do you need a personal statement to apply through clearing

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What do I need for Clearing?

Ucas clearing can be unpredictable, but it's also a great opportunity for students to find their perfect university. .

Make sure you're prepared and know what you need if you go through Clearing - it will take a lot of stress and guesswork out of the process. Read our guide to getting the most out of Clearing. 

Who can apply through Clearing?

What documents do i need for clearing, do i need a prsonal statement for clearing, who can apply through clearing .

As long as you've applied through UCAS ( Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) you're eligible to use Clearing if you: 

• apply after 30 June  
• don't receive any university offers, or none you want to accept 
• don’t meet the conditions of your offer(s) 
• decline your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ function 

If you're using Clearing to apply to university for the first time,  you must register with UCAS and submit an application.  You will also need to pay an applic a ti on fee of £27.50. 

1. A notepad and pen/laptop or computer 

Keeping notes will be essential during Clearing as you keep track of your university research, contact details and Clearing hotlines, important pieces of information and questions you might want to ask when you speak to a Clearing adviser. 

You can use a notepad and pen, a Word document on your laptop, tablet or computer, or the notes section on your phone - whatever you prefer. Ideally, you want something that's easy to access during a call.

Keep your notes simple and organised. If you're preparing notes in advance of Results Day; you may even have time to colour-code them.

Clearing can be a whirlwind so the easier you make things for yourself, the better. 

2. A list of Clearing courses you're interested in

Use the UCAS Course Finder to check which universities still have spaces available on their courses. You'll also find details on university websites.

If you spot a course you're interested in that still has vacancies, make a note of it alongside the university's contact details and any key bits of information you can use to showcase your interest in the course during the call.

3. A fully charged phone and a good internet connection

You can apply through Clearing via university hotlines or online chat. If you're planning on using your mobile phone and/or laptop make sure they are fully charged or have plenty of battery life. Check your internet connection, too, so that when you're looking up Clearing courses online or accessing the chat function, your connection doesn't drop out.

Taking other devices off WiFi - such as PlayStations, tablets or other mobile phones - can lighten the load on your internet bandwidth.

4. Questions to ask during your Clearing call

Wherever you choose to study, you will be an asset to that university. You have so much to offer, and it's important to remember that when you're applying through Clearing.

You don't have to commit to the first university that offers you a space unless you're 100% sure it's the right one for you. Instead, ask lots of questions and do some digging.

Asking insightful questions also shows you have a genuine interest in the course, which will appeal to the Admissions team.

Questions to prepare beforehand could include: 

• how is the course taught and what is the seminar-to-lecture ratio?  
• are there any opportunities, such as Open Days, to visit the university?   
• are work placements, internships or other career support offered? 
• are bursaries or scholarships available?   
• what support is available to students who are struggling?   
• what accommodation is available?

The documents you need to prepare for Clearing are:

• your UCAS number
• your personal Clearing number
• your A Level, AS, GCSE /or equivalent results

Have all the important information you need close by, so you can find it quickly. 

If you're an international student, y ou’ll only have a UCAS number if you originally applied to study in the UK through UCAS. Y ou’ll only receive a Clearing ID if you applied through UCAS but are not holding any university offers. The ID number helps our Admissions staff look up your details, but don’t worry if you don’t have this  – our advisers will still be able to guide you through the application process.

Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

Many Admissions teams recommend you have your personal statement to hand for Clearing. 

Though it's not essential to the process, it's a great resource to rely on during your call with a Clearing adviser. It can help you talk through what makes you want to go to university, and why you're passionate about the subject you want to study.

If you have time, why not practise what you want to say on the call? This can really help if you're feeling nervous.

For more information, read our guide on what to say during Clearing.

Published By Amy Cousins on 17/06/2021 | Last Updated 02/05/2024

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What is Clearing? Your questions answered

Have a quick read through these Clearing FAQs. From What is Clearing? to When does Clearing start? They'll help you understand what happens in Clearing and they are based on questions other students ask us.

Top Clearing FAQs: The most common Clearing questions 

• What is Clearing?
• Can I apply through Clearing?
• What do universities look for in applicants when they make offers?
• When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?
• I am still waiting to hear from my firm choice uni, can you make me a Clearing offer?
• Can I still apply for uni?
• What courses are available through Clearing?
• Who can use Clearing for university entry?
• Clearing and T-Levels: Do universities accept T-Levels in Clearing?
• Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?
• Can I apply to more than one university through Clearing?
• What happens about my student loan application?
• What if I decide to apply for a different course or university through Clearing?
• What should I have ready for Clearing?
• How do I prepare / send my portfolio for Clearing?
• How do I prepare for a Clearing interview?
• What does referred mean on UCAS?
• Can I use Clearing to transfer to Brighton from another university?
• What is UCAS Clearing Plus?
• Can you get into Clearing with lower grades?
• Do universities see your other choices?
• Do I need a new personal statement for Clearing?
• When do universities confirm your place?
• When can I apply through Clearing?
• What is the latest you can apply for university?
• Can you get rejected from Clearing?
• How do Access course students apply through Clearing?
• Do universities check your GCSE results?
• When can I add a Clearing Choice?
• Can I apply to the same university through Clearing?
• Do I need to be in UCAS to apply through Clearing?

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1 What is Clearing?

Clearing is part of the UCAS application process.

It matches you with available university places and is a chance for you to make a positive move and choose what's right for you. It also allows you to find a place at university if you don't yet hold an offer.

2 Can I apply through Clearing?

You can apply for Clearing if you already have your A-level, BTEC, IB, Access course or equivalent level exam grades and you are not holding any university offers.

Am I eligible for Clearing with my exam grades?

You might be. Call us on 01273-644000 to discuss your situation.  If you are eligible with your current exam grades our admissions team could make you an offer.  

3 What do universities look for in applicants when they make offers?

Each university is different. We welcome a range of qualifications and consider each application individually. Our approach is about you as an individual and we look beyond grades at your personal experience, ambition and potential. Take a look at the flexible and inclusive way we consider applications in Clearing to see how it can work for you.

4 When does Clearing start and when does Clearing end?

UCAS Clearing starts officially on Friday 5 July 2024, but if you are waiting for exam results you will have to wait to receive them before you can apply. From that point you can seek out Clearing places by phone and refer yourself via UCAS track. When does Clearing end? Clearing ends on Monday 21 October 2024.

5 I am still waiting to hear from my firm choice uni, can you make me a Clearing offer?

Yes, once Clearing opens in July 2024 we can make you an offer if you meet our grade requirements. You can contact us now for advice about the options at Brighton and the next steps.

6 Can I still apply for uni?

Is it too late to apply for uni? No. You can call us on 01273 644644 . There's always people here to help you.

7 What courses are available though Clearing?

Once Clearing is open you can use our  course finder  to find out what courses are available through Clearing.

8 Who can use Clearing for university entry?

Many students aiming to secure a place are eligible to apply through Clearing for university. There are several different reasons for doing so. You are eligible to use Clearing if:

• you are applying for a university place after 30 June
• you applied through UCAS for a place, but are not holding any offers
• you do not meet the grades required by your firm and insurance choice universities
• you have had a change of heart about your choice of course or university
• you are a UK, European, Irish or international student.

9 Clearing and T-levels: Do universities accept T-levels during Clearing?

Some universities will accept T-levels during Clearing in 2024, however, we don’t accept them for all courses. Check our T-level advice and guidance for our courses that do accept T-levels for entry. T-level results are announced on the same day as A-levels. 

10 Do I need to wait until August to apply through Clearing?

Clearing for university places is open from 5 July and continues until mid-October. You must know all your exam results before you can get an offer of a place through Clearing.

• If you already have your exam results – for example, if you completed your qualifications last year – you can apply through Clearing now.
• If you receive your exam results in July – for example, if you are completing an Access course, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or some BTEC qualifications – you can be considered for a place as soon as you have your results in July.
• If you are still waiting for your exam results, you can use Clearing from results day on Thursday 15 August 2024
• Can I still apply for uni after Clearing? Yes, you can apply to start with us in 2024. For advice call us on 01273 644644 and our advisors can help you to make the right choice for you.

11 Can I apply to more than one university through Clearing?

One of the most popular questions about university Clearing. You can receive multiple verbal offers in Clearing. However, you can only confirm one university course as your final choice. When you receive a verbal offer what happens in Clearing is that a university will usually give you a deadline by which to confirm your choice.

12 What happens about my student loan application?

Student Finance applications will open in Spring 2024.

13 What if I decide to apply for a different course or university through Clearing?

• First you should research what is involved in the new course and confirm that it is a good fit for you.
• Contact universities to check whether they can make you a verbal offer in Clearing.
• Your Clearing application will contain your original personal statement. If you wish to submit a new personal statement to reflect your interest in the new course, contact the university to ask them how to do this.

14 What should I have ready for Clearing?

• A list of the courses and subject areas you're interested in.
• Your qualifications or grades.
• Your UCAS ID number (if you haven't already applied through UCAS, we'll provide you with an RPA form when you call us).
• Your date of birth, postal address, email address and phone number. For creative media, arts and architecture courses, a link to your online digital portfolio.
• If you're unsure, you can get more information about applying through Clearing  by looking around our site.

15 How do I prepare / send my portfolio for Clearing?

Some of our creative media, arts and architecture courses require you to prepare an online portfolio of your work. You can find out if your course needs a portfolio, and get advice on what to include and how to present your work on our online portfolio advice page.

16 How do I prepare for a Clearing interview?

For some courses you will need to attend an interview as part of the Clearing process. The interview helps us assess your suitability for the course and the profession you are interested in. Read our tips on preparing for a Clearing interview .

17 What does referred mean on UCAS?

This is a really common question students ask about Clearing, so we've included it in our What is Clearing section. Referred means that UCAS has sent your application to a university. It isn't anything to worry about, and you should receive more information quickly.

18 Can I use Clearing to transfer to Brighton from another university?

How do you sign up for Clearing to transfer from another university and can you do this? Yes you can, we have Clearing advice on this on our guide to transferring from another university .

19 What is UCAS Clearing Plus?

Clearing Plus is a new UCAS process for undergraduate applicants who are unplaced. It is accessible via UCAS Hub, and will match people to relevant courses with vacancies. Your best chance of receiving an offer is to contact us directly.

20 Can you get into Clearing with lower grades?

You can get into Clearing with lower grades because grades aren't everything that's used to decide if you get a place at university. So, how does university Clearing work if you do have lower grades? Well, Clearing is about matching you with the courses that are available and we look at who you are and your aspirations as much as we do your examination results. If you are unsure, call the friendly applications team 01273 644000   and they can explain more.

21 Do universities see your other choices?

Yes, universities can see your other choices but only once you have decided which offers to accept – up to this point they won't see that you are considering other places. However, it's possible they could see this information if you decline offers, if your application has been unsuccessful or if you have no live choices. In many ways it's not that important what universities might see: ultimately it's your choice where you want to apply.

22 Do I need a new personal statement for Clearing?

No you don't need a new personal statement for Clearing - unless you've changed your mind on which course or subject you want to study. Your original statement will have all the details in there. However, one of the useful university Clearing tips you should take away is to update the university on any work experience or qualifications you've had since you completed your initial personal statement.

23 When do universities confirm your place?

If you applied to university in the main application cycle and if you meet the conditions of your offer your place will be confirmed when the university receives your results. If you are applying through Clearing and receive an offer, and meet its conditions you can accept the offer either via UCAS Hub or with our confirmation of clearing application form .

24 When can I apply through Clearing?

You can apply through UCAS Clearing when you receive your exam results: for A-levels this will be on 15 July 2024. You apply to uni through Clearing by adding our offer as your first choice on UCAS Hub. Clearing opens early at Brighton so you can get useful advice from our applications team. Give us a call: 01273 644000 .

25 What is the latest you can apply for university?

The UCAS deadline latest you can apply for university is on the deadline 31 January 2024 at 6pm. Universities must consider all applications received by this time equally. However, you will be able to submit a late application if there are places still available on that course.

26 Can you get rejected from Clearing?

You don't get rejected from Clearing. It's possible that there isn't a course available that matches what you want, but this isn't a rejection and you will get excellent support from our Clearing advice team who can help find alternatives you've not considered. Worse case scenario is you take a fresh look at your options and find another way to get onto a course the following year. Don't worry about being rejected from Clearing. Speak with us; we are here to help 01273 644000 .

27 How do Access course students apply through Clearing?

Access course students apply through Clearing in the same way once Clearing opens in July – you may receive a verbal offer straight away if you have your results. This year Access students will get their results on 30 July. Access course students are required to submit their results to their firm choice university. If you don't have a confirmed place or want to explore Clearing places with us we'll have an online Clearing application form in addition to our telephone hotline.

