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Following on from our list of 10 things to think about when writing your personal statement, here are ten things to avoid in your personal statement.
If you haven't already, take a look at our list of 10 things to include in your personal statement.
When you are writing a personal statement for your application, for every opportunity to shine there is a pitfall to be dodged, so let's have a look at some of the most common ones.
These are things to think about. Almost everything below is about how and why you include something in your personal statement, rather than about avoiding it altogether.
1. Quotes
We want to hear about you and your interests in your words. Quotes rarely add much to an application, so unless you think they’re really relevant, use your own voice.
2. Clichés
It’s difficult to avoid personal statement clichés when you haven’t seen other personal statements. If you avoid using templates and keep it simple, stay away from quotes and use your own words, your statement will be naturally original.
UCAS has published a list of the most commonly used opening lines in undergraduate applications. These should give you an idea of some phrasing you might want to avoid.
3. Don’t write too much
We want to see that you can express yourself clearly and concisely. Stick to what’s relevant and try to resist the temptation to include everything you think of.
When you apply you will be able to include your personal statement as an attachment (without a word limit). Keeping it to around a single page is a good guide (don’t worry if you’re a little over or under).
4. Don’t write too little
See 3. It’s OK if your statement is shorter than one page, but read it over to make sure you’ve included everything you want to. Take a look at our list of the things to include in your personal statement if you think you've missed something.
5. (Irrelevant) Hobbies
If they aren’t relevant, leave them out. If they are, tell us why.
6. Don’t tell us that you’re “passionate” – show us
You don’t need to tell us that it’s always been your dream, or that the fire of language sciences burns within you. Just write honestly about why you want to study and your interest in the subject will come through on it’s own.
7. Don’t use the same personal statement for different programmes
It’s great if you want to apply to several programmes, but try not to use the same statement. If the programmes are different, shouldn’t your motivation and your personal statement be different too?
8. Lists
Instead of just telling us what you’ve read; what modules you’re interested in; or what experience you’ve had, tell us why it matters.
What about the things you’ve read relates to MSc Language Sciences?
Why do those modules interest you?
How does your experience relate to MSc Language Sciences or to postgraduate study in general?
9. Don’t forget to proof-read
Applying for postgraduate degrees can be stressful. It might sound obvious, but it's all too easy to just click “submit” without checking your statement.
Is there anything you meant to add? Anything you meant to take out?
If you’re applying for more than one programme make sure your statement is for the correct programme... and the correct university.
10. Don’t forget to ask
Always remember, if you have any questions about the programme or the application process you can always contact us at pals.langsci@ucl.ac.uk.
Don’t forget these are just tips to help you think about your application. Don’t worry if there is something here that you did or didn’t do, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for the personal statement.
Remember, it’s only one part of the whole application.