Should I number the pages on my personal statement?
Asked by: Graciela Pollich | Last update: September 19, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)
A standard typeface and formatting convention should be used to make your statement easily readable. Review committees look at hundreds of statements a year, so if yours exceeds one page, a header with your name and a page number should be included.
Should I use numbers in my personal statement?
Full Member The traditional rule is if it's less than one hundred, write it out. In practice, most people decide that less than ten needs to be written out. The rule everyone agrees with is that you should always write out a number when starting a sentence with it.
How should I format my personal statement?
Single-spacing helps keep the content concise and together. - Margins and Headers: You typically don't need headers for a personal statement. As for margins, sticking to a standard 1-inch margin all around is a safe bet. - Length: Restrict your essay length as per the college's specifications.
Is 2 pages too long for a personal statement?
Even if you don't include an anecdote in the statement, the topic that you choose should, in a sense, “tell a story” about you in a way that captures and keeps the reader's attention. Some schools set no limit for personal statements, but most suggest either 2–3 or 2–4 pages. Aim for two pages, double-spaced.
How should I structure my personal statement?
- Reasons for choosing this subject(s)
- Current studies and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Experiences and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Interests and responsibilities and how these relate to your chosen subject(s)
- Your future after university.
How to write a PERSONAL STATEMENT for university or college
What is the layout of a good personal statement?
There's no one 'correct' way to structure your personal statement. But it's a good idea to include the following: 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.
How many pages for a personal statement?
Most personal statements are 2-3 pages. Be sure to answer the question/topic(s) posed in the application. Choose a font style and size that can be easily read by your audience.
What is the shortest a personal statement should be?
Remember, it can only be 4,000 characters, which is about two sides of A4. So, you'll need to use your words wisely to fit everything in. You can find a full guide on How to start a personal statement: the attention grabber, but here are the main things to think about. Don't overthink the opening.
Is 4 paragraphs enough for personal statement?
Personal statements are typically three to four paragraphs in length. But each university may have their own requirements. They may also provide a specific topic to address. So pay attention to directions around prompt, word, or character limits.
How not to start a personal statement?
- Don't waste time trying to think of a catchy opening.
- Don't waffle – simply explain what you find interesting about the subject and show that you know what you are applying for.
- Don't rely on someone else's words. It's your statement after all – they want to know what you think.
How do I make my personal statement stand out?
- Work out why you want to study the subject you've picked. ...
- Add your transferable skills to your personal statement. ...
- Include some anecdotes. ...
- Don't leave out your difficulties. ...
- Vary your language. ...
- Make a list of all your achievements.
What spacing for personal statement?
Personal statements are usually limited to 500 words (approximately one to two pages). Paragraphs should be single-spaced with an extra line separating one from the next. A standard typeface and formatting convention should be used to make your statement easily readable.
What is a good example of a personal statement?
I am ready to commit to full time study and have much to contribute to university life. I realise that I am most interested in people, what makes them the people they are and how this manifests in their behaviour and opinions.
Should I put page numbers on my personal statement?
If you use a three-line header on the first page, you may want to use a shorter header—name, page number—on subsequent pages.
What is the best formatting for personal statement?
Again, we'd recommend sticking with standard fonts and sizes—Times New Roman, 12-point is a standard workhorse. You can probably go with 1.5 or double spacing. Standard one inch margins. Basically, show them you're ready to write in college by using the formatting you'll normally use in college.
How to write a personal statement if you are boring?
Write down everything that you can think of about yourself: your hobbies, your interests, things you've done, lessons you've particularly enjoyed, books you've read...all that stuff. Don't filter anything at this stage – just write it all down whether it seems immediately relevant or not.
Is 3 pages too long for a personal statement?
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.
How many paragraphs is 500 words?
Since most paragraphs contain around 75-200 words, a 500-word essay will have approximately 4-6 paragraphs. 🗑 Should a 500 word essay have paragraphs? Yes. A 500-word essay will likely include around 4-6 paragraphs.
Should I leave a line between paragraphs in personal statement?
Aim for 4-‐5 paragraphs: STRUCTURE! UCAS strips out all special formacng such as bold, indents, tabs, mul:ple spaces with the single excep:on of blank lines. Use blank lines inbetween paras to make it easy to read. Proofread your statement carefully and ask others to check it for you too.
Do Bath look at personal statements?
A member of the Admissions team will read your personal statement. We'll use it as part of the process to decide who we can offer a place to.
What is too long for a personal statement?
Generally, 500-600 words is the best choice for the personal statement word count. But it's crucial to pay attention to the requirements provided by the chosen university. If there are no specific instructions concerning the word count, I would aim for approximately 500-800 words.
What do 4000 characters look like?
4,000 characters = around 700 words.
How to end a personal statement?
- Tie it back to what you've written earlier. Revisit the key points you've already spoken about in the main body of your personal statement and emphasise them again in your conclusion. ...
- Talk about the future. ...
- Think about your university experience.
Do I need to 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.
How do I know if my personal statement is good?
Your personal statement should help the reader get to know you and make them want to learn more. Write about your unique achievements, interests, experiences, qualities, or opinions. Avoid irrelevant or inappropriate topics—they won't make you memorable for the right reasons.