Once you have decided that you would like to accept an offer of a place through Clearing you will need to confirm your acceptance – either through UCAS or by sending a confirmation of clearing application form .

28 Do universities check your GCSE results?

Universities do check your GCSE results if they feel these are important in your application. You might want to change direction from the subjects you studied at A-level and have great results at GCSE, so don't forget to include these or mention them when you apply through Clearing.

29 When can I add a Clearing Choice?

You can add a Clearing choice on results day and can only add one choice at a time. However, you can apply through Clearing more than once by adding another choice if you don't get accepted the first time.

30 Can I apply to the same university through Clearing?

If you get rejected from a university you can still apply to the same university through Clearing. It's also possible to apply through Clearing to more than one course at the same university.

31 Do I need to be in UCAS to apply through Clearing?

You don't have to be in UCAS to apply through Clearing, but you will need a UCAS account to accept an offer. As you'll need an account at some point and it makes the process quicker, you might as well set one up now.

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University Clearing 2024

Universities use Clearing as a means of filling any places remaining on their courses, so if you've not managed to find a suitable course yet for 2024/25, discover what you need to do to apply

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS service that allows universities to fill spaces on courses that aren't yet full, while students without offers are given a second chance to pursue their higher education aspirations.

In 2023, a total of 38,140 students managed to secure their university places through UCAS Clearing, up from 33,280 in 2022 - a rise of nearly 15%.

When does Clearing 2024 open?

The service is available from July to October each year, meaning that for 2024/25, if you already have your grades but aren't holding an offer from a university, you can use the Clearing service straight away from Friday 5 July 2024 .

However, if you had conditional offers but your grades didn't go to plan, you can enter Clearing from A-level results day onwards (Clearing choices can be added from 3pm on the day).

Clearing vacancies are displayed in UCAS's search tool, with the majority added from results day. You can phone the university hotline numbers from Tuesday morning to late afternoon on this day. As opening times will vary, it's best to check with the individual university for details.

Applications will be accepted until Monday 21 October 2024 , with this being the last date to add your choices, and for universities to make their final decisions.

Can I use UCAS Clearing?

This could be the ideal way to find a place on a new course if you:

• were late applying for university (after 30 June)
• haven't received any offers (or none you're willing to accept)
• didn't meet the conditions of your offers
• have paid the multiple-choice application fee of £27.50
• declined your firm place using UCAS Hub .

Even if you meet the grade requirements for your firm or insurance offer, you can now use the 'self-release' facility on UCAS Hub to release yourself from your university choice and find a course through Clearing instead. To proceed with this, you'll need to follow a series of on-screen prompts after pressing the 'Decline my place' button, to confirm that you fully understand the action you're taking.

How does Clearing work?

While some universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, don't take part in Clearing, the UCAS Clearing website typically lists more than 30,000 course vacancies through its official search facility. The list is updated regularly up to mid-September.

However, it's up to you to identify courses of interest that still have spaces to fill. Contact the relevant universities directly to confirm whether they'll offer you a place.

You can even consider applying for courses in subjects you hadn't originally applied for, and to universities that may have previously rejected you earlier in the year. As you begin to search for new courses and think through your options, get help on how to choose the right degree and the best ways to compare UK universities .

Trained advisers are on hand, manning university hotlines to guide you through the process. You'll need to gain permission from a university before you can add the course to UCAS Hub. Keep a note of your UCAS personal ID, as you'll need this when calling universities.

Once you've received a verbal offer, it's been added to UCAS Hub and confirmed by the university, your place is guaranteed.

Read more about how Clearing works at UCAS - What is Clearing?

What are Clearing matches?

As well as searching for suitable courses through the UCAS search facility, you can also take advantage of its Clearing matches tool, which has been designed to match you with your ideal course using information from your application and what universities are looking for in candidates.

If you haven't got a place at university or have started a new application, you'll see a 'View your matches' button in UCAS Hub. This takes you to your top 50 course matches. From the list, you can approach universities offering courses you're interested in. They may then contact you if they still have vacancies and you meet their entry requirements.

Read more about this service at UCAS - Your Clearing matches .

Can you apply to a university in Clearing without using UCAS?

You can apply directly to a university and the process is called Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA). You'll still have to supply the university with your results, a personal statement and a reference and if the university offers this route and makes you an offer that you accept, you'll need to fill in an RPA form. The university will submit this to UCAS on your behalf (for use in data analysis).

Not all universities offer this route, so be sure to check with your chosen university.

If you accept an offer from a university via an RPA, you won't be able to apply for any other courses. Be absolutely sure about the course before you accept any offer.

How do I apply through Clearing?

Any places on courses that universities haven't managed to fill can be found via the UCAS search tool - where you can browse vacancies according to subject, location or university.

To apply, fill out your details as normal (including your university personal statement ). Once submitted, you'll be invited to use the UCAS Hub service and be given a Clearing number - this will be displayed under your 'Application status'. From there, you'll need to follow the steps and look for a place.

You'll need to give the university your Clearing number and personal ID, so they can view your online application. Verbal offers are usually made over the phone, and you should only accept one.

Remember, you'll only be able to add one choice at a time. If the university doesn't confirm the offer, you can look again and add another.

How do I add Clearing choices?

If you've previously registered for UCAS Hub and your results have updated, you're ready to use Clearing when your status changes to either 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'.

From this point you can visit the 'Your choices' section and click 'Add Clearing choice'.

You'll then be able to enter the course details.

Only once you've been granted permission by your chosen university should you add a Clearing choice. The university will then confirm your place through UCAS.

How do I secure student finance after Clearing?

If you accept an offer through Clearing, you need to make sure you get your student loan.

The process for finance will be different - depending on whether you applied for university in the initial application phase, or whether you're using Clearing for your first application.

If you've already applied for funding but have changed your course or the university you're attending, you'll need to let Student Finance know. It's easy to update your details but you should do this as soon as possible, as it may affect the amount you receive.

Follow the steps below to update your Student Finance application:

• Log into your account at GOV.UK - Student finance login
• Go to 'Your Account'
• Select 'Change your Application'
• Then select 'University/College and Course'.

Meanwhile, if you've decided to go to university this year and you still haven't applied for finance, you'll need to apply now to give yourself the best chance of receiving your loan in time for the start of your course. You can register and apply online at GOV.UK.

While it's possible you won't get all of your funding in time for the start of your course, Student Finance will do their best to make sure you receive some support shortly after you register. If you face a delay in your funding, contact your university to let them know.

Whether you've already applied or not, students from Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales will need to apply or update their details at the relevant website.

Read more about student loans and finance , which includes guidance on student bank accounts. You can also explore saving money as a student .

University Clearing tips

Malathi Kanapathy, head of prospect and applicant engagement at Middlesex University London, gives her advice on how to navigate the university Clearing process:

• Don't panic  if you don't get the grades you were expecting - you can shop around for suitable courses. You can also use the UCAS Clearing matches tool, which provides you with courses matching your profile.
• Use your time wisely before results day to research, browse websites, view virtual tours, check social media channels, and get a feel for the universities you'd consider.
• Assess your options and don't discount alternative courses and study levels. You'll find plenty of information on the course pages and university profiles to help you decide.
• Speak to admissions advisers  through their special Clearing phonelines about the alternatives you're interested in. This is also a good opportunity to discuss availability on their student accommodation.
• Have all your important information ready , which you'll need when making calls (for instance, your UCAS number, Clearing number, A-level/GCSE grades) when talking to universities. Take notes of the points discussed with the adviser or course leader.
• Be ready to answer questions  on your reasons for choosing a specific course (as well as your academic ability), as universities will want to know you're the right fit. You may even be asked to speak to a programme leader about the course, or be invited for a  university interview .
• Be patient - with hundreds of applications to process, it can take up to a day for your chosen university to make a decision and respond. If you haven't heard back by the following day, give them a call to find out about your place. Even though you applied late, you'll still receive a welcome pack and your university will make sure you're all set for  freshers' week .
• Confirm your place - don't forget to confirm your place through UCAS once you've been made an offer that you're happy with.

Find out more

• Consider the 10 things to do before starting university .
• Discover what to take to university .
• Read our 5 ways to manage student stress .

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How to apply to university through clearing

This easy, step-by-step guide will take you through the clearing process, from searching for a course to the resulting university offer

The early bird ...

You can use clearing from 8am on results day. Use your Ucas personal ID number to log into your Track page. If you haven’t received any offers, or didn’t meet the conditions of your offer, your Track screen will tell you that you are now in clearing. You’ll find your clearing number on the Track home page in the top left hand corner, under the My Status section. Keep this number to hand as you’ll need it at every stage of the process.

Start your search

Use the Ucas course search tool to find courses that have places in your chosen subject. You’ll also find contact details on the tool, as some universities will have special clearing hotline numbers. Make a shortlist of potential places.

Be prepared

Get all your relevant information together. This might include your Ucas ID number, your clearing number, your A-level and GCSE results, details of relevant work experience, portfolios, and a copy of your personal statement, plus any notes and queries on the courses and universities that interest you.

Get on the phone

Start calling your chosen universities. You need to contact them directly and it needs to be you who calls. The admissions staff member will ask for your clearing number, which will enable them to open your Track screen and look at your application, results and personal statement.

Question time

If you’re eligible for a place and there’s still one available, the admissions staff member will probably ask you some questions – almost like a mini interview. These are not designed to catch you out, but to see if you’re a good fit for the course.

Make me an offer

The university may then make you a verbal offer. There are no conditional offers in clearing as you’ve already got your results. Or they may say they would like to call you back. Verbal offers usually come with time limits, so you may have a chance to think about it.

Keep on track

Once you accept an offer, you will need to update your Track screen – the university won’t update your Track for you. All you will need to do is click on the option which allows you to add a clearing choice.

Your confirmation

Importantly, just updating your Track screen isn’t enough. You’ll also have to contact the university directly and tell them that you have accepted their offer. Ask how they would like you to do this – some will want you to send a letter; others will accept an email. Make sure you keep a record of what offers are made, and ask how the offer will be confirmed and in what timeframe.

Congratulations!

You’ve got your place. Now go out and celebrate

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Clearing and results day 2024 guide: how to apply directly to a university

See how Clearing works and how you can apply for university courses directly through Clearing 2024.

Sophia got a place in uni after applying directly through Clearing. Hear her story .

Applying to university directly through Clearing

Many people think Clearing is only for students who don’t get their expected grades. That’s not true. If you’re a late applicant or a mature student looking to re-enter education, for example, Clearing becomes more of a window for you to apply to uni.

Applying directly through Clearing will be a different experience for you compared to most other students who enter after getting their grades. But the end result will be the same once you go through it: a place at the right uni for you, studying a course you love, and a step closer to your future goals.

You'll find everything you need to help you through the Clearing process on our website, from our Clearing course search tool to expert tips and FAQs to guide you along the way. You can find and compare courses, book open days, find out which unis have places available, and see your chance of acceptance, all in one place.

How UCAS Clearing works

You can think of Clearing as another chance to find a place at university. It matches students looking for a place at uni to unis with unfilled places, and is an increasingly popular option for students.

Universities will publish a list of courses with places still available when Clearing opens – you can find them using our Clearing tool .

Key dates for Clearing 2024

• 5 July: Clearing opens
• 21 October: Clearing ends

How to apply for Clearing courses

Follow these four simple steps:

• Search and compare Clearing courses – register with Whatuni to search, save and compare courses all in one place
• Contact shortlisted unis through their Clearing hotlines – have all your info and any questions on hand before calling
• When you have a verbal offer, complete a Record of Prior Acceptance form (see below) – the uni will then send you a letter formally confirming your place
• Start preparing for uni – once your place is confirmed, it’s time to update your student finance details and sort out your accommodation  

Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA)

When applying directly to a university through Clearing, you’ll still have to provide your results, a personal statement and a reference. This process is called Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA). If the uni takes this route (not all do) and makes you an offer that you accept, you’ll have to fill in an RPA form. The uni will then submit this to UCAS on your behalf.

Remember, if you accept a university offer through RPA, you won't be able to apply for any other courses. In other words, you need to be absolutely sure about the course before accepting any offer.

Clearing 2024 helplines

You can call these numbers for more guidance and advice on Clearing:

• UCAS: 0371 468 0468
• For those with hearing difficulties: Text Relay service. Download the app and follow the instructions
• SQA candidate advice line: 0345 279 1000

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What You Need For Clearing

You may know how it works, but what exactly will you need when applying to university through Clearing?

It’s natural to feel a little anxious about the UCAS Clearing process. However, as long as you understand how Clearing works and what you will need during the process, applying for Clearing should be a breeze.

