Do you need a different personal statement for each university?
Asked by: Jimmy Conn IV | Last update: October 13, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (57 votes)
For many/most applicants, the prompts are similar enough that the same personal statement template can be used with minor adjustments for each school (see Tip #2 on personalization). For some applicants, however, the prompts are different enough that you should write multiple personal statements.
Is it okay to use the same personal statement for different universities?
Yes, you can use the same personal statement for all universities. The university part of the documents has to be modified according to the respective institutions.
Should I personalize my personal statement for each school?
However, the school's essay lengths might be different, and your wording will vary based on the nuances of the question. Most important, many personal statements include some discussion of the specific program the candidate is applying to, and this part would certainly require fresh input for each school's essay.
Do you write a different personal statement for each university law school?
A generic personal statement might lack the tailored touch that shows you've researched and are genuinely interested in that particular school. Customizing your personal statement for each law school can greatly enhance your application.
Should you write a different personal essay for each college?
Depending on the school, different colleges will have one or more supplemental essays that you are required to (or highly recommended to) write in addition to the main college essay. These should be school specific, and therefore, should not be a generic one applicable to multiple institutions.
seriously, don't do these to your personal statement
Is a personal statement the same for all colleges?
For many/most applicants, the prompts are similar enough that the same personal statement template can be used with minor adjustments for each school (see Tip #2 on personalization). For some applicants, however, the prompts are different enough that you should write multiple personal statements.
Can I use the same personal statement two years in a row?
I applied last year and I want to use my old statement – is this OK? It's OK to reuse your previous statement if you have applied before. However, if you are now applying in a different name, make sure you fill in the 'Previous Name' box in UCAS Apply.
Do you write a personal statement for each university?
No, you only write one personal statement that all of your choices see. The same goes if you apply to further universities, or courses in Extra or Clearing.
Is a 3 page personal statement too long?
How long is a personal statement? Generally, your personal statement should be a 2-3 page statement with double spacing, 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font.
Is it okay to reuse a personal statement?
Yes! As long as your response is honest to you, there is nothing unethical about reusing your own essays.
What is too personal for a personal statement?
The situations you describe can be personal, but only up to a point: beware of revealing too much that is emotionally intimate. Ask yourself, “Do these experiences make me sound emotionally unstable, ambivalent, or insecure?” If so, don't bring them to the admissions committee.
Can you submit different personal statements to different schools Common App?
Yes, you can definitely tailor your Common App essay to reflect the unique qualities of each college you are applying to.
Can I edit my personal statement after submitting to one school?
Once submitted to one school, that version of your personal statement is fixed for that particular school only. For the remaining schools on your list, you have the opportunity to make edits before you make any more submissions.
Can you use the same essay for different universities?
If you're applying to colleges using the Common App, you can submit the same essay to every college on your list.
How long should a personal statement be for university?
Your personal statement length can be up to 4,000 characters long. This may sound a lot, but it's a word limit of around 550–1000 words with spaces and only about 1 side of typed A4 paper. You need to keep it concise and make sure it's clear and easy to read.
Should I put my name on my personal statement?
Do you put your name on a personal statement? It's better not to put your name in the first paragraph of the application essay. The name is usually mentioned in the header of the personal statement. However, it's necessary to consider the guidelines for an essay.
Is a 1000 word personal statement too long?
The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.
How long should a personal statement be on a Common App?
The Common App essay word count range is 250-650 words. But just how long should your statement be? Admissions Blog advises aiming for around 500 words.
Can my personal statement be 4 paragraphs?
Within reason, it's up to you. We've seen some great personal statements that use 4 paragraphs, and some that use 8 or more (especially if you have dialogue—yes, dialogue is OK too!).
Can I use the same personal statement for the same university?
If there's no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you're applying to this specific program.
What does a good personal statement look like?
A clear introduction, explaining why you want to study the course. Around 75% can focus on your academic achievements, to prove how you're qualified to study it. Around 25% can be about any extracurricular activity, to show what else makes you suitable. A clear conclusion.
Is 3,000 characters enough for a personal statement?
Personal statement – practicalities
4000 characters (not words, so includes spaces) or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first. No formatting such as bold, underline or italics.
What is copycatch?
Copycatch finds statements that show similarity, works out how much of the statement may have been copied, and reports the findings. This helps admissions staff at universities and colleges judge applications, and it is the providers who decide what action, if any, to take regarding notified cases.
Can you write a personal statement in 2 weeks?
How Long Does It Take To Write A Personal Statement? We recommend a minimum of 4-6 weeks to write your personal statement. This is because you still have to juggle schoolwork and extracurricular activities at the same time.
What happens if someone copies your personal statement?
If they copy parts of your statement in their own then you could both get in trouble. Remember you can't control what other people do with your personal statement, so be careful about who you send it to.