How to write a UCAS personal statement

This is your chance to show us what drives you. At Kent, we’re interested in what excites you about your chosen subject - and how it connects to your goals, your experiences, and the future you’re building.

Here are some things you might want to include:

What’s sparked your interest?

Tell us what first got you thinking about this subject. Was it a moment, a person, or something you’ve always enjoyed? Whether it’s a passion you’ve had for years or a recent discovery, we want to understand what’s motivated you to take this further.

What have you explored so far?

Universities want to see curiosity. Have you read around the subject, taken on extra learning, or followed a project or idea outside of the classroom? These experiences show you’re engaged and ready to take the next step.

Where could it take you?

If you have a future career in mind, let us know how this course fits into your plans. And if you’re still figuring that out, that’s okay. Think about the skills you want to develop, the kind of impact you want to make, or what you hope to gain from studying this subject at a deeper level.

This is your opportunity to reflect on what you’ve already learned. Tell us how this has helped shape the skills, interests and confidence you’ll bring with you to university. At Kent, we know that no two paths are the same, and we’re interested in how yours has led you here.

Here are some things to think about:

What have you studied that connects to your chosen subject?

Whether it’s a course you’re taking now or something you’ve studied in the past, share how your learning has sparked an interest, shaped your thinking or helped you build a foundation for what’s next. This could be from school, college, training or even a short online course. The thing matters most is how it’s relevant to your subject now.

What skills have you gained along the way?

Great candidates bring more than subject knowledge, they bring skills like analysis, creativity, teamwork, or communication. Tell us how your studies helped you develop these strengths, and how they’ll help you succeed on your chosen course. We're all about developing skills at Kent, so these are the things we're excited to hear about!

What are you proud of?

Beyond your grades, think about moments that helped you grow. Have you taken on extra responsibility, represented your school or college, or gone beyond the syllabus? These achievements help show your commitment, confidence and potential - and give us a clearer picture of who you are. We'll already have your grades in your application, so use the character limit to really show off the things that make you, you.

Your experiences beyond formal education can say a lot about your interests, values, and potential. At Kent, we know that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom, so we want to hear about the things you’ve done that have helped you grow, build skills and get ready for the next step.

Here’s what you might want to include:

Experience that’s helped you develop useful skills

Have you taken part in work experience, had a part-time job, volunteered, or completed an online opportunity? Whether it’s been in a hospital, a local business, a school, or even at home, think about what you learned and how those skills link to your chosen course, teamwork, resilience, time management, communication or anything else, it all counts!

Responsibilities and life experiences that have shaped you

Your personal journey is unique. If you’ve taken on responsibilities - like caring for someone, managing a challenge, or balancing school with other commitments - tell us how these experiences have helped you develop qualities that will support your success at university.

Hobbies and extracurricular activities that show your interests

From sports and creative projects to student groups, summer schools or reading beyond your subjects - share what you’ve done and why it matters to you. This is a great way to show your motivation, independence or curiosity about the subject you’re applying for.

What have you achieved outside of school or college?

Not all achievements come with grades. At Kent, we value the wider experiences that shape who you are.

Have you taken on a leadership role in a club or team? Achieved something in music, sport or the arts? Won a competition or earned a qualification outside the classroom? 

Whether it’s something big or small, if it’s meaningful to you and has helped you grow, it’s worth sharing.