I've started my Personal Statement, and i'm so confused!?

Well it sounds like you're writing the right things, but maybe you need to flesh this out a bit?

You need to begin by explaining why you want to study business, including any work experience you have done to help support this conclusion. You need to convey a real enthusiasm for the topic.

Say a little about the course and why you've chosen this one - for eg, it offers modules in x which you're particularly interested in and/or you know people who've been there and done really well in their careers etc.

If you've been to open days and been impressed with any particular tutors, presentations or facilities be sure to mention this

The above two sections should be the longest bit of your statement.

Admissions tutors are looking to establish whether you have a realistic idea about what studying for your particular course entails and how you might fit your strengths into that.

So go on to your personal qualities that will help you be a good student, eg any successes you've had in related areas, hardworking, good at meeting deadlines, great attention to detail etc.

If you say you are 'good at working as part of a team' or 'effective communicator at all levels' etc, make sure you give examples of how/where you've done this

You might mention any part time jobs you've had here to illustrate how you're good at dealing with pressure or people. Don't go into too much detail unless you actually need to - people know what a cashier at Asda does and get upset if you waste loads of words explaining it!

Then, talk, if you haven't already about any other achievements - everything from passing a driving test to representing the county at hockey to a Duke of Edinburgh award

Finally, and very briefly, mention any hobbies and interests you haven't mentioned above. Most people write far too much here - don't.

A couple of common pitfalls. Don't make anything up because it sounds good. - if you get caught (and many do), that's instant rejection.

Make sure everything is perfectly spelled and punctuated. The view will be that if your literacy isn't good or you couldn't be bothered to do it properly then you're not good student material

Ok, the first two things you mentioned should be in the beginning of your personal statement.

4) Other activities and interests which demonstrate why you would be a good student for the uni and the course, for example, if you have done work experience which relates to business, put it in. If you are part of a sports team, mention this as it shows you are a well-rounded individual who can balance acamedic with non-academic stuff. It will also show teamwork and communication skills.

5) A good ending which will leave a lasting impression on the admissions tutor. Here, you could demonstrate your passion for business, or you could end it in an unusual and interesting way like a quote or something.

A well-written personal statement is important as it determines if you have an interview or a place for your chosen course. The main things you need to remember is to show your passion and your strengths as a person. Good luck.

I have done a personal statement before and from mine I got on to my course so maybe it was good enough so I will tell you what I put and you can take the ideas from that.

I put the course I'm interested in

Why I wanted to do it

What field I wanted to end up working in

Other ideas could be

Interests that you have related to your choice of course

Skills and qualities you have that suit with the field u want to work in

Books I've read related to the course

Personal experiences which lead to the decision to take this subject

Hope I have helped x

I wrote my personal statement last week after a lot of thinking. It is a pretty difficult thing to do.

I want to study French, and this way the basic layout of my statement.

1) Introductory paragraph, talking about why I want to study French and what interests me about it.

2) Parts of the A-Level course that I have enjoyed the most, and what I want to get out of studying French at University.

3) 4) and 5) Detailed information about different courses that I have attended outside of the school syllabus, and about work experience I did in France.

6) Paragraph about my general hobbies and interests, what I do in my spare time, etc...

It should be 90% about your subject and 10% about hobbies.