The differences between a UK personal statement and a US admissions essay
What is the Ucas personal statement to apply for a UK university? How does it differ from the US application essay? What should students emphasise? Augusto Neto provides the answers
Augusto Neto
For high-school counsellors guiding students through the UK university application process, supporting applicants in crafting effective personal statements is paramount. The UK takes a unique approach, emphasising academic achievement and a clear connection to the chosen courses.
This guide outlines essential steps to help your students write compelling and successful personal statements.
The intricacies of applying to UK universities
Applications to UK universities are submitted through Ucas, the University and Colleges Admissions Service. While it is possible to apply to universities directly, the advice is that anyone applying to more than one course in the UK must do so through Ucas.
Students can apply for up to five courses in one year. The limit is four for medicine, which is why most students looking to study medicine apply to four medicine courses and one biomedical sciences course.
Notice that the limit is five courses, meaning that it is entirely possible to apply to more than one course at the same university. For those interested in Oxbridge – the universities of Oxford and Cambridge – it is always a case of either one or the other. It is not possible to apply to a course at both universities. Careful thought and consideration when making choices is essential.
What to consider when choosing a course
Course relevance: Ensure that the selected courses align closely with the student’s academic and career aspirations.
Diversity of choice: While focusing on a specific field of study, students should consider diversifying course choices to increase the likelihood of receiving offers.
Research each choice: Students should thoroughly research each university and course before making any selection to ensure that they match academic preferences and expectations.
Entry requirements: Take note of the entry requirements for each course and university to gauge each student’s eligibility.
Personal statement: Students should craft a personalised and tailored personal statement to highlight their specific interests and suitability for their chosen courses.
Remember that the Ucas application process is highly competitive and making well-informed choices is essential for a successful application experience. If there are any changes or updates to the application process, it’s recommended to refer to the most recent Ucas guidelines for the latest information.
US university-application essays versus Ucas personal statements
There are notable differences between essays written for university applications in the US and those written for the UK. Here are key distinctions:
1. Academic emphasis
UK: The personal statement for UK applications places a strong emphasis on academics. Admissions tutors are primarily interested in an applicant’s academic achievements, subject-specific knowledge and a clear demonstration of interest in the chosen course.
US: While academic achievements are important in US college-application essays, there is often more flexibility to explore extracurricular activities, personal experiences and how these contribute to the student’s overall character.
2. Specialisation
UK: The personal statement should demonstrate a clear and genuine interest in the chosen field of study. Extracurricular activities are relevant only if they directly contribute to the applicant’s academic profile.
US: US college essays often allow for a more holistic portrayal of the student. While the student’s intended major is considered, there’s room to explore a range of interests and experiences.
3. Extracurricular relevance
UK: Extracurricular activities should be directly relevant to the chosen course. For example, volunteering at a dog shelter is valuable for a veterinary science application, but the essay should focus on learning and skills gained from the experience.
US: US college essays often encourage a broader exploration of personal growth, leadership and community engagement. Extracurriculars are viewed as part of a holistic assessment of the student’s character.
4. Structure and length
UK: The UK personal statement is typically limited to a specific word count (often around 4,000 characters or 47 lines), requiring concise and focused writing. Each word should contribute to showcasing the applicant’s academic suitability.
US: US college essays vary in length and format. Common application essays, for example, have a word limit, but supplemental essays might have different requirements. There’s often more room for creativity and storytelling.