how to write an intro for a personal statement

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How to start a personal statement

The process of writing your personal statement can be simple if you know how to start. this is our guide on where to begin..

Make a plan

Prepare how you’re going to write your personal statement before you begin any of the actual writing. Note down how you want to structure it and what you want to say in each paragraph. By summarising what you’re going to write in a plan, you can assess whether your personal statement will flow and if you have all the things you need to include.

• What to include in a personal statement

Have a structure

Part of planning your personal statement is deciding how to lay it out. Keep in mind that you’re telling admissions tutors the story of you. All stories have a structure – there’s a beginning, a middle and an end. You can use a similar method to convey your motivation for choosing the subject you’re applying for.

There’s more than one way to structure a personal statement, but you should at least have a:

• Clear introduction
• Strong body of five–six paragraphs that link your experience and achievements to why you've chosen the subject
• Conclusion to summarise it all

A structured statement also shows admissions tutors that you can communicate effectively.

Begin with you

Tackling the introduction first? This is your chance to talk about you, your background, and your excitement for the course. It should then flow naturally into the middle paragraphs, where you can expand on why you’re interested in the subject you’ve chosen.

Tina, Lead Admissions Tutor for Adult Nursing at the University of Brighton , shared with us what she looks for in the first few paragraphs of a student's personal statement:

They should start their application with the reason why they are applying and if they have any personal insight into a role such as being cared for when they were younger, attending hospital to visit a relative or any other experience as part of a course, volunteering, or work. Tina, Lead Admissions Tutor for Adult Nursing at University of Brighton

Be to the point from the beginning

Your introduction shouldn’t be long-winded, so two or three sentences are usually enough. You only have 4,000 characters and about 47 lines to play with for the entire statement.

Don’t be afraid to go straight into talking about what excites you most about your subject and the motivation behind choosing to apply. Use language that’s punchy, concise, and relevant too. This will help you to show your ambition and enthusiasm to admissions tutors.

Avoid cliché opening sentences

Clichés are clichés because they’re overused. Put yourself in the shoes of an admissions tutor – they’ll be reading lots of personal statements, so the ones that stand out will be those that aren’t like the others.

Make a note of any clichéd sentences you can think of or have seen online, and check you don’t include them when writing your personal statement. Some examples to avoid include:

• ‘I have always wanted to study...’
• ‘I feel I’ve always had a passion for...’
• ‘From a young age...’
• ‘Since I can remember...’

Don’t feel pressured to write the intro first

The introduction seems like the obvious place to start. But you may find it easier to leave the introduction until the end. Start at whichever point suits you best, provided you have a plan and structure in place.

Fortunately, the intro is only a few sentences. Given the most important content will come in the middle paragraphs, where you explain your choice of subject, it may make sense to start there.

Just start writing! Don’t feel that you necessarily need to write your personal statement in the order in which it will be read. This is only for the author to know. Dr Ceri Davies, Economics Director of Admissions and Recruitment at University of Birmingham

• Tips for writing your personal statement

Just get words down

The most important part of writing is to get words on paper. If you’re struggling to plan, try writing down the first words that come to your head about why you want to study the subject. If you do have a plan and structure, but don’t know where to begin, try taking the same approach. You can remove or edit any bits that you don’t like later.

Once you start writing you should hopefully enter a state of flow. You’ll piece sentences together and gradually craft an impressive personal statement.

Start by writing down all the reasons why you want to study the subject you are applying for and then, when all your enthusiasm is flowing, you can decide the order you want to put it in. Katherine Pagett, Student Recruitment Manager at University of Birmingham

• How to make your personal statement stand out

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15 Tips On How To Start A Personal Statement

Starting your personal statement can be daunting, especially the opening lines. This is your chance to grab the attention of the admissions tutors and leave a lasting impression. A good intro sets the tone for the whole statement and shows your enthusiasm, personality and fit for the course. So where do you begin? In this guide we’ll cover the key tips and tricks to help you write an engaging and authentic opening that stands out from the crowd. Whether you want to start with a hook or your passion, these practical tips will help you get started with your personal statement.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Personal Statement Introduction

The opening of your personal statement serves a few key purposes:

Grabs Attention : Admissions officers often read hundreds of applications. An engaging opening is essential to stand out.

Conveys Passion and Fit : Your initial words should reflect your enthusiasm for the subject and suitability for the program.

Sets the Tone : The opening lines set the stage for the rest of your statement, so be mindful of the impression you’re creating.

2. Start with a Unique Hook

Your hook should be unique, engaging, and relevant. Here are some ways to create a memorable hook:

A Personal Anecdote : Share a brief, relevant story that illustrates your interest in the subject.

A Thought-Provoking Question : Asking a meaningful question can engage the reader’s curiosity.

