Should I use the same personal statement?

Asked by: Clay Vandervort  |  Last update: December 27, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (73 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.

Should I use the same personal statement twice?

Your personal statement could have been a reason why you didn't get into your desired school. Don't reuse... always update. If you reuse, it shows that you haven't done anything.

Can I use the same personal statement for different applications?

As you rework your personal statement for subsequent applications, sometimes the quality improves as you reflect further and discover new subtleties. So, if various schools are asking similar questions, it's logical to consider using – or really, adapting – some or perhaps even much of your previous essay response(s).

Do you send the same personal statement?

Keep your options open. Remember, it's not wise to show a personal preference to one particular university, even if you have a favourite. "If you have paid to send five Ucas applications at once, the admissions tutors for each university all see the same personal statement.

Should you change your personal statement?

No, you cannot update your personal statement. If you have additional information relevant to your application which you think the universities and colleges would find useful, please contact them direct. They may ask you to send a new personal statement to them, if they want to see it.

Can I Use The Same Personal Statement For Different Universities? - CountyOffice.org

25 related questions found

What phrases should I avoid in a personal statement?

Here are just some overused phrases to avoid using in your personal statement:
  • From a young age…
  • For as long as I can remember…
  • I am applying for this course because…
  • I have always been interested in…
  • Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

Should I date my personal statement?

For example, an appropriate title would be Personal Statement, Statement of Interest, or Program Proposal. What should the date of my personal statement be? The date on your title page should be the due date for the application – not the date you started or submitted your application.

Can you have 2 personal statements?

Although you can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS application, you can only submit 1 personal statement. So it needs to cover all your course choices.

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.

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.

How many times can you change your personal statement on common app?

You are allowed unlimited edits to the essay after your first application submission.

Is it OK to share your personal statement?

Don't be tempted to copy or share your statement

UCAS scans all personal statements through a similarity detection system to compare them with previous statements. Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied.

Can I reuse a statement of purpose?

Finally, don't just reuse the same statement of purpose for each school you apply to. You can recycle the same information, but make sure you tweak it for every school. Your statement will sound stale and the admissions committee will notice if you don't do this.

Can I use the same personal statement for different universities?

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 reuse my personal statement on Reddit?

Is it okay? Not really, it could be classed as self-plagiarism. Odds of them finding out would be low.

How many med students are reapplicants?

Didn't get into med school the first time? There's still hope! It's normal to have to reapply — after all, medical school acceptance rates are under 50% on average. About 25% of applicants every year are reapplicants.

What makes a strong personal statement?

Address your strengths, experiences and accomplishments. It is important to be specific by using examples from your experiences to support your statements. Do not make assumptions, use clichés or state the obvious. Conclude the statement by summarizing everything that was previously addressed.

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.

What is a good opening sentence for a personal statement?

Start with why you chose it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying on the programme you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Go straight in.

Can I use the same personal statement next year?

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 when completing your application.

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.

Can I edit my personal statement after submitting?

First, the bad news. Once you've submitted your personal statement to a given school, there is no going back. This is why it is absolutely critical that you make sure your essay is exactly what you want it to be before you press submit.

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.

Can I write my personal statement in a week?

Give yourself enough time to brainstorm and think everything over. You can't finish a complete, well-written personal statement in a week. Much less overnight! So make sure you set aside enough time to put your best foot forward.

Who should read my personal statement?

With that being said, you should have 2-4 trusted people to read your personal statement. Medical students, doctors, professors, or friends who are excellent writers are excellent editor options. Read more about medical school personal statement editing services.