clarify your message.

Edit, edit, edit: Finally, proofread your statement carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure your statement is polished and error-free before submitting it.