2. Dos and Don’ts of writing a personal statement
Do use your best English and don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement.
Do show that you know your strengths are.
Use bullet points if it helps you summarise a lot of information.
Don’t use more than on side of A4
Don’t exaggerate or lie!
Don’t rely on a spellchecker.
Don’t leave it to the last minute.

3. Example of a personal statement
Samantha Pearson
I am a Year 11 student at St Catherine’s College. I enjoy creative writing, but I also enjoy doing things where you have to use logic and solve problems. That is why I joined the Young Enterprise Team in school. I was marketing director. I had to do an advertising campaign and persuade people to buy our products which were key rings, cards and bookmarks. Working in a team is an important skill in business.
Outside school I am involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For this, I am working as a helper at Cubs, organising games and activity weeks. For my physical recreation, I have joined an aerobics class which helps me to relax and keep fit.
I have a part time job that involved pricing stock and selling gifts. I handle money and take orders, which involves adding up quickly in my head. This has helped me to gain confidence in dealing with people. I also do a lot of baby-sitting which shows that I am responsible.
I did my work experience in the marketing division of a local company. I really enjoyed using my creative skills as well as things I learnt in Business Studies. My supervisor wrote on my report that, ‘Samantha joined in with great enthusiasm and developed some excellent marketing ideas’. I have decided that I want to pursue a career in marketing. This is why I am applying to do an NVQ Level 3 in Business with A Level Art.
Example of a personal statement

4. Incomplete name Lack of Capital letters Spelling errors No reference to qualities or skills
Sammy P
I am a Year 11 student at st catherine’s college.
I like writing, and I am friendly and hard working.
I was marketing director in the young enterprise team in school. I did the advertising
Outside school I am doing d of e and I help at cubs. I go to airobiks.
I have a part time job in a shop and I do baby-sitting.
I did my work experience in the marketing division of a local company. I am applying to do an NVQ Level 3 in Bisness with A Level Art.

5. You will need to: Write, then type your Personal statement
You will need to: Write, then type your Personal statement. Check it for errors. Save a copy in your own folder on the school network. Get it checked by your tutor. Upload it to your profile in UCAS Progress.