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This statement should convince the reader that you have the skills, knowledge and motivation to succeed in the course of study you are applying for.

You may also be asked to write a statement when you are applying for a job. This is often a free text box asking you to ‘describe how you fit the person specification or job description’. In this section find out how to write a strong personal statement when applying for either further study or a job.

Writing a personal statement

Getting started.

Check the instructions for the statement you have been asked to write. Is there a specified word length? Have you been asked to address any specific topics/questions in the statement?
For further study applications, research the course you are applying to thoroughly. Find out what topics will be taught, what options you will have, how the department/university supports students, how you will be examined, what they look for in applicants and what graduates of the courses typically go on to do.
For a job, research the employer and the job role you are applying to thoroughly. Review the job description and person specification and think about experiences you can write about to show your match to what they are looking for.
Reflect on your motivations for applying for this particular course and how it fits in with your long-term career plans.

Order the content of your statement logically with each paragraph addressing a specific topic/theme.

If you are applying for a job, use the job description and person specification to help you structure your statement into sections that link to what they are looking for. You can use short headings based on the job description and person specification to break up the text. This will enhance the readability of your statement and emphasise that you have based what you have written on what they are looking for.

If you are applying for further study , here are some suggestions of possible topics to address in your personal statement:

Current studies – how do your current studies relate to the course you are applying to? What topics, projects or technical skills have you done that will form a foundation for the future course. What have you most enjoyed or excelled at?
Motivation – draw attention to any options you have selected in your current course that show your interest in the subject area you are applying to. Highlight any extra study you have done such as further reading, self-directed learning and attendance at talks/conferences.
Future career – write about your future career plans and how the course you are applying to fits with them.
Why this course? – show in your statement that you have thoroughly researched the course you are applying to and know what you will be taking on. Emphasise your fit to the course.
Work and research experience – talk about previous experiences that you have had during internships, employment or in research projects. Highlight what you did successfully and the successful outcomes of your work. Write about what you learned from your experience that will help you to be successful in the course you are applying to.
Extracurricular activities and interests – use these to show your personality and demonstrate transferable skills such as confidence, time-management and teamwork.

Use short sentences and straightforward language. Avoid overly formal language that you would not use in conversation (words like ‘hitherto’ or ‘moreover’) and avoid informal ‘chatty’ language or grammar (like slang words or exclamation marks).

Include your successful achievements and where you have made a difference to something. For example, where you improved something, had an idea or had a successful outcome.
Present yourself as you are now rather than going back in time to when you were much younger
Avoid ingratiating language such as ‘I would like to thank the XXX department for considering my application’
Avoid generic statements that can be sent to any similar course or job – make sure it is clear you are applying for that particular course or job
Be positive. Don’t write that you didn’t enjoy things – concentrate on the things you have enjoyed
Proofread and if you can, ask a friend to read it for you to check for spelling and grammar – they may spot mistakes you don’t notice

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Imperial University Personal Statements

These UCAS personal statements have been kindly provided by students applying to Imperial College London. You can click on one of the links below to view the entire statement and find out if the applicant was offered a place.

You can also view our entire collection of personal statements or view personal statements for application at other universities .

Geology Personal Statement Example 1 My interest in the natural world started early in my life. At the age of 4 and at my first school years, my favorite trip was at the Greek Natural History museum where I admired the shinny purple stones, the giraffe, the lions, and most of all, the huge Triceratops skeleton...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 Fire, the wheel, boats, book printing, electricity, engines, automobiles, planes, spaceships, wireless information transfer: engineering is determining this progress. Leading engineers are the creators of our future...

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits. I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline...

Physics Personal Statement Example (International Student) 1 Some people believe there is no universal key to the mysteries of the world, but I am convinced otherwise. Since early childhood when my parents, both physicists by training, patiently answered all my why-questions and encouraged me in my fascination with astronomy, I have been thinking of Physics as the perfect science that can unveil all the secrets that fascinate humanity...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The ability to apply what I have learnt in the classroom to the outside world is an aspect of physics and maths that I particularly enjoy. An example of this was being able to calculate the coefficient of friction between a book and a table, by knowing the weight and measuring the angle at which it started to move...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 8 If I were to describe myself in one word, it would definitely be inquisitive. Since young, I have always been eager to know how things work and what the principles that lie within them are. Hence I have always enjoyed science-related subjects particularly Mathematics and Physics...

Biomedical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 Thanks to my mother's profession, I have had a front row seat in observing the radical changes made in the medical field with the introduction of new devices. I have also seen the beneficial effects these developments have had on the lives of people living in the less affluent countries in the Middle East; these observations coupled with my interest in mechanics have inspired me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 12 The time I first saw an aircraft fly over our house, I was three. Out of curiosity I asked my father about it. To avoid complexity he simply explained that it was like a gigantic flying bus. I was awed...