Understand the terminology

Before you get started with Clearing, it is a good idea to make sure you understand the terminology which may pop up. Below is a list of common phrases you are likely to hear during the Clearing process:

• Choice - A course you apply for.
• Clearing call/ hotline - A call with a university you’d like to apply for through Clearing.
• Clearing deadline - The date when Clearing closes.
• Clearing number / ID - This is a number that will be on your UCAS hub welcome page. Remember, it is different from your UCAS personal ID.
• Clearing Plus - A personalised UCAS service which matches students to universities who have particular courses available in Clearing.
• Conditional offer - An offer to a course under conditions (typically your grades).
• Course Code - The number in the UCAS system given to each course.
• Deferral - If you’d like to start the course the following academic year.
• Firm choice - An offer you accept as your first choice.
• Hub - UCAS Hub lets you track your application.
• Informal offer - A offer by a university likely given verbally on a Clearing call. Once you have added the course as your Clearing choice, the university will then accept it making the offer formal.
• Insurance choice - An offer you accept as your second choice. Note you can not add more than one Clearing choice at a time. Insurance choices are only available for your original application.
• Point of entry - The year your course will start.
• UCAS number/ personal ID - A number personal to you given by UCAS.
• UCAS Self release - Allows a student who holds a university place to decline it and release themselves into Clearing.
• Unconditional offer - An offer onto a course with no conditions.
• Unsuccessful - The outcome if your university application is declined.

What you will need on the day

Making sure you have everything you will need for Clearing prepared will help eliminate any anxieties you may have. Although Clearing starts on the 5th July, most students enter Clearing on A Level results day . To secure your spot quickly and stress free on the day, make sure to have the following prepared.

Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

You do not need to write a specific Clearing personal statement. When you make your Clearing application, it will contain your original personal statement.

You can submit a new personal statement if you want to. In order to do this, you will need to contact the university directly and ask them if you can submit a new one.

What info do I need for Clearing?

You will need to have a few things at the ready for when you apply through Clearing. This means that you will need to have:

• Any questions you may have about the course.
• Relevant portfolios.
• Work experience details (if you have any).
• Your Clearing number.
• Your GCSE and A-Level results.
• Your UCAS ID number.
• Your personal statement.This information will be essential for applying for university through Clearing.

Something to take notes with

Make sure you either have a pen and a pad, tablet, laptop or phone to hand to jot down any important information you may need. Note down any research you have done, important contact details and your personal information, for example your UCAS number.

It’s a good idea to have your notes organised. This way if you’re on a Clearing call with a university you will easily be able to navigate the answer to questions they ask. Rummaging through pieces of paper during your call probably won’t leave a great impression. Also, if they tell you any important dates or information in the call, you will want to be able to jot it down quickly.

Clearing can be a whirlwind, with you having to remember a ton of information whilst more is being thrown at you. Having organised notes will make Clearing a lot easier.

Fully charged phone and good internet

Before you add your Clearing choice on UCAS you will need to obtain an informal offer from the university you’re applying for. To do this, you’ll have to call up the university and enquire about the Clearing course you’re interested in. Clearing calls will typically involve the university asking you a few questions, so there's no saying how long a call could last. Also, you may want to phone up a few universities on results day. The last thing you want is your phone running out when you’re trying to secure yourself a Clearing spot.

You’ll also need either your phone or laptop for the Clearing process. To apply for Clearing you’ll need to have access to your UCAS account. Here you can search through the Clearing vacancies and add your Clearing choice. Don’t forget to make sure you have a good internet connection on the day.

A list of the courses your interested in

If you are uncertain whether you will need to go through Clearing or not, it’s a good idea to check which courses/universities have Clearing spots available prior to results day. Compile a list of courses you like the sound of, along with any contact details. That way, if you do end up going through Clearing, you won’t waste any time searching through the UCAS Course Finder for a Clearing space. It’s also key to remember that Clearing spots can go quickly, so the more you prepare beforehand the better chance you will have of securing your spot for September.

Choosing which university you would like to study at is not always an easy task. Taking the time to research the different universities available before making your final decision on a Clearing course is vital if you’re going to find the perfect place for you.

Questions for the university

During your Clearing call with a university you will most likely be asked a few questions on why you’d like to study on a particular course at their university. Whilst you want to focus on showing your enthusiasm in your answers, it's also a good idea to have some questions for them prepared. Not only does asking questions highlight your genuine interest, they are also a great way of getting to know the course/university better.

Remember, you are not required to stick to the first university that offers you a place. Instead, speak with a few universities, ask lots of questions and do some digging. Then, you’ll be certain that whichever offer you do accept is the right one for you.

A great place to start when thinking of questions for the university is the course itself. Delve into the course that you're interested in on the university's website and think of some insightful questions. You could ask about the seminar-to-lecture ratio, or the different opportunities available to students when studying. Here’s a few suggestions of questions you could ask during your Clearing call:

• Are there opportunities on the course to complete a work placement?
• Is the course mainly coursework or are there a lot of exams?
• Are there any Open Days?
• What accommodation is available?
• Are bursaries or scholarships available?

You don’t necessarily need to have tons of information at your disposal. Having all of the information that is relevant to you is sometimes the most important thing.

We recommend that you have all the information that a university will ask for to-hand. This means your UCAS ID number, your Clearing number, your work experience (if you have any) details, your personal statement and your GCSE and A-Level results.

Your personal statement will already be a part of your UCAS application . You will not need to re-write your personal statement unless the university you are applying to asks you to and this is exceptionally rare.

It is possible to re-apply with a new personal statement. This will not be done through UCAS; you will need to contact the university directly and ask them how to do so, as you may need to send the new statement to the submissions team.

How long does Clearing take?

This really depends on the university you are applying to. Once you have added the Clearing course you like to your UCAS Hub , this will then be down to the university and how long they take to respond to you.

Typically, universities tend to confirm your place within 24-72 hours. Some have been known to take longer, it will generally depend on how busy the university is at that time.

Have your documents ready

Documents are also important to have to hand throughout Clearing. You may be asked in your Clearing call to confirm any of your personal information. Alongside all of your personal details, make sure you have the following close by:

• Your UCAS number
• Your personal Clearing number
• Your A Level, AS, and GCSE results or equivalent

Clearing App

To make your life a little easier, download our Clearing app . Here you can research universities, search Clearing courses, and connect with universities in seconds. On a busy Clearing day, like results day, having a handy one stop app could be all you need to secure yourself a spot at university.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, what is a personal statement everything you need to know about the college essay.

College Admissions , College Essays

In addition to standardized test scores and transcripts, a personal statement or essay is a required part of many college applications. The personal statement can be one of the most stressful parts of the application process because it's the most open ended.

In this guide, I'll answer the question, "What is a personal statement?" I'll talk through common college essay topics and what makes for an effective personal statement.

College Essay Glossary

Even the terminology can be confusing if you aren't familiar with it, so let's start by defining some terms:

Personal statement —an essay you write to show a college admissions committee who you are and why you deserve to be admitted to their school. It's worth noting that, unlike "college essay," this term is used for application essays for graduate school as well.

College essay —basically the same as a personal statement (I'll be using the terms interchangeably).

Essay prompt —a question or statement that your college essay is meant to respond to.

Supplemental essay —an extra school or program-specific essay beyond the basic personal statement.

Many colleges ask for only one essay. However, some schools do ask you to respond to multiple prompts or to provide supplemental essays in addition to a primary personal statement.

Either way, don't let it stress you out! This guide will cover everything you need to know about the different types of college essays and get you started thinking about how to write a great one:

• Why colleges ask for an essay
• What kinds of essay questions you'll see
• What sets great essays apart
• Tips for writing your own essay

Why Do Colleges Ask For an Essay?

There are a couple of reasons that colleges ask applicants to submit an essay, but the basic idea is that it gives them more information about you, especially who you are beyond grades and test scores.

#1: Insight Into Your Personality

The most important role of the essay is to give admissions committees a sense of your personality and what kind of addition you'd be to their school's community . Are you inquisitive? Ambitious? Caring? These kinds of qualities will have a profound impact on your college experience, but they're hard to determine based on a high school transcript.

Basically, the essay contextualizes your application and shows what kind of person you are outside of your grades and test scores . Imagine two students, Jane and Tim: they both have 3.5 GPAs and 1200s on the SAT. Jane lives in Colorado and is the captain of her track team; Tim lives in Vermont and regularly contributes to the school paper. They both want to be doctors, and they both volunteer at the local hospital.

As similar as Jane and Tim seem on paper, in reality, they're actually quite different, and their unique perspectives come through in their essays. Jane writes about how looking into her family history for a school project made her realize how the discovery of modern medical treatments like antibiotics and vaccines had changed the world and drove her to pursue a career as a medical researcher. Tim, meanwhile, recounts a story about how a kind doctor helped him overcome his fear of needles, an interaction that reminded him of the value of empathy and inspired him to become a family practitioner. These two students may seem outwardly similar but their motivations and personalities are very different.

Without an essay, your application is essentially a series of numbers: a GPA, SAT scores, the number of hours spent preparing for quiz bowl competitions. The personal statement is your chance to stand out as an individual.

#2: Evidence of Writing Skills

A secondary purpose of the essay is to serve as a writing sample and help colleges see that you have the skills needed to succeed in college classes. The personal statement is your best chance to show off your writing , so take the time to craft a piece you're really proud of.

That said, don't panic if you aren't a strong writer. Admissions officers aren't expecting you to write like Joan Didion; they just want to see that you can express your ideas clearly.

No matter what, your essay should absolutely not include any errors or typos .

#3: Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

For some students, the essay is also a chance to explain factors affecting their high school record. Did your grades drop sophomore year because you were dealing with a family emergency? Did you miss out on extracurriculars junior year because of an extended medical absence? Colleges want to know if you struggled with a serious issue that affected your high school record , so make sure to indicate any relevant circumstances on your application.

Keep in mind that in some cases there will be a separate section for you to address these types of issues, as well as any black marks on your record like expulsions or criminal charges.

#4: Your Reasons for Applying to the School

Many colleges ask you to write an essay or paragraph about why you're applying to their school specifically . In asking these questions, admissions officers are trying to determine if you're genuinely excited about the school and whether you're likely to attend if accepted .

I'll talk more about this type of essay below.

What Kind of Questions Do Colleges Ask?

Thankfully, applications don't simply say, "Please include an essay about yourself"; they include a question or prompt that you're asked to respond to . These prompts are generally pretty open-ended and can be approached in a lot of different ways .

Nonetheless, most questions fall into a few main categories. Let's go through each common type of prompt, with examples from the Common Application, the University of California application, and a few individual schools.

Prompt Type 1: Your Personal History

This sort of question asks you to write about a formative experience, important event, or key relationship from your life . Admissions officers want to understand what is important to you and how your background has shaped you as a person.

These questions are both common and tricky. The most common pit students fall into is trying to tell their entire life stories. It's better to focus in on a very specific point in time and explain why it was meaningful to you.

Common App 1

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Common App 5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

University of California 2

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

University of California 6

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Prompt Type 2: Facing a Problem

A lot of prompts deal with how you solve problems, how you cope with failure, and how you respond to conflict. College can be difficult, both personally and academically, and admissions committees want to see that you're equipped to face those challenges .

The key to these types of questions is to identify a real problem, failure, or conflict ( not a success in disguise) and show how you adapted and grew from addressing the issue.

Common App 2

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Harvard University 7

The Harvard College Honor Code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty.

Prompt Type 3: Diversity

Most colleges are pretty diverse, with students from a wide range of backgrounds. Essay questions about diversity are designed to help admissions committees understand how you interact with people who are different from you .

In addressing these prompts, you want to show that you're capable of engaging with new ideas and relating to people who may have different beliefs than you.

Common App 3

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Johns Hopkins University

Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, religion, community) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins.  This can be a future goal or experience that is either [sic] academic, extracurricular, or social.

Duke University Optional 1

We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community. 

Prompt Type 4: Your Future Goals

This type of prompt asks about what you want to do in the future: sometimes simply what you'd like to study, sometimes longer-term career goals. Colleges want to understand what you're interested in and how you plan to work towards your goals.

You'll mostly see these prompts if you're applying for a specialized program (like pre-med or engineering) or applying as a transfer student. Some schools also ask for supplementary essays along these lines. 

University of Southern California (Architecture)

Princeton Supplement 1

Prompt Type 5: Why This School

The most common style of supplemental essay is the "why us?" essay, although a few schools with their own application use this type of question as their main prompt. In these essays, you're meant to address the specific reasons you want to go to the school you're applying to .

Whatever you do, don't ever recycle these essays for more than one school.

Chapman University

There are thousands of universities and colleges. Why are you interested in attending Chapman?

Columbia University

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

Rice University

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?

