We spoke to admissions tutors at unis and colleges – read on for their tips.
1. Don't begin with the overkill opening
Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard.
Tutors said: ‘The opening is your chance to introduce yourself, to explain your motivation for studying the course and to demonstrate your understanding of it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Go straight in. What excites you about the course and why do you want to learn about it more?’
Be succinct and draw the reader in, but not with a gimmick. This isn't the X Factor.
Admissions tutor
2. Write about why you want to study that course
Think about why you want to study the course and how you can demonstrate this in your written statement:
’Your interest in the course is the biggest thing. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you’re interested in studying the area you’re applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Don't waffle or say you want to study something just because it's interesting. Explain what you find interesting about it.’
It's much better to engage us with something interesting, relevant, specific and current in your opening line… Start with what's inspiring you now, not what inspired you when you were six.
Admissions tutor
3. Avoid cliches
Try to avoid cliches and the most obvious opening sentences so you stand out from the very first line. UCAS publishes a list of common opening lines each year. Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
- From a young age…
- For as long as I can remember…
- I am applying for this course because…
- I have always been interested in…
- Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
And try not to use quotes. Quotations are top of the list of admissions tutors' pet hates.
4. Maybe don't begin at the start?
’Concentrate on the main content of your statement and write the introduction last. I think the opening line is the hardest one to write, so I often say leave it until the end and just try and get something down on paper.’
It may be easier to get on with writing the main content of your statement and coming back to the introduction afterwards –that way you will also know what you’re introducing.
I often advise applicants to start with paragraph two, where you get into why you want to study the course. That's what we're really interested in.
Admissions tutor
FAQs
Write about why you want to study that course
Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying the area you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it.
How do you start a personal statement hook? ›
A few tried-and-true hooks include:
- Open with an Anecdote. People love stories, so it makes sense that telling one is a great way to attract readers. ...
- Set the Scene. ...
- Ask a Question. ...
- Use a Metaphor or Simile.
The “Hook”: The first paragraph should engage the reader and make them want to keep reading your paper. Remember, the program's admissions committee you are applying to have hundreds (even thousands) of personal statements to read. The stronger your beginning, the more likely they will get to the end.
How can I make my personal statement stand out? ›
Describe your passion
So, tell them why you find it so fascinating. Talk about your motivation for and commitment to the subject by using evidence from your past experiences – work, academic or volunteering. Discuss any research or reading you've done into the subject, too, and why you've found it interesting.
What is a good example of an attention grabber? ›
A few common attention grabbers are: - A short, meaningful quote that relates to your topic. - Think of a quote that interested you during your research. What kinds of sentences caught your attention?
What is the best opening sentence for a personal statement? ›
4. How to start your personal statement
- From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]…
- For as long as I can remember, I have…
- I am applying for this course because…
- I have always been interested in…
- Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
- Reflecting on my educational experiences…
A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.
What is an example of a good hook? ›
Rhetorical questions are popular essay hooks because they make readers think. For example, an essay might start with the question “Is it ethical to eat animals?” Before reading the rest of the essay, the reader answers the question in their mind.
What is a good hook for PIQ? ›
Crafting a Strong Hook (but don't be too clever!)
Experiment with various hooks, such as starting with a powerful quote, a vivid anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or an attention-grabbing statement. The key is to make your introduction captivating and unique to compel the reader to continue reading.
What is an example of a hook in a personal essay? ›
The key is to ask an interesting question that relates to the main idea and sparks the reader's curiosity. Example: Have you ever wondered how you would survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness? How would you defend yourself against predators?
Address your strengths, experiences and accomplishments. It is important to be specific by using examples from your experiences to support your statements. Do not make assumptions, use clichés or state the obvious. Conclude the statement by summarizing everything that was previously addressed.
How do you write a personal statement example? ›
Example: A highly motivated and hardworking individual, who has recently completed their A-Levels, achieving excellent grades in both Maths and Science. Seeking an apprenticeship in the engineering industry to build upon a keen scientific interest and start a career as a maintenance engineer.
How do you write an attention grabbing first sentence? ›
7 Tips for Writing a Great Hook
- Your title is your first hook. ...
- Drop your readers into the middle of the action. ...
- Form an emotional connection. ...
- Make a surprising statement. ...
- Leave your reader with questions. ...
- Stay away from description. ...
- Once you have your reader's attention, keep it.
A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on.
What is a good example of a personal statement? ›
I have a keen interest in the world around me, and enjoy taking part in a variety of activities for example: volunteering at my local brownies, volunteer marshal at Brighton Marathon; textile and weaving classes; completion of the Trinity Guildhall award at both Bronze and Silver level; and a Stand Up Paddle board ...
How do you write an opening hook to catch the reader's attention? ›
Some common strategies for creating a hook include:
- Anecdote: My hands shook and beads of sweat rolled down my face. ...
- Direct quote: ...
- General statement or truth: ...
- History: ...
- Metaphor: ...
- Scene or illustration: ...
- Sensory description: ...
- Startling statistic or statement:
