Application advice: What to include in a personal statement

Writing a personal statement can be a daunting task, but it's a great chance to tell us about yourself and what you hope to study. We've gathered advice from UAL staff and students to help you draft the best statement you can.
Find more guidance on preparing your portfolio over here: www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/a...
Film by @grey__moth. Animations created by @rosabeiroa
Featuring:
- Rachel Dickson, Dean of Academic Programmes: Central Saint Martins
- Georgia Steele, Academic Coordinator and Curriculum Leader Foundation: Central Saint Martins
- Claire McCormack, Programme Director Foundation Diploma: Camberwell College of Arts
- Paul Yuille, Director of International and Recruitment: London College of Fashion
- Lucy Brown, Associate Dean of Screen: London College of Communication
- Lynda Doyle, International Academic Coordinator: London College of Communication
- Wendy Anderson, Director of International Development: Chelsea College of Arts
- Kelsey Finn, BA (Hons) Film Practice: London College of Communication

[@lalewilan]

" We want students who are challenging, testing, annoying, pushy and difficult".......OMG that is the most beautiful thing I ever hear from a University. Now I t believe UAL must be excellent.

[@SundeepKumar]

100% my thoughts

[@analuciaprietorosas624]

Totally in with the resilent personality

[@pratyunsha1690]

How would a personal statement for a master's be different from a personal statement for a bachelor's? And how long should it be? Could you please advise us for the same?

[@v.6593]

Thank you so much!

[@javipaillalefs9006]

So what I hear here is : be sincere. Thank you so much for all these videos, I’m gonna try to get in the foudation course next year and I was quite lost since I don’t have an artistic background. Thanks!

[@Lance-wn9dc]

Did you get in?

[@SS-qg9jk]

We would like you to show us some examples of previous portfolios.

[@h525]

I don't think they would ever do it because they said they don't want applicants to copy other portfolio and they want you to make it as authentic as you can. You can always watch ual students application portfolios on KZbin

[@javipaillalefs9006]

Can someone tell me how many pages should it be?

[@demitrihoth1971]

Hi, when submitting a portfolio with your application is it advisable to submit a PDF document or a link to a portfolio website, is there any recommendations or requirements?

[@soffiahjane1842]

pdf is much easier as it’s assessable in all devices

[@aliciar6243]

Hey Ive got a question. do we start like "my name is blah blah, Im from.. and Im 25 years old? or no need for personal details?

[@UniversityoftheArtsLondon]

Hi Alicia, if you are submitting a statement as part of an application then other parts of that application will probably already have space for you to provide your name and age. If you're applying through UCAS, there are some useful tips and links here: www.arts.ac.uk/partnerships/ual-awarding-body/stories/how-to-write-an-effective-ucas-personal-statement

[@brooks5680]

How long should it be?

[@its_zombirella]

47 lines and 4000 characters

[@christophernettles2468]

@@its_zombirella seriously???

[@esrajalal6640]

@@christophernettles2468 I don’t think it’s the same for everyone, I’m applying for VCU and they asked for a maximum of 1600 words.

[@olanrewajuolanike6840]

@lalewilan This really mean a great one, sure something beautiful comes out of challenges and annoying students...its sure a place to be

[@jenniferchatanellebrookes7953]

I have just finished amending my personal statement and have now submitted it 📝✔️ I saw this video after so I was a little apprehensive to watch it! But I am really pleased with what I’ve just heard and I truly feel that I done it the best way I can. I am happy with it and the suggestions from the tutors seem to fit the way I have written mine. Phew! Relieved and glad it’s done now. It’s not easy but I feel if you write from the heart showing your truths and passions, you will succeed. As long as you feel you’ve done your best and shown who you are, that’s the best that you can possibly do xx 🙏🏼🤍

[@stafa5568]

Hey, how did the application go ? did you gain admission?