Princeton University

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?

Prompt Type 6: Creative Prompts

More selective schools often have supplemental essays with stranger or more unique questions. University of Chicago is notorious for its weird prompts, but it's not the only school that will ask you to think outside the box in addressing its questions.

University of Chicago

“Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match).

University of Vermont

Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The “Save Our Swirled” flavor raises awareness of climate change, and “I Dough, I Dough” celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why?

What Makes a Strong Personal Statement?

OK , so you're clear on what a college essay is, but you're still not sure how to write a good one . To help you get started, I'm going to explain the main things admissions officers look for in students' essays: an engaging perspective, genuine moments, and lively writing .

I've touched on these ideas already, but here, I'll go into more depth about how the best essays stand out from the pack.

Showing Who You Are

A lot of students panic about finding a unique topic, and certainly writing about something unusual like a successful dating app you developed with your friends or your time working as a mall Santa can't hurt you. But what's really important isn't so much what you write about as how you write about it . You need to use your subject to show something deeper about yourself.

Look at the prompts above: you'll notice that they almost all ask you what you learned or how the experience affected you. Whatever topic you pick, you must be able to specifically address how or why it matters to you .

Say a student, Will, was writing about the mall Santa in response to Common App prompt number 2 (the one about failure): Will was a terrible mall Santa. He was way too skinny to be convincing and the kids would always step on his feet. He could easily write 600 very entertaining words describing this experience, but they wouldn't necessarily add up to an effective college essay.

To do that, he'll need to talk about his motivations and his feelings: why he took such a job in the first place and what he did (and didn't) get out of it. Maybe Will took the job because he needed to make some money to go on a school trip and it was the only one he could find. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for screaming children, he kept doing it because he knew if he persevered through the whole holiday season he would have enough money for his trip. Would you rather read "I failed at being a mall Santa" or "Failing as a mall Santa taught me how to persevere no matter what"? Admissions officers definitely prefer the latter.

Ultimately, the best topics are ones that allow you to explain something surprising about yourself .

Since the main point of the essay is to give schools a sense of who you are, you have to open up enough to let them see your personality . Writing a good college essay means being honest about your feelings and experiences even when they aren't entirely positive.

In this context, honesty doesn't mean going on at length about the time you broke into the local pool at night and nearly got arrested, but it does mean acknowledging when something was difficult or upsetting for you. Think about the mall Santa example above. The essay won't work unless the writer genuinely acknowledges that he was a bad Santa and explains why.

Eloquent Writing

As I mentioned above, colleges want to know that you are a strong enough writer to survive in college classes . Can you express your ideas clearly and concisely? Can you employ specific details appropriately and avoid clichés and generalizations? These kinds of skills will serve you well in college (and in life!).

Nonetheless, admissions officers recognize that different students have different strengths. They aren't looking for a poetic magnum opus from someone who wants to be a math major. (Honestly, they aren't expecting a masterwork from anyone , but the basic point stands.) Focus on making sure that your thoughts and personality come through, and don't worry about using fancy vocabulary or complex rhetorical devices.

Above all, make sure that you have zero grammar or spelling errors . Typos indicate carelessness, which will hurt your cause with admissions officers.

Top Five Essay-Writing Tips

Now that you have a sense of what colleges are looking for, let's talk about how you can put this new knowledge into practice as you approach your own essay. Below, I've collected my five best tips from years as a college essay counselor.

#1: Start Early!

No matter how much you want to avoid writing your essay, don't leave it until the last minute . One of the most important parts of the essay writing process is editing, and editing takes a lot of time. You want to be able to put your draft in a drawer for a week and come back to it with fresh eyes. You don't want to be stuck with an essay you don't really like because you have to submit your application tomorrow.

You need plenty of time to experiment and rewrite, so I would recommend starting your essays at least two months before the application deadline . For most students, that means starting around Halloween, but if you're applying early, you'll need to get going closer to Labor Day.

Of course, it's even better to get a head start and begin your planning earlier. Many students like to work on their essays over the summer, when they have more free time, but you should keep in mind that each year's application isn't usually released until August or September. Essay questions often stay the same from year to year, however. If you are looking to get a jump on writing, you can try to confirm with the school (or the Common App) whether the essay questions will be the same as the previous year's.

#2: Pick a Topic You're Genuinely Excited About

One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to write what they think the committee wants to hear. The truth is that there's no "right answer" when it comes to college essays . T he best topics aren't limited to specific categories like volunteer experiences or winning a tournament. Instead, they're topics that actually matter to the writer .

"OK," you're thinking, "but what does she mean by 'a topic that matters to you'? Because to be perfectly honest, right now, what really matters to me is that fall TV starts up this week, and I have a feeling I shouldn't write about that."

You're not wrong (although some great essays have been written about television ). A great topic isn't just something that you're excited about or that you talk to your friends about; it's something that has had a real, describable effect on your perspective .

This doesn't mean that you should overemphasize how something absolutely changed your life , especially if it really didn't. Instead, try to be as specific and honest as you can about how the experience affected you, what it taught you, or what you got out of it.

Let's go back to the TV idea. Sure, writing an essay about how excited you are for the new season of Stranger Things  probably isn't the quickest way to get yourself into college, but you could write a solid essay (in response to the first type of prompt) about how SpongeBob SquarePants was an integral part of your childhood. However, it's not enough to just explain how much you loved SpongeBob—you must also explain why and how watching the show every day after school affected your life. For example, maybe it was a ritual you shared with your brother, which showed you how even seemingly silly pieces of pop culture can bring people together. Dig beneath the surface to show who you are and how you see the world.

When you write about something you don't really care about, your writing will come out clichéd and uninteresting, and you'll likely struggle to motivate yourself. When you instead write about something that is genuinely important to you, you can make even the most ordinary experiences—learning to swim, eating a meal, or watching TV—engaging .

#3: Focus on Specifics

But how do you write an interesting essay? Focus.

Don't try to tell your entire life story or even the story of an entire weekend; 500–650 words may seem like a lot, but you'll reach that limit quickly if you try to pack every single thing that has happened to you into your essay. If, however, you just touch on a wide range of topics, you'll end up with an essay that reads more like a résumé.

Instead, narrow in on one specific event or idea, and talk about it in more depth . The narrower your topic, the better. For example, writing about your role as Mercutio in your school's production of Romeo and Juliet is too general, but writing about opening night, when everything went wrong, could be a great topic.

Whatever your topic, use details to help draw the reader in and express your unique perspective. But keep in mind that you don't have to include every detail of what you did or thought; stick to the important and illustrative ones.

#4: Use Your Own Voice

College essays aren't academic assignments; you don't need to be super formal. Instead, try to be yourself. The best writing sounds like a more eloquent version of the way you talk .

Focus on using clear, simple language that effectively explains a point or evokes a feeling. To do so, avoid the urge to use fancy-sounding synonyms when you don't really know what they mean. Contractions are fine; slang, generally, is not. Don't hesitate to write in the first person.

A final note: you don't need to be relentlessly positive. It's OK to acknowledge that sometimes things don't go how you want—just show how you grew from that.

#5: Be Ruthless

Many students want to call it a day after writing a first draft, but editing is a key part of writing a truly great essay. To be clear, editing doesn't mean just making a few minor wording tweaks and cleaning up typos; it means reading your essay carefully and objectively and thinking about how you could improve it .

Ask yourself questions as you read: is the progression of the essay clear? Do you make a lot of vague, sweeping statements that could be replaced with more interesting specifics? Do your sentences flow together nicely? Do you show something about yourself beyond the surface level?

You will have to delete and rewrite (potentially large) parts of your essay, and no matter how attached you feel to something you wrote, you might have to let it go . If you've ever heard the phrase "kill your darlings," know that it is 100% applicable to college essay writing.

At some point, you might even need to rewrite the whole essay. Even though it's annoying, starting over is sometimes the best way to get an essay that you're really proud of.

What's Next?

Make sure to check out our other posts on college essays , including our step-by-step guide to how to write your college essay , our analysis of the Common App Prompts , and our collection of example essays .

If you're in need of guidance on other parts of the application process , take a look at our guides to choosing the right college for you , writing about extracurriculars , deciding to double major , and requesting teacher recommendations .

Last but not least, if you're planning on taking the SAT one last time , check out our ultimate guide to studying for the SAT and make sure you're as prepared as possible.

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Clearing and results day FAQs

Your frequently asked questions on results day and clearing answered, and advice on what to do if things don’t turn out as you’d hoped..

Results day FAQs

Clearing faqs, clearing and results day faqs for parents.

Results day can be an emotional time and it can be hard to organise all the thoughts and questions you may have.

How should you prepare for results day?

Whatever your expectations, you should have a contingency plan in place. 

Carefully consider all your options, including resitting your exams, deferring, taking a gap year, or reapplying next year. 

If you're feeling nervous, talk to people who've experienced results day already, whether that’s a parent, older sibling, friend, or teacher. 

Read our FAQs and take a look at our results day and Clearing page  for more info.

How do you check if you have a place at university?

The best way is to regularly check your UCAS Hub. 

UCAS Hub updates as soon as updates are received from universities. This tends to be at around 8:30 am, but be ready from 8 am on results day. Even if you don't get the grades you need, you should check your UCAS Hub first as you may still be offered a place. 

Remember to have your password and ID number for UCAS Hub at hand and check your email inbox isn’t full and can accept bulk emails. Many universities will send confirmation messages automatically to a list of their applicants. 

What should you do if you're away for results day?

Our advice is never be away on results day, but if unavoidable there are measures you can take. 

Make arrangements with your school to get access to your results if you can't get them online. You should also check your UCAS Hub as soon as possible on results day. If you need to go through Clearing, don’t leave it till you get back to contact universities as this could reduce your options significantly. 

You’ve got your expected results and met the entry requirements of your Conditional Firm (CF) choice. Do you need to do anything on results day?

Congratulations! You should have a place at your first-choice university. 

Still check UCAS Hub for peace of mind, especially if you have an offer expressed in UCAS points rather than grades. Once Hub confirms you’ve met the conditions of your offer, wait for the confirmation email from your university. Check that the university has the right email address and that your inbox is set up to receive messages from them. 

If you have any questions for your university, it’s best to wait until the following week to contact them as they’ll be extremely busy for the first few days after results come out.   Once you've celebrated, you can start thinking about preparing to go to university. 

You just missed out on your Conditional Firm (CF) choice. Is it worth calling them to see if they’ll still offer you a place?

Yes, it's worth contacting them, but be aware it may not change anything. 

This will usually mean the course is full, but it’s worth calling to see if anyone decides not to take their offer. The university may be able to offer you an alternative, similar course, for example via joint honours or with a foundation year. 

You haven’t achieved the grades needed for your chosen university. What can you do? 

Stay positive! You have a number of options. You could find an alternative course or university via Clearing and can read more about this below in our Clearing FAQs. 

Alternatively, you might consider resitting your exams or taking a gap year.

What if you want to appeal your A Level results?

Some students will be unhappy with what they were awarded, but there are options. Read more about how to appeal your A Level results and find out the best course of action. 

• Choosing a course
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Clearing is available for students who don't get their required grades, don't receive an offer, haven't yet applied or have chosen to self-release.

What's UCAS Clearing? How does Clearing work?

UCAS Clearing is a way of matching universities without students to students without a university place. 

Clearing can be used by almost any potential student, whether applying late or for strategic reasons – for example, trading up to a university you initially thought you wouldn't get into.   

Who can use UCAS Clearing and Clearing self-release?

All students are eligible. It’s most often used by those who haven't got the grades needed to secure their place, those who applied later, those who got no offers or those who don’t want to take the place they’ve been offered. 

UCAS applications received after the 30 June deadline, or students who miss their grade target, are automatically entered into Clearing. 

Self-release allows students who are already holding a university place to release themselves into Clearing rather than wait for their original choice of university to release them. Self-release is available in UCAS Hub from July onwards. 

Those who haven't yet applied to any universities can also apply through Clearing once they have their results. However, you'll need to have completed a UCAS application to use Clearing. 

You can apply online through UCAS Apply. Don't forget you'll need a reference as well as your personal statement. 

Is there a difference for international students in Clearing? 

You should aim to go through this process as quickly and early as possible, as there are some differences in applying through Clearing for international students. 

You may have to apply for a student visa. This can take time if there are lots of people applying at the same time. 

You might have to take some tests such as a language assessment to secure a place. Your university may also ask to have an interview with you. Ask each university directly what they need as it'll vary depending on where you're from and the university you’re going to. 

If you're taking International Baccalaureate exams, you'll have an advantage over UK students when using Clearing. This is because most UK students don't get exam results until August. 

To find out more read our Clearing advice for international and EU students 

What's the best way to approach Clearing?