A Relevant Quote : Carefully chosen quotes can resonate well, but avoid clichés or quotes that lack personal significance.

Example : "As I watched my first chemistry experiment explode into a colorful array, I knew I was hooked on science."

3. Express Genuine Passion for the Subject

Admissions officers look for applicants who are deeply passionate about their chosen field. Begin with a statement that clearly shows why you’re drawn to the subject.

Example : "Since I started building tiny robots with household items, I've been fascinated by how technology shapes the world around us."

4. Highlight a Defining Moment

Consider a moment that strongly influenced your choice of study. Highlighting a defining experience can be an effective way to begin.

Example : "When I volunteered at the local animal shelter, I discovered my passion for veterinary science. Watching the impact of compassionate care ignited my drive to pursue veterinary medicine."

5. Be Concise and Direct

Admissions officers appreciate clarity. A concise and direct opening that reflects both purpose and passion is often more effective than a complex, wordy introduction.

Example : "My interest in psychology stems from a desire to understand the human mind and help others improve their mental health."

6. Avoid Clichés and Overused Statements

Common phrases such as “I have always wanted to…” or “Since I was a child…” can weaken your opening by making it sound generic. Focus instead on specific details that distinguish you.

Example of Avoidance : Replace “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was a child” with a specific instance that inspired your interest in medicine.

7. Be Authentic and Reflective

Your opening should sound genuine. Reflect on your real motivations and experiences rather than what you think admissions officers want to hear.

Example : "Coming from a family with diverse cultural backgrounds, I have always been intrigued by how language shapes identity, driving my interest in linguistics."

8. Connect with the Course Requirements

Show you’ve done your homework by linking your motivation to the specific course requirements or focus areas at the university. This demonstrates both research and a targeted interest.

Example : "The interdisciplinary approach of the Environmental Science program at [University] aligns perfectly with my passion for blending biology with social science to tackle ecological challenges."

9. Consider Starting with a Question

Asking a relevant, thought-provoking question can instantly engage readers by making them reflect. It also conveys a curious and critical mindset, which is often valued in academic contexts.

Example : "How can economic policies effectively address climate change? This question sparked my interest in studying economics."

10. Showcase Your Ambitions Early On

If you have a clear career or academic goal, introduce it early to show that your application is driven by long-term ambition.

Example : "My dream of working in aerospace engineering drives me to understand both the practical and theoretical aspects of physics and mechanics."

11. Use Vivid Imagery

Vivid language can make your opening lines more captivating. Use sensory words or powerful verbs to paint a picture of your experience.

Example : "The thrill of stepping onto the stage for my first debate ignited my interest in law and justice."

12. Keep It Relevant to Your Subject

While it’s tempting to open with an interesting story, ensure that it directly connects to your field of interest. Avoid stories that don’t relate to your chosen course.

Example of Relevance : A story about caring for a relative during an illness could be a compelling opening for a statement aimed at a medical program.

13. Show Enthusiasm and Confidence

Starting confidently can help you stand out. Expressing enthusiasm while remaining sincere shows that you’re serious and committed to the subject.

Example : "I am drawn to mathematics not only for its challenges but for its beauty and logic."

14. Revise, Revise, Revise

Your first few drafts might not have the perfect opening, and that’s okay. Crafting the ideal start often takes several revisions. After you’ve written your whole statement, revisit your opening to see if it effectively captures the essence of your application.

15. Seek Feedback

Once you’ve settled on a draft, seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or peers. They can offer insights into how effectively your opening lines engage the reader and reflect your strengths.

Q1: Should I start my personal statement with a quote?

Only use a quote if it’s genuinely meaningful and directly relevant to your personal journey in your chosen field. Avoid overused quotes.

Q2: How long should the opening be?

Aim for 2-3 sentences that effectively set up your personal narrative. A concise opening is often more impactful than a lengthy one.

Q3: What’s the biggest mistake students make with their opening?

A common mistake is using clichés or generic statements. Make sure your opening is specific to you and your experiences.

Q4: Is it okay to be informal in my opening?

While you can show personality, remember that a personal statement is a formal document. Aim for professional enthusiasm, not casual language.

Q5: Can I revise my opening after writing the body of my statement?

Absolutely! In fact, you may find that writing the main content helps clarify how to refine your opening.

Q6: How do I avoid sounding too "salesy" in my opening?

Stick to authentic experiences and motivations. Focus on your personal journey rather than trying to overly impress the reader.

Starting your personal statement can feel challenging, but a strong opening sets a confident tone for your entire application. By crafting a compelling, authentic introduction, you can make a positive first impression and clearly convey your passion and readiness for university studies. Follow these tips to ensure your statement begins in a way that captures your enthusiasm and stands out to admissions officers.

The 8 Biggest Mistakes When Writing Your Personal Statement And How To Fix Them

How to end a personal statement.