Maths & Actuarial Science Personal Statement Example 1 "It has become a very strange and perhaps frightening subject from the ordinary point of view,but anyone who penetrates into it will find a veritable fairyland"( Kasner E and Newman J).This saying is perhaps the most fitted to describe my enthusiasm for Maths...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 48 Given that over ninety nine percent of the body consists of just six elements, it is hard to imagine the human body as an intricately synchronised and immensely complex machine. Yet, it has done well to puzzle even the brightest minds in history-but I am drawn to a challenge; I cannot think of anything else more fascinating to work with...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 20 Overcoming economic hurdles tempered by ecological limits requires innovative solutions. For centuries mathematical and analytical skills have fused to solve practical problems. The diverse nature of engineering has made advancements possible in an array of fields from the wheel to The International Space Station...

Physics Personal Statement Example 11 The mystery of physics has always enthralled me. Whether it is the complex physical phenomena or simple ideas intertwining to form elegant complex theories capable of explaining near all questions of the universe...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 57 My enthusiasm for the advances of medical science, understanding and technology drive me towards medicine. I yearn to discover further the wonder and complexities of science, and have a greater understanding of the illness' and diseases we face...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 15 Aircraft is one of the major contributions of all time. The intricate engineering behind aircraft, space shuttle and satellite really captivates me. The work of aerospace engineers is quite challenging as they apply their acquired knowledge of Mathematics and Physics to design such major products to satisfy real world necessities...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 While other children fell asleep to the sound of their parents reading them bedtime fairytales, I was busy re-reading Ladybirds Explorer’s, “Flight” for probably the fourth time that day. I’ve been enthralled by the concept of flight and aerodynamics ever since I was young...

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement Example 10 Chemical engineering is a most fascinating field of all the branches of science and engineering. To me it truly reflects human endeavour and spirit through means such as the exploration of unknown substances, and making something of worth and value out of mere raw materials...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 66 White coats, stethoscopes hung around necks and the sense of playing hero were popular amongst childhood dreams. However, unlike others around me, this dream was not lost when I realised reality paved a much tougher road- instead, it grew to become a fierce ambition...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 54 Since my first years of school, my life has gravitated around the questions starting with “Why” and “How”. In the 7th grade I was introduced to physics, which answered some of my questions but also generated more...

Physics Personal Statement Example 15 I have always been intrigued by the world of physics. From everyday experiences to the most extreme boundaries of today's knowledge, I have always voraciously searched for answers to my questions. As I grew up, the elegance of mathematical demonstrations and of physical theorems fascinated me, and I have often dreamt of making contributions to the unification theory and of improving and simplifying the Navier-Stokes equations...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 19 These days, we are surrounded by engineering marvels. From radios to space shuttles, everything involves a vital feat of engineering. That is what I find most attractive about this field as its application is everywhere...

Electrical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The defining wonder of today’s age is electricity. In just two centuries, we have come from Faraday’s crude but prophetic experiments to devices just a square inch that can calculate in seconds what the most gifted of human minds might take days...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 24 When I was a child, most of the sentences I spoke out finished with a question mark, asking how everyday things work. Receiving answers to these questions and learning more about Mathematics and Physics has enlarged my desire to make human life easier and become an Engineer...

Earth Science/Geology Personal Statement Example 1 Everyone wakes up in the morning hoping to achieve something in life. That ‘something’ is what keeps them going every day. For me, it is my strong desire to contribute to society. I believe the best way to do that is by helping them understand the earth’s mechanism and how to maximise its potential to not just complement our lives but to make it better...

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Imperial College Business School

Top tips for writing your personal statement

Putting together a personal statement can be tricky! Every year, we speak to lots of applicants about what we expect and what we are looking for in the finished piece – it’s something we get asked about a lot!

‘What should I talk about in my personal statement?’

‘How can I make my personal statement stand out?’

‘How long should my personal statement be?’

Fear not! The personal statement section on your application is broken down into 4 clear questions so you can write responsive answers, that offer us insight into the key attributes we look for! That being said, we do have our own tips and guidelines that we like to share, so read on for our full insight!

Why does Imperial College Business School ask for a personal statement?

Quite simply, we ask for a personal statement because we want to know about you. All aspects of your application are important, but many areas tend to be factual and to the point. The personal statement is your opportunity to expand and tell us more about who you are, and what your motivations are for applying to Imperial. Our programmes are hugely competitive, so we often rely on the personal statement to help us understand your profile and fill in any missing pieces from our assessment.