A positive attitude can go a long way to being successful in Clearing. Make a list of universities with available courses that you’d consider, their phone numbers and email addresses. Think about what you might say beforehand and make notes if you need to. 

It’s important to make the call yourself rather than asking someone to do this on your behalf, unless you have a disability that necessitates this. When you call universities, be positive about yourself and the university. Remember you're competing for places with other students.

Be prepared to say why you want to study that particular course at that particular institution and what you can offer. Be ready to answer questions on your exam results, your motivation and your experience. Staff want to feel confident that you want to study there and that you’re not choosing them out of desperation. Prepare your own questions to ask them too.

Getting a place through Clearing isn't as difficult as it sounds, and you may be surprised at the number of vacancies. However, depending on your results there'll be some courses and universities that'll be unattainable, and recognising this early on will save you a lot of time. 

Read our top tips for preparing for a Clearing call.

What are the Clearing dates?

UCAS Clearing runs from 5 July until 21 October 2024 .

While you can't apply through Clearing until you have your results, you should avoid being in Clearing all the way up to the October deadline. The longer you leave it, the fewer places will be available. 

See the full breakdown of this year's  application deadlines .

How will you know if you're in Clearing?

Your UCAS Hub status will say ‘you are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. 

If you didn’t match the entry requirements but your Hub status doesn't say you’re in Clearing, it could mean your results haven't been updated or the universities are still considering your application. 

Which universities accept students through Clearing?

There’s a stereotype associated with Clearing that only less prestigious universities will have spaces available. This isn't true. The university places available through Clearing varies each year based on which courses have places still to fill. 

Can you reject your insurance offer and go through Clearing instead?

Yes, you can now self-release yourself into Clearing.

You no longer have to wait to be released by your insurance choice, but can do it yourself, saving valuable time.

• Guide to UCAS Clearing
• Appealing your A Level results

Can you change your mind about your course and go through Clearing instead? 

You can. You'll need to get in touch with the uni you originally applied to and ask to be released (make sure you do this as soon as you can). After they release you, you'll be entered into Clearing. 

Will universities go below their usual entry requirements during Clearing?

Within the context of Clearing, they may well go lower than the offer listed on their prospectus. It depends on how much demand each university and course have, as well as the grades of other interested students. The best way to find out is to ask the universities directly.  

• University entry requirements

If you get multiple offers through Clearing, can you put them all into UCAS Track?

You can only add one Clearing choice at a time. If the university doesn't confirm your place, you can then add another. 

You’ve applied for deferred entry to university and have been unsuccessful with both your Conditional Firm (CF) and Conditional Insurance (CI) choices. Can you go through Clearing or will you have to reapply?

You can go through Clearing, but not to apply for a deferred place. 

Typically, you can only use Clearing to secure a place on a course for the upcoming academic year. However, if you want to enquire further, it’s worth calling the university to at least ask. 

Is it true you can't enter Clearing until you've been declined by your choices?

Not at all. 

You'll automatically be entered into the Clearing process if you don't get an offer from either your CF or CI choices. 

You didn’t meet either of your offers but the universities haven’t declined yet. What should you do?

Call the universities to check the status of your application. 

It may be that some results are missing, or you haven't met the grades and universities are placing near misses such as yourself to see who they can take. They could also be waiting for other candidates' results to come in before deciding. 

The UCAS system can take time to update. If it hasn't been updated later in the day, make a start on your plan B and start calling a few universities with Clearing vacancies.  

You can’t get through using the hotline number. What should you do?

Be patient. Unfortunately, this is the reality of Clearing! 

University hotlines will be extremely busy but persevere and you’ll get through eventually. You could also try emailing or contacting on social media, but calling is likely to be the quickest and most direct route – even if it doesn't feel like it. 

You'd like to go through Clearing but haven’t applied yet. When's the deadline for Clearing and can you still apply through it?

You can still apply but you'll need to get organised. 

You’ll need to complete the UCAS application as normal, including a personal statement. You can’t add course choices but once registered, you’ll get an email with a link to UCAS Hub and your Clearing number. 

• Tips for writing your perfect personal statement

Does going through Clearing affect getting your student loan?

If you've already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details as soon as possible. 

If you've made your first application through Clearing and haven't applied for finance yet, you need to apply now to give yourself the best possible chance of getting your first loan in time for starting your course. 

There's a possibility you won't get your loan in time for the start of the year. 

How do you find accommodation while going through Clearing?

If the course and university are right, go for it and think about accommodation later. But if you've got a few options, accommodation availability could be a useful way to decide where to go. 

You’ll need to stay relaxed and be prepared to compromise. If the university you want to go to has run out of spaces in the type of accommodation you’re after, then you'll have to think about what's more important to you: your university or where you live. 

Be proactive. Go to house viewings, keep ringing the accommodation providers or estate agents, get onto social media groups to find potential housemates, and do your research. The accommodation you end up in can have a major bearing on your first-year experience, so it's worth putting in the effort to find somewhere right for you. 

• Student accommodation
• Student halls and houses
• How much does uni accommodation cost?
• Student housing: private sector

How long does your child have to find a course through Clearing? 

The last day to add a Clearing choice and for universities to accept Clearing applicants in 2024 is 17 October . However, your child should aim to get a place through Clearing as quickly as possible as spaces will be filled quickly. 

What steps does your child need to take between results day and starting university? 

Once your child has secured a place at university, there’s some serious preparation to be done before they start. 

The main things they'll need to sort out are finances and accommodation. These aren’t the most exciting tasks, but they're important. Your child should also open a student bank account – most major banks offer these with varying incentives, so shop around to find the best one. 

They should also use this time to start deciding what possessions they're going to take with them and what can be left at home.

How can you help your child prepare for university? 

There are many ways you can help your child prepare for independent life at university. 

Teaching your child practical skills for independent living is important. If they don’t do these things already, use the time between results day and start of university to get them doing their own washing and cooking their own meals.  

Budgeting is also very important. Sit down with them and work out how much money they’ll have per week, and if they’ll need any additional financial support.

• Results day and Clearing
• Clearing success stories

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Guide To Applying To Medicine Through Clearing

Home » Application Guide » Guide To Applying To Medicine Through Clearing

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The outcome that all Medical Applicants fear – you’ve applied to Medicine, but haven’t received any offers. As you well know, Medicine is extremely competitive and unfortunately, quite a few people will be in your shoes. That’s not to say, however, that there’s no chance you’ll be starting Medical School though!

Clearing is the last option for students who remain unplaced in the UCAS cycle (for the non-admissions nerds out there, this means you haven’t gotten any offers, or you’ve rejected them). Even though Medicine is very competitive, in the past years, we have seen some Medical Schools go into Clearing.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is for students who didn’t get any offers from their original 5 UCAS choices , or who rejected those offers to apply to more university courses. Universities with empty spaces can advertise in Clearing to these students.

You might be thinking that Medicine is so oversubscribed that there just won’t be any empty spaces, so there’s no point looking at Clearing. You wouldn’t be wrong, but some Med Schools specifically hold places back for Clearing to hoover up strong candidates who’ve been unlucky with other schools. It’s an admissions strategy that works for them, but it does mean that, unlike other courses, Medicine in Clearing isn’t just looking for bums on seats.

Can I apply through Clearing?

Anyone who isn’t holding an offer and has paid the multiple application fee on UCAS (unless you only applied to one course originally) is technically eligible for Clearing. To go into Clearing for Medicine, you will need to reject all your offers, including ‘backup’ Biomed-type offers.

But as said above, Medicine Clearing is still very competitive and unlike other courses desperate to get you in, Med Schools in Clearing will often have extra eligibility requirements – read on to find out more!

Reapplying next year? Give yourself the best chance of Medicine Success with 6med.

Get full, comprehensive support for your medical school application with 6med’s Complete Bundle . Access everything you need for success as soon as you sign up. 

Reapplying next year? Give yourself the best chance of Medicine Success.

The Complete Bundle provides you with the best support for your Personal Statement, UCAT, BMAT and Interview and guides you to a successful application.

With our Complete Bundle, we guarantee that you will get at least one offer to study Medicine, or your money back.

How do I know I’m eligible for a Clearing offer?

Medical Schools are just as competitive in Clearing as they are through regular entry. Requirements will differ between schools but some things are fairly standard:

No re-applicants from the same cycle:

Historically, Medical Schools in Clearing haven’t accepted applications from students who have applied and interviewed previously in the same cycle, as the assumption is that you would not pass the Clearing Interview.

Academic requirements:

Med Schools do not lower their academic standards in Clearing, so forget all the stories you’ve heard of a friend of a friend getting into an A*AA course with BBD – it won’t have been Medicine. You’ll be applying with results in hand, so check they meet the school’s academic requirements (A-levels, GCSEs or equivalent) or you’ll be wasting everyone’s time.

Yeah, sorry, no getting away from these! In the interests of fairness, most Medical Schools will keep their UCAT cutoffs the same as for standard entry and you will need to meet them. St George’s (SGUL), which is known for being in Clearing, handily puts theirs on their website so you can check before applying, as many other schools. And you can’t retake the tests for Clearing – you’re stuck with the score you achieved this cycle. You also can’t apply to a Medical School through Clearing if you haven’t already taken the entrance exam it requires. 

Check out our Definitive UCAT Guide to learn how you can get a great score when you take them!

Interviews:

No getting away from this either! Schools will still Interview you in Clearing, and if you don’t pass the Interview, they will not make you an offer.

Our free Interview Resources Page will provide you with tons of advice for impressing your interviewer!

Widening participation:

Some schools will put their Foundation Courses in Clearing and these will still have the same WP criteria for entry, such as being on free school meals. They may also be limited to students in a specific geographical area.

Cash reserves:

While Buckingham Medical School has basically always been in Clearing, it’s a private university and you’d have to self-fund your fees.

When do I go into Clearing?

Once A-level results come out in August, you’ll be able to start contacting universities as soon as you know you have your results. You can then add a Clearing choice on Track from 2 pm that day, but you must NEVER do this until you have a verbal or written offer from a university. As Medicine courses in Clearing still Interview, this would typically be a week later after your Interview.

If and only if you have your grades already, ‘Early Clearing’ opens in early July. Remember, universities can only make unconditional offers through Clearing, so they won’t accept applications until you have achieved grades . If you decide to re-apply, we guarantee your offer next year or you can get your money back through our Complete Medicine Bundle.

Should I apply through clearing?

This is a tricky one. In general, if you meet the academic requirements to apply, there’s no downside to having a go at Clearing for Medicine. After all, best-case scenario, you do get a place and suddenly this is a successful application cycle!

However, it’s really important not to assume you’ll get an offer in Clearing. SGUL had over 1,500 applications for about 50 medicine Clearing places in 2020. You should never reject a Medicine offer to try and get a ‘better’ school in Clearing since you’re really unlikely to succeed and you’ll end up kicking yourself. If you’re aiming for Medicine via Clearing, you need to have a solid plan B in case it doesn’t work.

Which Medical Schools offer clearing?

It’s impossible to say which Medical Schools will go into Clearing before they do – sadly we here at 6med haven’t yet mastered the art of seeing the future. However, these are the universities we currently know about who are or have been through the clearing process. 

Edge Hill University were in clearing for their A110 course (Medicine with Foundation Year). However, the relevant webpage for admission is currently unavailable.

The University of Glasgow’s A100 course is available for clearing applications through the Glasgow Access Programme (GAP) up until Sunday 28th of August. You will need to meet their minimum entry and eligibility requirements to be considered. 

You can easily search for courses in Clearing on UCAS’s website here , but be wary! Searching for “Medicine” will often bring up unrelated courses like Medical Sciences that don’t lead to professional registration as a doctor. It can often be more reliable to check on universities’ websites or by phoning or emailing admissions teams directly.

Want to learn more about all of the med schools in the country? Check out our UK Medical School Guide!

Schools that have been in Clearing

Med Schools that were in UCAS Clearing 2021:

• St. George's University London A100
• University of Buckingham A100

Med Schools that were in UCAS Clearing 2020:

• Buckingham A100
• Nottingham at Lincoln A10L
• Leicester A199 with Foundation Year
• Sheffield A100 Hallam/Bradford only
• Sunderland A100
• QMUL Malta A100
• UCLan A100 (international students)
• Edge Hill A110 with Foundation Year
• Leeds A101 Gateway to Medicine

Med Schools that were in UCAS Clearing 2019 (note that this was pre-COVID and the surge of applicants):

• Anglia Ruskin A100
• Lancaster A100
• Liverpool A100
• Nottingham at Lincoln A18L Medicine with a Foundation Year

Remember, however, that a school having been in Clearing does not guarantee that it will or won’t be in Clearing in the current year. If you’re interested in a particular school, it pays to check on their website or get in touch with them, and some schools, such as Imperial and UCL, state that they will never enter Clearing for any course.

