Clichéd Personal Statement Openings

Many of our students are currently working on their UCAS applications for university, or have submitted them already, so we have been thinking a lot about university applications and personal statements. We came across this fantastic article from UCAS: ‘UCAS shares the most frequently-used opening lines in university applicants’ personal statements’.

The tongue-in-cheek report gives some handy hints on phrases to avoid when composing your personal statement – because these phrases are used by hundreds, or even thousands, of other applicants. So if you are putting the finishing touches on your personal statement right now, but it contains any of these phrases, you might want to think again!

Top ten most-used phrases in personal statements, as reported by UCAS:
1. From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]
2. For as long as I can remember I have…
3. I am applying for this course because…
4. I have always been interested in…
5. Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
6. Reflecting on my educational experiences…
7. Nursing is a very challenging and demanding [career/profession/course]…
8. Academically, I have always been…
9. I have always wanted to pursue a career in…
10. I have always been passionate about…