What questions are included in the personal statement section of my application?

You will be required to complete 4 mandatory questions, which cover your motivation to study and contribution to the cohort, with an additional information section which offers you a chance to detail anything else you haven't mentioned as part of the application. The 4 questions are as follows:

Please share your motivation for undertaking the programme? Treat this as a priority. Ideally, your CV and academic history should have already given us a good idea of your achievements to date, so be sure to tell us why you are pursuing postgraduate study and why you have chosen your programme of interest. You should be able to link your past experiences to your suitability for the programme and expand on anything else that is relevant.

What is your proudest achievement? This could be academic or extra-curricular, but we want to know about your proudest achievement to date, and how it has helped shape you into the person you are today. We love to hear about all the interesting things that applicants have done and achieved, and this is a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

What would you contribute to the cohort and the Imperial community? This question is your opportunity to show us how you will enhance the college experience of those around you and how you will make the most of your time at the Business School. Think about how you will make the campus community a better place, whether this be through participation in extracurricular activities or interactions with staff and students across campus.

How would you use your degree to make a positive impact? We want to know how the programme will benefit you, both during your studies and in the future. Perhaps, you could use this section to tell us about how your programme fits into your long-term goals, or any long-term objectives you have relating to your chosen area of study.

Additional Information Use this section to include any additional information you want to tell the Admissions Committee.

Is there anything I should not write about in my personal statement?

Try not to get too caught up with university rankings or facts about the Business School – we want to hear about you, not us! It’s good to talk about the programme content but avoid simply relaying this information back to us. Focus instead on what interests you the most and how you plan to build on past study.

Don’t waffle - keep it concise! You have 1500 characters per section (including spaces!) so make sure your answers are clear and succinct.

Check, check, and check again! It’s the golden rule; make sure your personal statement is free from any spelling or grammatical errors. Copying and pasting from any other personal statements you have written, such as one to another institution, is a risky game – don’t reference another university and be sure to use the correct programme title!

Hopefully, we have given you some good guidance on what is expected from the personal statement and we wish you the best of luck if you are submitting an application, and we look forward to reading your personal statement soon!

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imperial business school personal statement

Imperial College London Imperial College London

How do I apply for postgraduate study?

Whether you're applying for a Master's course or a research programme, you you must apply online using our application system My Imperial .

Once you have created an online account, you can search for the course(s) you want to apply for and start your application.

Application deadlines

Applications for postgraduate study normally open in October or November.

For courses in the following departments, we operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.

Bioengineering
Business School
Chemical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Earth Science and Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Life Sciences
Materials
Medicine (Surgery and Cancer, School of Public Health, Department of Immunology and Inflammation)
Physics

To see what application rounds are relevant to your chosen course, visit our postgraduate course pages .

Other courses may not publish a formal closing date but will close as they become full, so early application is generally advised. If an application deadline does apply, this will be published on the relevant course page.

Application fee

There is an application fee for our taught Master's courses. This helps cover some of the costs associated with processing the large volume of applications we receive.

The application fees for 2023/24 academic year of entry are:

£80 for all taught Master's applications excluding those to Imperial College Business School
£100 for all MSc applications to Imperial College Business School
£150 for MBA applications to Imperial College Business School

The application fee applies once per application and not per course (where you are permitted a second choice).

There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or PhDs.

We don’t want the application fee to be a barrier to qualified students who can’t afford it.

We will waive the fee for any applicant – Home or Overseas – who demonstrates that they are experiencing financial hardship.

‌‌‌ Find out more about the application fee and waiver.

Personal statement

Your personal statement provides an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the programme.

Typically your personal statement should be one side of A4 and include your motivations for applying to Imperial, and any other supporting information not included elsewhere on the form that you feel will enhance your application.

How many courses can I apply for?

You can typically apply for up to two courses in an academic year.

We will consider your application for Master's courses in the order they are submitted so it is important to list your preferred course as your first choice and your reserve course as your second choice.

Your second choice application will only be considered if you are unsuccessful at gaining a place on your first choice programme.

If you are applying for two Master's or Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma courses you should put both your first and second choice on one application form. You should not submit two separate applications.

If you are applying for two Doctoral courses, you should submit two separate applications, one for each of your choices. We process your applications for Doctoral study simultaneously, so you do not need to specify a preference if you are applying for more than one.

Business School courses

If you are applying to the Business School, you may only be considered for one programme per admissions cycle. Applicants to the Finance Master's programmes, will be able to indicate their areas of interest in finance when applying. If the Business School cannot make you an offer for the finance programme you applied for, they may consider your suitability for other areas of finance that are offered in line with the areas of interest you express.

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