Some schools also have Clearing newsletters or “expression of interest” forms where you can sign up to hear if they have Medicine places in Clearing on results day, so it’s worth checking websites for these.

Not sure where to start with your Medical School application?

6med’s Complete Bundle provides you with the best support for your Personal Statement, UCAT and Interview, ensuring you will earn your offer.

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How many Clearing places are there?

The number of Clearing places available really depends on each Medical School. SGUL typically keeps around 50 places in reserve but most schools will only have 5-10 places in Clearing and may get hundreds or thousands of Medical applicants.

If you want to know how many places a specific school has in Clearing, your best bet is likely to contact admissions or make a Freedom of Information request to the university.

How do I apply for Clearing?

You will automatically be in Clearing if you’re not holding any offers on results day, or if you self-release into Clearing by rejecting your offers. You’ll get a Clearing number and be able to add one Clearing choice at a time on UCAS track – but remember that you should only do this when they’ve made you an offer, and it doesn’t mean you can’t apply to multiple courses!

To apply to specific courses in Clearing, first check university websites as some, like SGUL, operate digital-only Clearing where you complete an online form and wait to hear if you’ve been invited to Interview. Otherwise, phone the university’s Clearing line ASAP.

Lines are often really busy so plan in advance and enlist everyone in your house to use their phones to call up different universities. You might be on hold for ages, so you need more than one phone! Universities will only talk to you over the phone for confidentiality reasons, however, so you can’t ask parents, carers or friends to answer for you. Clearing interview slots are often limited and phoning quickly can mean you don’t miss out.

What should I expect when I’m in Clearing?

If you’re applying to Clearing on Results Day, expect a really busy time once you have your results! You’ll be phoning up universities and filling in their forms to apply to Clearing – make sure you have all the information you’ll need to hand, like your results including GCSEs, UCAT score, Clearing number and contact details. Over the summer, you’ll have been checking university websites to see if they plan to go into Clearing and any phone numbers or forms you’ll need so you should be able to start phoning up ASAP once you know you have your grades.

This will likely be a stressful time, so be sure to keep a level head when organising your applications and speaking to universities. 

Once you’ve phoned up or applied online and have confirmation that the university has received your application, you’ll need to wait to hear if you have an Interview. Typically, you’ll hear back in 24 – 48hrs. As such, if you’re reading this before results day and anticipating going into Clearing, make sure to practice your Interview skills in case you get an Interview: failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

Should you be selected for Interview, the university will send you more information. The Interview will have a quick turnaround so keep the days after results day free so you can make your slot. With COVID, Interviews will likely be online (either pre-recorded or not) but in previous years, candidates were given a few days’ notice to get to the university!

When you’ve done your Interview, you’ll hear back from the Med School within a few days and hopefully, it’ll be good news! Then, they’ll let you know about any DBS or health checks you need to do and get you sorted with accommodation and the other hundred and one things you’ll need as a medical student.

What are the alternatives to Clearing?

If you don’t want to go through Clearing, or are thinking about what your backup plan is, there are four main alternative options if you’re a school leaver:

Take a gap year

This is almost always your best option unless there’s a serious reason you won’t be eligible for UK Medical courses, like being unlikely to get the A-level grades on a resit. Over 25 med schools in the UK accept reapplications , meaning you can focus on your application without worrying about school, helping you to target any areas of weakness. Plus, you can use your gap year to work in healthcare and get even more work experience and some Med Schools, like Leicester, favour applicants with achieved grades. While this can be disheartening, one year isn’t that long when you consider the length of a career in Medicine and it’s a great opportunity to improve your application. If you decide to take a gap year, we guarantee your offer next year or you can get your money back through our Complete Medicine Bundle.

Graduate Entry Medicine

These options can’t, in good faith, be generally recommended because they will be more expensive and more competitive than taking a gap year – you’re effectively postponing the competition for a few years and spending your student loans in the process. However, if you feel that the required grades at A-level or equivalent aren’t going to happen, or there’s some other reason you don’t feel a gap year would allow you to meet medical entry requirements, these can be a way to show your academic ability and gain skills before applying. But getting a first or 2.1, or high enough grades to transfer, is easier said than done!

Study Medicine abroad

With Medicine, it’s usually best to study where you want to work to avoid tricky exams further down the line when you want to come home. And you won’t be eligible for loans. However, if you can afford it and feel that a gap year and reapplication isn’t an option for your personal reasons, or it hasn’t worked out before, it can be worth considering medical courses taught in English abroad. You can check out some of these courses here .

There are lots of amazing allied healthcare professions with their own pros and cons compared to Medicine if you’re thinking of other options. If this is you, make sure that you’ve considered your decision carefully and are happy with your chosen alternative career or degree – it will be much harder to come back to Medicine later as a graduate.

All in all, Clearing for Medicine is a slim chance of getting into Medical School, but it’s better than nothing and there’s a lot you can do to boost your chances. If you’re applying through Clearing, good luck! We’ve got our fingers crossed for you.

Looking for more help with your applications?

At 6med, we have loads of useful guides to help you get through every stage of your application. Some of a top guides include:  

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Mastering the Personal Statement Format: A Guide

Craft a standout personal statement with essential elements. Impress admissions committees with your compelling narrative.

When it comes to college and university admissions, the personal statement assumes a paramount role in setting applicants apart from their peers. A meticulously constructed personal statement becomes an instrument of utmost significance, empowering individuals to exhibit their distinctive qualities, experiences, and aspirations to discerning admissions committees. 

Recognizing the significant influence of a well-crafted personal statement on an individual’s academic journey, this article aims to provide aspiring students with a comprehensive guide to excel in the art of creating impactful personal statements.

By exploring the definition and purpose of personal statements and offering invaluable writing tips and strategies, this guide assists users in mastering the format of a compelling personal statement.

Definition Of Personal Statement

A personal statement is a written document typically required as part of the application process for educational institutions, scholarships, job opportunities, or other significant life events. It serves as a unique and personalized representation of an individual’s background, experiences, achievements, and aspirations. 

The personal statement offers applicants a chance to showcase their personality, passions, and motivations, allowing them to stand out and make a compelling case for their suitability for the position or opportunity they are seeking.

Purpose Of A Personal Statement

The primary purpose of a personal statement is to provide the admissions committee, employer, or selection panel with deeper insights into the applicant’s character, values, and potential. Beyond the information provided in other application materials, such as grades or resumes, a personal statement delves into the applicant’s story, offering a glimpse into their life journey and how it has shaped their ambitions and goals.

By presenting a well-crafted personal statement, applicants aim to:

• Demonstrate their suitability: Applicants can use the personal statement to highlight how their skills, experiences, and passions align with the requirements of the institution or position they are applying for.
• Convey their uniqueness: A personal statement enables applicants to showcase what sets them apart from other candidates and demonstrate their individuality, perspectives, and strengths.
• Exhibit strong communication skills: Crafting an engaging and articulate personal statement reflects an applicant’s ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively, a crucial skill in many fields.
• Show commitment and motivation: By explaining their motivations and aspirations, applicants can convey their dedication and determination to succeed in the chosen field of study or profession.

Admissions Process Overview

The admissions process varies depending on the institution or opportunity being pursued. However, the general steps involved in the admissions process include:

• Research and exploration: Prospective applicants research various educational institutions, job opportunities, or scholarships to identify the ones that align with their interests and goals.
• Application submission: Applicants complete the required application forms and submit supporting documents, which may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and the personal statement.
• Review by admissions committee or employer: The admissions committee or employer evaluates all received applications, assessing candidates based on their academic achievements, experiences, qualifications, and the content of their personal statements.
• Selection and decision-making: After careful evaluation, the institution or employer makes decisions regarding acceptance, job offers, or scholarship awards.

Components Of A Successful Personal Statement

A successful personal statement should incorporate the following components:

• Introduction: A compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention and provides a glimpse of the applicant’s personality and background.
• Personal narrative: A well-structured and engaging account of the applicant’s life experiences, including challenges faced, significant achievements, and pivotal moments.
• Clear goals and aspirations: A demonstration of the applicant’s future plans, showing how the opportunity they seek aligns with their long-term objectives.
• Relevance to the opportunity: A clear connection between the applicant’s experiences, skills, and motivations with the specific program, job, or scholarship they are applying for.
• Demonstration of qualities and strengths: Showcase of key attributes, such as leadership, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills, supported by relevant examples.
• Reflection and growth: Demonstrating how past experiences have shaped the applicant’s personal and professional development and how they have learned from challenges.
• Conciseness and clarity: Effective communication with a focus on coherence, relevance, and avoiding unnecessary details or jargon.
• Positive tone: A positive and optimistic outlook that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Proofreading and editing: Thoroughly reviewed and edited to ensure impeccable grammar, spelling, and overall presentation.

Personal Statement Format: The Basics

The personal statement is a critical component of various applications, providing applicants with a platform to present their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. 

In this section, let’s explore the fundamental format of a personal statement, comprising the introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion paragraph . Understanding these elements will empower applicants to effectively communicate their story and convince the reader of their suitability for the desired opportunity.

Introduction Paragraph

The introduction paragraph marks the beginning of the personal statement and serves as a gateway to the applicant’s narrative. Here, applicants aim to capture the reader’s attention, provide essential background information about themselves, and present the overarching theme or purpose of their personal statement. The introduction sets the tone for the entire document and offers the opportunity to make a memorable first impression.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs constitute the heart of the personal statement, where applicants delve into their experiences, accomplishments, and motivations in greater detail. Each body paragraph should revolve around a distinct topic or aspect of the applicant’s life that aligns with the central theme established in the introduction. Here, applicants can showcase their personal growth, relevant skills, and how specific experiences have shaped their aspirations. By providing compelling evidence and anecdotes, the body paragraphs reinforce the applicant’s suitability for the opportunity they are pursuing.

Conclusion Paragraph

In the conclusion paragraph, applicants bring their personal statement to a thoughtful close. This section restates the main points highlighted in the body paragraphs, emphasizing the alignment between the applicant’s journey and the sought-after opportunity. The conclusion may also include reflective insights, demonstrating self-awareness and an understanding of the potential impact they could make in the future. A well-crafted conclusion leaves a lasting impression, leaving the reader with a sense of the applicant’s character and potential.

Formatting The Personal Statement Essay

When crafting a well-structured personal statement, the writer must not overlook the importance of proper formatting. The arrangement of text, choice of font, and adherence to specific guidelines can significantly influence the essay’s overall impact and readability. Here are the key components of formatting that contribute to the transformation of essays into polished and impactful pieces of writing.

Font And Size

The recommended font for academic essays is typically Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The standard font size is 12 points. This size ensures that the text is clear and readable without being too large or too small. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts as they can distract from the content and may not be as legible.

Margins And Spacing

The standard margins for an essay are usually set at 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). This margin size provides a neat and balanced appearance to the document. Some institutions or formatting guidelines may require specific margin sizes, so it’s essential to check the requirements provided by the institution or instructor.

For spacing, the most common format is double-spacing throughout the entire essay. Double-spacing makes the text easier to read and allows space for comments or corrections if the essay needs to be reviewed or graded. However, some guidelines may require single-spacing for specific elements like block quotes or reference lists. Always follow the specific instructions, if available. 

Essays often have a specific page limit or word count that students must adhere to. The page limit indicates the maximum number of pages that the essay can occupy. If there is no specified page limit, the general guideline is to aim for around 1.5 to 2 pages for a standard personal statement essay.

If a page limit is provided, it’s essential to stay within that limit. Going significantly over the page limit may result in a bad impression, in some cases, the essay being rejected outright. On the other hand, if the essay is shorter than the specified page limit, students should use the extra space to expand on their ideas or provide more supporting evidence.

Writing Tips And Strategies for Personal Statement Format

Crafting a compelling personal statement is a crucial step in various application processes, whether it’s for college admissions, scholarships, or job opportunities. This document offers applicants a chance to stand out from the crowd and present their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. To create an impactful personal statement, consider the following writing tips and strategies:

Show Don’t Tell Strategy

One of the most effective ways to engage the reader and make your personal statement memorable is by employing the “Show Don’t Tell” strategy. Rather than simply stating facts or qualities about yourself, use vivid and specific examples to illustrate your strengths, experiences, and character traits. Instead of saying, “I am a determined and resilient individual,” provide a story that demonstrates your determination and resilience in overcoming a challenging situation. By showing your qualities through compelling narratives, you allow the reader to connect with your experiences on a deeper level.

