How to Write a Great Personal Statement

Whether it’s to get an early offer to ICMS or win a scholarship, writing a great personal statement is an important step. It’s a way to get noticed and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you as you begin your higher education journey.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is a short essay about you. It explains why you are an ideal candidate for a certain course, scholarship or job.

Getting started is the hardest part of writing a personal statement. A great introduction begins with a reference to the opportunity you’re applying for, as well as your reasons for applying. Discuss what you want to achieve in your future and how this opportunity will help you get there.

What to include in a personal statement

Your motivation for the course you’re applying for

If you are applying for a bachelor’s degree using Early Entry or another alternate entry pathway, consider including information specific to the course you’re interested in. Answer these questions:

• What attracted you to the course?
• What subjects are you most looking forward to studying?
• What subjects did you study in school that might be relevant?
• What part-time work have you done that might have transferrable skills or relevance to this course?
• What are your career aspirations?

Your background, interests and goals for the future

Use the question prompts below to help you share your story.

What are you passionate about?
Write about the extracurricular activities that energise you, such as:

• What sports are you involved in?
• Which clubs do you belong to?
• What volunteer work have you done?
• What are your interests?
• How do you spend your free time?

What achievements are you most proud of?
This is your chance to describe your strengths. For example:

• Did you top any subjects?
• Did you win any awards?
• Did you hold a leadership position?
• Did you get involved in any community initiatives that were important to you?

What challenges have you overcome?
Don’t be afraid to be personal and share lessons you’ve learned in your personal statement. Of course, focusing on your successes is important, but you can also write about challenges you might have overcome, hardships that have made you a better person, or things about yourself that you work hard to improve every day. These things show resilience, tenacity and a growth mindset.

How would others describe you?
It’s also a great idea to think about what others would say about you – would your mum say you are chatty, or your friends say you’re outgoing, or your teacher say you are driven? Include these as they are a great way to describe your personality. Some other adjectives that might be useful are: responsible, friendly, polite, cooperative, vibrant, calm, highly organised, creative, and resilient.

Do you have a personal motto?
Is there a quote, phrase or intention that guides you in life? If there is, tell us why it is meaningful to you.

Conclude your statement by going back to the start

A good way to end your personal statement is to go back to why you should be considered for this opportunity. What will it mean to you?

Good luck with your application!