Most over-used opening lines in the Personal Statement

We know…writing the Personal Statement is hard, and maybe starting in a punchy way is the hardest thing of all.  It might help to know what others tend to use - try to be a little bit original, but also just try to keep it authentic: don't use long words and be something you aren't: speak from the heart about why you actually want to study the subject.  Remember that you are applying for a job: the job of being a really good student for some of the top academics in the country who absolutely love their subjects.  Having said that, there are some seriously stale phrases that just make Admissions tutors yawn.  Here are some from an article in the Telegraph (full article here) that draws on material provided by UCAS itself: 

Top 10 most overused personal statement opening sentences

1. I am currently studying a BTEC National Diploma in ... (used 464 times)

2. From a young age I have always been interested in ... (309 times)

3. From an early age I have always been interested in ... (292 times)

4. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding career ... (275 times)

5. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with ... (196 times)

6. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only” ... (189 times)

7. Nursing is a profession I have always looked upon with ... (178 times)

8. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in ... (166 times)

9. I am an International Academy student and have been studying since ... (141 times)

10. Academically, I have always been a very determined and ... (138 times)



Reproduced from the 'Ucas Guide to Getting into University and College' with permission of Ucas - available from www.ucasbooks.co.uk

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