Start With An Outline Or Brainstorming Session

Before diving into writing, take the time to create an outline or engage in a brainstorming session. Jot down key points, experiences, and ideas that you want to include in your personal statement. Organize them logically to form a coherent structure. Having a clear outline or list of ideas will help you maintain focus and prevent your personal statement from becoming disjointed. It will also ensure that you cover all essential aspects of your life and aspirations, creating a comprehensive and well-rounded essay.

Reflect On Your Experiences

Take time to reflect on your life experiences, both personal and academic. Identify significant events, challenges, achievements, and moments that have shaped your character and influenced your goals.

Showcase Your Authenticity

Be genuine and authentic in your writing. Avoid using clichés or trying to present yourself as someone you’re not. Admissions committees and employers appreciate honesty and real-life experiences.

Structure Your Statement

Organize your personal statement with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. The introduction should engage the reader, while the body paragraphs should provide evidence and examples to support your central theme. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression and reiterate your main points.

Provide Concrete Examples

Support your claims and assertions with specific examples, anecdotes, or achievements. Concrete evidence strengthens your statement and helps the reader connect with your experiences.

Address Weaknesses, But Stay Positive

If you have any weaknesses in your application, such as low grades or employment gaps, you can address them in your personal statement. However, always maintain a positive tone and focus on how you have learned from those experiences and improved.

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How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)

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Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

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The personal statement. It’s one of the most important parts of the entire college application process. This essay is the perfect opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and what makes you stand out from the crowd. But writing a good personal statement isn’t exactly easy. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to nail your personal statement, complete with example essays . Each essay was reviewed and commented upon by admissions expert Bill Jack. Let’s dive in!

Related: How to write an essay about yourself  

What is a personal statement? 

A personal statement is a special type of essay that’s required when you’re applying to colleges and scholarship programs. In this essay, you’re expected to share something about who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of it as a chance to reveal a side of yourself not found in the rest of your application. Personal statements are typically around 400 – 600 words in length. 

What can I write about? 

Pretty much anything, as long as it’s about you . While this is liberating in the sense that your writing options are nearly unlimited, it’s also overwhelming for the same reason. The good news is that you’ll probably be responding to a specific prompt. Chances are you’re applying to a school that uses the Common App , which means you’ll have seven prompts to choose from . Reviewing these prompts can help generate some ideas, but so can asking yourself meaningful questions. 

Below you’ll find a list of questions to ask yourself during the brainstorming process. For each of the following questions, spend a few minutes jotting down whatever comes to mind. 

• What experiences have shaped who you are? 
• What’s special or unique about you or your life story? 
• Who or what has inspired you the most? 
• What accomplishments are you most proud of? 
• What are your goals for the future? How have you arrived at those goals? 
• If your life was a movie, what would be the most interesting scene? 
• What have been some of the biggest challenges in your life? How did you respond and what did you learn? 

The purpose of these questions is to prompt you to think about your life at a deeper level. Hopefully by reflecting on them, you’ll find an essay topic that is impactful and meaningful. In the next section, we’ll offer some advice on actually writing your essay. 

Also see:  How to write a 500 word essay

How do I write my personal statement? 

Once you’ve found a topic, it’s time to start writing! Every personal statement is different, so there’s not really one formula that works for every student. That being said, the following tips should get you started in the right direction:  

1. Freewrite, then rewrite 

The blank page tends to get more intimidating the longer you stare at it, so it’s best to go ahead and jump right in! Don’t worry about making the first draft absolutely perfect. Instead, just get your ideas on the page and don’t spend too much time thinking about the finer details. Think of this initial writing session as a “brain dump”. Take 15-30 minutes to quickly empty all your thoughts onto the page without worrying about things like grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. You can even use bullet points if that helps. Once you have your ideas on the page, then you can go back and shape them exactly how you want. 

2. Establish your theme 

Now that you’ve got some basic ideas down on the page, it’s time to lock in on a theme. Your theme is a specific angle that reflects the central message of your essay. It can be summarized in a sentence or even a word. For example, let’s say you’re writing about how you had to establish a whole new group of friends when you moved to a new city. The theme for this type of essay would probably be something like “adaptation”. Having a theme will help you stay focused throughout your essay. Since you only have a limited number of words, you can’t afford to go off on tangents that don’t relate to your theme. 

3. Tell a story

A lot of great essays rely on a specific scene or story. Find the personal anecdote relevant to your theme and transfer it to the page. The best way to do this is by using descriptive language. Consult the five senses as you’re setting the scene. What did you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell? How were you feeling emotionally? Using descriptive language can really help your essay come to life. According to UPchieve , a nonprofit that supports low income students, focusing on a particular moment as a “ revised version of a memoir ” is one way to keep readers engaged. 

Related: College essay primer: show, don’t tell  

4. Focus on your opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph should grab your reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay. In most cases, this is the best place to include your anecdote (if you have one). By leading with your personal story, you can hook your audience from the get-go. After telling your story, you can explain why it’s important to who you are. 

Related:  How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)

5. Use an authentic voice 

Your personal statement reflects who you are, so you should use a tone that represents you. That means you shouldn’t try to sound like someone else, and you shouldn’t use fancy words just to show off. This isn’t an academic paper, so you don’t have to adopt a super formal tone. Instead, write in a way that allows room for your personality to breathe. 

6. Edit, edit, edit…

Once you’re done writing, give yourself some time away from the essay. Try to allow a few days to pass before looking at the essay again with fresh eyes. This way, you’re more likely to pick up on spelling and grammatical errors. You may even get some new ideas and rethink the way you wrote some things. Once you’re satisfied, let someone else edit your essay. We recommend asking a teacher, parent, or sibling for their thoughts before submitting. 

Examples of personal statements 

Sometimes viewing someone else’s work is the best way to generate inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. The following essays are written in response to four different Common App prompts: 

Prompt 1: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

When I was eight years old, I wanted a GameCube very badly. For weeks I hounded my dad to buy me one and finally he agreed. But there was a catch. He’d only get me a GameCube if I promised to start reading. Every day I played video games, I would have to pick up a book and read for at least one hour. At that point in my life, reading was just something I had to suffer through for school assignments. To read for pleasure seemed ludicrous. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about this proposed agreement. But I figured anything was worth it to get my hands on that shiny new video game console, so I bit the bullet and shook my dad’s hand. Little did I know that I had just made a life-changing deal. 

At first, the required hour of reading was a chore — something I had to do so I could play Mario Kart. But it quickly turned into something more than that. To my complete and utter surprise, I discovered that I actually enjoyed reading. One hour turned into two, two turned into three, and after a while I was spending more time reading than I was playing video games. I found myself captivated by the written word, and I read everything I could get my hands on. Lord of the Rings , Percy Jackson , Goosebumps — you name it. I was falling in love with literature, while my GameCube was accumulating dust in the TV stand. 

Soon enough, reading led to writing. I was beginning to come up with my own stories, so I put pen to paper and let my imagination run wild. It started out small. My first effort was a rudimentary picture book about a friendly raccoon who went to the moon. But things progressed. My stories became more intricate, my characters more complex. I wrote a series of science fiction novellas. I tried my hand at poetry. I was amazed at the worlds I could create with the tip of my pen. I had dreams of becoming an author. 

Then somewhere along the way my family got a subscription to Netflix, and that completely changed the way I thought about storytelling. My nose had been buried in books up until then, so I hadn’t really seen a lot of movies. That quickly changed. It seemed like every other day a pair of new DVDs would arrive in the mail (this was the early days of Netflix). Dark Knight, The Truman Show, Inception, Memento — all these great films were coming in and out of the house. And I couldn’t get enough of them. Movies brought stories to life in a way that books could not. I was head over heels for visual storytelling. 

Suddenly I wasn’t writing novels and short stories anymore. I was writing scripts for movies. Now I wanted to transfer my ideas to the big screen, rather than the pages of a book. But I was still doing the same thing I had always done. I was writing, just in a different format. To help with this process, I read the screenplays of my favorite films and paid attention to the way they were crafted. I kept watching more and more movies. And I hadn’t forgotten about my first love, either. I still cherished books and looked to them for inspiration. By the end of my junior year of high school, I had completed two scripts for short films. 

So why am I telling you all this? Because I want to turn my love of storytelling into a career. I’m not totally sure how to do that yet, but I know I have options. Whether it’s film production, creative writing, or even journalism, I want to find a major that suits my ambitions. Writing has taken me a long way, and I know it can take me even further. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I couldn’t be more excited to see how my craft develops. In the meantime, I should probably get rid of that dusty old GameCube. 

Feedback from admissions professional Bill Jack

Essays don’t always have to reveal details about the student’s intended career path, but one thing I like about this essay is that it gives the reader a sense of the why. Why do they want to pursue storytelling. It also shows the reader that they are open to how they pursue their interest. Being open to exploration is such a vital part of college, so it’s also showing the reader that they likely will be open to new things in college. And, it’s always fun to learn a little bit more about the student’s family, especially if the reader can learn about how the students interacts with their family. 

Prompt 2: “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”

I remember my first impression of Irvine: weird. It was foggy, stock-full of greenery and eucalyptus trees, and reminded me of my 5th grade trip to a “science camp” which was located in the San Bernardino mountains. Besides Irvine, that was one of the few places in Southern California where you’d find so many non-palm trees. 

Of course, perhaps my initial impression of Irvine was biased, motivated by a desire to stay in my hometown and a fear of the unknown. While that was true to an extent, Irvine was certainly still a little peculiar. The city itself was based on a “master plan” of sorts, with the location of each of its schools, parks, shops, and arguably its trees having been logically “picked” before the foundation was poured. Even the homes all looked roughly the same, with their beige, stucco walls almost serving as a hallmark of the city itself.

Thus, this perfectly structured, perfectly safe city seemed like a paradise of sorts to many outsiders, my parents included. I was a little more hesitant to welcome this. As I saw it, this was a phony city – believing that its uniformity stood for a lack of personality. My hometown, although not as flawlessly safe nor clean as Irvine, was where most of my dearest memories had occurred. From the many sleepovers at Cindie’s house, to trying to avoid my school’s own version of the “infamous” cheese touch, to the many laughs shared with friends and family, I shed a tear at the prospect of leaving my home.

Moving into the foreign city, remnants of the hostility I held towards Irvine remained. Still dwelling in my memories of the past, I was initially unable to see Irvine as a “home.” So, as I walked into my first-ever Irvine class, being greeted by many kind, yet unfamiliar faces around me, I was unable to recognize that some of those new faces would later become some of my dearest friends. Such negative feelings about the city were further reinforced by newer, harder classes, and more complicated homework. Sitting in the discomfort of this unfamiliar environment, it started to seem that “change” was something not only inevitable, but insurmountable.

As the years went on, however, this idea seemed to fade. I got used to my classes and bike racing through Irvine neighborhoods with my friends, watching the trees that once seemed just a “weird” green blob soon transform into one of my favorite parts of the city. While I kept my old, beloved memories stored, I made space for new ones. From carefully making our way over the narrow creek path next to our school, to the laughs we shared during chemistry class, my new memories made with friends seemed to transform a city I once disliked into one I would miss. 

Through this transformation, I have come to recognize that change, although sometimes intimidating at first, can open the door to great times and meaningful connections. Although Irvine may have once seemed like a strange, “phony” place that I couldn’t wait to be rid of, the memories and laughs I had grown to share there were very real. As I move onto this next part of my life, I hope I can use this knowledge that I have gained from my time in Irvine to make the most of what’s to come. Even if the change may be frightening at first, I have learned to embrace what’s on the other side, whether green or not.

One huge plus to writing an essay that focuses on a place is that you might have it read by someone who has been there. Yet, what’s really helpful about this essay is that even if someone hasn’t been there, a picture is painted about what the place is like.  Admission officers have the hard task of really understanding what the student sees, so the use of adjectives and imagery can really help.  It’s also really clever to see that the green that’s mentioned at the beginning is mentioned at the end.  It’s a nice way to bookend the essay and tie it all together.

Prompt 6: “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”

I like getting lost. Not literally, of course, but figuratively. Whether it be in the story of a love song by Taylor Swift, or in the memories brought back by listening to my favorite childhood video game’s background music, I’ve always appreciated music’s ability to transport me to another place, another time, another feeling. 

Alas, I cannot sing, nor have I practiced an instrument since my middle school piano class days. So, perhaps Kurt Vonnegut was right. As he puts it, “Virtually every writer I know would rather be a musician.” While I cannot speak for others, I have certainly not debunked his theory. Writing allows many, including myself, to attempt to mimic the transformative power of music – even if our singing voices aren’t exactly “pleasant.” Just as you can get lost in music, you can do so in a story. Whether it is in George Orwell’s totalitarian Oceania, or Little Women’s Orchard House, the stories outlined in novels can provide an amazing look into the lives and worlds of others, and an escape from the worries and problems of those in your own.

