The Essential Guide to UCAS Personal Statements
The Essential Guide to UCAS Personal Statements
SKU:9781911724629
Formats Available: Paperback | eBook
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Paperback Edition
Writing a UCAS personal statement can feel overwhelming.
How do you explain who you are, what you care about, and where you're going with just 4,000 characters?
The Essential Guide to UCAS Personal Statement is here to help make every word count. Whether you're a student navigating the process or a teacher or parent offering support, this book breaks down what really matters when it comes to writing a statement that stands out.
Inside, you'll find:
- Tips for choosing the right course (even if you're unsure)
- How to tell your story in a way that feels honest and engaging
- Ideas for showing your subject passion beyond the classroom
- How to build your super-curricular profile and write reflectively about it
- The importance of work experience and how it is achievable
- Application strategies to increase your chances of a successful outcome
- Smart, ethical ways to use AI in the writing process
- Example statements based on the latest guidance, with clear explanations
- A foreword written by Julian Davies, Principal at Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge
With insights from admissions tutors and the real questions students ask, this book is packed with practical tools, reflective prompts, and confidence-boosting advice.
Whether you're writing one yourself or supporting someone who is, this book will give you the clarity, confidence, and tools, to get it done - and get it right.
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Product Information
Published: 15 August 2025
Edition: 1st
Length: 142 pages
Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.6 cm
Key Reviews
'Practical, accessible and clear, the best support after your teacher.'
Melrose Fernandes, Head of EAP and UCAS Adviser at Kings Education
'An engaging read that guides students to writing a strong and authentic personal statement!'
Ellen Kuppersmith, Independent Educational Consultant, Owner – College Kupp
'This essential guide unlocks the complexities of the university application process and reveals the secrets to writing a compelling personal statement.'
Chris Couch
‘Rooted in real experience, guides like this offer valuable insight and support to students on their journey.’
Phillip Wenturine, Director of University Counseling at Brewster Madrid and CEO at Right Fit Future
‘The Essential Guide to UCAS Personal Statements by Dominic Fuge is the reassuring voice every student (and University Counsellor) needs when navigating the often overwhelming world of UK university applications. This impressively detailed evidence-based guide is the result of years of Fuge's insider expertise and experience; he transforms the personal statement from a source of stress into a confident, compelling showcase of student potential.’
Beverly Conway, IB DP Literature Language Teacher, College Counsellor and 11C Mentor
‘The book all advisers should advise to read.’
Elisabetta Incollingo,UCAS & Careers Advisor, St. Andrew's College Cambridge
'An invaluable resource for families and advisers navigating the UCAS process.'
Robert Ramey, Director of College Counseling at the British International School of Washington
'Utterly spectacular! An informative and engaging read for anyone wanting to produce a winning UCAS personal statement and understand UK university applications.'
Jason Brooks,Director of the Supercurricular Department at Oxford International College
'Bravo! Dominic's extensive experience shines through in this tremendously comprehensive guide offering valuable advice for writing the UCAS Personal Statement, supported by helpful examples and insightful analysis. Dominic provides excellent guidance on considering course options, and future careers along with useful data and relevant commentary on the use of AI. This guide is a 'must read' for any student aspiring to apply to a UK university, and I will certainly be recommending it to my students.'
Rhonda Leshman,University and Futures Counselor, Barcelona High School
Gatsby Benchmarks
This book will help your school meet the following Gatsby Benchmarks:
- Benchmark 2: Learning from careers and labour market information
- Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
- Benchmark 8: Personal guidance
Sample chapter
Download here.
Free Resources
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction and background
It really is about making it attention-grabbing (and how to use this book)
Why UCAS have changed the personal statement format (and does it matter?)
The higher education landscape of UK universities
Chapter 2: Finding your right course
Vocational vs. subject passion
Ways to conduct research (and which types of degrees are available)
Creating your university shortlist
Chapter 3: Developing your super-curricular profile
What’s available
Work experience is achievable for all
Recording and writing reflectively about your super-curricular activities
Chapter 4: The writing
Tackling question one: “Why do you want to study this course or subject?”
Tackling question two: “How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?”
Tackling question three: “What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences helpful?”
Chapter 5: After your writing
Stepping away and then stepping forward
Finally submitting
Really knowing your personal statement, especially if you might be interviewed
Chapter 6: Opportunities and challenges of using AI
Chapter 7: Personal statement examples
Meet the Author: Dominic Fuge
Dominic Fuge is Head of Careers and Higher Education at Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge, which is part of the Dukes Education family. Its students regularly achieve among the best A level results in the country.