While I am certainly not claiming to have the storytelling abilities of the Orwells or Alcotts before me, I’ve had fun trying to recreate such transformative feelings for others. When I was nine, I attempted to write a story about a little girl who had gotten lost in the woods, only managing to get a couple pages through. As I got older, whenever I was assigned a creative writing assignment in school, I wrote about the same pig, Phil. He was always angry: in my 8th grade science class, Phil was mad at some humans who had harbored his friend captive, and in my 9th grade English class, at a couple who robbed him. 

Thus, when I heard about a writing club being opened at my school in 11th grade, I knew I had to join. I wanted to discern whether writing was just a hobby I picked up now and then, or a true passion. If it was a passion, I wanted to learn as much as possible about how I could improve. Although my high school’s writing club certainly wasn’t going to transform me into Shakespeare, I knew I could learn a lot from it – and I did. The club challenged me to do many things, from writing on the spot, to writing poetry, to even writing about myself, something that’s hopefully coming in handy right now. 

From then on, I started to expand into different types of writing, storing short ideas, skits, and more in appropriately-labeled Google Drive folders. At around the same time, I became interested in classic literature, which largely stemmed from a project in English class. We had been required to choose and read a classic on our own, then present it to the class in an interesting way. While my book was certainly interesting and unique in its own right, nearly everyone else’s novels seemed more captivating to me. So, I took it upon myself to read as many classics as I could the following summer.

One of the books I read during the summer, funnily enough, was Animal Farm, which starred angry pigs, reminiscent of Phil. I had also started going over different ideas in my head, thinking about how I could translate them into words using the new skills I learned. While the writing club helped reaffirm my interest in writing and allowed me to develop new skills, my newfound affinity for classics gave me inspiration to write. Now, I am actually considering writing as part of my future. In this endeavor, I hope that Phil, and the music I inevitably listen to as I write, will accompany me every step of the way.

Admission officers might read 70 (or more!) essays in one day. It’s not uncommon for them to start to blend together and sound similar. This essay might not make you laugh out loud. But, it might make the reader chuckle while reading it thanks to the subtle humor and levity. Being able to incorporate a little humor into your essay (if it is natural for you to do… do not force it), can really be a great way to shed additional light into who you are. Remember, the essay isn’t merely about proving that you can write, but it should also reveal a little bit about your personality.

Prompt 5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”

I learned a lot of things during the summer I worked at Tropical Smoothie. I discovered the value of hard work. I figured out how to save money. I even mastered the art of the Mango Magic smoothie (the secret is lots of sugar). But most importantly, I learned the power of perspective. And I have Deja to thank for that. 

Deja was my shift supervisor, and one of Tropical Smoothie’s best employees. She was punctual, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She knew the store from top to bottom, and could handle pretty much any situation thrown her way. She made everyone around her better. On top of all that, she was four months pregnant! I was always impressed by Deja’s work ethic, but I gained an entirely new level of respect for her one day.

It was a Friday night, and Deja and I were working the closing shift together. It was very busy, and Deja and I were the only ones on shift. We managed to get by, but we were exhausted by the end of the evening. After wiping down the counters and mopping the floors, we closed up shop and went our separate ways. I was eager to get home. 

I walked a couple blocks to where I had parked my car. Well, it wasn’t my car actually. It was my dad’s ‘98 Chevy pickup truck, and it was in rough shape. It had no heat or A/C, the leather seats were cracked beyond repair, and the driver’s side door was jammed shut. I sighed as I got in through the passenger side and scooted over to the driver’s seat. The whole reason I was working at Tropical Smoothie was to save up enough money to buy my own car. I was hoping to have something more respectable to drive during my senior year of high school. 

I cranked the old thing up and started on my way home. But soon enough, I spotted Deja walking on the side of the road. There was no sidewalk here, the light was low, and she was dangerously close to the passing cars. I pulled over and offered her a ride. She got in and explained that she was on her way home. Apparently she didn’t have a car and had been walking to work every day. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was complaining about my set of wheels, while Deja didn’t have any to begin with.

We got to talking, and she confessed that she had been having a tough time. You would never know from the way she was so cheerful at work, but Deja had a lot on her plate. She was taking care of her mother, her boyfriend had just lost his job, and she was worried about making ends meet. And of course, she was expecting a baby in five months. On top of all that, she had been walking nearly a mile to and from work every day. The whole thing was a real eye opener, and made me reconsider some things in my own life. 

For one, I didn’t mind driving my dad’s truck anymore. It was banged up, sure, but it was a lot better than nothing. My mindset had changed. I appreciated the truck now. I began to think about other things differently, too. I started making mental notes of all the things in my life I was thankful for — my family, my friends, my health. I became grateful for what I had, instead of obsessing over the things I didn’t. 

I also gained more awareness of the world outside my own little bubble. My encounter with Deja had shown me first-hand that everyone is dealing with their own problems, some worse than others. So I started paying more attention to my friends, family members, and coworkers. I started listening more and asking how I could help. I also gave Deja a ride home for the rest of the summer. 

These are all small things, of course, but I think they make a difference. I realized I’m at my best when I’m not fixated on my own life, but when I’m considerate of the lives around me. I want to keep this in mind as I continue to grow and develop as a person. I want to continue to search for ways to support the people around me. And most importantly, I want to keep things in perspective.

Too often we can be focused on our own problems that we fail to realize that everyone has their own things going on in their lives, too.  This essay showcases how it’s important to put things in perspective, a skill that certainly will prove invaluable in college… and not just in the classroom.  Another reason I like this essay is because it provides deeper insight into the student’s life.  Sure, you might have mentioned in your activities list that you have a job.  But as this essay does, you can show why you have the job in the first place, what your responsibilities are, and more.

A few last tips

We hope these essay examples gave you a bit of inspiration of what to include in your own. However, before you go, we’d like to send you off with a few (personal statement) writing tips to help you make your essays as lovely as the memories and anecdotes they’re based off of. Without further ado, here are some of our best tips for writing your personal statements:

1. Open strong

College admissions officers read many, many essays (think 50+) a day, which can sometimes cause them to start blending together and sounding alike. One way to avoid your essay from simply fading into the background is to start strong. This means opening your essay with something memorable, whether an interesting personal anecdote, a descriptive setting, or anything else that you think would catch a reader’s attention (so long as it’s not inappropriate). Not only might this help college admissions officers better remember your essay, but it will also make them curious about what the rest of your essay will entail.

2. Be authentic

Perhaps most important when it comes to writing personal statement essays is to maintain your authenticity. Ultimately, your essays should reflect your unique stories and quirks that make you who you are, and should help college admissions officers determine whether you’d truly be a good fit for their school or not. So, don’t stress trying to figure out what colleges are looking for. Be yourself, and let the colleges come to you!

3. Strong writing

This one may seem a little obvious, but strong writing will certainly appeal to colleges. Not only will it make your essay more compelling, but it may show colleges that you’re ready for college-level essay writing (that you’ll likely have to do a lot of). Just remember that good writing is not limited to grammar. Using captivating detail and descriptions are a huge part of making your essay seem more like a story than a lecture.

4. Proofread

Last but not least, remember to proofread! Make sure your essay contains no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. When you’re done proofreading your essay yourself, we would also recommend that you ask a teacher, parent, or other grammatically savvy person to proofread your essay as well.

Final thoughts 

With those in hand, we hope you now have a better sense of how to write your personal statement. While your grades and test scores are important when it comes to college admissions, it’s really your essays that can “make” or “break” your application. 

Although this may make it seem like a daunting task, writing an amazing personal statement essay is all about effort. Thus, so long as you start early, follow the advice listed above, and dedicate your time and effort to it, it’s entirely possible to write an essay that perfectly encapsulates you. Good luck, and happy writing!

Also see:  Scholarships360’s free scholarships search tool

Key Takeaways

• It may take some people longer than others to know what they want to write about, but remember that everyone, including you, has something unique to write about!
• Personal statements should be personal, which means you should avoid being too general and really strive to show off what makes you “you”
• Time and effort are two of the most important things you can put into your personal statement to ensure that it is the best representation of yourself
• Don’t forget to ask people who know you to read your work before you submit; they should be able to tell you better than anyone if you are truly shining through!

Frequently asked questions about writing personal statements 

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

A 10-Step Guide to Writing an Outstanding Personal Statement

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Applying to college can be daunting, especially when it comes to writing a personal statement. This essay showcases not just your writing skills but also your unique personality, achievements, and aspirations. Understanding that while grades are crucial, a personal statement often becomes the differentiating factor in your application. To navigate this essential component, we’ve compiled a ten-step guide, replete with examples, to ensure your personal statement leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers.

Applying to college can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing a personal statement. This essay not only showcases your writing skills but also highlights your unique personality, achievements, and aspirations. While it may seem unnecessary, tedious, time-consuming, and just another tick-the-box, know that as each application is processed, grades are just one of the criteria of selection, more often than not a personal statement becomes the differentiating factor.

To help you navigate this crucial component of your application, we’ve compiled a ten-step guide, complete with inspiring examples to ensure your personal statement makes a lasting impression on admissions officers.

• Start Early and Brainstorm Begin the process early to give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm. Reflect on your experiences, achievements, and motivations. Think about what makes you unique, both in terms of personality and life experiences.
• Understand the Prompt Make sure you clearly understand what the college is asking for. Each institution may have different prompts or questions. Tailor your response specifically to each prompt, ensuring you answer it fully and directly. Be comprehensive and succinct in your answers, choosing words that convey your candidature the best.
• Create an Outline Draft an outline to organize your thoughts and ensure a coherent flow of ideas. This will help you structure your statement effectively, making sure every part contributes towards presenting a compelling narrative.
• Exhibit, Don’t Tell Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualities and achievements. Instead of stating that you’re a great leader, describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership. This method makes your statement more engaging and believable.
• Focus on Your Strengths While it might be tempting to cover a wide range of subjects, focusing on a few key strengths or experiences can have a stronger impact. Depth over breadth is crucial in personal statements.
• Be Authentic Admissions officers can tell when a statement is genuine. Write honestly about your experiences and passions and let your natural voice shine through. Authenticity is key to making a personal statement stand out.
• Get Feedback After drafting your statement, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or friends. They can provide insights on clarity, grammar, and the overall impact of your essay. They all have a perspective of you from an external viewpoint, so do not skip this step.
• Revise and Edit Use the feedback to revise your statement. Look for areas where you can clarify your points, eliminate redundancy, and correct grammatical errors. This step is crucial for polishing your final submission.
• Keep It Concise Adhere to the word limit. Being able to express your thoughts concisely and effectively is a skill appreciated by admissions officers.
• Final Review Before submitting, do a final review. Read your statement out loud to catch any remaining errors or awkward phrasing. Make sure it sounds natural and is easy to read.

Examples of Exemplary Personal Statements:

Example 1: The Innovator Jane’s personal statement begins with a vivid description of her tinkering with a broken radio at age eight, which sparked her interest in technology. She intertwines her personal journey with her academic achievements, such as leading her school’s robotics team to a national competition. Jane uses specific examples, like designing a new robot navigation system, to demonstrate her passion and skill in engineering.

Example 2: The Community Leader John opens his statement with a powerful recount of organizing community relief efforts during a local flood. Highlighting his role in mobilizing volunteers and coordinating with local authorities, he demonstrates strong leadership and commitment to his community. His narrative includes feedback from the community and the personal growth he experienced, providing a well-rounded view of his character.

Example 3: The Attentive Listener Emma’s personal statement explores her profound appreciation for music and its role in shaping her interpersonal connections. She describes an afternoon spent sharing playlists with a group of international students, which turned into a deep discussion about cultural expressions through music. This experience not only highlights her listening skills but also illustrates her ability to forge meaningful relationships through shared interests.

Example 4: The Compassionate Leader David writes about his high emotional quotient and how it spurred him to lead a community initiative focused on animal welfare. His personal statement recounts organizing local workshops to educate people about animal kindness and launching a successful campaign for a local shelter. David’s story reflects his empathy and leadership in translating compassion into actionable community improvement.

Commentary: Every life is extraordinary; it’s how you narrate your story that captures the reader’s eye. Your personal statement should reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.

Conclusion:

In crafting your personal statement, remember, you don’t have to be extraordinary in the usual sense—honesty and transparency are key. Be a dreamer of the art of the possible; dream as big as you can and let those dreams articulate themselves in your words. This approach not only reveals your true self to admissions officers but also shows your potential to contribute meaningfully to their academic community. Start your adventure today! Use these steps as your guide to find the university that best fits your future goals. Dream big and achieve even bigger.

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